Range Rover 2005-2009 which engine is good?

[ejg]

Looking at a second hand Range Rover but have no experience with them.
Which model or engine should be avoided? Which model would one advise to go with?
Which years might be better, looking realistic between 2006 and 2008.
I don't tow much at all and if then, it would be light.
Is there a huge difference in practical use between the Sport and normal Range?
Thanks
edi

 

[Eric the Red]

My view is that the full fat Range Rover is a better bet than the Sport - as you probably know the Sport is based on a Discovery chassis. The L322 Range Rover is roomier and more practical in my mind - and tends to be better equipped. The engine to go for is probably the 3.6 TDV8 - but look for a good example and be careful of higher mileage ones, unless the turbos have been serviced/replaced. There was a facelift in late 2009, so you'll be safe with one of these. Feel free to PM if you want to discuss further.

 

[Pedro]

Frankly, I'd go for a Discovery 4. With the higher spec models, you aren't that far away from Range Rover type luxury, you've got more usable space and the 3.0 twin turbo diesel STDV6 is a peach, able to give you 30mpg (ish). They started in 2010 so for less money, you're getting a newer vehicle.

But I admit, that doesn't answer your question.

 

[Markfox]

I had a 2005/06 facelift TD6 bought it new and ran it for 7 years and 125k miles , other than servicing , and a few replacement items it was flawless

TD6 engine is fine and capable but a little noisy , and they are now prone to gbox failures

3.6 TDV8 is better and has that v8 growl just watch for turbo issues

4.4 TDV8 is the best one to go for with 8 spd gbox 2010 onward

 

[tackb]

Looking at a second hand Range Rover but have no experience with them.
Which model or engine should be avoided? Which model would one advise to go with?
Which years might be better, looking realistic between 2006 and 2008.
I don't tow much at all and if then, it would be light.
Is there a huge difference in practical use between the Sport and normal Range?
Thanks
edi

if I may make so bold , don't buy a range rover ! I have one , a 2013 4.4 tdv8 Westminster , it's unreliable to the extreme , just like every land rover product I've ever owned !

frankly if I was you I'd buy a landcruiser V8 , that's what I am doing next year , bigger inside and legendary reliability , this is my final flirtation with landrover , I am fed up of being shafted without the courtesy of lube even!

 

[tackb]

oh , the engine is good , economical and powerful but I personally think that using 5 litres of oil (that's made from unicorn tears) between services is excessive ?

 

[White Hart]

I've got a 3.6tdv8 Range Rover, for the age range your looking at its the one to go for. The earlier td6 suffered from gearbox issues, the later 4.4tdv8 is better again. As mentioned the 3.6tdv8 is reported to have problems with the turbo's. I guess with all vehicles service history if key!

Running costs are high! Servicing and wear and tear items are up there... I seem to be having a constant battle with suspension bushes at the moment... Just for an example my ignition barrel played up a few months ago and cost £1500+ to replace!

Don't get me wrong though it is a fabulous, luxurious vehicle... Would I have another one?!? Probably not... I think now Id probably go for an older Toyota Landcruiser Amazon.

Not sure of your location ejg but if you about my way your more than welcome to come and look at mine and have a drive, I wont sugar coat it its a fantastic vehicle just expensive to keep it that way...

 

[ejg]

Eric thanks for that, see I didn't know about the Sport being based on disco Chassis. Our (rep Ireland) used car prices don't seem higher for the V8 Diesel and I have heard good things about them. Roughly at what mileage would one recon with Turbo problems?
I might pester you via pm once I find something interesting.

Pedro thanks, on our market not a huge price difference if at all between used Range or Discovery.

Mark, thanks also. a little worried about gear box issues.
So am I right in saying the 2.7l v6 d is only found in the sport version?

In the Range Rover,
Initial 2.9/3l td6 was a straight six BMW and at some stage changed to a v6 Ford, right?

edi

 

[Essex stalker]

I had a 4.4 TDV8 diesel admitably I did have it from new (2011 plate)but it was a fantastic vehicle, I only had one fault with it in 5 years and that was a bad connection to the fuel gauge sensor but they sorted that out under warranty. I got rid of it earlier this year for something sporty (mid life crisis perhaps) but I have to admit I do miss the Range Rover at times. Simply did everything I wanted and did it in luxury.
My reason for selling it was I had put 100K on it in 5 years and the warranty had run out so I could sense some big bills in the future if it did go wrong

 

[ejg]

Tack, White,
I'm in Co. Cork Ireland

I have had a 94 defender before and it broke my heart. Great engine but the rest was a lot of work. Weekly to do lists, monthly to do and the longer term "got to get this sorted" list. Knew several at Paddocks/Craddocks etc. when ordering the weekly spares.
This is why I am a little worried and wanted to learn about them as I like the idea of a Range just not sure if it is a wise move.
edi

 

[bobjs]

got the use of the range rover sport and the tdv6 at work, and they both are very nice cars, but the room in the tdv6 is far better,

we have just replaced the lower suspension arms on the tdv6 that has only done 45k and the bill made me sit back, the garage we use stated that it's a common problem( not up to the job). but here's the best bit, we had the drivers door mirror smacked off the sport, and it cost more replace than i'm asking for my current number 2 shotgun that's on sale,

great vehicles and wish i could afford to run one... but i'm lucky i can drive/use the bosses

bob

 

[bewsher500]

are you handy with spanners?

not being funny. I only drive older cars exclusively and most of them are chosen on engine first
BUT...and its a big but

IMO the only way you can get a 2nd hand RR and not end up spending its value in repairs and servicing is to take the dealer and specialists out of the equation
Everyone I know bar none has had prohibitively expensive repairs to everything from gearboxes to air suspension, switches to ECUs

Prices on parts are a joke also (saying that so are Toyota!)

if I was to choose one though (and I very nearly did!) it would be the biggest engine you can afford
the 3.8 or 4.4 v8s

I would personally avoid the RR Sport having tested one I found them barely bigger than small saloon
You may as well get one of the watered down Q5, Touran sized SUVs and save yourself £10k!

a full size RR is a dream to be inside (when everything works)
much more comfortable

 

[JockStalk]

4.4v8 is excellent. Will be expensive if it goes wrong, but its a strong engine.

Had mine for 3 years and 60k miles. Other than a brake sensor failure, its not missed a beat.

If you are going for a RR, go full fat and avoid the skimmed milk RR Sport.

 

[mealiejimmy]

It depends on your priorities.
If you want something reliable with a reasonable degree of comfort, sophistication and street cred then buy a Landcruiser.
If you're only interested in street cred then get a Range Rover.

Cheers

Bruce

 

[tackb]

I had a 4.4 TDV8 diesel admitably I did have it from new (2011 plate)but it was a fantastic vehicle, I only had one fault with it in 5 years and that was a bad connection to the fuel gauge sensor but they sorted that out under warranty. I got rid of it earlier this year for something sporty (mid life crisis perhaps) but I have to admit I do miss the Range Rover at times. Simply did everything I wanted and did it in luxury.
My reason for selling it was I had put 100K on it in 5 years and the warranty had run out so I could sense some big bills in the future if it did go wrong

and that's the crux of it ! never own a range rover without a comprehensive warranty !

 

[bobjs]

and that's the crux of it ! never own a range rover without a comprehensive warranty !

i forgot to mention we have a £800 12 month full cover warranty on both the ones i use at work, and it pays to have it,

front near side air suspension went on the sport in jan this year.....don't ask how much that cost warranty sorted that out and the aforementioned door mirror

bob.

 

[Triumph_Dave]

I have ran 1 x Discovery 4 and 2 x Range Rover Sports over the last 4 years ( the RRS were both the old design and the new ) , all from new. All have had issues. The paint is so tender you only have to look at it to scratch. Both the Disco 4 and the Mk 1 RRS had various issues ranging from paint to electrical gremlins, luckily still under warranty. The lastest RRS was just sold at 12 months old having been in the dealers for 2 months of that time!. Great car On road when working, but unreliable, numerous issues all over the car, electrical and mechanical , all quality related, the tender paint now has exterior plastics that are so soft if you look at them they will scratch. These vehicles are now Chelsea tractors not for any serious rough and tough off road work. I would not touch another land rover product with a barge pole.. Which is a great shame. as its a UK made product..
My advise to any potential LR customers are A: Make sure you have a warranty to cover it, as you will need it and costs are large like the vehicle. B: Have a second vehicle to cover the time your LR is in the dealers being fixed. C: Try to find a good dealer as you will become best mates with them. D: Do not bother to try to contact Land Rover about much, as the customer relations department/managers is absolutely dire when it involves them fixing your vehicle where they are to pay.

 

[tackb]

I have ran 1 x Discovery 4 and 2 x Range Rover Sports over the last 4 years ( the RRS were both the old design and the new ) , all from new. All have had issues. The paint is so tender you only have to look at it to scratch. Both the Disco 4 and the Mk 1 RRS had various issues ranging from paint to electrical gremlins, luckily still under warranty. The lastest RRS was just sold at 12 months old having been in the dealers for 2 months of that time!. Great car On road when working, but unreliable, numerous issues all over the car, electrical and mechanical , all quality related, the tender paint now has exterior plastics that are so soft if you look at them they will scratch. These vehicles are now Chelsea tractors not for any serious rough and tough off road work. I would not touch another land rover product with a barge pole.. Which is a great shame. as its a UK made product..
My advise to any potential LR customers are A: Make sure you have a warranty to cover it, as you will need it and costs are large like the vehicle. B: Have a second vehicle to cover the time your LR is in the dealers being fixed. C: Try to find a good dealer as you will become best mates with them. D: Do not bother to try to contact Land Rover about much, as the customer relations department/managers is absolutely dire when it involves them fixing your vehicle where they are to pay.

this is my experience to but still people won't listen , people have to learn the hard way !

 

[ejg]

My oh my, recon I am getting a bit cocky driving the cr*p out of my 2004 Subaru Forester without any breakage. Great on grassy muddy surfaces but lacks ground clearance, still slithers over when bottoming out though. Only replaced front brake disks in the three years I have it.
So what would one go for next?
edi

 

[libensvolenspotens]

I have a 2005 Range Rover with a 4.2 ltr Supercharged V8 which has given me no problems.
Fuel consumption is heavy if like me you have a heavy right foot but I am very happy with the car