I’ve been wanting a FFRR since 2010 but for one reason or another it’s not happened. Well now I’m very close to my dream.

I have a top budget of £60K and have set my heart on a 4.4 Autobiography. In addition I would like to have the Signature Meridian stereo system and as many extras as I can get. Side steps and electric tow bar are desirable but not deal breakers.

I’m thinking the years available to me range from 2013-2015. My preferred colour is a grey or black with a light interior and piano black, not keen on the wood finishes.

My mileage will be approximately 6-10k pa so I wouldn’t rule out a high mileage example, overall condition and an excellent history are my first priority.

A 2013 model would save me a few quid so is there any advantage or reason to go for the newer models available in my price range?

All suggestions welcome 👍👍 718 GT4
FFRR AB
BMW R1250RT
Honda ST 1100

Sold
Freelander 2
Porsche C4S Cab
D4
BMW 520 M Sport Touring
BMW R1200RT
BMW R1150RT
MX5 2lt Roadster

I would buy from a main dealer to get a two year warranty .

Do bear in mind, if a tow bar is important, that the optional electric tow bar has a restricted weight capacity (of only around 1 tonne) if you use it “off road” - according to the LR manual (if not the sales literature )

Also, if it’s a 4.4 AB AND it’s in white AND it has a registration beginning with the letter “O”, it might have had a very hard life as a Land Rover Experience car for the first few thousand miles

Last edited by Red Merle on 17th Feb 2018 7:19pm. Edited 1 time in total

15MY> has most of the revisions so, if you can? Buy a newer one to get the revised suspension and infotainment upgrades

My advice would be to buy on condition and the newest one your budget allows as each year LR add desirable touches. I've had a 2013, a 2014, a 2015 and three 2016 cars (Long story). To me the 2015 and later models were noticeably better. The in control system is useful and is effectively a tracker, so lowered my insurance and the car automatically lowers itself every time you park it to easy access. This means that side steps aren't as important as they are on earlier cars as you are already 2 inches or so lower. Also the rear seat folding is better because it can all be done from the buttons at the back as the front seat automatically move forward and back to stop them snagging the rear seats.

The other words of wisdom for what it's worth from someone who has owned several is not to be put off by the TDV6 as it's a belting engine and unless you have a very heavy right foot or you are always towing 3.5 tonnes it's plenty powerful and even more refined than the SDV8. I have the SDV8 presently and its a really good engine but in my view the tdv6 edges it as an overall package.

I've also had the signature meridian system and again it's a very good system but I honestly doubt that most people would tell the difference between the 1700 watt and the standard one that comes with every AB or VSE. To me the only real difference was that if I wanted to play loud music I'd probably turn the signature up to 20 and 30 on the standard but both actually go all the way to sixty I think which is far too loud to play in the car.

Finally, the AB is a great car but the sweet spot of the range IMHO is the VSE but that depends how much you would actually use the extra toys. And it's generally 6-10K cheaper for similar year/mileage cars. For me the only bits I really miss from the AB over the VSE are the winged headrests and the parking heater. Things like 360 cameras and massaging seats are things I use infrequently. I think your colour choices are good too but unusually the Firenze red looks awesome in the metal and was perhaps the most stunning of my six.

Good luck with your purchase. 2016 SDV8 Autobiography
And several others previously.

Basil , am i right in thinking that its only your MY 16 that has auto lowering ?

No the 2015 one had it also. 2016 SDV8 Autobiography
And several others previously.

Last edited by Basilfawlty on 17th Feb 2018 9:21pm. Edited 1 time in total

[quote="362bkr"]I would buy from a main dealer to get a two year warranty .[/quote

X1 2016 SDV8 Autobiography
And several others previously.

I thought auto lowering came in for 2016, my 2015 doesn’t have it

Andy. 2015 L405 SDV8 Autobiography, Indus Silver with Black Pack.
SWMBO: 22MY Defender 110 HSE X Dynamic, Gondwana Stone.
Gone: 2014 Discovery 4 HSE Luxury Firenze Red
Gone: 2006MY Java Black TD6 Autobiography
Gone: 2013 Jaguar XKR Convertible, Italian Racing Red with Ivory Seats
Gone: 2010MY Stornoway Grey TDV8 Vogue SE with RSE
Gone: 2008 Disco 3 HSE, Hybrid Tv + Retro-fit RSE System & DVD
Gone: 2003 Epsom Green 4.4i Vogue, LPG, Mk4 Nav, BMW Bluetooth Phone, Hybrid Tv Tuner,

Correct it's MY16 onwards. Fwiw I turned mine off as I have deployable steps and prefer the car at full height 2021 L405 Vogue SE 4.4 V8 DIESEL ~ #17

Thank you for your reply’s and the information on the pluses and minuses of the different models and years.

I’ve sort of set my heart on an Autobiography 4.4l but if there really was a saving of up to £10k then maybe I’d think again.

From all I have read I have no doubt in reality the 3.0l would suit my needs but having driven a couple of 4.4l cars I’m smitten

I will try one before totally ruling it out...

I popped into Saxtons to check out their stock and have a chat, nice people and lots of choice. They offer an RAC Warranty and gave me the impression it was the equal to a manufacturers extended warranty - any observations on this? 718 GT4
FFRR AB
BMW R1250RT
Honda ST 1100

Sold
Freelander 2
Porsche C4S Cab
D4
BMW 520 M Sport Touring
BMW R1200RT
BMW R1150RT
MX5 2lt Roadster

Last edited by Don Henshall on 18th Feb 2018 1:25pm. Edited 1 time in total

I think you need to do a search on Saxons/Saxtons ....................

Thanks for the heads up but I am aware  718 GT4
FFRR AB
BMW R1250RT
Honda ST 1100

Sold
Freelander 2
Porsche C4S Cab
D4
BMW 520 M Sport Touring
BMW R1200RT
BMW R1150RT
MX5 2lt Roadster

From what I have seen with their pricing, there is very little difference between their pricing and a main agent when you factor a decent warranty into it - not worth the risk imho 2021 L405 Vogue SE 4.4 V8 DIESEL ~ #17

I think they may have improved slightly over the past few years but still a car supermarket with stereotypical “wide boy” salesmen selling the cars main dealers have probably turned down at auction

Not a bad place to window shop to compare models and colour combinations though

Completely agree regarding pricing and warranty when compared to a main dealer.

Andy. 2015 L405 SDV8 Autobiography, Indus Silver with Black Pack.
SWMBO: 22MY Defender 110 HSE X Dynamic, Gondwana Stone.
Gone: 2014 Discovery 4 HSE Luxury Firenze Red
Gone: 2006MY Java Black TD6 Autobiography
Gone: 2013 Jaguar XKR Convertible, Italian Racing Red with Ivory Seats
Gone: 2010MY Stornoway Grey TDV8 Vogue SE with RSE
Gone: 2008 Disco 3 HSE, Hybrid Tv + Retro-fit RSE System & DVD
Gone: 2003 Epsom Green 4.4i Vogue, LPG, Mk4 Nav, BMW Bluetooth Phone, Hybrid Tv Tuner,