Hi FFRR's

I'm looking to get into L322 ownership and I think my heart is set on a 4.2

I've been trying to do my research and have seen some posts where people have said the earlier SC is the best but with nothing additionally to support this claim.

I'm not certain if they were meaning early S.C as is 4.2 vs the later 5.0 (with the timing chain issues) or early as in pre-07 4.2s.

I certainly prefer the facelift interior as they have the terrain response and electric parking brake however are there any mechanical differenences that make the pre 07 4.2s the better buy (all other things like servicing etc. being equal).

Thanks in advance

Mat 2006 L322 Vogue SE 4.2

I have an 07 had it for years its now on 240k original well apart from several lower arms bushes wheel bearings etc just bits that wear out

For me the sweet spot was the post MY07 (ie facelift) 4.2. I had mine 5 years and 60k (from 60 to 120) and nothing went wrong at all other than normal service items. Lovely car. Having said that the 5.0 was faster and slightly updated....but then the chains did go. 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)

Earlier one had slightly different interior, only one cupholder etc..

Have had my 07 for coming up to 2 years now and have done about 15-20K (honestly can't remember) its on 160k now.

1st week I had it one of the front airbags went so had both done, the aircon compressor was shot so also replaced that as well as the rear wiper motor which was shot.

about a year later the alternator went, but it had been making a burning smell in the car and neither I nor the mechanic figured out what it was. That got replaced.

Few weeks ago it was leaking engine oil pretty bad and smoking, the oil cooler had become corroded, while there got all the fluids changed including diffs and the gearbox.

Its no as scary as people make it out.
If you have the time and the tools they are not terrible to work on.

I keep looking at the new defender but besides updated interior and some tech upgrades not sure what else you get for the price!

Thanks for the replies.

So it sounds like mechanically they are identical and the differences are purely in the interior?

What about things like the terrain response is that purely electrical wizardry controlling the existing drivetrain? 2006 L322 Vogue SE 4.2

Not forgetting:

1. the electronic locking rear diff on the later 4.2 cars and;
2. the electronic handbrake also on the later 4.2 cars and;
3. The lower tax rate for pre-26 March 2006 registered cars: https://www.gov.uk/vehicle-tax-rate-tables...march-2001

I’ve had my ‘early’ S/C for over 3 years now and apart from the rear rust issues I’ve not had a single issue.

I hope this helps

So does the pre facelift SC not have rear electric locking diff?

Hi Philip,

Nope, not on mine anyway.

Regards

John

I agree and its not an option on any of the sales brochures I have for the MY06 cars.

Also the MY06 models are much simpler than the MY07 models which became available mid-late 06, no terrain response, no Electric parking brake. The MY06 models are the same as previous years with the Jag engine squeezed in, which results in some compromises especially in terms of access to various components.

You have to get used to using two different manuals to look after them and anything that falls between the two, you're on your own.

Having said that I would not change to an 07 unless I had to, I don't like the EPB (was very unreliable on my mates D3) and I am not keen on Terrain response just because of the added complexity. But I admit neither get many complaints on this forum.

All in my personal opinion.

David
PS check for rust, and check again it can be very well hidden! Range Rover 4.2 Supercharged 2006
Ford Focus EcoBoost 1.5 2017
MG TF 2003

Previous Cars of note
Land Rover Discovery 2
Jaguar Mk2 3.8 - Company car
MG Midget 1974 - Concours

These are early SC's

Nice one.

Hope you enjoy 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

Wish mine was as clean as that great stuff enjoy