So, Have been away for some time. P38 2.5 DHSE had to go as new house was purchased and was worried that it's amazing ability to drain my wallet would result in neglect and, therefore, its undoing. So sold to a great Range Rover dealer and gone to a great home. Since then have been driving an ultra economical Audi A3 TDIe amazing, costs nothing - ever.
BUT I have to have another Range Rover. So chaps back to advice please?
- I would like an l322. -Good, they are awesome cars - but if you think a P38 can drain your wallet...your in for a nasty surprise with an L322....it isn't a drain, it is a bottomless pit.
- I don't want a 3.0 tdi (because of the gearbox and it's too slow) is that stupid? - No, this is the biggest killer of the Td6 L322's
- I would like a 3.6, could I do that for 8 - 9k? - Possible, but expect a bit of a dog...the 4.4 TDV8 is a much better engine, but out of the price bracket
- At the weekend I am looking at a 2005 4.4 V8 Vogue. 3 owners, 93k FSH, £8250. - Getting towards the top end of the price scale for a 2005....it will have to be mint.
- Have looked at all MOT's on line. It has never failed, very minor advisories, all have been fixed before the next MOT. - Means nothing to a Range Rover, they will still drain your bank balance.
- I am not too worried about MPG as I live at work and only do a small mileage personally. - Good for you....go for a V8
Anybody who would like to look the eBay number is 112161092854
So my questions are:
- Does this car have the nightmare gearbox? Or is it the more durable unit as fitted to the 3.6? - The Jag engined V8's were mated to a better gearbox than both the Td6 and the BMW V8's.
- Dispite the fuel cost, am I mad to go petrol? - No.....love that noise.
- For my budget, is the 3.6 a posability with reasonable mileage? - Just.....
- Does anyone know of one for sale? - Nope!!
- Bottom line - what do I look for when viewing? Just the big stuff. I have a great local specialist in the doorstep to do maintenance, I know what I am getting into, so the big ones please. - Start at the front bumper, finish at the rear bumper, everything inbetween is a possible and common fail item.....its a Range Rover, if you can't diagnose and/or spanner your own repairs, expect an eye watering garage bill....1 Air strut on the L322 costs the same as 4 Air springs on a P38!!
The L322 is an awesome vehicle and a much better drive than the P38....the P38 is marginally more comfortable as the seats are more supple, but the L322 is more of a drivers car. They are big powerful and planted and I would not talk anyone out of owning one, but you must be prepared for the inevitable breakdowns and hissy fits they like to throw. As long as you can live with this, they are awesome....many want to own one, and when they do and it throws a wobbler, they have a sudden wake up call that these are complex and expensive vehicles to own and maintain....many start to get neglected.
Respect the car, respect the brand and it will repay you in spades.....try and own one with eys closed and you'll be kicked in the wallet - hard!!
Many many thanks if you have a moment to help. It's very nice to be back.
Regards all,
Charles.
