I swore I would never do this... L405 content!
Discussion
Two birds with one stone... Mrs Brett needed a birthday present and I needed something other than an LT32 that could tow 3.5tons...
Horror stories of the LR brand have always put me off owning one; Mrs Brett was a serial Range Rover owner before I converted her to the Way Of The Lexus. Whichever way you cut it though, no Lexus is capable of towing anything chunky, and none of the recent Toyota Landcruisers can do above 3tons either. (Well not in UK, non-V8 form)
This left us looking at Defenders, (came very close to getting a nearly new 3.0 110 but then the price jumped beyond what I was willing to pay) Discoveries, (probably fine but the arse is ugly and the available stock had far too many TV screens for a life that involves transporting heavy things and/or dogs) and finally...Range Rovers.
I have to admit that in flesh it seems very solidly built, it's not showing it's age at all - no squeeks or rattles, but with c30k on the clock it really shouldn't anyway.
It's a fairly low spec Vogue with the TDV6 engine, but exactly what I need for periodic show ground duties, and exactly what the Mrs wanted - so in theory everyone is a winner.
What could go wrong?
Horror stories of the LR brand have always put me off owning one; Mrs Brett was a serial Range Rover owner before I converted her to the Way Of The Lexus. Whichever way you cut it though, no Lexus is capable of towing anything chunky, and none of the recent Toyota Landcruisers can do above 3tons either. (Well not in UK, non-V8 form)
This left us looking at Defenders, (came very close to getting a nearly new 3.0 110 but then the price jumped beyond what I was willing to pay) Discoveries, (probably fine but the arse is ugly and the available stock had far too many TV screens for a life that involves transporting heavy things and/or dogs) and finally...Range Rovers.
I have to admit that in flesh it seems very solidly built, it's not showing it's age at all - no squeeks or rattles, but with c30k on the clock it really shouldn't anyway.
It's a fairly low spec Vogue with the TDV6 engine, but exactly what I need for periodic show ground duties, and exactly what the Mrs wanted - so in theory everyone is a winner.
What could go wrong?
VS02 said:
Lovely, I have been following your X5 and RX450hL threads. Do you still intend on keeping the 450h then? Interested to know what you think of them in a comparison too.
The RX-L went back a week or so ago, Lexus were offering a good price on the return so I ended up slighty ahead.Current thoughts are that the Lexus felt more car like, the Range Rover feels like a bus!
In terms of comfort, the Range Rover edges the Lexus.
I do miss the '450, but they just don't tow enough and the Rx-L isn't type approved to tow at all!
I'll update my Rx thread a bit later with my thoughts
Easternlight said:
Deranged Rover said:
BrettMRC said:
What could go wrong?
The turbos first, I expect.
Easternlight said:
Deranged Rover said:
BrettMRC said:
What could go wrong?
The turbos first, I expect.I have the 4.4v8 and have just clicked 100k miles, no real issues at all, the retracting towbar went wrong and I had new suspension when new under warranty. Still drives really well.
BrettMRC said:
I'm seriously considering trading it in against a slightly newer V8 one now, assuming there is one available in similar spec with a cream interior.
The V8 goes really well, amazes me how much torque is chucks out.I have the same interior as you and it lifts the cabin. Really worth getting autobiography if you can as you get the leather door cards (mine has full leather roof but think that was an option)
Massage seats are nice too.
BrettMRC said:
I'm seriously considering trading it in against a slightly newer V8 one now, assuming there is one available in similar spec with a cream interior.
4.4 or 5.0 s/c? Bear in mind the 8Cyls have dynamic response, which means less lean in the corners but a more brittle ride in most situations. What's the driver for the swap?
The 4.4 has an amusing growl and is quicker off the line, but I wouldn't say its worth the swap. If you said the 5.0 that would be a different story.
If you are going to then as above, aim for Autobiography. I think the sweetest spot in the 405 range is 2017 - updated infotainment, many bugs ironed out, but pre-facelift which removed some usability from the cabin and IMO changes them from a LR product to a much more luxury product.
If secretly you want a 5.0l I would wait until you can attain one and not try to do the halfway house of a 4.4. I have a 5.0 (and have had most of the engines and pre/post facelift) and it is fantastic. But wallet draining, and I am certain will be a price correction downwards in them soon.
If you are going to then as above, aim for Autobiography. I think the sweetest spot in the 405 range is 2017 - updated infotainment, many bugs ironed out, but pre-facelift which removed some usability from the cabin and IMO changes them from a LR product to a much more luxury product.
If secretly you want a 5.0l I would wait until you can attain one and not try to do the halfway house of a 4.4. I have a 5.0 (and have had most of the engines and pre/post facelift) and it is fantastic. But wallet draining, and I am certain will be a price correction downwards in them soon.
BrettMRC said:
Thanks for that - noted.
The primary driver will be to get a newer one, so post 2017 - if it can be a 4.4 then great. (I'm concerned how well the 3.0 will cope with the full load towing on a longish run.. I don't want to hasten any issues...or kill what is 99.9% Mrs Brett's car!)
Having had L322 in 4.4 TDV8 and 5.0 S/C and now in a LR4 with the 3.0 SDV6, the 4.4 is much better for towing.The primary driver will be to get a newer one, so post 2017 - if it can be a 4.4 then great. (I'm concerned how well the 3.0 will cope with the full load towing on a longish run.. I don't want to hasten any issues...or kill what is 99.9% Mrs Brett's car!)
I tow a mix of 3 tonne double axle equitrek either 1 or 2 up, or a 3.5 tonne tri axle brian james with race car so pretty decent. The LR4 is fabulous really for what it is though you need to thrash it on motorway uphills to hold speed, but that 4.4 V8 Diesel with 8 speed box was a touch. the worst out of the three was the 5.0 petrol with the 6 speed box on the L322, did make a lovely noise though.
idealstandard said:
BrettMRC said:
Thanks for that - noted.
The primary driver will be to get a newer one, so post 2017 - if it can be a 4.4 then great. (I'm concerned how well the 3.0 will cope with the full load towing on a longish run.. I don't want to hasten any issues...or kill what is 99.9% Mrs Brett's car!)
Having had L322 in 4.4 TDV8 and 5.0 S/C and now in a LR4 with the 3.0 SDV6, the 4.4 is much better for towing.The primary driver will be to get a newer one, so post 2017 - if it can be a 4.4 then great. (I'm concerned how well the 3.0 will cope with the full load towing on a longish run.. I don't want to hasten any issues...or kill what is 99.9% Mrs Brett's car!)
I tow a mix of 3 tonne double axle equitrek either 1 or 2 up, or a 3.5 tonne tri axle brian james with race car so pretty decent. The LR4 is fabulous really for what it is though you need to thrash it on motorway uphills to hold speed, but that 4.4 V8 Diesel with 8 speed box was a touch. the worst out of the three was the 5.0 petrol with the 6 speed box on the L322, did make a lovely noise though.
jfdi said:
BrettMRC said:
Update:
Currently being suspiciously reliable.
Prodding fate with a giant poker!Currently being suspiciously reliable.
idealstandard said:
Having had L322 in 4.4 TDV8 and 5.0 S/C and now in a LR4 with the 3.0 SDV6, the 4.4 is much better for towing.
.................. the worst out of the three was the 5.0 petrol with the 6 speed box on the L322, did make a lovely noise though.
What was the problem?.................. the worst out of the three was the 5.0 petrol with the 6 speed box on the L322, did make a lovely noise though.
The only problem I have with the 5.0 S/C when towing, that I constantly have to remind myself of a 3.5t trailer hanging at the rear.
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