Hi All, I've put a bit of an intro to myself in the newbie section, and am researching the market for a 3.6 TDV8 or 4.2 S/C.
I like to know the ins and outs of a maggot's backside before committing to anything, so I'll probably post a stack of questions in the various sections over the next few weeks!
Firstly I've been lurking here for a little while before registering, and have trawled a lot of the previous posts and picked up loads of really good gems of info, so thanks to all you posters in what seems to be a great and helpful community.
I'm hoping I can contribute with any mechanical, automotive or any other knowledge I've got to help out in future.

I've got 2 main questions to start, bearing in mind the following:

I'd prefer something 2007 up for the interior updates if possible.
I am not overly concerned about fuel costs re the 4.2 S/C.
I don't and won't need to tow anything in particular, but may use a towball for a bike rack.
There may be some gentle (I like my paintwork) off roading as I live in Deepest Darkest Dorset!
I've had lots of sports cars and a Shogun Evolution in the past, so will be looking for adequate grunt for the odd squirt!
I've never had a diesel vehicle before.......
I probably do about 10k miles a year with my commute being 75% fast A or duals, and 25% town driving.
The newer, bigger TDV8s are probably just out of my price range.

I went with a pre facelift SC as didn’t see the bang per buck return on the 2007
Sure the interior is a little nicer, and heating cooling is apparently improved - terrain response is an improvement and there’s an electronic handbrake , and e-diff (my 2006 has this)
I don’t think there’s anything else , so it comes down to if you value these things at 5k ? Although I think it’s more like a 3k delta unless a 2008/9? 4.2 SC - sold , now bought back
4.4 AdBlu Tractor - Stolen

Hmm. Thanks for the note! That's along the lines of my thoughts. What exactly does an e-diff do and how would I tell if one was fitted? Are the gearboxes etc the same?

Cheers, Simon.

Electronic locking diff - stick your head under the car and look for wires going to the diff
Gearbox is the same - ZF 6 speed (HP26) 4.2 SC - sold , now bought back
4.4 AdBlu Tractor - Stolen

I think on a sensible budget and new to the marque then focusing on getting the best possible condition for the budget should be the primary focus, and not the age. I personally would suggest petrol, but even that I would be tempted to leave open. Instead go for best history (anally retentive documentation is ALWAYS a good sign), fewer owners, perceived condition (get an inspection perhaps), and then if this check out get the desired colour, unmolested with aftermarket “upgrades” etc.

I think you say you previously ran TVR? Rest assured Land Rover products are especially reliable! (by comparison)

Thanks for your note! Ha! I hear you about TVR, but they call that "character "! So far the opinions seem to mirror my thoughts so I'm feeling a bit more trusting of myself......
Still keen to hear the experience of others. It seems if I went with the TDV8 there's a bit more choice out there and greater likelihood of the facelift falling into my price bracket. So my mind is in no way made up yet!
Thanks again!

Si.

If you are less worried about repair costs than fuel costs then go diesel, if you are less worried about fuel than repairs then go petroleum.

The 4.2 mated to the ZF box is a good setup and from reports on here seems to be pretty reliable. Have a read of the buyers guide in the wiki on what to look out for and you should be steered in the right direction. At that age I would probably start to steer away from the tdv8s unless they had a documented history with loads of work done.

You would want to see history on the alternator, egrs, possibly turbos etc where as the SC has less points of failure! There is nothing that can't be fixed with a hammer😜😜
FFRR 4.4 SDV8 Autobiography Santorini Black.
Fiat 500x 1.4 multiair Lounge 2015
2010 LR D4 Commercial 2.7 TDV6

Thanks NMJ sounds like a lot of sense. As I've said, I've never had a diesel before so it would be a steeper learning curve too. Sounds like the S/C is edging ahead!............

I like this forum!

Si.

sc all day long , goes like a rocket and feels real comfy doing it , i am getting buried in mine

That'll be some coffin!

Real cars do petrol....

As a pointer I bought my sc 4 years ago when my p38 blew a head gasket (again) I have done over 100k in it it is now on 173k nothing has failed bits have worn out (I drive hard) so had loads of brake pads and discs loads of oil - mine still doesn't burn any but I change it every 6k miles - replaced the front suspension rear bushes but bags are original a couple of brake pipes and all front pulleys and belts as well as alternator water pump and zircon compressor they were all working but I just did a bit of preventative as I go to Europe a lot
Great car reliable so long as you use it

Hey thanks. I tend to keep on top of maintenance myself too so this is sounding more and more like the car for me! Really appreciate all the views and tips.