Hi, I'm new to the forum so greetings and appreciate any help.

I'm looking at buying a Range Rover or Sport for my wife as a second car. I'm only looking around an 03 - 06 plate. She wants the Vogue but I prefer the sport. The car wont be used a great deal but will get a decent run out and will be looked after.

Anyway, I've had a good read and some stories are frightening. I guess you only really hear when things don't go well or when a car isn't looked after. Is there anything I should check? I've heard about the air suspension, BM engines and the gearbox on the TD6. Is this correct? Are there any other glaringly obvious things? I will be looking for one with a complete service history so I know the basics such as oil have been changed.

Are there any models I should avoid? Are chains better than cam belts? When should they be changed?

Anyway, TIA for any help.

There’s a buyers guide in the wiki- top right under where it says fullfatrr.com

And welcome to the forum

TD6 engine is rock solid, a shame the same can't be said for the GM gearbox that comes with it, but looked after well it will provide good service. An older FFRR is a bit like the Forth Bridge, budget £2-3000 a year for it, probably the same said for an old Spurt. .
Experience is the only genuine knowledge, but as time passes, I have forgotten more than I can remember
Volvo V70 P2 2006 2.4 Petrol 170bhp Estate SE
MG Midget Mk1 1962

Previous: L322 Range Rover TDV8 3.6 2008; L322 Range Rover TD6 3.0 2002; P38A Range Rover V8 1999

http://www.rrsport.co.uk/forum/ for the Sport questions

Sports have a hydraulic driven anti roll bar system which can be very expensive if it leaks.
I’ve had both models and the full fat is definitely the best of the two  2011 4.4 TDV8 Vogue SE Buckingham Blue with Ivory and clear glass = "Rory"
New Defender D300 90 on order so "Rory" will be going to a new home....!
1974 Series 3 Lightweight = "Millie"
My preferred specialist: www.glenrands.co.uk
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Wow, amazing replies already! Keep em coming!! Off to read the wiki - thanks! Looks like the FFRR for me now, not the Sport. Guessing you guys don't like the Sport as much

Check everything works and drive well, hot and cold.

Check history and service record.

Get it checked by a reputable specialist and checked for codes.

Should be good to go.

If you can stretch to a 3.6 TDV8 then its a much nicer machine imho.

Effortless torque and a better gearbox. Range rover sport 👎👎 2015 4.4 AB
GSXR 1000 K5
R1 1998

There's a TDV8 I've been looking at. FSH and well looked after but 180k miles 07. Should I be put off by the mileage?

The triumph of hope over experience?

Ok, that’s second marriage not high mileage Range Rovers!

But might be equally emotive.

If it has a FSH (oil changed on time etc) feels great to drive (no knocks etc), would 180k be a no straight off? Don't worry about the emotive part, I'm in no rush and the wife is the biggest fan Also, no plans for a divorce

Mileage shouldn’t put you off if you do due diligence on any potential purchase. Got - 2017 SDV8 Autobiography in Loire Blue
Had- 2008 TDV8 Vogue SE in Java black
Had - 2007 S/C in Stornoway Grey

Thanks Alan. If it's still there, I will check it over and have a test drive. If not, I don't mind waiting for the right one. I would prefer black leather anyway.

If you are in no rush there will be a 56 plate TDV8 Vogue, FSH, tonga green, black leather, 129k miles coming to market on here in the next month or so, having owned it for nine years with the draw of an L405 getting stronger by the day.

Hmm very interesting. I was after black but know I won't get everything I want. Where about are you and what price are you thinking?