Hey everyone. I am currently on the hunt for an early L322 I would ideally like something at the 4k mark but can just about stretch to 5.

I have seen some options on autotrader for around this mark, obviously higher mileage examples but some still look pretty tidy. Haven’t seen any 4.4l though. Is a good clean example a little much to ask for at this price point? I have seen a couple that have had gearboxes replaced etc are there any other big ticket items that I should take into account for cars with 100-120k miles?

Thanks all.

Realistically its going to be a car that you will need to spend money on once you've got it and I would think a couple of grand a year in maintenance and unforeseen items unless your very handy with the spanners.
These cars cost to keep on the road. 2020 Porsche Panamera Turbo Hybrid (V FAST)
2017 Range Rover Autobiography 5.0 V8
2018 JCW Mini Cooper
2018 Skoda VRS

In my view there's no such thing as a 4k L322.

Its either a nice car which is why its 10k.

Or its going to ruin you in which case pay as close to 2k as you can.

Every 4/5k car I saw when I was looking for mine was a 2k car with tyre shine.

I ended up paying 1200 quid and even after a few ABS sensors, a front strut, wheel bearing and a few cosmetic bits I'm still under the magic 2.

Horses for courses but not be deceived by what should be cheap cars masquerading as something in your budget. Unless its particularly lovely or very low miles for the year then an early one should not cost anywhere near that, particularly a V8 as they normally go for less.

Unless of course you mean 4.4 TDV8 in which case no chance, double it

I'd expect around £5k for my car which is 93k miles and maintained regardless of cost so the idea of a £2k Rangie is frankly ridiculous. they cost that much a year just on upkeep

I sold my 2009 for less than £5k and it was a good, solid car that had been well looked after. It wasn't perfect by any means but thats the market as it stands today. £5k should get you a decent car and not necessarily just an early L322. 2016 Skoda Octavia VRS Estate
<gone>2009 FF Vogue TDV8 Buckingham Blue</gone>
<gone>2015 BMW 520D SE (not my favourite car)</gone>
<gone>2009 D3 HSE Galway Green</gone>

No, I think a £5k budget is fair enough, as long as you know what you're likely to get for that kinda money.
Interestingly enough, look on the 'for sale' section & go back a bit, there's an '03 4.4 V8 petrol for circa £4k that belongs to a member [best source] that sounds very presentable.
A decent TD6 could also be sourced for that money.
Gearboxes on the very early one's are fragile, timing chain rattle on the V8's are common. Rust on the rear arches is also worrying so have a real close look, many an old L322 has been scrapped because of rot!
If you can find a private sale & the owner has had the car for a few years, that's always a good sign.

Hope this helps. 2012 Orkney Grey Westminster 4.4TDV8 with Ivory interior.........nice!
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Just one Montesa now, 349 White Wonder
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Just about stretching your budget to buy one is a dangerous place..... most cars that age require some short term, if not immediate, maintenance.

Oooops....forgot to add..............a fully stuffed wallet to help you through the first few weeks/months
These girls do take some looking after....honest! 2012 Orkney Grey Westminster 4.4TDV8 with Ivory interior.........nice!
BMW R1200GS
Alfa Romeo Giulietta
Just one Montesa now, 349 White Wonder
Austin A40 Farina MK2
1975 Morris Marina 1.8TC

Archieatkins wrote:

Hey everyone. I am currently on the hunt for an early L322 I would ideally like something at the 4k mark but can just about stretch to 5.

I have seen some options on autotrader for around this mark, obviously higher mileage examples but some still look pretty tidy. Haven’t seen any 4.4l though. Is a good clean example a little much to ask for at this price point? I have seen a couple that have had gearboxes replaced etc are there any other big ticket items that I should take into account for cars with 100-120k miles?

Thanks all.

I have a 2004 4.4 LPG'd Vogue for sale if interested drop me a PM?

Thanks all for the detailed replies. It sounds like I am not completely out of luck will just need to keep my eyes open and snap up a good one when I see it. I have seen the one in the for sale section and have made contact for a bit more info as it’s so far from me.

Craig will send a PM now.

I paid £3200 for an early 2007 TDV8 with 128k on and a good amount of history up to 117k, AC condenser was shot so fixed that and regassed it, all fine now, there is a bit of rust starting on the rear arches and tailgate, which is going to get sorted, I’ve had a good look under the car and there is a bit of surface rust but nothing too bad for the age so I will be wire brushing and under sealing it in the next month or 2 and treating it to a gearbox oil change and a service, with the exception of the gearbox oil I can do most of it myself and it won’t cost the world, if you’re not sure about doing some jobs on one I’d get as low mileage best condition one you can find.

This doesn’t look bad at all.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/347779363318619/

The advantage of buying off the forum is honesty, as all members are enthausasts & are pretty genuine.
I would rather travel 300 miles to get an honest car than 30 miles to be greeted by a guy in a sheepskin coat & a trilby.
Good luck with the search, and forum rules say you must tell us what you end up with plus photo's......it's the law  2012 Orkney Grey Westminster 4.4TDV8 with Ivory interior.........nice!
BMW R1200GS
Alfa Romeo Giulietta
Just one Montesa now, 349 White Wonder
Austin A40 Farina MK2
1975 Morris Marina 1.8TC

Mine was 4500- had it six months, turbos went but that was down to poor maintenance namely a poorly installed oil filter that prevented the engine making oil pressure rather than age and failure and an alternator. Had its mot and passed with flying colours. No rot, no nasties hiding, the guy commented on how nice it was so they are out there- took a while to find it but they are there- they’re not all bad at this price 2007 TDV8 Vogue SE
2005 BMW E63 645ci
2009 5.0 Supercharged autobiography
2024 Porsche Macan

I've just paid £5000 for an '07 TDV8 with 12 months mot

but a load of stuff wasnt working:

Airbag light on (garage have promised to fix this)
Parking sensors - should be an easy fix for about £50
Rear view camera - fixed this myself but its still tempramental
CD multichanger - about £100 for a refurbished item
Drivers heated seat - £300 for a new seat back motor thingy
Venture cam - £25 for new batteries
Oil leak - quoted £1400 to replace rocker cover gaskets
And I've just had to buy a new battery (£185) as the one fitted was far too small.

So £5000 becomes £7000 pretty much immediately

I'd still prefer to do it this way though, as I'm pretty sure you could spend £7000 on one and still have all that stuff go wrong.

A wise man once told me - 'if you cant afford to buy it twice, you cant afford to buy it once'  Pikey by name, not by nature