Range Rover Vogue

[Luckyluciano]

Hi, I am going to look at a RR Vogue 54plate at the weekend and could really do with some pointers
on what a I should be keeping an eye out for.
It's the 4.4V8.

Thanks

Lucky

[schmalex]

Make sure the steering column moves as it should (this is an expensive fix if it doesn't)

Check the air suspension works

[Luckyluciano]

schmalex said:

Make sure the steering column moves as it should (this is an expensive fix if it doesn't)

Check the air suspension works

Can you elaborate on the steering column? How to test if it's OK.

[schmalex]

Sorry - busy at work.

Make sure it goes all the way in, out, up and down smoothly with no grinding noises when you use the adjusting stalk. Make sure that if it detracts when you turn the engine off, it goes back smoothly to it's original position for driving whe you turn the ignition back on.

There is a Little plastic part in the motor assembly that is prone to fail & if it does, it necessitates the replacement of the whole steering motor assembly at quite horrendous cost. 99% are absolutely fine, but I know of two that had the issue.

[clorenzen]

I had a 4.4 V8 and changed it to the tdv8 which is a much better drive. More economical but also faster and with better in-gear acceleration. If you can stretch your budget you should would be my advice.

[Luckyluciano]

schmalex said:

Sorry - busy at work.

Make sure it goes all the way in, out, up and down smoothly with no grinding noises when you use the adjusting stalk. Make sure that if it detracts when you turn the engine off, it goes back smoothly to it's original position for driving whe you turn the ignition back on.

There is a Little plastic part in the motor assembly that is prone to fail & if it does, it necessitates the replacement of the whole steering motor assembly at quite horrendous cost. 99% are absolutely fine, but I know of two that had the issue.

I'll make sure I check that.

Thanks

[Luckyluciano]

clorenzen said:

I had a 4.4 V8 and changed it to the tdv8 which is a much better drive. More economical but also faster and with better in-gear acceleration. If you can stretch your budget you should would be my advice.

I did look at them but didn't want to stretch the budget that far. I'm not even sure how long I'll keep it for. The plan was just for this winter so the Aston can stay tucked up in the garage.

[D4MJT]

IIRC there was a recall on the front diff, might be worth checking it's had that done, and also it's worth checking the breather pipes at the rear of the engine, they have a reputation for clogging up, can cause issues.

[AR101]

I believe the front diff recall has now finished, and any vehicles which did not have this done will have missed out.

[schmalex]

I don't think it affected 54 plates, as they changed to the new, stronger diff design in early / mid 2004.

[Luckyluciano]

Does the 54plate have the ability to link an ipod?

[schmalex]

Not sure to be honest. Mine was an pre-facelift 04 plate & it certainly couldn't. That's another thing to check - make sure it is the facelfited version (pretty much all 54 platers are).

[Luckyluciano]

schmalex said:

Not sure to be honest. Mine was an pre-facelift 04 plate & it certainly couldn't. That's another thing to check - make sure it is the facelfited version (pretty much all 54 platers are).

How can you tell?

[Luckyluciano]

Here is a dealer picture;

[schmalex]

http://www.whatcar.com/car-news/-b-spring-face-lif...

I think (and don't take it as gospel) that the facelift had:

• 2 round knobs for the terrain response controls (the pre-facelift had two flicky switches for H & L ratio and Hill Descent)
• IIRC, the front central tunnel had a slidy lid cubby hole between the base of the arm rest and the gear stick
• The front grille is ever so slightly smaller (not quite as high)
• It has an upgraded Sat Nav unit (a biggy, as the original one was really old & clunky to use)

[schmalex]

Your pic looks like a facelift - can you post one of the inside (specifically, the drivers seating position?).

It's really difficult to tell, as it was a really subtle facelift, but improved the vehicle enormously

[Luckyluciano]

schmalex said:

http://www.whatcar.com/car-news/-b-spring-face-lif...

I think (and don't take it as gospel) that the facelift had:

• 2 round knobs for the terrain response controls (the pre-facelift had two flicky switches for H & L ratio and Hill Descent)
• IIRC, the front central tunnel had a slidy lid cubby hole between the base of the arm rest and the gear stick
• The front grille is ever so slightly smaller (not quite as high)
• It has an upgraded Sat Nav unit (a biggy, as the original one was really old & clunky to use)

This one is pre-facelift then.

[schmalex]

OK. Look for an 05 spec. It makes a lot of difference inside

[RedLeicester]

schmalex said:

OK. Look for an 05 spec. It makes a lot of difference inside

Don't forget the interior was tweaked several times, and not always in sync with the exterior.

My old 54-plate L322 had the Jag touchscreen nav and bluetooth, but the original nose and original hi/lo toggle switches.... then came the frontal faceleift, then the (second) interior facelift with terrain response and so on.. and then it all changed again around 08MY... and again '10MY...