New to Range Rover - help please!
Discussion
Hi All,
I am a complete novice to the world of Range Rovers but have increasingly been drawn to the marque. I currently drive an Aston Martin DB9 but a looming change in circumstances means I really now need a much roomier car and a 4x4.
My budget is around £55,000 and I think the Sport is the model I will go after.
Question is should I go for a new unregistered 2011 model 3.0 or perhaps a low mileage used model with a bigger engine/higher spec?
Any tips on what to look for and advice in general would be greatly apreciated!
Thanks.
I am a complete novice to the world of Range Rovers but have increasingly been drawn to the marque. I currently drive an Aston Martin DB9 but a looming change in circumstances means I really now need a much roomier car and a 4x4.
My budget is around £55,000 and I think the Sport is the model I will go after.
Question is should I go for a new unregistered 2011 model 3.0 or perhaps a low mileage used model with a bigger engine/higher spec?
Any tips on what to look for and advice in general would be greatly apreciated!
Thanks.
I've had a few Sports and now drive a Vogue.
I never buy new because of the initial depreciation hit and bought an 'ex-Range Rover' Vogue, with a higher spec.
Try them both.
I prefer the handling of the Sport but just wonder, if you buy one, if you will then wish you'd bought the grown up version?
Have a decent test ride in both!
Whilst I don't like the style of the Discovery 4, it's supposed to be the best car that Land Rover have built, so try one too.
For family use, they make more sense but sometimes the heart rules the head.
I never buy new because of the initial depreciation hit and bought an 'ex-Range Rover' Vogue, with a higher spec.
Try them both.
I prefer the handling of the Sport but just wonder, if you buy one, if you will then wish you'd bought the grown up version?
Have a decent test ride in both!
Whilst I don't like the style of the Discovery 4, it's supposed to be the best car that Land Rover have built, so try one too.
For family use, they make more sense but sometimes the heart rules the head.
Try the TDV8 Vogue, maybe get the dealer to send you on a Land Rover Experience day, preferably half day in the Sport, half day in the Vogue. You get a good go on the road, as well as off road. You could question why you would need the off road experience to buy a car which you won't take off road, but it gives you a great oversight into the technical abilities of the car, which of course are still extremely important on the road.
You'll find you're either a Sport, or a 'Fullfat' person. Personally I love the extra space, extra height, and all the other extra's of the FFRR. Some people just prefer the driving dynamics of the Sport. I would expect that coming from a DB9 you may incline towards the FFRR, if you were coming from a 911 or Ferrari, I would expect you to go for the Sport.
But give them both a good try, and let us know.
By the way, on engines, I have the petrol Supercharged, which I love, but it's 5 years old. If I was buying now with your budget it would have to be a diesel. Spec wise go for the Vogue SE.
You'll find you're either a Sport, or a 'Fullfat' person. Personally I love the extra space, extra height, and all the other extra's of the FFRR. Some people just prefer the driving dynamics of the Sport. I would expect that coming from a DB9 you may incline towards the FFRR, if you were coming from a 911 or Ferrari, I would expect you to go for the Sport.
But give them both a good try, and let us know.
By the way, on engines, I have the petrol Supercharged, which I love, but it's 5 years old. If I was buying now with your budget it would have to be a diesel. Spec wise go for the Vogue SE.
I have a Sport with the (old) TDV8
Its a lovely drive and has a much different character than the FFRR
The newer TDV6 is massively better than the old however when I drove one it just felt highly strung and wrong for the car
Big 4x4's should waft in my book not rev!
AFAIK there are no plans to put the new TDV8 in the Sport
Im happy with my lot but the lack of a V8 would influence me next time
Best of luck
Exactly the right question: New 3.0 HSE or a 5.0 Supercharged for the same money? Well having owned the new 3.0 it is indeed a fabulous cross between the 4x4 and sports GT. It is great for a family, with a comfy quiet environment. Although the 3.0 knocks the socks off the 2.7D, it does run out of puff, so I would be worried that you will miss the petrol characteristics of your V12. So if you don't care about fuel costs, then the 5.0 Supercharged RR Sport may well be the perfect choice. As always the test drive will be the ultimate decider.
PS You can get a new RRS 5.0 for 0% at the moment. See below....
Representative 0% APR Land Rover Advance Payment Plan
Pay 60% - 70% now, then after two years, either pay the balance outstanding or return the car to us.
Range Rover Sport 5.0 V8 Supercharged Autobiography
On The Road Price £72,495.00
Initial Payment £45,409.00
GMFV (Optional Final Payment) / Amount of Credit £27,068.00
Duration of Contract 24 months
Total Amount Payable £72,495.00
Rate of Interest 0% Fixed
Representative
0% APR
Finance promotion applies to vehicles first registered in the customer’s name between 4th January 2011 and 31st March 2011. Range Rover Sport Supercharged models only. Total initial payment varies dependent on model and mileage, and is typically between 60% and 70%. With Advance Payment Plan you have the option to return the vehicle and not pay the final payment, subject to the vehicle not having exceeded an agreed annual mileage (a charge of 12p per mile for exceeding 12,000 miles per annum in this example) and being in good condition. Finance subject to status. Guarantees may be required. Participating dealers only. Terms and Conditions apply. Details correct at time of going to press and are subject to change without notice. Land Rover Finance, PO BOX 108, Leeds LS27 0WU.
PS You can get a new RRS 5.0 for 0% at the moment. See below....
Representative 0% APR Land Rover Advance Payment Plan
Pay 60% - 70% now, then after two years, either pay the balance outstanding or return the car to us.
Range Rover Sport 5.0 V8 Supercharged Autobiography
On The Road Price £72,495.00
Initial Payment £45,409.00
GMFV (Optional Final Payment) / Amount of Credit £27,068.00
Duration of Contract 24 months
Total Amount Payable £72,495.00
Rate of Interest 0% Fixed
Representative
0% APR
Finance promotion applies to vehicles first registered in the customer’s name between 4th January 2011 and 31st March 2011. Range Rover Sport Supercharged models only. Total initial payment varies dependent on model and mileage, and is typically between 60% and 70%. With Advance Payment Plan you have the option to return the vehicle and not pay the final payment, subject to the vehicle not having exceeded an agreed annual mileage (a charge of 12p per mile for exceeding 12,000 miles per annum in this example) and being in good condition. Finance subject to status. Guarantees may be required. Participating dealers only. Terms and Conditions apply. Details correct at time of going to press and are subject to change without notice. Land Rover Finance, PO BOX 108, Leeds LS27 0WU.
FFRR interior is a hell of a lot more luxurious than the sport. I had an LRE day last week and drove what I was told was a fully specced TDV6 - I thought I was in the bottom of the range as the interior was rather plasticy and basic compared to my FFRR.
Still not a bad place to be - but coming from the wood/leather shrine to British tradition that an AM interior is... I think the FFRR would be the only one to cut i in the comfort stakes.
And let's face it, coming from an AM any handling will feel woolly be it RRS or FRR so why not go straight to FFRR and accept the difference - get an S/C FFRR and it has tighter handling than the TDV8 anyway.
Still not a bad place to be - but coming from the wood/leather shrine to British tradition that an AM interior is... I think the FFRR would be the only one to cut i in the comfort stakes.
And let's face it, coming from an AM any handling will feel woolly be it RRS or FRR so why not go straight to FFRR and accept the difference - get an S/C FFRR and it has tighter handling than the TDV8 anyway.
Thanks to everyone who has replied so far. I am gradually getting to know more about the options available (and even know what everyone is refering to now when they say FFRR!).
I popped into a dealer and sat in both a Sport and a FFRR and obviously the Vogue is more luxurious (certainly luxurious compared to the interior of a DB9). Not had a test drive yet but I think I prefer the exterior look of the Sport and the size of the Vogue looks a bit scary! I live in central London but don't use the car much in the week but most weekends I head off down to Devon so need a good,comfortable motorway cruiser.
Given my budget of £55k I have come accross a 2009 5.0 supercharged sport with 15k miles/ a late 2010 3.0 Sport with 5k miles. Obviously need to drive both but appreciate the 5.0 will be nearer to what I am used to with the DB9. Is the 3.0 Sport really a bit of a chugger? Never had a diesel car before - what kind of MPG could I expect on a 3.0 vs a 5.0 petrol?
Given the 2 cars mentioned above which is likely to hold its value better assuming I will do around 10k miles per year?
Thanks again.
I popped into a dealer and sat in both a Sport and a FFRR and obviously the Vogue is more luxurious (certainly luxurious compared to the interior of a DB9). Not had a test drive yet but I think I prefer the exterior look of the Sport and the size of the Vogue looks a bit scary! I live in central London but don't use the car much in the week but most weekends I head off down to Devon so need a good,comfortable motorway cruiser.
Given my budget of £55k I have come accross a 2009 5.0 supercharged sport with 15k miles/ a late 2010 3.0 Sport with 5k miles. Obviously need to drive both but appreciate the 5.0 will be nearer to what I am used to with the DB9. Is the 3.0 Sport really a bit of a chugger? Never had a diesel car before - what kind of MPG could I expect on a 3.0 vs a 5.0 petrol?
Given the 2 cars mentioned above which is likely to hold its value better assuming I will do around 10k miles per year?
Thanks again.
BM. The 3.0 is excellent, but it ain't no petrol. It is great off a standing start and hooked up to the auto with the paddleshift (Optional extra) is great fun, but past 3k rpm it gets a bit rattly and the torque drops off. The 5.0 is awesome, but thirsty.
On our RRS 3.0, we were getting 30-32MPG. On a long run 34+MPG. The 5.0 will no doubt be getting sub-20MPG.
Agree the FFRR is a great product, but it is huge and the Sport will give you the combination of Sports and 4x4 you will enjoy without having the DB9 on hand.
There is talk now that the TDV8 was withdrawn from the RRS range, that they will introduce a higher output 3.0 TDV6 to complement the existing engine. (Due to the fact Jaguar use the same TDV6 at higher outputs, so why not LR.)
PS The 5.0 will IMHO lose money twice as fast as the 3.0.
On our RRS 3.0, we were getting 30-32MPG. On a long run 34+MPG. The 5.0 will no doubt be getting sub-20MPG.
Agree the FFRR is a great product, but it is huge and the Sport will give you the combination of Sports and 4x4 you will enjoy without having the DB9 on hand.
There is talk now that the TDV8 was withdrawn from the RRS range, that they will introduce a higher output 3.0 TDV6 to complement the existing engine. (Due to the fact Jaguar use the same TDV6 at higher outputs, so why not LR.)
PS The 5.0 will IMHO lose money twice as fast as the 3.0.
The RRS is an ancient design. It is too heavy for its size and neither there nor here. Due to its weight even a 5 litre petrol engine will not be able to make this a sporty drive - more like an american soft muscle car. At least with the FFRR you get a more comfortable drive, more space, a comanding driving position and a degree of luxury you don't have with the more plasticly RRS. With the tdv8 engine you get the best of both worlds. It has massive torque, enough power and good cruising ability at decent MPG. Let the price of petrol go up a little further (fuel duty springs to mind) and you will be able to get the petrol driven RRs at mindboggling discounts. I have both a Vogue TdV8 and a Disco 4 and as another poster said
here - the Disco 4 is probably the best LR product in the line up right now - not only price and practicality taken into consideration but also some of the driving attributes. I find the steering on the Disco 4 better than on my FFRR and the TdV6 engine is very very good.
here - the Disco 4 is probably the best LR product in the line up right now - not only price and practicality taken into consideration but also some of the driving attributes. I find the steering on the Disco 4 better than on my FFRR and the TdV6 engine is very very good.
Edited by clorenzen on Wednesday 2nd March 14:10
Errrrr, aside the engine the FFRR came out in 2002 (remember it's a BMW!) and it is still hanging in there, the RRS came along end of 2004, so which one you calling ancient?! Now it has command drive, the set up is far better than the FFRR if you want a Sporty drive. Like the chappie says its a w/e toy, not an everyday runner, so petrol is an option in this case to get a fully loaded car (as the Supercharged model spec comes) for a large discount off new.
If you want to save money, don't buy a new FFRR, the new one will be along soon and then we'll see what depreciation is all about...............
If you want to save money, don't buy a new FFRR, the new one will be along soon and then we'll see what depreciation is all about...............
The FFRR doesn't feel large for long, it's just that when you get used to is, every other car seems small. I couldn't imagine going back to a saloon, or even a smaller 4x4. The interior ambience is fantastic, the design still looks fantastic, the 2005 facelift models look best IMHO.
There aren't many cars which earn the legend 'motoring icon', however the FFRR has earned this title, and held it now for 9 years. Range Rovers also tend to keep their value well, despite petrol prices, and despite new models, just look at the prices of late model P38s, the are still very pricey compared to similar vehicles.
In town the RRS will be better, on the longer runs over the weekend, the FFRR will be better.
To make it simple, think like this, the FFRR is the flagship, you would buy the RRS either because the smaller size was important to you, or because it was cheaper. So just figure out how important the size is to you. But if you generally like the best, then the FFRR is the daddy. No disrespect to the Sport, which is a phenomenal car, but for me just knowing that the FFRR was there would bug me, I'd rather just go straight for the 'daddy'. Supercharged spec is phenomenal, drive is sublime, look at the number of people with obscene wealth who all chose the Range Rover, it's because they can, when money is no object, you go for the best.
So if you want slightly smaller, and probably a lot more economical, go for the RRS, if you want the best 4x4 package ever sold, go for the FFRR Supercharged, or if you want something in the middle, go for the TDV8 FFRR, which will give you 25 mpg, with a fantastic diesel engine which delivers it in an effortless way.
There aren't many cars which earn the legend 'motoring icon', however the FFRR has earned this title, and held it now for 9 years. Range Rovers also tend to keep their value well, despite petrol prices, and despite new models, just look at the prices of late model P38s, the are still very pricey compared to similar vehicles.
In town the RRS will be better, on the longer runs over the weekend, the FFRR will be better.
To make it simple, think like this, the FFRR is the flagship, you would buy the RRS either because the smaller size was important to you, or because it was cheaper. So just figure out how important the size is to you. But if you generally like the best, then the FFRR is the daddy. No disrespect to the Sport, which is a phenomenal car, but for me just knowing that the FFRR was there would bug me, I'd rather just go straight for the 'daddy'. Supercharged spec is phenomenal, drive is sublime, look at the number of people with obscene wealth who all chose the Range Rover, it's because they can, when money is no object, you go for the best.
So if you want slightly smaller, and probably a lot more economical, go for the RRS, if you want the best 4x4 package ever sold, go for the FFRR Supercharged, or if you want something in the middle, go for the TDV8 FFRR, which will give you 25 mpg, with a fantastic diesel engine which delivers it in an effortless way.
bozmandb9 said:
...... you would buy the RRS either because the smaller size was important to you, or because it was cheaper. ....... No disrespect to the Sport, which is a phenomenal car, but for me just knowing that the FFRR was there would bug me
I disagree 
I preferred how the Sport handled one up and also the interior of the FFRR just didnt seem made with 2 kids and a boisterous dog in mind
The FF is a lovely car - just not for me at the moment
Most FFRR owners I now have both dogs and kids.
£15 boot cover in the boot sorts the dog issue. Rear leg room is enough that kids aren't kicking front seats and covering then in mud which is far more than can be said for the Sport.
imho moving to this type of car from a GT/Sportscar, you've got to go FFRR - rear view cameras and PDC sort parking, any form of motorway work is lovely in the FFRR. With the UK roads and lumps/bumps everywhere the FFRR irons them out - the sport let's you know exactly what you're dealing with every stone along the way. For me, a sportscar I'd like to tell me that, for a comfy cruiser and outstanding off roader when you want to play - I want it to make the ride comfy, not fidgety.
There's not as much additional size in it as many people think - I also found the RRS more difficult to par compared to the FFRR as visbility is so much better in the FFRR.
Finally... COME ON.... scare of the size? MY WIFE drives one - in fact she said she didn't want us to move to an estate as she'd find it too difficult to park but is fine with the FFRR.
3 months in to owning an RRS you'll realise the additional "dynamics" are nowhere near the DB9 and you don't really need them - you'll have a few instances of wishing that boot was a big bigger then come summer watch an FFRR S/C cruise by on the motorway, kids watching DVDs in the back, guys in the front looking relaxed with acres of room, aircon running through the seats to even keep the posterior comfy, maybe the passenger is even watching a DVD as well with the dual layer screen technology allowing DVDs in the front on the move - and from then you'll wish you'd gone for the right one
All highly contentious but I reckon it's accurate!
£15 boot cover in the boot sorts the dog issue. Rear leg room is enough that kids aren't kicking front seats and covering then in mud which is far more than can be said for the Sport.
imho moving to this type of car from a GT/Sportscar, you've got to go FFRR - rear view cameras and PDC sort parking, any form of motorway work is lovely in the FFRR. With the UK roads and lumps/bumps everywhere the FFRR irons them out - the sport let's you know exactly what you're dealing with every stone along the way. For me, a sportscar I'd like to tell me that, for a comfy cruiser and outstanding off roader when you want to play - I want it to make the ride comfy, not fidgety.
There's not as much additional size in it as many people think - I also found the RRS more difficult to par compared to the FFRR as visbility is so much better in the FFRR.
Finally... COME ON.... scare of the size? MY WIFE drives one - in fact she said she didn't want us to move to an estate as she'd find it too difficult to park but is fine with the FFRR.
3 months in to owning an RRS you'll realise the additional "dynamics" are nowhere near the DB9 and you don't really need them - you'll have a few instances of wishing that boot was a big bigger then come summer watch an FFRR S/C cruise by on the motorway, kids watching DVDs in the back, guys in the front looking relaxed with acres of room, aircon running through the seats to even keep the posterior comfy, maybe the passenger is even watching a DVD as well with the dual layer screen technology allowing DVDs in the front on the move - and from then you'll wish you'd gone for the right one
All highly contentious but I reckon it's accurate!FFRR without a doubt - the epitomy of everything you would want imo from a 4 x 4 or a luxury motorway cruiser
i've driven a few Sports - to me its not quite there?
i use my vogue V8 as originally intended inc serious offroad for hunting/shooting/fishing
i've owned/driven the lot as regards 4 x 4's for 'work' - the FFRR is the winner
the Jeep V8 is excellent but let down seriously by very poor manufacturers support/spares in the UK
the whole SPORTS things with RR's makes me laugh - its a large 4 x 4 - if you want a sports car buy a Porsche!!!
i've driven a few Sports - to me its not quite there?
i use my vogue V8 as originally intended inc serious offroad for hunting/shooting/fishing
i've owned/driven the lot as regards 4 x 4's for 'work' - the FFRR is the winner
the Jeep V8 is excellent but let down seriously by very poor manufacturers support/spares in the UK
the whole SPORTS things with RR's makes me laugh - its a large 4 x 4 - if you want a sports car buy a Porsche!!!
grand cherokee said:
the whole SPORTS things with RR's makes me laugh - its a large 4 x 4 - if you want a sports car buy a Porsche!!!
Cause you can't get a pram in them! Why produce a 4x4 like the FFRR at all? A very small proporttion of owners drive it off road, the majority don't. In the end the RRS has a market, it has been LR's no.1 selling unit for the past 5 years!Thanks to everyone who replied. There seemed to be some paasionate debate about the merits of the RRS vs the FFRR, reminded me of similar discussions on the AM forum about the merits of a DB9 vs the Vantage.
Anyway, I test drove both and decided in the end on a brand new RRS HSE. The sheer size of the Vogue did put me off a little but, as some posters said, it certainly is very luxurious. Very impressed with the technology available on the latest RR's and cant wait to get my hands on the car in a few weeks.
Who knows, if I enjoy the marque as much as I think I will I might just move up to the Vogue further down the line.
Anyway, I test drove both and decided in the end on a brand new RRS HSE. The sheer size of the Vogue did put me off a little but, as some posters said, it certainly is very luxurious. Very impressed with the technology available on the latest RR's and cant wait to get my hands on the car in a few weeks.
Who knows, if I enjoy the marque as much as I think I will I might just move up to the Vogue further down the line.
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