Hello everyone,

I'm new to the forum but not new to Land Rover as I have been driving a 2010 Range Rover Sport 5.0 since 2016
The time has come to upgrade and I am looking at purchasing a 2017 (late 2016) L405 with a 4.4 SDV8.
One of the reasons why I'm only looking at the 17 plate is the upgraded infotaiment system.
I have test driven a 15 plate autobiography and unfortunately the infotaiment system seemed very outdated, laggy (even video feed from the cameras was delayed) and very pixelated too (looked very similar to the screen in my L320).
I am aware that there are Android based headunits that replace the dated system but I imagine this would invalidate the warranty (please do let me know if anyone's had experience on this matter though).

My initial budget was £35K, but I now realise that I would have to significantly stretch it for a 17 plate.
Having an adaptive cruise control in my range rover sport I have decided not to buy another car without it, so spec wise it would have to be either a Vogue SE or an Autobiography.

Having gone through a number of ads on Auto Trader I realised that with my budget I wouldn't be able to afford a Land Rover approved car in the spec and year that I'm after, so getting hands on help in finding a decent example could be the way to go as if it's done less than 100K miles I could still put under official Land Rover warranty (provided I pay for their inspection and address any issues they might find). Browsing through this forum I believe I have noticed that Cam-Tech-Craig can kindly assist in finding a good car

So far below car is the best one that I was able to find that fits my budget and the spec/year that I'm after:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103110008644

I would very much apprecaite any advice, input or recommendations that you might have. Thank you!

Last edited by eugeneville on 26th Apr 2021 6:02am. Edited 1 time in total

With naviplus you can get Apple CarPlay or Android Auto utilising the existing screen 👍 That may help extend the search.

I guess the decision can also hinge on how long you plan on keeping the FFRR. I would imagine the residual value on a 17 plate will take a proportionately bigger hit than a MY15 when the new model comes out next year. Used prices are a tad inflated at the moment, and probably will be for some time until the stock becomes more balanced towards supply over demand.

If you were only planning on keeping it a year or 2, I would go for the older cheaper version. Let the new model come out, then see where the MY17+ values are at. However if its a long term thing then go for the best you can.

Just my outlook

Thank you. I am very much planning on keeping the car for good few years, 5 or so (owned my current RRS since 2016).
I'm now convinced I need to find a good, well looked after 2017 SDV8 example.

What do you guys think about the one I posted earlier in the original message (my favourite so far) and the ones below?

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2...obcid=soc5
^ Rather odd description, just says that it's blue Will call and see what's what...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2...obcid=soc5
^ Description says that a brand new engine has been fitted by LR under warranty. Very peculiar engine failure at 64 thousand miles on the clock... What could have possibly happened for it to fail rather early in its life

I was under the impression that these engines are rather bullet proof and something out of this world needs to happen for them to fail. Superior reliability of the diesel V8 is the only reason I'm looking only at the L405's that come with this engine, rather than a 3.0 diesel that appears to have a slight disadvantage in the reliability department.

Generally speaking is that a realistic endeavour to find a good 17 plate SDV8 with maximum of 70K on the odometer (this kind of mileage shouldn't be a concern right?) for circa 40 thousand pounds?

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2...obcid=soc5


That’s the one for me - I like the idea of an established indie dealer

Hmm, I was rather taken back by a very short description which just says that it's Blue... I will give them a call, but I was under the impression that the Vogue Centre is the go to place for a used range rover after the dealer that is.
I called them yesterday and the owner explained that their garage wouldn't even be able to give me the car on the day, they first have to carry out any service that it's due, do an MOT with all the advisories and ensure it's perfect to maintain their 5 star rating. Sounds absolutely ideal to me, but not sure how it plays out in real life and if their preparation and service is indeed that good.
P.S. ^ talking about the car that I've linked to in my first post.

Went to view a 17 plate L405 and wow in my eyes the feel in the cabin is miles more modern than the 15my that I test drove before. Infotaiment is buttery smooth and the dash feels fresh too with new graphics.
Having done that I'm now permanently set on finding a gem for my "pennies".

P.S. Sensible side of me tells me to test drive a Mercedes GLS (just because of the 7 seats that our family needs maybe twice per year and a bigger boot). But my gut feeling that it will be a disappointing experience after having driven an L405.

Any input is always very much welcome. Thank you!

You have driven the SDV8, get one, life is too short and the way its going we will soon be ostracized for even dreaming about one!  Help got CAR OWNER VIRUS!

We used to own the GLS63 (x166 model). It was a lovely lovely car, active cornering with active seats was on a different planet and made the car feel like no car that size should be able to feel. When doing german autobahn speed the suspension goes low and it is like the world largest estate car. So far and handles beautifully. The active wind assist is awesome as well when going across big bridges or the big wide open fields in the Netherlands. All points that are way better than the Range Rover, and then ofcourse there is the boot space which is practical and has extra seats that fit adults.

But...I bought only an old 2010+ MY L322 Autobiography as a tip runner whilst still transporting us in comfort with the intent to emigrate. But...even my old L322 feels at a whole different level of luxury compared to our GLS. Sure it doesn't handle as well, but I prefer the powerdelivery of the supercharged compared to the GLS63, and the sound insulation, the use of leather, everything just feels much more luxurious.

So much so, I wouldn't go back to Mercedes (AMG) at all. Unless 7 seats all the time are a must. Otherwise just rent a car for when you need 7 seats

Having just gone through this process, I am glad, for peace of mind that I bought a LR approved vehicle, it was my main point along with had to be SDV8 at least SE spec.

https://used.landrover.co.uk/search

I did a search, picked the spec I wanted and picked at least 3 favourites, then haggled with the dealers to let them know I had 3 contenders and their car is one of them.
I Looked at the average price for that spec car and milage in the value your car section it gives you an idea of private v dealer prices.

Made offer's starting at least 10% below dealer price, if a counter offer was made I would just say I will consider it, decided not to chase any car, I did not make return call's that day or the next, I let them call me (They did lol)

Just put your AliBaba hat on

Play each dealer till you get the best price, dont worry that it may be 100's of miles away. The Car you want, you will travel for anyway. You can get a car with LR approved warranty in your price range you need to seriously haggle for it though and walk away if it stalls.
Also worth checking other car sites as my car was just put on the market and never actually made the LR site as I bought it days after I noticed it on GarGuru site. I was monitoring CarGuru's for several weeks.
where it was placed first.
For me personally I travelled from Norwich to London and bought the car during lockdown.

I remember someone on this site recommending LR London dealers as they were happy to do serious negotiating as they wanted the throughput, whereas smaller town sites won't budge (Taggerts Glasgow come to mind lol--" I only deal in £100's discount not £1k's He lost the sale lol).

Good luck just dont dive in, do your research then compromise

Maybe this AB is worth a look and a haggle when the pics are released?

https://www.cargurus.co.uk/Cars/inventoryl...=146082875 2018 SE SDV8 4.4 Byron Blue

Big thanks to everyone once again for your continued input and help


I agree in terms of the GLS, I will most definitely regret it if I was to go for it.

In terms of the message that suggested to stick to JLR approved. I most definitely agree that this would be the best way forward but the cheapest LR approved 4.4 vogue se/autobiography is £51K. I'm very glad that you were able to find your perfect car and with a warranty from LR.
P.S. Cheers for the link too, didn't even know that this website existed, however a shared link is to a car sold by Saxton 4x4 (not LR approved vehicle), plus I've read quite a few negative reviews regarding this dealer.

For the moment I have two cars that I really like that are within my budget and have the spec that I'm after too and both are being sold by The Vogue Centre which is in Oldham (from Fleet I'd imagine the best way to get there would be to take a train to London, then Manchester and a few more trains/busses/taxis to get to the dealership).

I know chances are slim, but is there anyone around Manchester with good knowledge on L405's who would be willing to help me verify that the car this garage has for sale is worth going for? By all means for a fee we can agree upon.

Sacimiddx wrote:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103270646614?atmobcid=soc5


That’s the one for me - I like the idea of an established indie dealer

Looks nice.

^ Plan is to view it today, will keep you gentelmen in the loop.

eugeneville wrote:

Went to view a 17 plate L405 and wow in my eyes the feel in the cabin is miles more modern than the 15my that I test drove before. Infotaiment is buttery smooth and the dash feels fresh too with new graphics.

Sacimiddx wrote:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103270646614?atmobcid=soc5


That’s the one for me - I like the idea of an established indie dealer

That is very nice! Although the interior on that 17 Plate other than the screen looks identical to my 15 plate 16MY car?

It's a huge jump in value for a MY17 over a MY16. Sold - Bell a 2015 MY16 Loire Blue Autobiography 4.4 SDV8
Previously George a 2007 MY07 Java Black VSE 3.6 TDV8
Previously a 04 MY04 Defender 90

I've traveled to Cheltenham and viewed the Louire Blue range rover linked above.
The car is in a good overall condition but has its minor issues that the garage promised to address.
The car is also due a service and MOT advisory is to replace all brake discs and pads. Again the garage is saying that all will be done.
People I spoke to there are very friendly, nice to talk to and came across as very credible and trustworthy. Tim Fry Landrovers appears to have been there for 30 odd years and is an established LR specialist in the area. In the garage they had a few Defenders and Discoveries up on the ramps. I was left alone with the car and the keys for as much as I needed and sales person was not pushy at all, just tried to help where he could and noted all the minor issues I managed to find.
I test drove it with him for a prolonged period of time and haven't noticed anything wrong with the car. What I mainly wanted to try is breaking suddenly to hear for knocka in the front suspension; rocking of the body upon braking to see that it would only rock once due to active body stabilization; activating rock crawl and low gear, turning wheel to lock either way and accelerating hard to hear for transmission noises. All of that was fine, haven't noticed any knocks or weird noises

Here is a list of things that I found to be a little bit imperfect:
* Centre console/bottle holder is missing a lighter insert
* Centre console/bottle holder cover doesn't retract well and gets stuck mid way
* Rear armrest has a compartment which doesn't open with a button
* Odd paint fading on the engine cover
* Plastic moulding of the rear left door doesn't line up well and is misaligned
* Odd corroded bolt on the washer bottle
* A number of big scratches on the left front wing and left side of the front bumper
* Plastic cover in the middle of the rear bumper is badly scratched
* Sand and stains on the carpet in the boot

I saw the V5C and the car has just one former owner and has full JLR service history at Taunton JLR dealership. It had a total of 4 services carried out, all within the prescribed mileage/time.

I can tell the car has been used as intended, roof bars on the roof have been used, sandy stuff has been carried in the boot, but rear seats look brand new. Everything seems to work just fine in the car, checked most of the functions and random things.

Puzzled by the misaligned moulding on the rear left door, faded paint on the engine cover and strangely clean washer bottle with a corroded bolt (although the whole engine compartment appears to have been valeted).
Overall the car doesn't appear to have been in an accident or anything like that. Both headlights have the same amount of wear, bumper as well, etc. Nothing appears to have ever been repainted.

Pardon for a quite a few letters. Hopefully I haven't missed anything and the car is indeed decent.
As always, thank you very much for your continued support and input.

Click image to enlarge

Click image to enlarge