Buying a Range Rover

sean1141

Hi folks. Looking to change to a larger/higher vehicle.
I have always liked range rovers and just wondering are they really as bad as people make out?
Was looking at a 08-10 reg one. Preferably a 3.6 v8 diesel in vogue trim.
I know airbags and compressors can give trouble as well as the handbrake unit. Anything else to look out for??

There is not much out there to compare them to trim and spec wise. I have zero interest in getting something newer and more basic..

Mad_maxx

sean1141 wrote: »

Hi folks. Looking to change to a larger/higher vehicle.
I have always liked range rovers and just wondering are they really as bad as people make out?
Was looking at a 08-10 reg one. Preferably a 3.6 v8 diesel in vogue trim.
I know airbags and compressors can give trouble as well as the handbrake unit. Anything else to look out for??

There is not much out there to compare them to trim and spec wise. I have zero interest in getting something newer and more basic..

Are you driving on motorways most of the time or at least wide roads ,they are incredibly wide

sean1141

Mad_maxx wrote: »

Are you driving on motorways most of the time or at least wide roads ,they are incredibly wide

Back roads mostly 😣

bop1977

See if you can find one in autobiography trim.

Unreliable buckets by all accounts.

chicorytip

sean1141 wrote: »

Hi folks. Looking to change to a larger/higher vehicle.
I have always liked range rovers and just wondering are they really as bad as people make out?
Was looking at a 08-10 reg one. Preferably a 3.6 v8 diesel in vogue trim.
I know airbags and compressors can give trouble as well as the handbrake unit. Anything else to look out for??

There is not much out there to compare them to trim and spec wise. I have zero interest in getting something newer and more basic..

If you can afford the running costs, go for it. Engine and transmission bombproof. The airbag problem tends to occur only with heavy off road use. The 07 face-lift version is a vast improvement on the older version.

sean1141

chicorytip wrote: »

If you can afford the running costs, go for it. Engine and transmission bombproof. The airbag problem tends to occur only with heavy off road use. The 07 face-lift version is a vast improvement on the older version.

I will be running it as a commercial so tax shouldn't be an issue. I guess the 3.6 will be heavy on fuel but I don't do savage millage so..

chicorytip

sean1141 wrote: »

I will be running it as a commercial so tax shouldn't be an issue. I guess the 3.6 will be heavy on fuel but I don't do savage millage so..

The 3.6 Litre has more than ample power - 272 b.h.p.- on tap to shift what is a big, heavy beast. The older 2.9 unit was weak.

Heres Johnny

Apart from being a very nice place to sit, they aren't a great yoke to drive unsurprisingly. And the poor reliability stories are legendary at this stage. I'd like one too but I think it would ruin me financially. You'd want to be handy with tools.
I prefer the range rover sport over the full fat range rover.

Pboru22

Hi Op,

I work for a company that where the director drives a Range Rover. Dunno how it drives etc... but it was a 162 and a few months ago the engine went in it at 120k. No warning lights came on with it but Rangerover won’t cover anything as it only gives 3 year warranty. Was always serviced main dealer too. The main dealer service manager has said the BMW engine is a common failure

So if your buying one I’d advise you get some that’s know them to look or could you have a fair bill in time.

spyderski

Pboru22 wrote: »

Hi Op,

I work for a company that where the director drives a Range Rover. Dunno how it drives etc... but it was a 162 and a few months ago the engine went in it at 120k. No warning lights came on with it but Rangerover won’t cover anything as it only gives 3 year warranty. Was always serviced main dealer too. The main dealer service manager has said the BMW engine is a common failure

So if your buying one I’d advise you get some that’s know them to look or could you have a fair bill in time.

Range Rovers haven’t used BMW Engines since around 2007/8. The one in your colleagues 162 model definitely wasn’t a BMW unit.

spyderski

sean1141 wrote: »

Hi folks. Looking to change to a larger/higher vehicle.
I have always liked range rovers and just wondering are they really as bad as people make out?
Was looking at a 08-10 reg one. Preferably a 3.6 v8 diesel in vogue trim.
I know airbags and compressors can give trouble as well as the handbrake unit. Anything else to look out for??

There is not much out there to compare them to trim and spec wise. I have zero interest in getting something newer and more basic..

The front shock/airbag units go on them all. €1,200.

Each side.

Mad_maxx

my brother has a toyota landcruiser five seater , he finds that a bit of a barge as him and his wife are on rural roads much of the time , they are positively skinny compared to a range rover

be like negotiating a bus at roundabouts

Millionaire only not

Are they that bad and the money they cost !

Cyrus

Mad_maxx wrote: »

my brother has a toyota landcruiser five seater , he finds that a bit of a barge as him and his wife are on rural roads much of the time , they are positively skinny compared to a range rover

be like negotiating a bus at roundabouts

They aren’t that wide ? Similar to a q7 or x5

Mad_maxx

Mad_maxx wrote: »

my brother has a toyota landcruiser five seater , he finds that a bit of a barge as him and his wife are on rural roads much of the time , they are positively skinny compared to a range rover

be like negotiating a bus at roundabouts

I think you are getting a bit carried away with the size of them. They are big but still around the same size as any large 4x4.

Also many people are used to driving large tractors and trucks etc on these back roads, something like a Range Rover would be nice and small for many. The size of one wouldn’t even enter my head as an issue.

Mad_maxx

Cyrus wrote: »

They aren’t that wide ? Similar to a q7 or x5

A range rover?

Mad_maxx

Karson Gentle Sternum wrote: »

I think you are getting a bit carried away with the size of them. They are big but still around the same size as any large 4x4.

Also many people are used to driving large tractors and trucks etc on these back roads, something like a Range Rover would be nice and small for many. The size of one wouldn’t even enter my head as an issue.

so you're comparing driving tractors to cars now ?

I meant how maneuvering a range rover will feel on rural roads

Cyrus

Mad_maxx wrote: »

A range rover?

Yes Range Rover isn’t any bigger than a q7 or an x5 2020 versions

Mad_maxx

Mad_maxx wrote: »

A range rover?

A quick google shows that a q7 and x5 are both slightly wider than the model of Range Rover the op mentioned. It’s only 50mm wider than a skoda superb, I think you need to reassess how big you think they are.

pinktoe

Large vans are as wide and longer than a RR and couriers can go down these roads no problem.
My car is longer and pretty much the same width including mirrors, and I have to drive down unfamiliar rural roads, boreens and what looks like not much more than dirt tracks at times and I survive, so you'll be grand on familiar roads.

Some Range Rovers have pretty big mileage so maybe it's down to look.

Mad_maxx

pinktoe wrote: »

Large vans are as wide and longer than a RR and couriers can go down these roads no problem.
My car is longer and pretty much the same width including mirrors, and I have to drive down unfamiliar rural roads, boreens and what looks like not much more than dirt tracks at times and I survive, so you'll be grand on familiar roads.

Some Range Rovers have pretty big mileage so maybe it's down to look.

Courier vans aren't family cars

An artic truck will also fit down a secondary road

Rover365

I have an 08 sport with the 3.6l v8 nearly 3 years now and it still brings a smile to my face. There is no comparison for comfort and the v8 makes motorway cruising effortless The v8 is alot better than the 3l and alot more reliable too by all acounts. They are thirsty but not much more than the v6

Running costs are on the high side but then your not paying for depreciation and having commercial tax is a bonus. Service costs have been about €1400 a year as they are heavy on brake pads, bushells etc. I imagine your probably looking at around 10k to buy but id be have another 5k set aside for items that go wrong as they are expensive to repair.

Only out of service item i have had go is the air suspension module that cost €350. Actually check the mechanism that lowers the spare wheel too as this is also a known issue. Around 200 replacement.

For an 08, id be looking for one that has alot of money spent on it already. Things like the turbos, suspension are all well known issues. Id be looking at one brought in from the uk. Irish version from 08 would have likely not been maintained as well. Mine evn has the adaptive cruise control which would have been a 5k option but is great for motorway driving.

Any other questions let me know

Grab All Association

There’s a Dodge RAM, Ford F-150, F-350 and another F-something I’ve come across on backroads here in Tipperary.

During the roadworks at Latteragh, the Shamrock bus service (Thurles to Nenagh) was using the narrow backroads for over a week Volvo B10m Plaxton 53 seater, Long trucks from Kelly’s of Fantane etc on this road everyday.

I wouldn’t be worried about the width of the vehicles. If you can drive E.g a Toyota Avensis on these roads every day, you can drive a Range Rover no issue.

chalky_ie

Rover365 wrote: »

I have an 08 sport with the 3.6l v8 nearly 3 years now and it still brings a smile to my face. There is no comparison for comfort and the v8 makes motorway cruising effortless The v8 is alot better than the 3l and alot more reliable too by all acounts. They are thirsty but not much more than the v6

Running costs are on the high side but then your not paying for depreciation and having commercial tax is a bonus. Service costs have been about €1400 a year as they are heavy on brake pads, bushells etc. I imagine your probably looking at around 10k to buy but id be have another 5k set aside for items that go wrong as they are expensive to repair.

Only out of service item i have had go is the air suspension module that cost €350. Actually check the mechanism that lowers the spare wheel too as this is also a known issue. Around 200 replacement.

For an 08, id be looking for one that has alot of money spent on it already. Things like the turbos, suspension are all well known issues. Id be looking at one brought in from the uk. Irish version from 08 would have likely not been maintained as well. Mine evn has the adaptive cruise control which would have been a 5k option but is great for motorway driving.

Any other questions let me know

1400 quid a year in servicing to drive a 12 year old Range Rover, nuts!

bobbyy gee

They always need repair even new ones then you have high tax and insurance they break down a lot

Grab All Association

Check around DoneDeal for a Range Rover/Discovery S2 conversion with the 4.6lt V8 petrol engine. Classic tax and insurance. Diesel version here in Thurles recently, diesel is shîte

Rover365

conor-w wrote: »

1400 quid a year in servicing to drive a 12 year old Range Rover, nuts!

Dont see whats nuts about it. Has cost me about €3.5k a year incl servicing, tax and depreciation to drive one of the most comfortable vehicles around with a spec that most new cars are only catching up with now (adaptive cruise, adaptive headlights etc). Also get to enjoy a v8 for probably the last time in my life unless i get a classic down the line ( if its even an option with the greens around)

Most of my driving is long distance motorway trips that i claim milage from work. Doing a 5hr round trip to dublin and not being sore and tired after makes it more than worthwhile. A 2hr trip in the wifes a6 is more taxing.

Theres people spending more than that to drive a 1.0l micra that has a 202 plate on the front and back. Now id consider that nuts but each to their own

coolbeans

chicorytip wrote: »

If you can afford the running costs, go for it. Engine and transmission bombproof. The airbag problem tends to occur only with heavy off road use. The 07 face-lift version is a vast improvement on the older version.

Bombproof my backside. Amongst the most troublesome yokes you can buy. When they work they're nice though but don't be deluded or misled. Look out for problems with EGRs, alternators, turbos, blocked pipes on the engines plus everything else that could could wrong on a RR which is a hell of a lot. Apart from that they're great.

Rover365

There is nothing bombproof about a range rover.

I know someone who has just got rid of a 2010 version for €5k cos the engine was gone. They had spent over €30k over the last 10 years for various issues.

With a 2008 you are not having a big outlay but you need to have money set aside for if/when something goes wrong.

chalky_ie

Rover365 wrote: »

Dont see whats nuts about it. Has cost me about €3.5k a year incl servicing, tax and depreciation to drive one of the most comfortable vehicles around with a spec that most new cars are only catching up with now (adaptive cruise, adaptive headlights etc). Also get to enjoy a v8 for probably the last time in my life unless i get a classic down the line ( if its even an option with the greens around)

Most of my driving is long distance motorway trips that i claim milage from work. Doing a 5hr round trip to dublin and not being sore and tired after makes it more than worthwhile. A 2hr trip in the wifes a6 is more taxing.

Theres people spending more than that to drive a 1.0l micra that has a 202 plate on the front and back. Now id consider that nuts but each to their own

Oh I agree re: new cars, but those kind of yearly figures are eye watering for a daily driver SUV, in my opinion anyway! My friend's family had an 06 Sport and I never thought it was anything special comfort wise, and the interior has aged woefully to me. Each to their own I suppose.

chicorytip

coolbeans wrote: »

Bombproof my backside. Amongst the most troublesome yokes you can buy. When they work they're nice though but don't be deluded or misled. Look out for problems with EGRs, alternators, turbos, blocked pipes on the engines plus everything else that could could wrong on a RR which is a hell of a lot. Apart from that they're great.

Maybe he should go for the V6 Discovery then!