Discussion
Hi all
After a bi of advice / thoughts?
I've just changed jobs which means I've only got a 3 mile drive to work. I'm currently driving a 2004 Defender 90 which I love but want something with a few more creature comforts and that is more capable of a long distance drive. Also want something the wife will drive. I'm considering a Range Rover, around 2004/05 vintage, and probably a V8 rather than a TD6. Other option is a Disco 3 TDV6.
Am I mad to consider the V8 Rangie - Everyone's telling me it'll cost a fortune in maintenance and my head agrees but my heart says yes!! For £15k for a low miler it just seems like incredible value and so much car for the money, and I'm looking at £20k plus for a lower mileage HSE Disco.
Any owners comments or thoughts would be appreciated.
After a bi of advice / thoughts?
I've just changed jobs which means I've only got a 3 mile drive to work. I'm currently driving a 2004 Defender 90 which I love but want something with a few more creature comforts and that is more capable of a long distance drive. Also want something the wife will drive. I'm considering a Range Rover, around 2004/05 vintage, and probably a V8 rather than a TD6. Other option is a Disco 3 TDV6.
Am I mad to consider the V8 Rangie - Everyone's telling me it'll cost a fortune in maintenance and my head agrees but my heart says yes!! For £15k for a low miler it just seems like incredible value and so much car for the money, and I'm looking at £20k plus for a lower mileage HSE Disco.
Any owners comments or thoughts would be appreciated.
I guess it depends on what you are expecting in terms of costs, and how much you want the RR. I've just got the V8 and I'm in the process of spending money to make it right. So far I've been pleasantly surprised with the bills. Of course if you go anywhere near a main dealer you'll need to re-mortgage your house every six months, but if you can find a good independent, then you can probably run it for very reasonable money.
It's quite possible to spend lots of money, but the same is true of most cars, but I would say very few cars can give you the same pleasure of ownership as a Range Rover, and in terms of bang for your buck, they are difficult to beat at this price. One of the main costs of ownership is depreciation, fortunately somebody has already taken most of that burden for you!
My humble opinion, but a good one, keep a budget available to pay for repairs.
It's quite possible to spend lots of money, but the same is true of most cars, but I would say very few cars can give you the same pleasure of ownership as a Range Rover, and in terms of bang for your buck, they are difficult to beat at this price. One of the main costs of ownership is depreciation, fortunately somebody has already taken most of that burden for you!
My humble opinion, but a good one, keep a budget available to pay for repairs.
I run a V8 (2003) and it's cheaper to run than Mrs JW911s Seat Leon. I did my research before I bought it and bought the lowest mileage I could find (30k) with a full service history and had the gearbox oil changed with all servicing done at a specialist. Apart from the front differential going bang (part of the research - LR upgraded it for free), it's been pretty faultless for a seven year old car over two and a bit years and a further 30000 miles.
Depending on your annual mileage, consider an LPG conversion to keep your fuel costs sensible.
Depending on your annual mileage, consider an LPG conversion to keep your fuel costs sensible.
Edited by JW911 on Monday 29th November 08:24
I'm in the same boat as lasermatt. I'm looking for a v8 rr LPG but I've heard some horror stories. Any know where i can find a good buyers guide? Or anyone know what to look out for or models/years to avoid ? For instance i've been told to buy 04 onwards as they where then BMW engined, any truth in that?
Cheers
Cheers
circo said:
I'm in the same boat as lasermatt. I'm looking for a v8 rr LPG but I've heard some horror stories. Any know where i can find a good buyers guide? Or anyone know what to look out for or models/years to avoid ? For instance i've been told to buy 04 onwards as they where then BMW engined, any truth in that?
Cheers
I run a 4.4 on gas, Cheers
Had no real issues, bar the usual Landrover niggles,
I am getting 270-325 per 88L (ish) fill of LPG.
I went out to test all variants including the S/C 4.2.
But ended up with a 54 plate Vogue with the touch screen nav.
I enjoy every journey.
Thanks for all the replies - Very useful.
The fuel cost isn't an issue as I will only be doing approx 5k a year and having done a bit more research maintenance doesn't seem to be any more frightening on a Rangie as it would be on a Disco 3.
However I looked at a Range Rover at the weekend and I don't think I can bring myself to fill it with wet fishing gear, wet dogs and various other crap that seems to be the mainstay of my weekend activities. Having just spent the weekend moving various building materials around in the back of my 90 it just seems perfect for what I do in my spare time, just a shame it lacks a bit of comfort to take the missus out.
Conclusion - Keep the 90 until Disco 3's come down in price - It has to happen at some point. Interestingly a dealer told me at the weekend that D3's are actually appreciating at the moment because people can't stomach the difference in price between a D3 and a D4 so are choosing to keep their D3's. Maybe dealer rubbish (Was trying to sell me a D3 at the time!) but the prices certainly aren't shifting with the release of the D4. Annoyingly just over 18 months ago I could have bought a 2005 D3 HSE with 45k on the clock for £16,995 (was ready to put down a deposit). The same car now would be worth nearer £20k.
Anyway thanks again for the replies.
The fuel cost isn't an issue as I will only be doing approx 5k a year and having done a bit more research maintenance doesn't seem to be any more frightening on a Rangie as it would be on a Disco 3.
However I looked at a Range Rover at the weekend and I don't think I can bring myself to fill it with wet fishing gear, wet dogs and various other crap that seems to be the mainstay of my weekend activities. Having just spent the weekend moving various building materials around in the back of my 90 it just seems perfect for what I do in my spare time, just a shame it lacks a bit of comfort to take the missus out.
Conclusion - Keep the 90 until Disco 3's come down in price - It has to happen at some point. Interestingly a dealer told me at the weekend that D3's are actually appreciating at the moment because people can't stomach the difference in price between a D3 and a D4 so are choosing to keep their D3's. Maybe dealer rubbish (Was trying to sell me a D3 at the time!) but the prices certainly aren't shifting with the release of the D4. Annoyingly just over 18 months ago I could have bought a 2005 D3 HSE with 45k on the clock for £16,995 (was ready to put down a deposit). The same car now would be worth nearer £20k.
Anyway thanks again for the replies.
circo said:
For instance i've been told to buy 04 onwards as they where then BMW engined, any truth in that?
Cheers
No. All L322 4.4V8 and 3.0TD6 Range Rovers have BMW engines (until the 2006 facelift). The diesels aren't great IMHO. The V8s are magic and probably one of the best engines to convert to LPG. They have hardened valves so are not prone to any recession issues and have plenty of space in the "V" to fit the LPG kit.Cheers
Also, check out www.rangerovers.net and www.fullfatrr.com
Edited by JW911 on Wednesday 1st December 22:01
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