Range Rover Sport Replacement

[Northernboy]

Insurance seems to be going through the roof for my RRS, reflecting the theft risk, and as it’s going to be spending some time on the street, it’s probably a fair reflection of the likelihood of it disappearing, so it’s maybe time to look around. £4,500 per year is a bit much.

I like the space, all-round ability, the speed (mine has had some work, and is under four seconds to sixty) and how light and airy the interior is.

Do I just get the bigger, more expensive one that drug gangs don’t target, or is there something else that will be a lovely thing to be in,mtomdrive, and to keep my family happy?

[flying-banana]

I guess that most big & quick SUVs are going to come with similar concerns, be they a Cayenne, X5, AMG ML et al...so something that's a little more restrained, a little more under the radar would make sense, and in big SUV circles the best option is a full sized RR, or coming back down in size, how about a Volvo XC90?
With an RR, you could spend money on some low key upgrades that would sharpen the driving experience...not sure what the options would be with an XC90 though, maybe just enjoy the comfort?!

[samoht]

If your car's modified, may be worth ringing some more specialist insurers (not just the online comparison sites) to see if anyone will do it cheaper, or ask if there are any extra security precautions that might bring it down.

I suspect a fullsize RR is the answer; they're known for having a high seating position and low beltline, which I think gives that airy interior. In other cars, a sunroof/moonroof will obviously help that sense of light though not vision.

Otherwise Bentley Bentayga would be the obvious one, direct RR rival, very quick and nice interior.

Merc GL or BMW X7 may be closest to a fullsize Range Rover. Could also consider a VW Touareg.

Finally you could consider a Tesla Model X for a change, top model is sub-four secs from factory.

[ninjag]

Grand Cherokee SRT8, not as luxurious but that engine...

[M.F.D]

Any premium fast SUV is going to be likewise unfortunately.

I second a Trackhawk/STR-8. Bams are unlikely to even know what it is, and that charged V8 is glorious.

However, if that is a bit too loud, then Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio?

[jonny996]

A Lexus RX450H is the most un-drug-dealer like large SUV out there, if you can live with the 7 second 0-60 it may fit the bill......

I briefly looked a RRS but came to the conclusion owners where mainly blonde women or men who seem to live in the gym,

[ZX10R NIN]

If you can find one then a Jeep Trackhawk is the pick no one will know what it is & you have all the performance you could want plus you'll scare Urus owners

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202108126...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202109237...

Or keep an eye out for the V8TT Maserati Levante.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202107285...

[david-j8694]

ninjag said:

Grand Cherokee SRT8, not as luxurious but that engine...

Someone a few streets from me has one of these. I was walking down the street the other day when he was reversing out of his driveway... My word, what a noise. It's an utterly heinous sound. I'd get it for that alone

[david-j8694]

jonny996 said:

I briefly looked a RRS but came to the conclusion owners where mainly blonde women or men who seem to live in the gym,

The ones in London roll with the window all the way down, leaning half way out of it with a phone held to their mouth on loudspeaker. Arranging that re-up init. Plus points for loud gangster music playing too.

[Countdown]

ZX10R NIN said:

If you can find one then a Jeep Trackhawk is the pick no one will know what it is & you have all the performance you could want plus you'll scare Urus owners


https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202109237...

is it just me or does that leather on the front seats look rubbish for a 2 year old/19k miles car? I'd expect better on a Kia.

[Tommo87]

david-j8694 said:

jonny996 said:

I briefly looked a RRS but came to the conclusion owners where mainly blonde women or men who seem to live in the gym,

The ones in London roll with the window all the way down, leaning half way out of it with a phone held to their mouth on loudspeaker. Arranging that re-up init. Plus points for loud gangster music playing too.

I don’t think I have ever seen the RRS driver in our Gym train on legs or back.

I guess it’s because nobody can see them through the window…


Not many new overweight SUVs can do 0-60 fast though. Most are just an exercise in looks over form.

[Northernboy]

samoht said:

If your car's modified, may be worth ringing some more specialist insurers (not just the online comparison sites) to see if anyone will do it cheaper, or ask if there are any extra security precautions that might bring it down.

I suspect a fullsize RR is the answer; they're known for having a high seating position and low beltline, which I think gives that airy interior. In other cars, a sunroof/moonroof will obviously help that sense of light though not vision.

Otherwise Bentley Bentayga would be the obvious one, direct RR rival, very quick and nice interior.

Merc GL or BMW X7 may be closest to a fullsize Range Rover. Could also consider a VW Touareg.

Finally you could consider a Tesla Model X for a change, top model is sub-four secs from factory.

I’m in a proper legal dispute with Tesla, so won’t be going down that route for a while, but I think you’re right that the “proper” Range Rover may be the best option.

I don’t like wood, cream leather etc in cars, but the Autobiography comes with a nice interior.

I was looking online yesterday, and the Velar seems to have even more storage that the Sport, so I should have a look at one of them.

A Stelvio Quadrifoglio may also be worth another try.

The insurance issue seems to be Sport specific at the moment, even before mentioning modifications quite a few firms will decline to quote. They just seem to be too of the list in the last couple of years for being stolen to order.

[Northernboy]

M.F.D said:

Any premium fast SUV is going to be likewise unfortunately.

I second a Trackhawk/STR-8. Bams are unlikely to even know what it is, and that charged V8 is glorious.

However, if that is a bit too loud, then Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio?

I tried the Stelvio before buying the Range Rover, but they were about to bring out the new version, so held off.

I do really like them, so will have another look.

Key is going to be which among the choices is nicest to be in the back of. Doing not many miles in Cyprus in a Toyota crossover thing with no panoramic roof and tiny, high rear windows reminded me of just how quickly this can make children feel nauseous.

[Northernboy]

Tommo87 said:

I don’t think I have ever seen the RRS driver in our Gym train on legs or back.

I guess it’s because nobody can see them through the window…

Not many new overweight SUVs can do 0-60 fast though. Most are just an exercise in looks over form.

As above, mine manages 0-60 in a little under four seconds, and I’d like to keep close to that if possible.

I don’t really mind how the people in the gym who care about these things think about them, but think that they are one of the most popular cars among the guys from my boxing club.

[georgeyboy12345]

Getting a car that's a few years old should help decrease it's nickability and hopefully insurance premium- not foolproof though.

Try a big estate, something a bit more subtle so the thieves don't know what it is.

I was going to suggest a used (maybe 2018) Alpina B5 Touring, but they have all gone! Only brand new ones available at the moment. to be fair I don't imagine the insurance on these will be cheap either.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103049...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/new...


What about this Volvo V90 T8 TwinEngine - most scrotes that are in the business of stealing cars won't have any idea what it is
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202108186...


Audi S6 Avant - this 2013 model looks fairly subtle
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202109157...

You can then buy one of these to stick on the bootlid
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/393411057945?hash=item5...jgAAOSwKgRg1ijN

Even more subtle still - Audi A6 3.0 BiTDI Avant
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202107024...


BMW 540i XDrive Touring
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202106183...

An alternative strategy is to go for something really garishly coloured, like bright green, orange or yellow. Thieves should hopefully avoid stealing one that's this colour as they want to blend in, not stand out. Finding the above cars in these colours is difficult though.

Edited by georgeyboy12345 on Friday 24th September 12:27

[ZX10R NIN]

Northernboy said:

As above, mine manages 0-60 in a little under four seconds, and I’d like to keep close to that if possible.

I don’t really mind how the people in the gym who care about these things think about them, but think that they are one of the most popular cars among the guys from my boxing club.

Take a look at the Trackhawk numbers

[Northernboy]

ZX10R NIN said:

Take a look at the Trackhawk numbers

It’s a decent enough car, about 50bhp up on mine, offset by being a couple of hundred kg heavier, but I just can’t see that I’d enjoy it as much; I like a nicer interior, and am not a fan of how US cars do theirs.

I’m edging towards getting a Velar, or just insuring my car again third party-only and getting a proper immobiliser.

[Phil.]

Northernboy said:

It’s a decent enough car, about 50bhp up on mine, offset by being a couple of hundred kg heavier, but I just can’t see that I’d enjoy it as much; I like a nicer interior, and am not a fan of how US cars do theirs.

I’m edging towards getting a Velar, or just insuring my car again third party-only and getting a proper immobiliser.

Drive a Velar before making any decision. I’m on my 6th FFRR and the quality of the Velar and the way it drives are on different levels. I hated the Velar I had for a few days and wouldn’t buy one ever. They look ok but that’s about it.

A 5.0L V8 FFRR would get you close to the performance you want and I’m sure that could be improved if you wanted.

[Northernboy]

Phil. said:

Drive a Velar before making any decision. I’m on my 6th FFRR and the quality of the Velar and the way it drives are on different levels. I hated the Velar I had for a few days and wouldn’t buy one ever. They look ok but that’s about it.

A 5.0L V8 FFRR would get you close to the performance you want and I’m sure that could be improved if you wanted.

Thanks, I’ll try them both.

[ZX10R NIN]

Northernboy said:

It’s a decent enough car, about 50bhp up on mine, offset by being a couple of hundred kg heavier, but I just can’t see that I’d enjoy it as much; I like a nicer interior, and am not a fan of how US cars do theirs.

I’m edging towards getting a Velar, or just insuring my car again third party-only and getting a proper immobiliser.

I agree the interior isn't as nice a little light work & you're in 900bhp territory, if you like a nicer interior then the twin turbo V8 Levante is a very nice alternative especially compared to the Velar.