Used Range Rover Buyer's Guide | Engine Tips & Advice
January 6, 2025
Range Rover Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose Perfect Range Rover
Range Rover is fast becoming a status symbol with its commanding presence, ultimate luxury and superior comfort. However, it’s natural to feel a little lost due to the vast range of models and variants available in the market. Range Rover was originally known for its rugged off road capability but since it had ventured into the luxury prestige category, the competition has just moved into another league with some big established players offering world leading technology. One must consider the potential maintenance requirements that come with age and use, particularly concerning the Range Rover Engines.
This is the reason we have put together a guide to help you navigate the options and choose the right Range Rover for your lifestyle and budget. Our strong focus is going to be on the engine choice and with our decades long experience of working with and fitting the replacement Range Rover engines, we are in a unique place to guide you towards making the best possible choices.
A Short Overview of Major Range Rover Model Generations
Before we get into the nitty gritty, one must understand the key models and the defining characteristics that would help them make an informed decision. Range Rover started its journey with the Vintage Range Rover or the First generation of Range Rover. This simple yet robust vehicle was followed by the Range Rover P38, a vehicle known for upgraded luxury but adding more meant having more that can go wrong. This vehicle had known air suspension and electronics issues, areas worth investigating before purchase.
Range Rover L322 emerged with a focus on modern technology and pronounced luxury. This was when things started to get serious, and Range Rover got noticed in the upper echelons. The current generation, Range Rover L405, is reaching the pinnacle of luxury and sophistication. There are further trims that highlight its status as a modern Range Rover. Range Rover Sport caters to those seeking thrill along with the traditional off road ability. Range Rover Evoque is considered an entry point vehicle yet it carries the style and elegance that Range Rover is known for.
Engine Options and Considerations
Different Range Rover variants use a range of different engine options. Every engine carries its characteristics. Top of the range models such as L322 and L405 use the mighty V8 petrol engines, while those engines sound impressive and provide peak performance, they are not known for their fuel consumption. The most popular choice of engine among the Range Rover drivers is the diesel engine. They offer the balance that most drivers crave in power and torque. Diesel engines provide better fuel economy when compared to the petrol options. The only downside of petrol engines is the constant maintenance that is required for the continuous operation of those engines.
Recent Range Rover models such as Evoque and some of the L405 variants use 4-cylinder engine options. This helps them stay in an affordable price bracket with a slight sacrifice on the performance side. Just like any other machine, those engines are susceptible to a range of issues that may require an engine replacement such as timing chain problems, particularly diesel engines. Having a trusted and reliable garage such as Select Prestige Limited ensures that you are able to find high-quality reconditioned engines. You can also count on us to look after the regular maintenance, such as oil changes, and addressing the warning signs helps increase the engine life significantly.
What to Consider When Buying a Used Range Rover
Buying a Range Rover is a major investment and commitment. It pays handsomely to carefully consider the key factors before you take the plunge. By simply considering the following factors not only you can save your hard-earned cash but also ensure that you are getting the complete worth of the money you spend on the vehicle.
Budget
First thing first, you must set a budget that you are willing to spend and afford. Most people take budget as the purchase price which is true to some extent but few people understand the importance of understanding the ongoing cost of ownership. When buying the Range Rover, take a close and detailed look at the cost of insurance, fuel, servicing, and potential repairs. You are buying a status symbol of a vehicle providing the pinnacle of luxury, they tend to have higher running costs that can bite you back in the future.
Intended Use
Ascertain what would you use your Range Rover for? The primary reason would be the daily commute, weekend off-roading advantages or will it be used as a family car doing school runs? Your specific usage of the vehicle would allow you to determine which model best suits you. You may not want to invest in a luxury Range Rover Sport if you want to take your vehicle to off road adventures
Mileage and Condition
A common misconception is to consider a Range Rover that has low mileage on the clock. However, this could put you in hot waters as it is equally important to consider closely the full service history and evidence of regular maintenance that indicate if the vehicle is well cared for or not. A thorough pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic is highly recommended to identify potential problems before they become costly repairs.
Body Work and Interior
We are not undermining the importance of the engine in your Range Rover but the condition of the bodywork, paint and interior components can tell you the clear story about the treatment of the vehicle you are about to buy. Pay close attention to it. The resale value of your vehicle is dependent on those factors.
Technology Features
Being a premium vehicle, Range Rovers are often packed with technology and its worthwhile understanding the features that can make your life easier. Not only you should check what technology features are available in the Range Rover you are about to buy but be sure to test them all or they could provide a nasty surprise.
Professional Inspection
The best investment you can make at the time of purchasing a Range Rover. It may sound much at the time of purchase but it has the potential to save significant money and headaches down the line. You can complete the purchase with complete peace of mind knowing experts have taken a closer look at it and you are not getting any surprises soon.
Let Us Help You Choose the Right Vehicle
There are many variables involved in buying a perfect Range Rover such as model type, engine options, intended use and overall condition. Make a wise decision and you can unlock the joys of owning an iconic vehicle while avoiding potential headaches further down the road. At Select Prestige, we specialise in Land Rover Engines and Range Rover engines and understand the complexities of this marvellous engine. Our experts are always on hand to help you every step of the way. If you are looking for a dependable place for a pre purchase inspection or need assistance with engine repairs or reconditioned engines, contact us without hesitation. You can book a consultation by simply providing the Reg number of your intended vehicle or call us at the number provided on the webpage. Our helpful and professional staff are always at hand to assist you in choosing the right Range Rover you can enjoy both on and off the road.