I live in East Sussex and I have found an 2012 4.4 TDV8 Autobiography for sale that I like the look of. It's in Dorset. 3.5 hours away.

I am happy to take it for a test drive but my mechanical knowledge is really not great and I am very hesitant to buy anything (especially an L322) without getting it looked over properly first.

So my question is, should I pay for an RAC inspection of the vehicle? Or find an L322 expert locally to inspect it?

I have read very mixed opinions re RAC/AA inspections but they might be the best option I have.

Basically I could really use some help buying my first L322 - any help would be greatly appreciated!

Hiya Mark, if you look in the wiki above, it's all in there about what to look for when buying a L322. First and foremost, history make sure it's got lots of history from factory to now. Check the oil cooler been done, should be in the history hopefully. prop bearings, gearbox, diff and transfer box fluids changed. Check all the suspension works, off road settings, see how it feels when driving it. At least half hour on test drive mix of fast and normal roads. Check tyres for uneven wear and steering pulling to one side. On a well looked after 4.4 you just should be wafting along with no clunking, vibration or weird noises, just slight road noise. If no to hardly any or no history, walk way or offer him a few K less, you never know. Hope this helps.

Thanks Barmybrummie - have just had a look at the wiki and there's plenty of info there - thanks for the heads-up!

I'll have a good read through that this evening and ask them if I can look at the docs before I arrange to go down and take it for a test drive. I spoke to Andy at Glenrands who will do an inspection if the seller allows me to take it from Dorset to Hamshire and back (200 miles!).

Or I could find a L322 nearer me!

Thanks for your help

What's the mileage and asking price? Does it look good in the pics and good description?
It gets me when someone sells a car on eBay and doesn't bother washing it and cleaning the inside. And then in the ad they just put a few words. If you are looking for a really nice well maintained fatty, take your time and don't rush in. There's plenty out there and some come up for sale on here from other members. Mine is for sale on here, had it just over a year and spent £2.7k on it in that time. I think I may have to lower the price due to ill health.

It looks pretty tidy in the pics. Asking £17.5k mileage 115ish so price a bit toppy. Have asked them for docs and history so will see what they come back with. I'm not in a mad rush but this one looks good so we'll see what happens tomorrow. Sorry to hear health not great. Best wishes.

£17.5k seems excessive with that sort of mileage.

Loads of good looking examples on Autotrader with less miles for much less money.

The youngest L322’s are now 13 years old, expensive to tax and insure and potential money pits. Excellent vehicles when they’re good, but a bad one can lighten your wallet quickly.

£17k buys you a nice L405 these days. Prices have really softened recently.

Totally agree with ss, I think that could be way over priced. There's plenty out there for less and if you got that kind of budget I'd be more inclined to go for a L405. But it's what you want, if you can get one much cheaper then you'll have plenty in reserve to get it up to scratch and the way you want it. Keep us posted, but do keep looking. If that's up for 17.5k and mine is up for 10k, mine should have been sold way before now.

Don’t just look at tyre condition look at the make….a well maintained RR will have four good quality tyres if the same make on. Cheap ditchfinders and mixed makes suggests that corners have been cut on maintenance. 2012 tdv8 Westminster arrived Jan 19 gone Dec 23

200 TDi discovery bobtail gone
RR classic v8 bobtail gone
300 tdi Discovery 3 dr gone

Check out FullFat 4x4 on Youtube and look at his stock. He has some very nice cars and a reputation to maintain.

Hi Jonny - great advice, thanks. I have just checked out his YouTube channel and he seems like a very decent chap with some lovely cars. Will keep an eye on his stock. Cheers.