As posted on another thread my TD6 was written off at the end of May. My insurance company paid out quickly on a no fault basis. So no excess deducted.

I have a Discovery TD5 which I have had since new in 2003. Love it but it isn't FF.

For a number of reasons I wanted to replace from the UK and spent a lot of time on the web on sites such as Auto Trader. The problem, is at a distance, you are dependent on the quality of the dealer or private seller. I asked for full sets of photographs to be sent for any car that interested me. Including underside as there were some problems which could have developed on the TD6. It could be quite revealing as, for example, one dealer who when asked said he would send them but "they don't tend to rust as the have an aluminium chassis". Oh really, a chassis and aluminium on the L322 ?

He did send photos but it was a bit of a rust heap underneath. He had already shot himself in the foot with his comments.

I then thought of a site sponsor who has a very good reputation on the forum. So I had a look at Green Oval Garage's website and they had just what I was looking for - a Storrnoway grey 2008 3.6 Tdv8 with a full service history and just under 98k at the right price. I contacted Brian the Managing Director and he sent me a comprehensive folio of photos with a breakdown of the history. It had a full set of stamps. Main dealer at first and GoG for the last three years.

I think Brian was a bit surprised at someone wanting to come from such a distance but there was a bit of serendipity in that Ryan do flights from Limoges to Leeds in the summer on three days a week. So I booked a cheap flight for last Thursday and got into Leeds in the morning and got a taxi to GoG.

Brian and his team were every bit as good as I had hoped and were very welcoming and accommodating. He took me for an extensive drive in the car and when we returned put it up on the ramp so as I could check underneath.

One thing I wasn't happy about was the ride. The car had had RSS 21 inch wheels put on it and, for me the ride was too harsh bearing in mind I was coming from 18s on the Td6. There was a solution, Brian had a set of 19s (the car was originally supplied with 19s) take offs from an L405 with delivery mileage and Pirelli Scorpions on. A very reasonable price was agreed and, again for me, the ride was transformed. I really prefer comfort.

The other problem I had was that, although I had French cover for the car, as it was currently on UK plates I needed insurance and tax, which was a bit of a bind. However, I had a bit of a brain wave and thought if I could get to Hull then the ferry to Zeebrugge would be ideal. I discussed this with Brian before coming over and he said he was happy to deliver the car on trade plates to the docks at Hull. The car had had a new MOT put on and a service on Friday morning. True to his word I was ferried on Friday afternoon to Hull. The overnight sail was totally uneventful and disembarked at 10am on Saturday morning.

The drive home was a good test for the car and I covered the 500+ miles in just on ten hours with a couple of stops. The car performed faultlessly and what a difference from the Td6. Belgium is a bit of an a******* to drive in and the traffic was pretty heavy but once in France and with the journey mainly motorway all was fine.

I got an e-mail from Brian this morning checking if I had got home alright which was a very nice touch.

I will post photos when I have removed the travel stains. I also have to re-register it here.

A long story but written principally because I cannot speak too highly of Green Oval Garage and the staff. Everything was up front and no pressure selling. A pleasure to deal with.

I've updated my profile.  John
2008 Stornoway Grey 3.6 Tdv8 Vogue
2005 TD6 Java Black Vogue - Written off!!
GAP iiD BT
2003 Discovery TD5 Auto, Nanocom Evolution - gone to a new home!
MasseyFerguson 152 - No electronics!! - Sold

Last edited by Weegie on 9th Jul 2017 3:20pm. Edited 1 time in total

great story John and mucho kudos to Brian, not every dealer would do that...., ... - .- -.




Y. O. L. O.
.

Well done, John, I’m glad you got yourself sorted relatively quickly.
I’m jealous now, of course. My new steed is a top-of-the-range Suzuki S-Cross, with 4WD and auto box. It’s nice and does everything I want, but it just ain’t a Fatty. The Suzuki is a very competent, comfortable car and I expect to have 5 years trouble-free motoring; the Range Rover was a love affair … with ups and downs!
As you say, they get in your blood …
Steve
 It's "bébéchoon", ackcherly, with accents. 'Steve' to my chums.
20 years ownership of Solihull products, ALL GONE NOW, sniff!
Current motor: Suzuki S-Cross 4WD auto, 1.4 petrol. Oh so reliable! 7 years now and no problems. Oh, all right then, a leaking shocker replaced under guarantee.
Previous:
TD6 HSE L322 Auto FF
2.5 TDi 4-door Classic
Disco II
And my 1st Rangie: in 1995, a 2-door VM 2.5 diesel Classic
Not to mention the Lada Niva before those. (I said not to mention it!)

congrats on the new one Weegie. Remember watching accident on your dash cam footage.

I'll bet a LHD equivalent would cost you a lot more by all accounts.

And enjoy the V8 experience too! Great colour choice btw

. Cheers, Greg
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
2011 Vogue SE 4.4 with lots of toys in Stornaway

So good to read. Sometimes you just need some help and it's cracking to see you were accommodated.

 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

Hello John,

Happy to read you found a nice replacement.
Enjoy your new car!

Daniel

Thanks John.
I'm really glad you liked the car and more importantly, your wife likes the colour!
You know where we are if you need us,
All the best
Brian

Just a quick wash to get the dust off so don't be too critical of the presentation.

looks much better than the dealer pics john..  ... - .- -.




Y. O. L. O.
.

Very nice cab, Weegie - I can see it being a lot of fun running round the south of France in that!

Loverly motor that is john.
glad you got fixed up.
All the best
greg.

Well done that man......

Glad you are all fattied up again

Better start reading up on 3.6's now then! There is nothing that can't be fixed with a hammer😜😜
FFRR 4.4 SDV8 Autobiography Santorini Black.
Fiat 500x 1.4 multiair Lounge 2015
2010 LR D4 Commercial 2.7 TDV6

 John
2008 Stornoway Grey 3.6 Tdv8 Vogue
2005 TD6 Java Black Vogue - Written off!!
GAP iiD BT
2003 Discovery TD5 Auto, Nanocom Evolution - gone to a new home!
MasseyFerguson 152 - No electronics!! - Sold

Looks cracking mate
Very nice colour combo and I do like those wheels
Glad you are pleased with it  Vogue SE 2011 MY 4.4TDV8 in Fuji White
RSE, Surround Cameras and Deployable Side Steps

Enjoy.