L322 Range Rover buying advice

[93Jay]

We're looking at getting an L322, I'v posted this elsewhere but I'v not had much of a response, I'd appreciate some help please

I'd like some info to the running cost if possible please, would like to know about spec/extras, what was available, Tax cost, Fuel economy and other basic maintenance cost.

It will be replacing an 05 W203 C200 Cdi, Which currently does about 34 MPG and is "ok" to run.

Looking at late pre-facelift and early facelift 3.0 TD6 models, Budget of around 15K.

Thanks

Edited by 93Jay on Friday 11th May 22:52

[dazco]

93Jay said:

We're looking at getting L322, I'v posted this elsewhere but I'v not had much of a response, I'd appreciate some help please

I'd like some info to the running cost if possible please, would like to know about spec/extras, what was available, Tax cost, Fuel economy and other basic maintenance cost.

It will be replacing an 05 W203 C200 Cdi, Which currently does about 34 MPG and is "ok" to run.

Looking at late pre-facelift and early facelift 3.0 TD6 models, Budget of around 15K.

Thanks

I have not got, nor ever had, a Range Rover but I have done this type of research myself recently.

My research led me to watch out for gearbox problems, diff problems and to get a v8 running on LPG or my main finding was to beg steal or borrow the extra to get a TDV8.

But I am hopefully soon going to be moving to a remote(ish) island and needed more reliability than a FFRR could offer.

[Cpt Stirling]

I have an early facelift Td6. It qualifies for the lower tax rating (about £200 something). MPG is 25-30 depending on type of driving. Mine is a Vogue SE so well specced. The entry level is a HSE (apparently these don't sell as well as higher spec models) followed by Vogue and Vogue SE. There are horror stories about gearbox failures and there was a so-called recall type thing relating to the diff. I've had no such problems but have the benefit of a landrover warranty. I've had mine about a year and paid a little more than you are looking to spend. They are complicated beasts so expect running costs to be representative. My advice would be buy the newest you can afford. The engine is OK if a little unrefined for the vehicle. If I was buying now I'd go for the TdV8. Mines dark blue but it's a pig to keep it looking half decent. Some cost illustrations - set of 4 tyres - £650. Basic service - £350. Landrover labour £50 ph.

[Phil.]

Try the Full Fat Range Rover Forum for advice. There are also a couple of dealers on their who may be able to help you and a private sales section.

[AR101]

Sorry to disagree with the above but you cannot possibly expect to have perfect reliability with a car that is at least 6/7 years old. The Range Rover is an expensive vehicle to purchase and, more importantly, to run. There were issues in early model years and, in fact, if you have a look at the FFRR as suggested, you will see that there are many trouble free experiences. The 3.0 Td6 is generally regarded as a somewhat mediocre engine for a car of its size. The TDV8 3.6 and even more the 4.4 are fantastic engines. I would try try try if at all possible to go for a TDV8 and would even wait for prices to fall than buy a Td6. The TDV8 from 07MY has a massive improvement to interior, electronics and addition of the Terrain Response system.

As said above, spec goes: SE (dropped in 03MY), HSE, VOGUE, VOGUE SE, AUTOBIOGRAPHY. I would advise avoiding SE and HSE.

[dazco]

AR101 said:

Sorry to disagree with the above but you cannot possibly expect to have perfect reliability with a car that is at least 6/7 years old. The Range Rover is an expensive vehicle to purchase and, more importantly, to run. There were issues in early model years and, in fact, if you have a look at the FFRR as suggested, you will see that there are many trouble free experiences.

You have changed your tune, selling up?

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

[AR101]

In my experience the dealer dealt with my issues correctly. I had issues with a DVD changer and an over sensitive battery control module that was sorted under a recall. I am not selling anytime soon and have been more than happy with my car. As suggested to the OP, take a look at the FFRR forum and you will see what I mean. Purchasing a 'bargain' Range Rover is unlikely to be trouble free IMO.

[dazco]

AR101 said:

In my experience the dealer dealt with my issues correctly. I had issues with a DVD changer and an over sensitive battery control module that was sorted under a recall. I am not selling anytime soon and have been more than happy with my car. As suggested to the OP, take a look at the FFRR forum and you will see what I mean. Purchasing a 'bargain' Range Rover is unlikely to be trouble free IMO.

I must apologise, I thought you was defending the Range Rovers awful reliability record.

[AR101]

No, there's no lying in the figures. It is pretty much proven that 10MY onwards stamped out a lot of issues though.

[WindsorRob]

I had a TD6 vogue 04 plate for nearly three years, sold it in Jan this year. Cost me £3.5k in depreciation over the whole time and I took it from 55k miles to 82k, routine servicing 2 * £300ish at Stratstone and about £520 on a few bushes, a tyre and brake lines, so overall I was very pleased with running costs given the complexity of the vehicle. I'd say it was the most useful and comfortable car I've had so far. I was very picky when I bought it as there was some rubbish out there, so it took me a few months to find. I got about 22 to 23 mpg on average. Only real downside was that it could have done with more power for a lazier . easier drive, so if I could get one again I'd go for the 3.6 diesel, though my need for a 7 seater means a disco or merc GL is probably a likelier bet for me now.

[JW911]

AR101 said:

I would advise avoiding SE and HSE.

Why avoid the HSE (SE I can understand)? I've had a 4.4 V8 HSE for years (and 50000 largely trouble free miles - the odd niggle here and there) and it's been great (the differential went but was sorted with the free upgrade). HSEs come in a variety of spec levels from poverty (still better than the SE) to Vogue with all the toys. Mine is at the higher end (otherwise I wouldn't have bought it). The only practical difference is the front seats which are more adjustable (and arguably more comfortable) on the Vogue. There's nothing wrong with the HSE seats.

If you're buying an older L322, buy on mileage and condition rather than anything else. The chances are you'll end up with a Vogue anyway as there are more of them but don't turn your nose up at a good HSE. As previous posters have said, avoid the TD6 if you can and wait for the TDV8 to reach your price range. Alternatively, look at the BMW petrol engined cars with good LPG conversions. Running costs are broadly the same. The later petrol engined cars (4.2S, etc) can have issues if they are LPGed but if you can afford high-teens mpg on petrol, they're fab.

Edited by JW911 on Monday 14th May 10:25

[RedLeicester]

AR101 said:

As said above, spec goes: SE (dropped in 03MY), HSE, VOGUE, VOGUE SE, AUTOBIOGRAPHY. I would advise avoiding SE and HSE.

You do realise that "Autobiography" simply means there is something on the car which came from the special order range? So it can be an SE or HSE with special order paint.... It wasn't until the last couple of years that it became a model in its own right.

[AR101]

Autobiography vehicles were of Vogue spec only.

I would only avoid an HSE because the difference between that and VOGUE in terms of price has closed up now. VOGUE also gets leather dashboard and, IMO, better seats.

[grand cherokee]

the 4.4 V8 petrol is a superb engine and the gearbox does not suffer from the same problems as the TD6 gearbox

ok you get realistically about 15mpg as its hard not the enjoy the engine!

i'd never consider an LPG conversion - every single mechanic i've ever known said NO

as an aside my fathers company was one of the first in the UK to run its vans on lpg in the late 1960's - the calor gas cylinder in the back

[JW911]

grand cherokee said:

i'd never consider an LPG conversion - every single mechanic i've ever known said NO

as an aside my fathers company was one of the first in the UK to run its vans on lpg in the late 1960's - the calor gas cylinder in the back

There's a lot written on PH regarding LPG and the pros and cons. Unless you're doing higher mileage, it's probably not worth getting a FFRR converted as the conversion is expensive if done properly (multipoint sequential injection - in effect, integrated into the ECU) and won't pay for itself. In terms of engines, LPG burns hotter and drier than petrol so can cause valve recession problems unless you take suitable precautions, such as Flashlube.

One of the best precautions is only converting the BMW M62 V8 as it already has hardened valve seats so doesn't suffer from the problem.

Edited by JW911 on Thursday 17th May 14:44

[kooky guy]

grand cherokee said:

the 4.4 V8 petrol is a superb engine and the gearbox does not suffer from the same problems as the TD6 gearbox

ok you get realistically about 15mpg as its hard not the enjoy the engine!

i'd never consider an LPG conversion - every single mechanic i've ever known said NO

as an aside my fathers company was one of the first in the UK to run its vans on lpg in the late 1960's - the calor gas cylinder in the back

Most mechanics don't know anything about it, that's why they're scared of it and poo poo it.

To be fair, it can make servicing a bit awkward sometimes as you might not want the lpg expert to do LR specific tasks and vice versa, but that's not a reason to dismiss it. It makes running a decent engine affordable.

[93Jay]

Cheers for all the advise guys, much appreciated, sadly we ended up getting a 56 535D sport, the running cost of the Ranger rover may have been more than we expected, feedback on the TD6 engine doesn't inspire much confidence, and with our budget they were slightly leggy, So we took the more "Sensible" option, Cracking car it is though.

Thanks

Edited by 93Jay on Tuesday 22 May 17:22

[grand cherokee]

kooky guy said:

Most mechanics don't know anything about it, that's why they're scared of it and poo poo it.

To be fair, it can make servicing a bit awkward sometimes as you might not want the lpg expert to do LR specific tasks and vice versa, but that's not a reason to dismiss it. It makes running a decent engine affordable.

you can forget having a main dealer servicing an lpg conversion - none i know will touch them - so goodbye main dealer service history! (some are bothered others not?)

and if it was viable for RR's and other cars you would think manufacturers would be keep to promote it?

[kooky guy]

grand cherokee said:

you can forget having a main dealer servicing an lpg conversion - none i know will touch them - so goodbye main dealer service history! (some are bothered others not?)

and if it was viable for RR's and other cars you would think manufacturers would be keep to promote it?

The kind of age vehicles I run, I wouldn't consider a main dealer for anything. Ignorant and overpriced, most of them.

Well Vauxhall, at least, did promote lpg for a while, but it's not really mainstream enough. Personally I wouldn't want the manufacturers to promote it. After all look what happened to diesel prices when that became mainstream.