Spent the last few days looking at quite a few that are for sale. The majority impressed me but 3 got very close attention and would be interested to hear opinions from owners on what would be your preference.

2008 4.2s/c Vogue S.E Ultra Low Mileage
2010 5.0s/c Autobiography Average Mileage
2012 4.4 TDV8 Vogue S.E Above Average Mileage

They all had the right paperwork and had been well looked after and were in excellent condition.

The drive in all 3 was very good with the 5.0s/c probably just shading it, as in that scored 9.9 out of 10 and the other 2 would have a got a 9.85.

The 2008 would leave a nice sum for any maintenance requirements in the future as it was quite a bit cheaper than the other 2. Due to their age I'm guessing an after market warranty would be worse than useless on anything other than the TDV8.

The 4.2s/c impressed because of it's very low mileage (some say that's a bad thing) and I very nearly put my hand in my pocket but I resisted and walked away to give it some thought. Something I would never have done in the past but I've never known a marque have so many good examples for sale that walking away is a lot easier than it used to be.

Thanks in advance for any opinions out there.

How many miles do you expect to do ?

Between 7 and 10k per year generally.

At that level, I'd most likely be leaning towards the 5.0

Where are you buying from?

I mean, the two year Land Rover Approved Used Warranty applies to vehicles up to five years old and was a major factor for me when buying a 2012 TDV8 this time last year.

I wouldn't be concerned about above average or even well above average miles on a TDV8 because diesels are designed for high mileage and in my humble opinion, benefit from being worked.....I'd be more concerned about a low mileage example.

The main question is, does ten thousand miles per annum at up to 34mpg (TDV8) or a lot, lot less than that (5.0SC) matter to you?

However, a significantly cheaper 4.2 with ultra-low miles would have been very tempting......

I'm going now because I now realise that I'm really not helping. Sorry.

None were from a main dealer.

4.2 was a private sale (friend of a friend) And it's condition reflected the low miles.

Whilst very low mpg can be tiresome, the lower purchase price probably negates the overall extra cost of the fuel being a real factor.

What a great problem to have

In the same situation, I would probably go for the 5.0 s/c due to its relative rarity value. If its looked after well and is a good, clean example it will be the one enthusiast lust after in the future. And you kind of already said it floated your boat more than the other 2

5.0 SC.... All my spelling errorz are belong to me!

2024 RR Velar
2021 AM new Vantage

I would say it depends on the money too.

If the low mileage 4.2 is a lot cheaper than the 5.0 it is a great way to start FF ownership, if you were doing more miles I would say definitely the 4.4 tdv8, though if it floats your boat more then go for the 5.0.

Helpful I know, but it's down to how you want to go. There is no right answer, except to say buy on condition and history not mileage, and get a good warranty. There is nothing that can't be fixed with a hammer😜😜
FFRR 4.4 SDV8 Autobiography Santorini Black.
KIA E-Niro 4+
2021 Discovery 5 D300 MHEV commercial

5.0 all the way You only live once so make it count

Thanks, and all good points. They all have there merits and it's a tough decision. The 4.2 was just in such good condition and will leave money in the piggy bank. The 5.0 had the biggest grin factor. But ultimately I can't help but think the TDV8 will be the easiest to live with over the long term.

Ultimately the 4.4 will probably have the biggest audience when it comes to resale and the 5.0 is probably the pick of the bunch if you can live with fuel consumption

The 4.2 will always look older to those of us who are sad enough to take notice of these things and would rule it out for me.

Neither the 5.0 or the 4.4 will disappoint n use.

Personally I would value the 4.4's 8 speed box, diesel economy and resale potential over the 5.0's extra refinement and thirst.

But then look at what I bought! (a 4.4 TDV8!)
To be clear though three years on I'd buy the diesel again. 2016 (L405) Autobiography in Black with Ivory - for ULEZ
2014 (L405) VSE in Black with Ivory
2011 (L322) VSE in Black with Ivory
2005 (3.2 V6) Porsche Cayenne in Black with Savanna
1999 (P38) VSE in Burgundy (?) with Sand

5.0

Well, since de ss Lyria was a Shell tanker build in 1976 and if you want to stay in line, buy the 5.0.
But I would go for the most comfy one on petrol. Real cars don't do diesel...

You are correct Robert, I sailed on her in 1982. If I'd known then that I would take such a liking to gas guzzling motor cars I would have siphoned off some of the oil to make my own petrol. It carried 315000 tons when fully laden, so I don't think they would have missed a bit!!