Thank you all for your comments, it's very much appreciated.

In the end I decided to scrap the idea of the newer 5.0, largely because of the seats not being as comfortable and Timing Chain issue horror stories.

I'm now considering the vehicle below and would love to hear your views on this.

As I've had the Jaguar 4.4 V8 Petrol L322 for the last 8 years, I'm not very knowledgable on the diesel variants.

This is the exact same colour combo as my current car, but this has only covered 30,000 miles and comes with the 3.6 TDV8 engine.

I know the 4.4 diesel is a popular choice, but is the 3.6 really one to avoid?

I see Harry at Harry's Garage likes his, but what's the general consensus.

Once again, your knowledge and opinions are all greatly appreciated.

The link is here:

https://www.carnexions.com/vehicle/landrov...8300ff5454

Ok so all I'd say is that I had a 3.6 TDV8 - plenty Powerful enough engine.

BUT, the 4.4 TDV8 is streets ahead of the 3.6 to the point I'd call it an entirely different car. The double glazing, the updated air suspension and active body control, the combination of the new engine and the new 8 speed ZF transmission... all makes for an entirely different car to the 3.6, which I consider better in pretty much every way... and as a bonus its slightly more economical.

The 3.6 was a good engine but a quick search on here will show the 4.4 TDV8 is the one to go for and is a very reliable engine. Can't remember the member but there's an owner on here with one that's done 340,000 miles.

If I were you, I'd spend the same money for a 4.4 TDV8 with higher miles than a 3.6 TDV8 with low miles. Usual things apply - you're looking for a vehicle with low owner's, full service history (don't expect full main dealer), 2 keys, the manual, good quality tyres on it, hoards of receipts and crucially, receipts to show the oil cooler seals have been done and the auxiliary belt has been done. If you find a car without that evidence, put the money in the bank and use them as a bargaining chip. 2015 Range Rover Autobiography 4.4 SDV8

That's good to know, thanks Gary.

Sounds like it's not just your own personal opinion either, but the general consensus, which is what I want to hear.

Thanks once again for taking the time to share your knowledge

Just two questions Gary (or anyone else who can answer these).

1. Do you know if cooling seats are standard on the 4.4 TDV8, as ideally I don't want them. From what I understand, the seats have slightly less padding, which I'd rather not have as this car is solely for journeys to Europe.

2. Would you say the 4.4 TDV8 is much quieter than the 3.6 TDV8, or there's not much in it?

In answer to 1, the HSE, Vogue and Westminster do not have the cooled seats as standard but some do have them specified as an option. The Vogue SE (later replaced by the Autobiography) have the cooled seats as standard.

Easy way to tell is that cars without the cooled seats don't have the 2 seat control dials either side of the clock (will make the job easy when looking at photos and adverts online) and instead it's blank plastic. Both my Range Rovers have had cooled seats so I cannot compare to the regular heated only seats but... I wouldn't say they're uncomfortable and on a long journey, especially through sunnier European countries I would personally consider the cooled seats a must-have because they prevent a clammy back when doing a long journey.

Re quietness, yes, the 4.4 TDV8 can hardly ever be heard inside the cabin. The 3.6 has an especially noisy idle for whatever reason. The 4.4 is much quieter. The double glazing on the late cars reduces side noise significantly (drop the window and along the window edge and you'll see the 2 layers of glass).

Interestingly, I got my Sound meter out on my phone, placing it in exactly the same location inside a brand new 2021 Range Rover Sport and my 2011 Range Rover L322 and the 2011 was actually 2 decibels quieter at 70mph. The seats are also WAY more comfortable than in the Sport. Getting back in my L322 was like getting into a lounge. 2015 Range Rover Autobiography 4.4 SDV8

That's really interesting - Thanks once again Gary, seat comfort is a big thing, but then as you say, cooling will be a bonus, ultimately though, a quiet engine is probably the most important factor coming from a 2007 L322, 4.4 V8 Petrol.

Thanks again for taking the time to reply

My old car was a 2007 3.6 TDV8 and honestly, as soon as you Step inside a 2011 or 12 car, you'll realise that whilst it looks almost the same on the outside, it is an entirely different beast. 2015 Range Rover Autobiography 4.4 SDV8

Agree with the above. I had a small loan to get the 4.4 instead of the 3.6…. I came from a TD6.

Longest I’ve ever kept a car.

Indeed, the Vogue does not have cooled seats as standard.

 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

Thanks Gary and mjdronfield - Back to the drawing board

You prob need to drive a few, forgetting the seat… and make sure of the engine choice you want first…. Then look for one without cooled seats.

 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

I’ve got a 2007 Supercharged and my Dad has a 2012 4.4 TDV8 Autobiography which has only covered 24k miles. He’s owned it since new and only ever used it for long trips.

There’s pro’s and con’s to both… the petrol is much smoother and almost inaudible at idle, the TDV8 has a slight low frequency drone. Drone is the wrong word as it sounds like it’s a bad thing, it’s not but it is noticeable.

The 4.4 in many ways feels quicker then the SC as it gives you a bucket load of torque low down. Over 30mpg is achievable on a run too as it’s doing 1600rpm at 70. 90 is still under 2000rpm too.

I agree with earlier posts, I’d rather have a higher mileage 4.4 then a lower mileage 3.6. Especially as it’s got the 8 speed box, that box is lovely. I don’t dislike the 6 speed in my car either though, but the 8 speed is the better box.

Low mileage cars tend to fetch huge premiums and usually haven’t had the common fixes done as the mileage increases. Buying one that’s had more use and has receipts for the common issues being sorted will be a good buy IMO.

If you really don’t want the cooled seats you’ll need to look for a Vogue. As I believe they were standard fit on the Vogue SE, Westminster and Autobiography. I’ve got the brochure here for the 2012MY so can dig out the specs if you’d like.

Agree with the comments above though, try one with cooled seats as there’s no way you can describe them as uncomfortable

David. 2002 4.6 Vogue SE - Alveston Red with Lightstone Leather
2007 Range Rover Supercharged in Java Black with Ivory Leather
2012 Range Rover 5.0 SC Autobiography in Indus Silver with Jet/Ivory Interior
2012 Range Rover 4.4 TDV8 Autobiography in Baltic Blue with Sand Interior

You can have a run in my 2008 3.6 tdv8 when we do the top box.  John
2008 Stornoway Grey 3.6 Tdv8 Vogue
2005 TD6 Java Black Vogue - Written off!!
GAP iiD BT
2003 Discovery TD5 Auto, Nanocom Evolution - gone to a new home!
MasseyFerguson 152 - No electronics!! - Sold

Thanks David for such a detailed reply and I know what you mean about certain components being likely to fail at certain times, with a higher milage car hopefully having had these addressed. Thank you also for the comparison between yours and your dad's car, which is interesting to hear.

Thank you once again also to mjdronfield for your good points made.

I think you must be right about the seats and which models they came in as standard David, as Gary also suggested the same.

Maybe I do need to go and look at a few, looking at the engine and gearbox first, before fitting other elements around that.

Just quickly going back to the 5.0 option, aside from the timing chain issues, I drove one once a good few years ago and it just seemed to scream under acceleration, which I didn't like...... Although to be fair, I did drive it quite hard.

Has anyone any experience of this model, can it be driven gently and when done so, is it quiet? (I will be taking it steady with the dogs in the back).

Also, does anyone know if the timing chain issues have been done free of charge as a Land Rover recall?

Weegie wrote:

You can have a run in my 2008 3.6 tdv8 when we do the top box.

That would be really useful, thanks John

Just on the seats, I believe David is right and Gary is wrong. I’m pretty sure the Westminster had cooled seats as standard. The Westminster was the 2012 run out blend of vogue and vogue SE. I don’t believe there was an HSE spec with the 4.4.

Having recently joined the full fat club with a 2011 autobiography, I too would very much recommend the 4.4 over the 3.6 for all the reasons already given. I was fortunate to find a well maintained example at an independent who had looked after it for the last 8 years and was able to provide lots of history on it.