Hi
New to the forum so apologies if this is in the wrong category or been asked a million times but I did a quick search.

I am looking to buy a 2005-2007 Range Rover up to a max of around £15k, I do very few miles so it will have to be a Petrol engine. I quite like the updated interiors in the 2007- RR's but its not essential. Basically my main worry is a lot of people talk about gearbox problems but is this a problem with a specific engine or all of them?

Ive read the electrics can be a problem but only on early models? Is this true? If so, which are classed as early models? 2002-2006?

I notice there are two petrol engine sizes in the 4.2 SC and 4.4. Did they drop the power output on the revised 2006 models as it seems to drop from 400 to 305 (might have just seen an error in a listing) or is that just due to the change from the BMW to Jag engine? Was the 4.2 always a Jag engine?

Which is the better option in reliability terms? BMW/JAG/4.2/4.4 ?

If there are any existing threads or web sites where this sort of thing is discussed please let me know.

Thanks!

Scott

I'd go 4.2 Supercharged for your budget

Two 4.4 V8's were fitted, from 2002 - 2005 a BMW 4.4 V8 was used and from 2006 onwards a Jaguar V8 was fitted.

If you're not fussed on fuel economy the petrol V8's are superb

The gearbox issues were more common on the TD6 I believe. Now: BMW 640d M Sport, Alpine White
Gone: Range Rover 4.4 V8 Vogue, Zambezi Silver, Charcoal Oxford Leather
Also: Mk1 Audi TT 1.8T Quattro, Brilliant Black
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Click image to enlarge

I can't speak to the diesels as we never got them.
BMW V8 Good if you want LPG. Engine seems good, but lots of other bits seem to cause issues.
JAG 4.2-4.4 Seem to have fewer issues then the BMW but of course they're newer cars. This was what I was recommended and I'm pleased with my choice.
JAG 4.4 vs JAG 4.2SC There's not much to choose between them. 4.4 gets SLIGHTLY a better mileage but you don't buy these for the great mileage! The SC is more powerful, but again, I have the 4.4 and it has all the power you could need. Having more "bits" more can theoretically go wrong with the SC, but I haven't heard of it.
The MY2010+ cars get the 5.0 and 5.0SC. These are more powerful and slightly more frugal. There excellent and a step up but a good bit more $.

Last note: BMW power = 5 speed transmission, JAG power = 6 speed. Afaik the petrols never got the 8 speed offered with the TDV8.

Hope that helps...

I wouldn't say the early cars are more prone to electrical issues. Yes the cars are the oldest, but the cars got more complex over time, adding all sorts of features.

There is more technical info and knowledge knocking about for the bmw based cars in the model years you are looking at, simply because there are loads more of them.

The 6 speed gearbox in the Jag engined cars will be nice to have. Solely for the extra cog.

Don't forget the increase in road tax after a certain date, if that bothers you.

Good luck with your search

 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

Welcome to the forum Scott,

If it assists your search, the timeline for/ history of the L322 Range Rover engine and gearbox types used in the Model Year vehicles you are interested in is as follows:

Diesel engines:
Diesel/ 5Spd GM – 2002MY to 2006MY (UK 2002 plate to 2006 plate) = BMW3.0 TD6 engine using the GM 5L40-E, 5 Speed automatic gearbox.

Diesel/ 6Spd ZF – 2007MY to 2010MY (UK 56 plate to 2010 plate) = 3.6TDV8 engine using the ZF 6HP2, 6 speed automatic gearbox.

Petrol engines:
4.4/ 5Spd ZF – 2002MY to 2005MY (UK 02 plate to 2005 plate) = BMW 4.4 V8 engine using the ZF 5HP24, 5 speed automatic gearbox.

4.2SC/ 6Spd ZF – 2006MY to 2009MY (UK 55 plate to 2009 plate) = 4.2 Supercharged engine using the ZF 6HP2, 6 speed automatic gearbox.

4.4/ 6Spd ZF – 2006MY to 2007MY (UK 55 plate to UK 2007 plate) = Jaguar 4.4 V8 engine using the ZF 6HP2, 6 speed automatic gearbox.

There are many threads on this and other forums about lifespans, failures and preventative maintenance reference both gearbox types although the ZF gearboxes have been generally accepted as more robust than the GM gearbox. However, there are also reports of problems with/ failures of the ZF gearbox (mechanical parts on any vehicle can have problems though!). This recent thread relates to a forum member who needed a replacement ZF gearbox:
http://www.fullfatrr.com/forum/topic25964....ox+service

Despite potentially confusing terms like ‘sealed for life’, the 6 speed ZF gearbox should have a scheduled service at approximately 100,000 miles. Compared with the price of a gearbox failure, some forum members have the ZF gearbox serviced before 100k miles. Ours was ‘serviced’ at approx. 70k miles which basically involves a gearbox oil and filter change via a specific LR kit that can be bought.

I had a jaguar engined model on a 05 plate…

imho for what its worth with your budget and needs, i would look for a good early 05-06 SC Vogue SE model. This imho is the most reliable, rust free, highly specced model with the least issues we see

+1 - for your annual miles and budget - just avoid LPG in the jag engined cars 2021 L405 Vogue SE 4.4 V8 DIESEL ~ #17

Plenty to choose from, Scott !
I was in the same predicament as you. I'd previously had a Td6 (faultless !), but sold it prematurely.
I looked at leggy TDV8's and I'm glad I didn't get one - not least because of the £500 tax disc !
I knew I'd be driving less miles so bought a '55 reg 06MY AJV8 4.4 - absolutely no regrets. It's the one you don't read about much on here . . .
My car has over 300bhp and returns 20mpg, although admittedly that's not much town driving. Oh yes, and cheaper tax . . .
There are not many about and only ever seen one for sale with '07 plate with Terrain Response.

 Where do you go after one of these . . . ?

On a budget I would recommend a BMW 4.4 but with touchscreen sat nav (hybrid model).

They are cheap and drive great I drive a 80k mls 2012 facelifted version and feel I get massive bang for my bucks.

Taken this morning at watford boys rugby:

I love the SC engined cars and the engines are virtually bulletproof. The gearboxes sometimes have a small issue but are still much more reliable than the TD6 boxes.

If fuel consumption is an issue, why not look at a normally aspirated V8. The Jag V8 seems a bit more reliable than the BMW, partly because they are in later models but also no VANOS issues or breather issues.

I would go for the Jag engined cars and then petrol. They seem to be the most reliable engines around in the FFRR. MY 2010 5.0 SC Galway green and sand interior!!
Have the Faultmate MSV2 Extreme to be tinkering with the settings etc. !!

^ Agree Jag if you can find one but the Touchscreen (Hybrid) BMW V8 cars are a cheaper alternative if you can find a good one.

Hi
Thanks for the input so far!

When I first started looking I was looking for a lower tax band model but then I noticed the interior changes around 2007 and it does look nicer/more modern inside (the very reason I dont want a Sport). Also given the Direct Debit option with road tax now it will perhaps be less painful giving THEM £500 a year. Some people pay more than that for an iPhone ha!

I was thinking LPG initially due to the better economy but I would only use this when we go on a run anywhere as I do around 5 miles a day generally. Then I went off them because they were severely limiting my choice but locally LPG is 59.9p so it is well under half price and Ive heard gives around 80% of the economy figures achieved on petrol but again there aren't many around (nice ones). Seems to be mainly very early models that get converted and my mileage doesn't make it a viable option to pay for myself.

I do like the 2010/2012 facelift versions like yours Gazellio but again it does limit my choices but that would be the ideal choice!

Most of the ones I have shortlisted are 4.2SC, I presume they're more common as it wasn't deliberate just something I noticed after reading the comments here. Any RR is going to have far more power than I am used to having or will ever use ha so given what you guys have said it doesn't sound like something that I should let influence my choice too much.

Thanks again!

Scott

Quote:

I do like the 2010/2012 facelift versions like yours Gazellio but again it does limit my choices but that would be the ideal choice!

The Jag 4.4 seems to be very rare in the UK. The SC is much more common. That's why you have problems finding them. The Jag 4.4 is much more common in North America. I've no idea about importing one, but you'd have to live with LHD.

The updated interior (post 2006) is certainly my preference.

However, if mileage or economics require LPG, get one of the BMW V8s, rather than a later car. They are easy to find and MUCH cheaper, and seem to take to thevLPG much better.The extra £££ can go for some customizing (you mentioned a facelift) and just keep a healthy amount back against any problems. Who cares if the annual running cost is more if you saved enough on the initial purchase.

And regarding facelifts, yes I'd like to do one too. But just remember, when it comes to the general public, I doubt any would be able to tell a 2003 from a 2012 assuming both were in the same condition. It's only us fanatics that notice such things.