As much as I love a L322, I couldn’t see myself going back to one from the L405 either but mainly because I spent 6 months looking for a good L322 and never found one

Towing for sure when I first towed with the L405, It didn’t feel right probably due to the weight but I’ve long since forgotten about that and in reality the L405 is one hell of a tow vehicle. I only tow a few times a year at most so it’s not an issue.

The main thing that would put me off another L322 would be the rear corrosion (cills, rear arches, rear tailgate) so if your looking and find a decent one that you can treat / seal then the L322 would be an amazing car no doubt. The 07 we had that I used dintrol on early on was better than most of the 2012’s I was looking at. I might have just been unlucky to be fair. 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

Good morning,

Now heres my take, everyone has there reasons, for me, I would go 5.0 L405. But maybe I am biased.

Happy hunting, what ever you go for you will be very happy with

I know everyone's experience will be different and that's the great thing about this forum, its got a lot of knowledgeable members. Personally I preferred the L322, I could fold the seats down flat to get bigger loads in and yes both cars were at the end of their production runs and proven tech, one was a 2006 TD6 and the other a 2012 Westie 4.4 TDV8 but neither put a foot wrong. I wish I could say the same for both L405's.

I totally forgot about load space, it was a shock when we couldn’t empty the L322 boot into the L405! We also managed to take a 3 seater settee to a friends in the L322 you’d not do that in the L405. Good point! 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

TJH1985 wrote:

As much as I love a L322, I couldn’t see myself going back to one from the L405 either but mainly because I spent 6 months looking for a good L322 and never found one

Towing for sure when I first towed with the L405, It didn’t feel right probably due to the weight but I’ve long since forgotten about that and in reality the L405 is one hell of a tow vehicle. I only tow a few times a year at most so it’s not an issue.

The main thing that would put me off another L322 would be the rear corrosion (cills, rear arches, rear tailgate) so if your looking and find a decent one that you can treat / seal then the L322 would be an amazing car no doubt. The 07 we had that I used dintrol on early on was better than most of the 2012’s I was looking at. I might have just been unlucky to be fair.

*Update*
-Firstly, thank-you for all the feedback. Having read all your messages I am now totally convinced on going FF!
-As everyone has mentioned it is quite a personal choice of L322 v L405. But also some useful technical things to consider as well as boot space!
-I have booked in to go and see a non-franchised dealer later today. FYI - it is this company - https://www.primoris4x4.co.uk/ - so if you have any feedback please share.
-I also contacted the seller of this - https://www.carandclassic.com/car/C1539812 - but no response yet.

I will update everyone once I'm back.

Seventeen months ago, I paid £28k for a very late, low mileage (42k miles) Westminster from a main dealer. At the time, this was the only L322 available from a main dealer forecourt! They don't normally sell nine year old cars from the front door, but this one was simply fabulous. A year and a half later, I still love it and have had 14k miles of absolutely trouble free motoring. The older I get, the more I realise that people confuse wrinkles for wisdom

Firstly, to all who gave your kind advice, a big Thank-you.
And a “finders fee” to AnotherMutley.

A very long day, with lots of miles covered, a gaggle of L322s & L405s.

Why have I never looked at RR’s before? But pleased I found this forum and finally took-the-plunge.

All the genius knowledge from the assembled Forum, Members, and Wiki Buyers Guides were invaluable.

So, before I present another amazing RR to the fullfatrr forum, any guesses on the purchase?…

Obviously a L322

L322 for sure!

Love to hear more about the day and back to back comparison etc. 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

Phoenix wrote:

Obviously a L322

You guys are too good.

Okay, so I looked at, but did not purchase this one… Fab interior but a tad too much bling for me. SC V8 that sounded like thunder - in a good way!

I recon it might be black, and have 66000 miles on it  2011 Range Rover Vogue SE 4.4 TDV8

Previous cars :
2003 Range Rover Vogue TD6
1999 Discovery Td5 ES
1995 BMW M5 3.8 6 speed
1992 Range Rover 3.9 Efi Vogue
1992 BMW M5 3.8
1988 BMW 735i SE
1989 Ford Sierra XR4x4 2.9i
1981 Ford Fiesta Supersport

Nah...its the silver TDV8 with only 39k miles on it. Well snapped up that man. Enjoy! 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)

Enough suspense I think…

I used all your wisdom with this purchase. Buy the best you can, look at condition, service history, follow the advice in the Buyers Guides. And go for a drive to be sure.

Here is the result. It is owned by a car collector. A lovely gentleman who has a large collection of cars including; one of the best Dino’s ever, factory modified 914, 964 etc. and his FFRR was cosseted.

Serviced on time, garaged, loads of paperwork including MOTs and maintained regardless of cost. I could only find very small stone chip on bumper. No marks on the bodywork and immaculate interior. Even the tow ball was as new and had the original cover.

Here we go:

Click image to enlarge

Ooo that looks very clean and tidy.

I’m not one for fiddling changing from OE that much, but the only thing I did on mine was change the side indicator bulbs in the front wings to LED. At least they flash the same as the front and rear ones then.

Hope you get many years of happy motoring. That engine with the 8 speed gearbox is epic.

I posted all the brochures and price lists with options in the Wiki, so you can always have a look and see what it cost when new.

Enjoy….

 2011 Range Rover Vogue SE 4.4 TDV8

Previous cars :
2003 Range Rover Vogue TD6
1999 Discovery Td5 ES
1995 BMW M5 3.8 6 speed
1992 Range Rover 3.9 Efi Vogue
1992 BMW M5 3.8
1988 BMW 735i SE
1989 Ford Sierra XR4x4 2.9i
1981 Ford Fiesta Supersport

Thank you@mjd and mutley (for the tip off) plus the brilliant feedback from ‘322 & ‘405 owners = very helpful.

Btw - I am amazed how fresh it is. The interior is honestly like a new car. With that lovely leather smell too!
I will definitely go through the guides you shared.

Guess what? I also received this from the owner:

Click image to enlarge