Time for my first L322

OK so after an enjoyable few years with my (second) TD5 Disco it's time to upgrade to something that's a real step forward in comfort safety and drive (although after ACE it looks like I might have to get accustomed to body roll as RRS is not for me). Originally wanted a D3 but their tendency to lunch themselves regardless of maintenance has put me off. TD6 seems strong if gruff but mated to a GM box that'll need rebuilding every year or so. Plus with impending charges for taking diesels into towns it seems petrol is the best way to relatively future proof when purchasing in the 4-5k bracket.

An 04/05 4.4V8 seems the best all rounder from what I've read on posts, in terms of reliability and option to LPG if I end up having to commute again in future, plus leaving me a slush fund for maintenance. Any potential nasty surprises? I've seen some stuff about scored liners and chain guides as well as Vanos system. I'm used to having to keep on top of maintenance and spending several hundred a year to fix land rover foibles on top of the routine outlays, but I'd like to avoid the semi regular 4 figure sums that seem to accompany D3 ownership with blown turbos etc and a show stopper snapped crank/turned bearing. I know the ZF box is only reliable in comparison to the GM, is it a potential yearly rebuild too? I've tried to do my homework through searches and reading but any advice welcomed.
Cheers
AJ

The 4.2S/C or 4.4 AJV8 2006+ is your best bet, the Jag V8 is great for high mileages Valve Saver Fluid/flashlube must be used however if running LPG as the excessive exhaust and cylinder temps damages the soft valve seats on the Jag v8/

The ZF6hp26 is also mated to the Jag motor and is the best gearbox ever fitted to RR IMHO..

But it requires a service every 60k linky in my SIG

The early 4.4 M62 is an ok engine but high maintenance when in compared to the Jag motor..

Timing chain guides
Vanos
Alusil liners degrading.

To name a few

The ZF5hp24 isn't much better than the cheese GM box but it's marginally better..

As i said best get a Jag powered L322 they're your safest/most reliable bet/

Henry_b said:

The 4.2S/C or 4.4 AJV8 2006+ is your best bet, the Jag V8 is great for high mileages Valve Saver Fluid/flashlube must be used however if running LPG as the excessive exhaust and cylinder temps damages the soft valve seats on the Jag v8/

The ZF6hp26 is also mated to the Jag motor and is the best gearbox ever fitted to RR IMHO..

But it requires a service every 60k linky in my SIG

The early 4.4 M62 is an ok engine but high maintenance when in compared to the Jag motor..

Timing chain guides
Vanos
Alusil liners degrading.

To name a few

The ZF5hp24 isn't much better than the cheese GM box but it's marginally better..

As i said best get a Jag powered L322 they're your safest/most reliable bet/

Click to expand...

Cheers Henry_b

The Jag engined ones do appeal a lot, I'd love a S/C but I'd probably be using most of my slush fund to up the budget to one (and pay the road tax on purchase). So I'd have a more reliable car but lower funds in reserve if it did break before I can top the pot back up. Tempting though... I'll have a look at what is available... Thanks

AJ_1980 said:

Cheers Henry_b

The Jag engined ones do appeal a lot, I'd love a S/C but I'd probably be using most of my slush fund to up the budget to one (and pay the road tax on purchase). So I'd have a more reliable car but lower funds in reserve if it did break before I can top the pot back up. Tempting though... I'll have a look at what is available... Thanks

Click to expand...

The 4.4 AJ41 is for you then The N/A!

D3 is an L322. Few panels. Lunch it

RangeRoller dt said:

D3 is an L322. Few panels. Lunch it

Click to expand...

D3 is an L320 not L322

The sport does nothing for me, styling wise.

Would rather have the Disco 3! Or a P38/L322

If i wanted a sporty Range Rover i'd have the CSK

Same here, I like the inside of the Sport but I think the exterior styling hasn't agreed as well as the full fat rangie or D3 and whilst it's far from ugly there's too much whiff of gangster/footballer (which is not the car or designer's fault but puts me off nonetheless). Horses for courses though.