L322 Side steps - what do they cover up

hi all
I am new to the board but not the world of Land Rover having previously owned a 1970 Series 2a SWB, a Series 3 LWB from 1973 and a 1979 Range Rover.

I am looking to buy a 2003-2005 L322 and have noticed a few which have recently had side steps added. Is this something to be suspicious of, that could be covering corrosion? Or are side steps really desirable and a good selling point. I understand there is a big list of things to look out for when buying but how crucial is service history on these? Are the BMW petrol and Diesel engines hardy or must they be serviced on time every time?

Thanks in advance

never heard of side steps being used to cover rust or anything.

Service history for me is a meh i'd much rather buy a Range Rover from an enthusiast who has interest in the vehicle and attends to things, rather than someone who basically doesn't give a jot and drops into a main dealer once a year for a stamp in the book.

Gearbox and electrics are the woes on the L322 Unless you are very adept at electics and mechanics it *will* eat your face. Personally, I wouldn't touch one with a bargepole. A fully loaded P38 Bosch Motronic (thor engine) 4.6 Vogue is more reliable, easier and cheaper to repair and doesn't rust.

Know what you mean about enthusiast maintained. Not bothered about dealer history, just prefer to see a big pile of receipts showing work actually done. A stamped book is meaningless.

I can do a bit myself. Have changed turbos before but wouldn't rush to do it again. Wouldn't go near an auto box change. German electrics are known to be rubbish.

Will rethink the P38. At the moment I a using a 1997 Gen 3 hilux surf, which I have had about 4 years. Only thing that has failed was the after market alarm. Otherwise, faultless and a bit tatty. That was ok as it was a workhorse. Now looking for a comfy motorway cruiser. Ideally, petrol with LPG

Lanark said:

Wouldn't go near an auto box change.

Click to expand...

well that rules out the L322 then !!

check out Saint V8's threads on the L322.

I have a P38 4.6 Thor on LPG, Multipoint BRC system, its been faultless (The LPG system)and economical

The P38 was bought to use as a workhorse, but has proved economical over the near 10 years I have had it with only minor repairs and routine maintenance. Its now at 139k and has just had a top end rebuild head gaskets upwards. yes I could change it out for a newer model, but in all honesty, what is that going to give me that the P38 doesn't apart from bigger headaches and huge bills.

By the way.. I'm not trying to dissuade you from the L322, if that's what you have your heart set on, then go for it, as you'll always be disappointed with something else, just go into it with your eyes open, that you *will* need a new gearbox, you *will* have to spanner yourself and resolve electrical gremlins.. and probably a steering lock and that parts costs are significantly more expensive than you'll budget for.

Either way.. also budget for a proper diagnostic tool like a nanocom with any Range Rover.. you *will* need one.