Hi there

I’m new to this forum which is a great source of expertise and tips. Thank you!

After a succession of D3s and D4s (my current one a 2014 HSE owned from new) owing to having 4 children, I’m now able to change to something more luxurious as they are all driving/at uni etc and I realise I’ve not used more than 4/5 seats for at least 9 months. The labrador remains fortunately 😄

I like the AB spec and have been
surprised at the range of prices these seem to command (I suppose I want to spend around £40k ish). Even for ostensibly very similar vehicles with the same mileage/history prices are all over the shop.

Has this always been the case?

My Disco’s advertised privately but I may well P/X it to save hassle.

Also, are there any buying tips I should look out for? I will probably do around 6-8k/year in this vehicle.

Many thanks

Stuart

Ah Brunel, I’ve seen a lot of your work around Bristol and down here on the Plymouth/Cornwall border. I can’t think of a more appropriate car than the D3/4 for you to drive. And you’ll love the V8!

Since making the same move, just over 18 months (and 50,000 miles) ago, I’ve only had one proper problem involving an oil leak from the cable that connects the wiring loom to the oil sensor buried deep in the engine. The first thing I knew was that the electronics on the primary turbo were saturated with oil and throwing multiple fault codes. It’s a relatively rare, but very expensive, fix (if out of warranty) at over 7 hours’ labour, with a new sub loom and a new turbo

Apart from that, it’s been great. The SDV8 is superb too. If you want to buy with warranty (highly recommended), be aware that Warranty Direct really much prefer lower mileage examples when it comes to calculating your premiums.

Front brakes are of the 6 pot Brembo variety and are superb, but not especially cheap to replace (OEM pads alone are £400 from an independent), but I should see over 60,000 miles from my first set. If you want a truly luxurious ride and want to mount kerbs with impunity, brand new (take off) 20” Range Rover Sport wheels can be picked up for 50p and a pickled egg!

Glad you like my work
Obviously I was looking for something steam-powered but apparently things have moved on...
Anyway, thanks for the advice. Ideally I’ll spend around £40k in total which should get me a nice example without interstellar mileage

I am also in the hunt for a 405 but may have to wait a while but looking on Autotrader shows 405 ABs well within your price range. I have been sitting on £35k cash and watching and waiting for the right car to come along although even £35k throws up some interesting examples. Geoff

Interesting. What are you looking for?

There do seem to be a lot for sale (and many more due to come up at the usual auction houses soon) so I’m sure I’ll find something.

Prices pretty spread though for ostensibly very similar vehicles

Do you (or anyone else) have any feedback on Saxton - they seem to have a ‘mixed’ reputation judging by the other car forums I frequent?

search 'sexton' in the dealer feedback section, theres a few comments there..

Thanks. Not good reading but nothing within the last couple of years - I wonder what they’re like now. Looks like they source stock from ex lease company auctions

How’s the car hunt going?

Good thank you. I collected a 2014 SDV8 Autobiography from Lookers Chipperfield yesterday. Causeway Grey with Ivory leather. Nice (albeit slow) drive back with plenty of time to get acquainted with all the toys whilst stuck in the M4 roadworks, crawling along at 5mph.

Buying experience was decidedly average (had to ‘remind’ them the car was 3 weeks overdue a service etc) but the car means all that will be forgotten soon

I’ll say a proper ‘hello’ on the forum and will shortly be advertising the full height LR dog guard that came with the car

Good work. I must be especially picky as I'm still searching, been months now. I keep looking at other brands/models

Really pleased to hear it Brunel

What do you make of the SDV8?...

Time to get that post count to 25 to be able to advertise that dog guard

Ho ho! The SDV8 is a cracking engine

What are you looking for archermav?

4.4 AB/VSE, with ivory, opening pan roof and the upgaded meridian stereo. Ideally not a black one. Deployable steps would be nice

I didn't want to spend more than 35 so looking for high milers. Thought I'd found one but wasn't happy with the P/X offered (and the dealership wasn't the greatest place to buy a £35 grand car from)

Brunel wrote:

Ho ho! The SDV8 is a cracking engine