L322 experts? Dilemma time

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Charles Banbury

Active Member
Posts
114
Location
Oxfordshire
So, Have been away for some time. P38 2.5 DHSE had to go as new house was purchased and was worried that it's amazing ability to drain my wallet would result in neglect and, therefore, its undoing. So sold to a great Range Rover dealer and gone to a great home. Since then have been driving an ultra economical Audi A3 TDIe amazing, costs nothing - ever.
BUT I have to have another Range Rover. So chaps back to advice please?
  • I would like an l322.
  • I don't want a 3.0 tdi (because of the gearbox and it's too slow) is that stupid?
  • I would like a 3.6, could I do that for 8 - 9k?
  • At the weekend I am looking at a 2005 4.4 V8 Vogue. 3 owners, 93k FSH, £8250.
  • Have looked at all MOT's on line. It has never failed, very minor advisories, all have been fixed before the next MOT.
  • I am not too worried about MPG as I live at work and only do a small mileage personally.
Anybody who would like to look the eBay number is 112161092854

So my questions are:
  • Does this car have the nightmare gearbox? Or is it the more durable unit as fitted to the 3.6?
  • Dispite the fuel cost, am I mad to go petrol?
  • For my budget, is the 3.6 a posability with reasonable mileage?
  • Does anyone know of one for sale?
  • Bottom line - what do I look for when viewing? Just the big stuff. I have a great local specialist in the doorstep to do maintenance, I know what I am getting into, so the big ones please.
Many many thanks if you have a moment to help. It's very nice to be back.
Regards all,
Charles.
 
If you only do small mileage then go for a petrol. Not THAT much difference between mpg on petrol or diesel on motorway and round town is normally low mileage.
I was originally after a P38 diesel but having driven a couple, decided on a petrol due to low mileage.
Don't know much about the l322 but be interesting to see the replies because I'm toying with getting one for at home (the P38 normally lives in Czech)

Good luck.
 
Get a V8 petrol, no expensive stuff to do overtime for, apart from the timing chain!

I'm no RR died in the wool buff as such but steer the furq clear of diesel V8s unless you've a very good income or do them for a living!

If I was looking for a RR in your price bracket I'd want the updated dash but I fear that may be in the higher road tax bracket, maybe someone can clarify that bugbear.

They all chew gearboxes but the petrol ones are easier and cheaper to sort.
Lpg is brilliant.( on BMW 4.4)
 
There are some 2005 specimens with the updated dash and lower tax. I've looked at a couple, but they are a bit thin on the ground.
 
This is the Jag V8 and not the BMW V8.
I prefer the BMW V8, but I am biased...

Looks quite nice but really be careful. Dirty under bonnet..
 
I have the 4.4 M62 L322 and she is pretty quick....have driven a Td6, and was surprised it is quite pookey....it picks up well but runs out of puff quite quick until it finds the next gear....

So, Have been away for some time. P38 2.5 DHSE had to go as new house was purchased and was worried that it's amazing ability to drain my wallet would result in neglect and, therefore, its undoing. So sold to a great Range Rover dealer and gone to a great home. Since then have been driving an ultra economical Audi A3 TDIe amazing, costs nothing - ever.
BUT I have to have another Range Rover. So chaps back to advice please?
  • I would like an l322. -Good, they are awesome cars - but if you think a P38 can drain your wallet...your in for a nasty surprise with an L322....it isn't a drain, it is a bottomless pit.
  • I don't want a 3.0 tdi (because of the gearbox and it's too slow) is that stupid? - No, this is the biggest killer of the Td6 L322's
  • I would like a 3.6, could I do that for 8 - 9k? - Possible, but expect a bit of a dog...the 4.4 TDV8 is a much better engine, but out of the price bracket
  • At the weekend I am looking at a 2005 4.4 V8 Vogue. 3 owners, 93k FSH, £8250. - Getting towards the top end of the price scale for a 2005....it will have to be mint.
  • Have looked at all MOT's on line. It has never failed, very minor advisories, all have been fixed before the next MOT. - Means nothing to a Range Rover, they will still drain your bank balance.
  • I am not too worried about MPG as I live at work and only do a small mileage personally. - Good for you....go for a V8
Anybody who would like to look the eBay number is 112161092854

So my questions are:
  • Does this car have the nightmare gearbox? Or is it the more durable unit as fitted to the 3.6? - The Jag engined V8's were mated to a better gearbox than both the Td6 and the BMW V8's.
  • Dispite the fuel cost, am I mad to go petrol? - No.....love that noise.
  • For my budget, is the 3.6 a posability with reasonable mileage? - Just.....
  • Does anyone know of one for sale? - Nope!!
  • Bottom line - what do I look for when viewing? Just the big stuff. I have a great local specialist in the doorstep to do maintenance, I know what I am getting into, so the big ones please. - Start at the front bumper, finish at the rear bumper, everything inbetween is a possible and common fail item.....its a Range Rover, if you can't diagnose and/or spanner your own repairs, expect an eye watering garage bill....1 Air strut on the L322 costs the same as 4 Air springs on a P38!!
The L322 is an awesome vehicle and a much better drive than the P38....the P38 is marginally more comfortable as the seats are more supple, but the L322 is more of a drivers car. They are big powerful and planted and I would not talk anyone out of owning one, but you must be prepared for the inevitable breakdowns and hissy fits they like to throw. As long as you can live with this, they are awesome....many want to own one, and when they do and it throws a wobbler, they have a sudden wake up call that these are complex and expensive vehicles to own and maintain....many start to get neglected.

Respect the car, respect the brand and it will repay you in spades.....try and own one with eys closed and you'll be kicked in the wallet - hard!!

Many many thanks if you have a moment to help. It's very nice to be back.
Regards all,
Charles.
 
Had to laugh at the Diesel Versus petrol figures, i always knew the Rpm differential was a -33% weakest link.
Get yourself a soul and walk on the petrol side, if needs be make your own 'piece' (google scots)......that'll more than offset the perceived savings.
Diesel is filthy, Down with Diesel. ( I'll take twin V10 Tdi's though, for my boat, LESS dangerous!)
 
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The important memo to self with RR and any heavy beast is weight, the weak links are ALWAYS gonna be engine and box cos' they're plucked from cars 2/3rds of the weight. Drive with a modicum of restraint 80% of the time and it will reward you. Have some money in reserve for the unexpected and just go for the one that pleases you.....if that be supercharged i say fookin go for it, no pockets in a shroud and your a long time dead! Mmmm, 400 hp, drool........:)

Edit: re. Saints comment on Lpg, I think they need a valve-lube system to counter the valve recession that seems typical with the jag motors, but BMW 4.4 just thrives on the stuff.
 
I didn't manage to get to that car before it was sold but, have found another with a new gearbox and a very impressive history but big miles (145000) I am not worried about economy as I run a diesel A3 as an everyday car and the RR as my hobby vehicle. Can anyone point to a buyers checklist or a basic 'what to look for' guide. Failing that, ANY ADVICE!!?
Many thanks
 
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