So, after close on 2 years my 2014 4.4SDV8 FFRR is gone. Combination of things lead to my decision.

Road tax, £700 is mad and going to £750 in April is too expensive.

Not ULEZ complaint.

Maintenance in the very near future I suggest. Oil cooler, Rear HVAC pipes, Front ACE pipes, front upper wishbones, 4 tyres, prob more just round the corner. I only say that as the aforementioned have never been touched and the car is coming to the age / mileage (80k) they will required addressed sooner rather than later, apart from the tyres obviously.

Over my ownership its cost me very little. Front lower control arms (fixed the suspension thud over bumps), oil and filters, rear brake pads, not bad for 15k miles.

FFRR Impressions,

Fantastic car, Comfy, quiet, easy 30mpg, still looks great given its age, superb handling for what it is and pretty quick. Tech is a bit out of date but not the worst for a 2014 car.

Thought long and hard about just buying a newer one but decided against it. Bought an X5 40D instead. Wanted the 50d but way too many issues with the small turbos on them, engine out job to fix. Can’t be bothered with that.

X5 40d Impressions,

bit more wind noise, not quite as comfy, deffo more nimble, great tech at your fingertips, better mpg but nothing to shout about.

Although I would say it’s as fast as the RR it deffo lacks the torque, it has to use the gearbox more to hide the lack of torque, overall performance not much in it. I don’t race about but need a bit of power to pass cars on my local “A” roads

They do the same thing just in a slightly different way. Deffo not as imposing on the road as the RR but a bit easier for the wife to park go shopping etc.

Be interesting to see how it stacks up over a few thousand miles. X5 40d

If you come back to a Range Rover in the future, don’t be put off by the £700 VED as there are cheaper options available if they fit your budget.

I’ve just traded my trusty 2017 TDV8 4.4 L405 in for a newer model and the annual VED on it was ‘only’ £190. As it was ULEZ compliant (euro 6 with adblue) - after 5 years the £400 VED surcharge is extinguished, hence ‘only’ £190 a year is payable.

Just a thought, but you probably know this already! 2021 SVAutobiography Dynamic Black

Previous Land Rovers
2017 L405 TDV8 SE
2011 L494 Sport SDV6 HSE
2013 L316 Defender 90HT
2005 L332 Range Rover 4.4 SE
2002 P38 Range Rover 4.0 Westminster
1988 Range Rover Classic 3.5 V8
1985 Range Rover Classic 3.5 V8

I'm still good with the VED to be honest, I'd only be throwing it away on depeciation on something I didn't want and would be really depressed every time I saw a fatty on the road.

A. Fuji White / Jet 2012 4.4 TDV8 Westminster

@Peter d

Yeah I did look at the newer ones, £190 is very good but I would need to spend a big chunk of cash to get into one.

I am planning for early retirement this year/start of next latest so trying to minimise my outgoings and still drive a car I like. The BM seemed best bang for my buck.

If I do come back (would not surprise me. I really enjoyed the FFRR) I think it will be a sport. Its just a bit smaller and would be easier for the wife to manage.

I also have a campervan so don't want a wee run-around for the wife just no requirement for 3 vehicles X5 40d

@AndyRoo,

I agree it was a tough one. Keep it forever as it was worth nothing or bite the bullet now. Obviously I chose the latter.

Will miss it though I reckon X5 40d

I went the other way. I’ve had a couple of X5’s for a good few years - the second was an e70 for 5 years. Cracking cars. Very reliable. I had the 3.0SD which is the twin turbo diesel, 300hp and 145mph I believe!

I just had a Range Rover itch to scratch and started getting bored of the X5. Good luck with yours 👍