Hi everyone,

I'm new to this forum so any offers of help are appreciated.

I have up to 20K to spend on a FFRR and have test driven 3 variants so far:

3.0 TD6
+ Within my budget
- Too slow, noisy when pushed

3.6 TDV8
+ Very refined engine for a diesel, updated dashboard layout
- Outside my budget at the moment

4.2 V8 Supercharged
+ Superb engine, high levels of interior comfort, value for money
- Poor fuel economy

Out of the 3 cars tested only the TDV8 and Supercharged felt "special". If I had the budget I would probably take the safe option and buy the TDV8, but I don't and I want a FFRR soon. My head says buy a TD6, but my heart says buy a Supercharged because it is a phenomenal machine that I think represents superb value for money at the moment. The main downside of course is the poor fuel economy and with petrol at £6 a gallon and rising, it is a problem that will only get worse.

However, I only do about 8000 miles a year so figured that the Supercharged might actually make some sense because my annual fuel bill might be offset by a cheaper buying price relative to a diesel model for instance.

I am trying to make excuses to myself for justifying buying a Supercharged as a "sensible" choice, when I'm sure it is anything but! You only live once though and I have decided that I will gamble on a Supercharged for a year or so until TDV8s become more affordable and then assess the situation at a later date.

Anyway, there is one that has caught my eye:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/adv...?logcode=p

Does anybody know the history of this car? I rang the dealer to ask some questions. All were answered satisfactorily apart from I was surprised to find out that it has had 5 owners, which I think is a lot given that it is less than 6 years old. The last owner had it since February 2008 so that means it has had 4 owners in its first 2.5 years. Is this normal for a car like this? Would it be hard to shift on when I decide to sell?

Also, the mileage is a little high but then it was a 73K car when new and it is now 20K, plus so often people on here say "buy on condition, not mileage".

I am planning to see it tomorrow and if I like it, will try a cheeky bid of 18.5K subject to it being fit enough for me to put it on a LR Select Warranty Scheme (I have been quoted £730 for 12 months cover BTW - does that sound about right?) Do you think it represents good value at 18.5K? To be honest, I'm not sure if I would offer any more because I guess that Supercharged FFRRs will continue to plummet in value?

I look forward to any advice from anybody on here to help me buy the right car. Thanks in advance.

Well based on your mileage figures, and taking the manufacturers fuel consumption figures (25 mpg for diesel, 17.7 for SC), you will spend an extra £819 per annum on fuel for the Supercharged. Is it worth an extra £16 per week to you in fuel to get the enjoyment of a Supercharged V8? If not then you can factor in the cost saving of the S/C. Personally I'd say if the seller of the car you're looking at will consider any offer under £20k then there must be something wrong with it, however you may be right, S/C's may be taking a hammering because of petrol prices. But even if you can get it at £20k it's a steal for that spec, and to get a tdv8, you'd probably be looking at an extra £5k.

I've just bought a similar S/C and I'm so glad I did! The Range Rover is always a great car, but the spec on the S/C is just fantastic, and the engine is sublime. With the mileage you do I would say without hesitation go for the S/C! Range Rover-less at the moment - Pining!

supercharged ... I did!  '01 1.8i Freelander. Grey/ grey
'06 4.2 S/C Buckingham Blue/ Parchment
'15 5.0 S/C SVA Loire blue/ Black

If your only gonna do 8k a year........

GET A SUPERCHARGED

+1 Supercharged

It has much more sense of occasion, in my opinion. Even if that means being more friendly with the petrol pump  Aaron

2007MY RR 4.2 S/C Vogue SE
2000MY TVR Griffith 500
2005MY TVR Sagaris

+1 it also has an upgraded sat nav* which coughs politely when you pass a filling station.














*b0ll0cks

..





wish i'd got one, but you live and learn. ... - .- -.




Y. O. L. O.
.

Really like my SC, but one day when i get my frontal lobotomy, then i might get a Diesel version ........  ====================================

"Open Mike Night " sounded like a lot of fun until i found out i was going to an Autopsy

If you are only doing 8k miles a year, then get the SC if the fuel cost doesn't matter.

If you did anymore miles I would say get the diesel and chip it, a chipped TD6 will do 25/26 with spirited driving, my old one never went below 23 even giving it the boot.

I also have a Petrol (not S/C), but that only does 10mpg on very short trips, I also have several friends have have 4.2 S/C's, but they only average 13 on medium runs and 15 on a good day...

Yep as Vogue says above , 13mpg and below , very very rarely do i get 15mpg
......... then again i'm a C t of a driver .........  ====================================

"Open Mike Night " sounded like a lot of fun until i found out i was going to an Autopsy

Last edited by JOKER on 4th Mar 2011 1:50pm. Edited 1 time in total

Supercharge would be my next choice, currently have a TD6 but i'f your worried about running cost and Depreciation then a supercharged isn't for you.

My mate has one only does 5,000 miles a year but all small local journeys and quite often get down to 8MPG believe his averge is only 11MPG

Try a chipped TD6 see what you think alternativly if possible add to the fund and get a TDV8 could be cheaper in the long run with Depreciation etc 


http://gallery.me.com/paul_harland/100010

Range Rover Vogue TD6 2002 "52"
Bonatti Grey

Supercharged all the way. If you drive with care you should get 17 - 18 mpg. But worth it 'oh yes'.

Well if someone can get get 17mpg /18mpg out of a SC they are not driving with care , they are driving like an Arse ..............  ====================================

"Open Mike Night " sounded like a lot of fun until i found out i was going to an Autopsy

Last edited by JOKER on 4th Mar 2011 1:50pm. Edited 1 time in total

hey stop td6 bashing, we do have feelings you know......  2004 black Vogue TD6