To buy or not to buy :)

Hi everyone, I am looking at purchasing a RR and either a Sport Diesel or the Supercharger Petrol. Have not had one before so know nothing about them as such. My mechanic has said that the Petrol ones are the better buy as they give less faults but I know the fuel consumption with them will be higher. The diesel one sounds good and there are plenty of them on the road but I wanted to actually hear from people who own them what their advice would be. I am looking around the 2005-2007 mark. There are plenty on Auto Trader for sale in dealers but not sure what I need to look for and are they expensive to service, what are the main faults etc

if you are going for the 2005-7 model years, stay away from the TD6 Diesels the engine is brilliant but the gearbox is a major fail item!

The 2007 MY was when the early TDV8 Diesels came in which is an awesome power unit, but early ones did suffer Turbo issues, but nothing a hefty wallet can't fix!!

The 4.2 Supercharged Jag engine is a bit of a monster but was detuned in the Sport model (as the 400BHP unit in the Full Fat Range Rover was needed due to weight) so the Sport got a 389BHP unit, but plenty fast enough to scare you silly if needs be!

The TDV6 in the early Diesel Sports is a mighty fine and perky engine....few issues as long as servicing is up to snuff, but in a Sport...whilst it is a bit quick, what's the point of a Sports model with a Diesel engine??!!

Thanks for that. I just am a bit out of my depth with them, normally we go for landcruiser /shogun/navarra jeeps but this time around just fancied something that little bit more "luxurious" you know.

I guess it would be helpful then to pay extra and buy a warranty with one? I know that the problem with them is people buy them and do not have the money to keep up the servicing etc and then just flog them on.

With regards a normal service, not sure if it is yearly or based on mileage, how much does that normally cost and can a local mechanic do it or does it need to be 4x4 approved centres or the likes?