Looking to get back into a Range Rover after previously having a 54 reg 4.4V8 and was wondering what would be considered the safer, more logical option in terms of reliability and usability; late model L322 4.4TDV8 or an early L494 Range Rover Sport 3.0 SDV6? I looked at late model Discovery 4's as well but I have near enough talked myself out of that one!

Budget is up to around £27-30k, but obviously if the better option is cheaper then all the better!

Cheers guys

This the Full Fat Range Rover site Sir , question answered  2015 4.4 AB
GSXR 1000 K5
R1 1998

If it were the old model Range Rover Sport (Discovery in drag) then it would be a done deal, but with the new Sport being Range Rover based it did muddy the waters a little.

Can you give some information to back up the recommendation please?

With a budget of £27 - £30 k, I would personally be looking at an L405 Range Rover.
A Range Rover is a Full Fat 4x4, a Sport is a...well, Sport...NOT a Range Rover, Just as an Evoque is...

Just my opinion though!

£16-20k gets a good late model L322, whereas £27-30k gets a 4.4 L405, is the new model really worth £10k more for a car only a year or two newer?

@Discotigger - Absolutely There are several V8 ‘405’s available within that budget, such as:

https://www.greenlightmotors.co.uk/used-ca...site-visit

If it’s a choice between the SDV8 and an SDV6, the ‘8 has a reputation for longevity.

Why did you “talk yourself out of” a late Disco 4? There’s a lot to be said in their favour

I don’t know enough about the L322 to know if it’s worth spending another £10,000, although the later car is made of aluminium and should be fairly corrosion resistant

I don't know, I get the fact that they're huge, and for the family that is a good thing, and for the money you can get a decent 14/15 reg for £20k, which is a lot of car for the money. But I just think it may end up feeling a bit too big and heavy, not quick enough and the reliability of the engine is a worry... Again the plus side is I'd never drive it like I stole it and would adopt a more laid back driving style less likely to get any points. Drive the car like its intended...

Up until two weeks ago I drove an MY05 Range Rover TD6, thought it was a great car (recently retired on 314,700 miles! Check out the mileage thread on here for proof!) and just upgraded to a 2012MY 4.4 TDV8. Holy cow!! the difference is unbelievable, and if I'd had a bigger budget I would have gone for a L405. They're a newer model and will have better aftersales parts, service, etc. (companies prefer to make good cheap parts for newer cars, the 'oldies' become less cost effective).
Why do you think this forum now has a separate section for the L405 models?

Again just my personal thoughts.

The law of diminishing returns applies of course, but typically the more you spend the better the experience you'll have. Only you can decide what level is "enough" for you and any more is just egging the pudding. Depreciation will be your biggest cost no matter which you buy. As has been said, the L322 vs the old Sport was chalk and cheese. I've not spent any time in a 494 so cant be so sure - particularly vs a 322, but I'm confident a 405 will better than a 494 - they actually manage to sell them for £40k more after all. And I don't get your notion that a FF wont be "quick". My 5.0SC isn't quick like a Lotus is quick, but there's not many barges on the road (including the Sport) that do high speed cruising as well. Indeed straight line acceleration on motorway slip roads and the like can be real "doors to manual" moments if you so choose and/or the occasion demands. Mike - MPx

2017 5.0 V8 Supercharged SVAutobigraphy Dynamic SVO Palette Grey (2021-...)
2012 5.0 V8 Supercharged Autoboigraphy Orkney Grey (2017-2021)
2007 4.2 V8 Supercharged Vogue SE Tonga Green (2012-2017)
2002 4.4 V8 Vogue Bonnatti Grey (2008-2012)

My reason for discounting a Discovery 4 was that it wouldn't feel quick, and one of the reasons to go for the 4.4 L322 or the Sport was that it would have a bit more shove, sorry for being ambiguous.

Late models generally have a reputation for being more reliable than new models as all the links have been ironed out and was wondering if that was the case here. Having had a look, there are quite a few L405's, either with the SDV6 or the SDV8 around, and that's really tempting me now.

Extra performance against the extra economy and cost is now a question, as is the engines reliability...🤔🤔

From what you’ve said, stick to the SDV8. The aluminium bodied cars are substantially lighter and will really help with straight line performance too.

Do you need the outright space, high up driving position and split tailgate? If not, could the L494 Sport better suit what you’re looking for?

Well the SDV6 3.0 has a bit of a reputation for self destruction.... 2010 4.4 TDV8 Vogue SE

It's more the reliability of the engines that is my concern now, some say the SDV6 run fine and have no problems, others say the engine can seize and destroy itself, and it seems quite even to those with and without problems...

Not only is the crank rock solid in the 8, but it runs massively over engineered cam chains and gears, in place of belts. The belts will be up for change on any SDV6 ‘405 of that age as well.

Click image to enlarge