The unitary construction of the Range Rover’s steel hull was a radical departure for Land Rover when the car was launched in 2002. The company had used the method before with the Freelander, but the Range Rover’s extra need to go off-road made this trickier. Even so, the company managed it very successfully, which also meant the Range Rover would be able to meet more stringent crash test regulations.
Attached to the steel monocoque, which should be rust-free in every car other than those with poor crash repairs, are aluminium panels. They help save weight, but the L322 still tips the scales at between 2.4 and 2.7 tonnes depending on the chosen model. These panels are more easily dented than steel ones and crash damage needs specialist attention to fix them. Still, the Range Rover’s body is no more pricey to repair than any of its rivals.
As with previous Range Rover generations, you need to check around the tailgate for signs of rust or corrosion. It’s most likely along the bottom edge of the lower half of the horizontally split tailgate. Also inspect the underside of the car carefully for off-road damage and check that a tow ball, where fitted, is properly secured to the chassis. With a maximum towing weight of 3500kg with a braked trailer, a lot of Range Rovers will have been used to pull horseboxes and trailers.
At 4950mm long, 2191mm wide and 1913mm tall at its highest, the L322 is a large car and has a wheelbase of 2880mm. Even so, it can offer ground clearance of up to 211mm and wade in water up to 500mm deep without worrying about its breathing.
Make sure the powered door mirrors work properly, folding in to the body at the touch of a button when parked, and the nearside mirror angles down when reverse gear is engaged. Also look closely at the rear light lenses, especially on earlier cars, as they can let water in and mist up. The headlights are easily damaged by stone chips, so inspect them too. Wiper and headlight washers also need to be in working order as more evidence of fully functioning electrics. You should also make sure the door handles all work correctly, the boot release on both sections functions and rear parking sensors, when fitted, operate properly.
Headlights were changed at the 2005 and 2009 upgrades. In 2005, the secondary light in the main lense was styled to curve into the radiator grille, while for 2009 the headlights gained LED daytime running lights that give them distinctive rings around the main lamps.
Owner's View:
"The Range Rover is a go anywhere car with great presence - to the stables, to school and nursery, to the South of France, to a hotel in London or to the DIY store. Not only will the Range Rover handle all of these well, but it never looks out of place in any situation and that I think is a massive part of it's appeal."
Simon Lodge