I'm changing jobs and so the company car is going back. After my brief tax-induced flirtation with hybrid boredom (Volvo XC40), we want something with a bit of character and pace. Prior to the Volvo, our family wagons were Jaguars (X-Type estate, F-Pace S) and so we're familiar with JLR if not Range Rovers.

We've decided that a 2011/12 TDV8 is the best option for us and went and test drove one that is for sale at a local dealer today. It's on the market for just over £18K with 85,000 miles and was a bit of a let down. I'm now wondering if we're expecting too much from a 10 year old car or was this a lemon. The one part of the car we are familiar with, the 8-speed auto, was clunky. The car didn't seem to have much power off the line. the suspension wouldn't raise or lower, the aircon wasn't working and it was in a sorry state cosmetically, both inside and out.
We're not quite ready to buy, the Volvo won't go until after Christmas, but the Westminster that was on sale here a couple of weeks ago looked like a really good car despite having done 20K more miles than the one we looked at today.

My first question is, which is more representative of a late L322? Should we expect a bag of spanners or are there good cars out there?
My second question is, is it worth buying a Gap-IID to take when viewing cars? My feeling is if a vendor isn't happy with me plugging it in and pulling the fault codes then I should be walking away. I'm not expecting to find no faults at all but at least I won't be buying blind.

Thanks and hopefully we'll find a decent one when the time comes. the one good thing to come out of today's drive is we both agree that the L322 is the car for us.

This is perhaps an idea of where you want to be....

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110088279323 The older I get, the more I realise that people confuse wrinkles for wisdom

If we need to spend £25K to get a decent 4.4 TDV8 then it sounds like today’s one was what we should expect for under 20.

I’ve not had mine for long but it was cheap due to high mileage which doesn’t bother me in the slightest
The thing with l322s is that the prices are going through the roof at the moment as are most other cars
If you are spending a lot of money make sure that you get the spec you want
Even at ten years old the car should still function correctly
The gearbox should be silky smooth so probably needs the oil changed
Also you say it was sluggish off the mark??? Mine is really quick for the size of the car

Just my point of view 2016 4.4 diesel

harmonicandy wrote:

If we need to spend £25K to get a decent 4.4 TDV8 then it sounds like today’s one was what we should expect for under 20.

I'd suggest that over £25k gets you a very good, late, low mileage example. If money is no object, that's what to go for. The one you have described sounds like a complete dud from a dodgy dealer. If mileage is less of a concern, there should be ample decent motors about for under £20k. For me, low owners and full documented history should be paramount. Good luck with your search. The older I get, the more I realise that people confuse wrinkles for wisdom

I’m pretty sure mine will spin the wheels from standstill if I ram my foot down.

You need to both look at and drive a few so you know what’s good and bad, even ones you don’t really want spec wise.

Then when you find the spec you want and it drives well, get it bought. They seem to sell pretty quick at the moment.

 2011 Range Rover Vogue SE 4.4 TDV8

Previous cars :
2003 Range Rover Vogue TD6
1999 Discovery Td5 ES
1995 BMW M5 3.8 6 speed
1992 Range Rover 3.9 Efi Vogue
1992 BMW M5 3.8
1988 BMW 735i SE
1989 Ford Sierra XR4x4 2.9i
1981 Ford Fiesta Supersport

With all the faults you list, it seems probable that the previous owner didn't like to spend money & keep her in tip top condition, personally, I'd walk away.
If you keep your eyes peeled on the 'for sale' section on here, you may be lucky to pick up a gem off here. People on here are as fastidious as can be, truthful & honest.....not many dealers [not all] can match that.
If you're brave try Manheim or BCA. I know BCA if you register [no cost] you can see what's coming up & where. Choose the vendor & you could bag a bargain. 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

Thanks everyone, I'll go and try a few more and keep my eyes open.

As it was the first L322 I'd been in, I just wanted to sense check after the shock of just how crap it was

You missed a good one that I had listed in the For Sale  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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I thought the same, would have suited him to a tee! 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

I know, as I said we’re not ready to buy just yet. That Westminster looked like a great car but I need to get rid of the company car first.

If your budget is £25k I'd look at £20k examples and keep £5k as a contingency fund for repairs. Even low mile ones are still a minimum of nearly 10yrs old and things can let go esp if low miles = lots of short urban trips on the school run and to the gym.....
Don't be rushed and if you can wait 6 months the market may have cooled off a bit. 2012 TDV8 Vogue (L322)