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dimetrius



Member Since: 20 Apr 2021
Location: St. Petersburg
Posts: 24

Russia 2009 Range Rover Westminster TDV8 Alaska White
2009 Westminster TDV8 Alaska White

Greetings!

I would've never thought I'd be driving an off-roader! Having had owned several German luxury cars, I'd become a fan of MB. We still have an E-Class coupé and we did quite a bit of GT driving with our labrador in it.

Then we'd decided to get a second lab because our first is getting older. And then we decided that the old lab can't really keep up with the youngling, so we decided to get yet another! And now having 3 labs and unable to go some places we would like to visit because of a RWD and low clearance I had started looking at off-roaders and watching off-road videos on YT gradually becoming hooked.

Initially I was looking at GLE and GL/GLS. But what quickly attracted my attention was a vast number of LR fans and LR-sponsored media, from documentaries to how-tos and promo videos - it looked as if LR meant business when it came to off-road (I now obviously know this is the case, but several months ago I was still rather clueless).

I then remembered I had a hidden appreciation for the RR design, which had always had something Victorian about it. I remember seeing RRs with the proud Westminster badge a couple of times and feeling strangely triumphant and majestic in those moments. I also can't get the picture of Lara Croft in a Defender traversing the Indian jungle (if anyone remembers the 2001 Tomb Raider movie, you'll know what I'm talking about) out of my head.

...and then I got stuck in a 2cm snow on an ascent just outside the village I live in. Thankfully my neighbours were kind enough to push me out of the snow (one of them drives XC90, another one - RRS). And as I was sitting behind the wheel looking at a white RRS while being pushed something clicked inside my head - I had to have a Range Rover, right there and then!

And so it was decided. I went on a hunt for an L322 RR. L322 for a few specific reasons:


  1. it was (barely) within my budget
  2. it's old enough to be able to find a solution to any problem easily
  3. I rather like the look
  4. HRH has one (!)


I'm using the word hunt intentionally here - these RRs are a hot commodity right now (at least in Russia). To a point where one can be sold with 48 hours after being listed. I'd missed two because they were reserved literally as I was driving to the shop. One I couldn't buy because they owner didn't want to list the real price. This is when I found out about the "Safe Deals Territory" - you bring the seller to the JLR dealer, they inspect the car; if you like it - they prepare all the paperwork and act as an escrow agent for the money; if there is something wrong with the car after the purchase - they'll assume responsibility; and this costs 1p. The dealer said this is a way for JLR to stimulate marque loyalty. And it works. Especially after I had paid £150 for an engine inspection of a Cayenne I was considering buying (yes, it was hard to let go of the Germans).

Initially, I wanted a Supercharged 5.0L petrol for the fun of it and because I'd never owned a Diesel before and was rather skeptical about Diesels. Thankfully, I'd missed all of the Supercharged ones that were on the market. 2 were reserved, one was the story above, 1 had its engine rebuilt by a BMW specialist after overheating the block (it also had cheaply done alcantara headliner and springs installed in place of air suspension). Becoming rather desperate, I had started looking at diesels. Looked at two. One was an escort vehicle with low mileage but it was apparent it had seen some abuse; another one had over 200k miles on the clock and poorly maintained. It's rather mind-blowing how poorly maintained are many Range Rovers (at least in Russia). And then people talk about reliability issues, smh.

Completely desperate I came across a white 3.6 Westminster. And again, as I was driving to the shop, a couple that had travelled from Moscow to buy it was looking at it. Thankfully, they couldn't agree on a trade-in valuation of their car and I had the whole day to look at it (it's possible this was a fairy tale thought up by the dealer to sell the car).

Six things that it had going for itself:

  1. According to Harry from EVO, 3.6 is arguably the best engine for L322
  2. 2 owners, last owner had owned it since 2011
  3. Great condition of the leather (in comparison to what I had seen on the market)
  4. No accidents (at least no history in either the police database or the insurance database)
  5. Acceptable and verifiable mileage - 177,000km
  6. Great price (lower end of the market) and last day of the month


Cons:


  1. The whole underneath was orange
  2. Deployable sidesteps were removed because one of them broke (I had to pick those up from some BMW, again, specialist later)
  3. Service history went only till 2013 (but it had the gearbox service at a dealership in November 2020)
  4. Front and rear suspension needed new bushings
  5. Passenger airbag needed a new control module
  6. Oil sweating on the engine cover
  7. Oil sweating around the engine-transmission gasket


The dealer did a full inspection and had agreed to pay for half of the required maintenance. And it had an unopened set of headphones, which I considered a good sign.

Most importantly, it was a Westminster!

So, after a short waiting and some paperwork, I became a happy owner of this Westminster! The dealer also managed to sell me a set of 19" wheels with tyres for £300 as a spare - you know how it goes.

Nice things to note:


  1. It still has a parcel shelf (although it needs some work)
  2. It has reclining, heated and ventilated rear seats


Attaching some photos from the original listing. And will create another post in the appropriate thread with what had been done with the car since (in case it may be interesting and useful to someone).





Post #591883 20th Apr 2021 3:46pm
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stan
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great story and lovely FF .... welcome to the forum.. Thumbs Up ... - .- -.




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Post #591892 20th Apr 2021 4:42pm
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dimetrius



Member Since: 20 Apr 2021
Location: St. Petersburg
Posts: 24

Russia 2009 Range Rover Westminster TDV8 Alaska White

Thanks, stan!

Post #591895 20th Apr 2021 4:59pm
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Dommo



Member Since: 25 Feb 2021
Location: Swindon
Posts: 26

United Kingdom 2007 Range Rover Supercharged 4.2 SC V8 Java Black
Re: 2009 Westminster TDV8 Alaska White

dimetrius wrote:



  1. According to Harry from EVO, 3.6 is arguably the best engine for L322




I've been watching the same video, many times over!

Looks like a good purchase Thumbs Up

Post #591897 20th Apr 2021 5:06pm
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Bl4ckD0g



Member Since: 16 Feb 2020
Location: 127.0.0.1
Posts: 1322

Netherlands 2010 Range Rover Autobiography 5.0 SC V8 Santorini Black

Dobryy vecher Dimitrious Smile

Nice to see you've got a nice specification one. I've had a GLS63 before my 5.0SC Range Rover. And having been many a time to Russia I know how much Russia likes the GL class. Heck I even had one as an Uber in Moscow Smile But you made the right choice, despite my L322 being much older, it is actually a more luxurious experience.

I don't know about the specifications in Russia but I may have good news for you. You spec looks better than the Westminster. Whilst the Westminster is ok, it is actually generally a basic factory spec. Your leather interior doesn't seem like the Oxford leather a Westminster has but the semi-aniline (must nicer and softer leather) from the autobiography or Vogue SE specification. Perhaps it was an upgrade as part of the rear reclining/heated/cooled seats.

I can't fully tell from the photos, but considering the rear seats and the way the lights look and the grille, and the rest of the interior your configuration seems like what was called here the Autobiography Black edition. That is a really nice specification. I missed out on that one whilst haggling for a price reduction because the rear parcel shelf was missing, and a parcel shelf for rear electric seats costs a lot to replace and you rarely see them on the second hand market.

Either way, it looks a good one.

Priyatnogo vechera, bylo priyatno poznakomit'sya.

Cheers,

BlackD0g

Post #591899 20th Apr 2021 5:14pm
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dimetrius



Member Since: 20 Apr 2021
Location: St. Petersburg
Posts: 24

Russia 2009 Range Rover Westminster TDV8 Alaska White

Добрый вечер, Bl4ckd0g!

Happy to know you've visited Russia many times, I hope you enjoyed your stay!

GL/GLS and GLE are indeed rather popular here. I reckon the new GLS might begin taking over the S-class market here as well. And I agree - the Range Rover is quite more luxurious experience. And I can get away with wearing wellies (a pair of Hunters bought specifically to commemorate the purchase of the RR Very Happy). It's also much more capable off-road and has the split tailgate (3 labs) - two rather important reasons for selecting the FF in the first place for me. I have to say RRs are also rather popular in St. Petersburg. The ride comfort is almost a necessity here - general swampiness of the area coupled with rapid temperature changes and high humidity decimate the asphalt in 1-2 seasons, creating potholes the size of a football.

Thanks for taking the time to study the photos. Your analysis is spot on. I am rather blessed to have landed on this particular example. When making the purchase decision I figured any L322 is likely to have problems and some corrosion, but the trim makes it worth the effort to fix and maintain. The leather is indeed semi-aniline. I've come across several Autobiography and Autobiography Black examples while on the hunt; in Russia these usually came with the chrome bodykit. AB also came with a teak (?) floor in the back and split rear seats with airplane-style worktops. And while I'd seen ones with reclining seats, mine is the only one I came across that also had the ventilated rear seats, which is insanely cool (pun intended).

The fixtures on the parcel shelf became loose, so I looked it up in the catalogue and after finding out the price for a replacement I figured I'd fix it myself Laughing

Fijne avond and nice to meet you, too!

P.S. will attach a spec sheet in the next message

Post #591915 20th Apr 2021 7:00pm
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dimetrius



Member Since: 20 Apr 2021
Location: St. Petersburg
Posts: 24

Russia 2009 Range Rover Westminster TDV8 Alaska White
Re: 2009 Westminster TDV8 Alaska White

Dommo wrote:
dimetrius wrote:



  1. According to Harry from EVO, 3.6 is arguably the best engine for L322




I've been watching the same video, many times over!

Looks like a good purchase Thumbs Up


Thanks, Dommo!

That video had tipped the scale for me! The video from High Peak Autos also inspired some confidence. And the comparison of Bentayga vs. F-Pace vs. RR by the Trio became an important milestone on the road to the purchase decision before that.

Post #591917 20th Apr 2021 7:08pm
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dimetrius



Member Since: 20 Apr 2021
Location: St. Petersburg
Posts: 24

Russia 2009 Range Rover Westminster TDV8 Alaska White

The spec sheet for those that might be interested:

VIN format type - VIN format - EEC [147AA];
Park Heating - Park Heating With Remote Control [043AV];
Navigation Systems - Colour Nav. System [025EM];
Interior Trim Finish - TPO Trim Finish [088CV];
Paint Colours - Alaska White [909];
Derivative Badges - Westminster Badge [057CR];
Seat Lumbar Adjustment - Rear Seat Power 4 way Lumbar [033IQ];
Instrument Packs - KPH only Instrument Pack [038AP];
Centre Console - Material / Finish - Console Lid Leather [088EM];
Windscreen Glass - Climate Control Windscreen [047AP];
Headlamps - Adaptive Headlights BiXenon [064DI];
Tyre Pressure Monitor - Tyre Pressure Monitor 433MHZ [062AA];
Fuel Filler Neck - Fuel filler All Nozzles (diesel) [053BW];
MIL Light Disable - Mil Light Enabled [067BR];
Power Train & Drive - Adaptive Dynamics [027CW];
Front Treadstrips - FT DR Treadstrips - Bright No Badge [048AS];
Electric Door Mirrors - Electro Chromatic Exterior Mirror [031BP];
VIN prefix position 9 - VIN prefix position 9 - 4 [144AX];
Cruise Control - Manual Cruise Control [065AE];
Tunnel Console - Jet Tunnel Console [080CG];
Vehicle Information Control System - Traffic Message Channel (TMC) [087AG];
Transfer Box - High/Low Ratio Transfer Box [043AE];
Wheel & Tyre Configurations - Tyres Continental [029KA];
VIN prefix position 7 - VIN prefix position 7 - M [142AH];
Towing Equipment - Towing Prep ROW [028BR];
In Car Entertainment / Speakers - Premium ICE Branded [025GQ];
Facia Contrast Colours - Jet / Jet IP Facia [038CK];
Dealer List - Europe [273AA];
Sunroof - Sunroof-Glass Tilt and Slide - Electric [019AT];
Weight Plates - 3200kg [097BG];
Hot / Cold Climate - Cold Country Version [072AK];
Mirror Parking - Electric fold flat capability dr mirrors [030AV];
Interior Mirrors - Auto Dim Rear View Mirror w. Homelink [031CP];
Gear Knobs - Wood / Lthr Gear Knob [117AF];
VIN prefix position 5 - VIN prefix position 5 - M [140AP];
Additional Luggage Retention - Side Loadspace Net [135AG];
Steering Wheel - Wood/Lthr HTD Multi Function Steer Wheel [032DK];
Interior Lamps - Interior Courtesy Light [064CT];
Mirror Operation - Memory Mirrors [030AG];
Spare Wheel Type - Full Size Spare Wheel [050AQ];
Seat Colour Combination - Jet / Ivory [034DS];
Air Conditioning - Fr & Rr Comfort Air conditioning [022BC];
Paint Bands - Solid Paint Range Rover [024AP];
Seat Trim - Aniline Leather [033HZ];
Rear Seat Style - Premium Range Rear Seat [033HW];
Engine Tune - Diesel Engine Tune Russia [075DB];
Seat Features - High Spec ( 10 Way DRV ) Seat [033GT];
VIN prefix position 4 - VIN prefix position 4 - L [139AD];
Console Material - TPO Console [088FB];
Television - Dual View Touch Screen [129AG];
Rear Seat Configuration - 60:40 Fold rr Seat w. Ski Hatch [033ET];
Literature Packs - Russian Literature Pack [002BY];
Volumetric Protection - Volumetric protection of the interior [076DM];
Exterior Features - Blind Spot Monitor [086GD];
Navigation Mapping Disc DVD - Russian Mapping DVD Disc [025LD];
Rear Axle Differential - Rear Axle Locking Diff [027CC];
VIN prefix position 8 - VIN prefix position 8 - 2 [143BD];
Market Constraint - Order Restriction ROW [201AM];
DVD Region - DVD Region 5 ( Baltic / Africa ) [164AF];
Voice Input Language - German Language [155AB];
Door Casing - Material - Door casings - Style 5 [090CC];
Facia Console - Full Leather Ext Facia [088FT];
Portable Camera - Venture CAM [086GA];
Fixed Rear Camera - Rear View Camera [086FA];
Drop in Mats (Front) - Less Throw In Front Mats [079AW];
Shipping Guard - Shipping Guard Package [077AJ];
Battery Back-Up - BBUS with Tilt Sensor [076EG];
Trim Rear - Trim Rear - High Line [154AB];
L30 Facia Main Harness Complexity (4) - Facia Main Harness DSL LHD Level 4 [151BY];
L30 Facia Main Harness Complexity (0) - "Facia Main Harness DSL LHD Level 0""" [151BI];
Mirror Heat - Heated door mirror glass [031BY]

Post #591920 20th Apr 2021 7:09pm
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