Always quite fancied a FFRR but didn't really think they were worth the money.

I've driven mostly beemers for years - most recently a 535d and an X5sd and I really love the twin turbo engines, especially in the 5.

And I had a love hate relationship with a Maserati 4.2 coupe a couple of years back but that's another story!

I keep an eye on the market and various forums especially this one but whenever i decide on a budget and spec and do the research I can never quite bring myself to actually go through with it. And then I usually get a serious case of 'analysis paralysis' over whether to buy nearly new or a few years old and / or whether to wait for the next model year change or the brand new design in 2013 etc.

Anyway, a couple of weeks ago I realised the X5 would soon need a new set of boots, an MOT and an extended warranty etc. And coupled with boredom with the thought of another one I did my usual 48 hrs of internet stuff and found a few FFRR's that met my criteria.

I had decided if I was going to get one it was now or never and my budget was 25 - 30k to change. I wanted a 2010 model year Vogue or Vogue SE and whilst the attractions of the 4.4 were tempting given that I like the 0-60 poke of the twin turbo X5 I wasn't prepared to wait for used ones to come down from c65 - 70k to nearer c55 - 60k. That would just be a recipe for another failure to follow through!

So I found a July 09 Silver Vogue SE at Stratstone Cheltenham and without much hope enquired about a part ex on the X5. Pleasntly surprised at the figure I then realised I hadn't actually driven one yet! So a quick phone call to my local dealer lead to a test drive in a similar used model and it took precisely 2 minutes to know that had I bothered to have a test drive sooner I could have saved myself a huge amount of time and 'shall I / shan't I' agonising!

In short these things are stunning! Couldn't believe the quality leap over the X5 (a very decent car in its own right) in so many ways. I now 'get' the reviews - this is quite simply the only way to drive and the best car in the world by a country mile. Clarkson is right. And so was my wife who has always wanted a FFRR and, without any of the baggage of my typical male 'analysis', is (annoyingly!) always intuitively right - thanks babe! So from a phone call about a part ex on Friday 17th via a test drive on Sunday 19th the FFRR arrived on my drive in Yorkshire on Thursday 23rd - thanks to all those at Stratstone Cheltenham who made it happen so quickly and smoothly!

Since then we have had some rear entertainment fitted for the boys, digested the handbook and all the gadgets and put a thousand or so miles on the clock seeing friends and family over the festive period - in imperious and unmatched style and elegance. Sure, it's a a couple of seconds slower than the X5 from 0-60 on paper but on the road you hardly notice it and in every other aspect it leaves the X5 standing. That's me converted - I'm already planning a change to the 4.4 next year and then the brand new model a couple of years after that.

The lessons learned? Internet research is all very well but test drives answer a million tangible and intangible questions (especially the really important intangible ones!) in a fraction of the time. Oh, and women always know best - but then you knew that didn't you!

Converted of Yorkshire!

Glad you like it krm. I've been a a fan of RR in general for years. Have owned 2 P38 (older style) versions and couldn't wait to upgrade. Having only recently done so, I'm also glad I did.

They say you either love them or hate them. I certainly love mine..!! Ash
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2016 SDV8 AB

I persuaded a friend to buy one with the words, "once you have had one, you'll always have one". He still thanks me for putting him into one.

Emperor Mong wrote:

I persuaded a friend to buy one with the words, "once you have had one, you'll always have one". He still thanks me for putting him into one.

Agreed. Once you've had a Range Rover you'll never want anything else, whether its a 1970's classic or a 2010 shiny new one they are great cars!

Dan 

[quote="
They say you either love them or hate them. I certainly love mine..!![/quote]

This drivel is generally spouted by the penniless dreamers or lemonade wallet brigade believe me!No one I have EVER met hates FFRRs....NO ONE  If you have nothing nice to say,say nothing at all.

My wife does. She had a P38. Dumped her too often. She gives me a hard time about mine. Loves her (hateful tank) Landcruiser V8.

In my trade I regularly have access to an M5, M6, X5, XKR etc but always head out with the keys of a FFRR in my hand.....

Gazellio wrote:

In my trade I regularly have access to an M5, M6, X5, XKR etc but always head out with the keys of a FFRR in my hand.....

Same trade as me I presume?

ATM I have a RRS Overfinch,Bentley GT Conti,RS4,TT Quattro,R32 etc etc....NOTHING IMO compares with the FFRR(Bentley does really but too "small"!!)  If you have nothing nice to say,say nothing at all.

RRV wrote:

[
Same trade as me I presume?

i think gaz's signature banner gives it away...  ... - .- -.




Y. O. L. O.
.

Agreed all the way, when I leave the house, there is only one set of keys I look for....until I get my DBS that is...  Current MY2020
Gone: 1 x L405 and 2 x L322's

The DBS keys stay in the drawer if the roads are snowy...

RRV wrote:

Gazellio wrote:

In my trade I regularly have access to an M5, M6, X5, XKR etc but always head out with the keys of a FFRR in my hand.....

Same trade as me I presume?

ATM I have a RRS Overfinch,Bentley GT Conti,RS4,TT Quattro,R32 etc etc....NOTHING IMO compares with the FFRR(Bentley does really but too "small"!!)

As Scary pointed out I am a Prestige Car Dealer - See Avatar and Signature

Gazellio wrote:

RRV wrote:

Gazellio wrote:

In my trade I regularly have access to an M5, M6, X5, XKR etc but always head out with the keys of a FFRR in my hand.....

Same trade as me I presume?

ATM I have a RRS Overfinch,Bentley GT Conti,RS4,TT Quattro,R32 etc etc....NOTHING IMO compares with the FFRR(Bentley does really but too "small"!!)

As Scary pointed out I am a Prestige Car Dealer - See Avatar and Signature

I too am a Car Dealer,sorry I did not even notice your sig until just now!!  If you have nothing nice to say,say nothing at all.

Well thats cleared that up then!

Sounds like you have some nice stock to choose from there

Have a good 2011

You too mate  If you have nothing nice to say,say nothing at all.