How to buy the PERFECT used Range Rover: Vicki Butler-Henderson's guide | Auto Express

Buying a good used Range Rover can be tricky - here's Vicki Butler-Henderson with everything you need to know on your search. And for a great deal on a used Range Rover, head to www.buyacar.co.uk/.
Read more at Auto Express:
Range Rover used buying guide: aex.ae/3A0EQbS
Range Rover L405 review: aex.ae/2zYFZ5R
New 2022 Range Rover full details: aex.ae/3nMTxdJ
SUBSCRIBE for more new car reviews and Steve Sutcliffe track tests: aex.ae/2gY9ABE
The current Range Rover (L405) will be replaced imminently, but with S-Class-rivalling luxury and generous practicality, it's still a great used buy - if you find the right one, that is. With serene refinement on the road and unflappable capability off it, the Range Rover offers all-round ability like few other cars. In this buying guide, Vicki Butler-Henderson reveals how to buy your perfect used example, covering all the car's engine options, running costs and problem areas. If you follow our guide and buy a good example, the Range Rover offers a great ownership experience - take it away, Vicki!
Chapters
00:00 Why the Range Rover?
1:08 Engines and performance
2:45 Interior, tech and practicality
3:58 Running costs
4:48 What to look for
5:50 Vicki's verdict
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[@sbutler860]

My brother Mark Butler co-designed that car (he designed the interior). I'm very proud of him. He's one of the lead designers at Land Rover and also worked on the Land Rover Discovery 3 and 4 and the recent Defender. I'm very proud of him. x

[@riboid]

Nice claim to fame. What does he say about reliability? Is this something they are working on or just accepting it?

[@robertgough5804]

Very proud of him?

[@sbutler860]

@@robertgough5804 Yes, very much so. x

[@sbutler860]

@@riboid My brother has not spoken of reliability. The car he is driving has not had any reliability issues, that's about all I can add to it. But if I know my brother and his team at all, I can tell you for a fact that if there are any issues flagged up, they will be working night and day to get them fixed. x

[@Whiponized]

the defender interior is horrible

[@peterdixon7975]

I bought my 2015 at 6 years old for £32k with under 60000 on the clock. 1 owner, use a good specialist, no issues and superb value for money. 30 - 35 mpg from the SDV8.

[@MrSalmanmuzaffar1]

Good to hear that. I want something similar and with similar price but the reliability issue is keeping me away.

[@davidbrooks187]

@@MrSalmanmuzaffar1 Go for it. Land Rover are a premium marque sophisticated car and are no more unreliable than any other premium motors with complicated systems. If they are maintained well then you should have happy motoring. I had a supercharged Range Rover for a number of years and it didn’t require any more maintenance than the Audi & BMW had before it. Problems happen when people buy them and cannot afford to maintain them as often as they should.

[@lukasweinpert]

@@MrSalmanmuzaffar1 Just dont go for the SDV6 it has crankshaft problems, the V8 will be more realiable!

[@kerkiraz]

@@davidbrooks187 premium mark 😂 the reliability issues and that’s with said vehicles not even going off road are pathetic to say the least.

[@davidbrooks187]

@@kerkiraz That’s the last time I dictate my response in a rush rather than type it lol.

[@he6550]

I personally believe that people against the reliability of RRs never owned or driven one. I bought a used 2008 4.2 Sport Supercharged 4 yrs ago from a small dealership. Had 128K mi on it, driven it for 10k mi, now still starts one click, runs great and got no complaints. Love it!! //henry

[@MyFoxworld]

Its the horror stories of them breaking down on the road that folk are scared of. Most people wouldn't mind spending 3/5k a year on Maintenance for a luxury car. Its the thought of taking it away on holiday and something goes wrong and you are left stranded on the side of the road with screaming kids and a new bill of 14/15k for a new engine to Contemplate.

[@pcat1378]

Or they feature TWICE in the top ten most unrealiable car list......I mean they must be lying

[@embajadoresboy4535]

I Believe some people buy them for the status and then find out how expensive is to do the maintenance and drive it to the ground or take the suv to the cheapest shop to avoid paying the correct maintenance

[@RATTLER238]

Had my 4.4 V8 Autobiography for almost 3 years and apart from preventative maintenance she’s never let down or left me stranded! Ultimate, go anywhere, do anything driving machine 😎 #FFRR #V8

[@3000FAst]

Great vid. VB actually convinced me to think again

[@CarLifee]

I currently have a 2012 westminster 4.4 v8 tdi had it for a year its always started not much of a problem just the low suspension bushes and a ride high season that went did it all my self very easy todo tho jobs cost less then £100 for parts on long journeys it has been the most comfortable vehicle I owned.

[@leroyhamilton6333]

Thanks Vicki I been checking these out for some time now now it my turn this year

[@justinneill5003]

I have a 2002 L322 TD6 in Europe which I bought 11 years ago with 160k on the clock. My previous Range Rover before that was back in the early 90s (the original 2 door classic.) Overall from my experience if you buy a higher mileage example without a service history, allow an annual budget of around £3000 for non-routine maintenance; mine probably didn’t have the best care for before I got it, so over the course of 11 years I’ve had a replaced gearbox, turbo, front air suspension both sides, fuel pump, injector, discs all round, handbrake assembly, wiper motor, brake pipe and a few other things, also some items of bodywork & interior trim. I paid 13000 euros for the car and have spent around around 12000 euros on it so basically have had the pleasure of driving an awesome car for 11 years for 25000 euros (£22000) half of which was staggered over the 11;years. In that sense it’s not bad value. But mine is the early L322 with the BMW engine and the later models after 2006 are less vulnerable to transmission issues etc., plus it had a murky past when I bought it. Here in the U.K. there is a much wider choice of second hand RRs on the market and you can pick & choose so if you go for a post-2006 with FSH your maintenance costs should be significantly less than mine. I’m happy with the vehicle now though, as I have replaced most of the things which can go wrong and it’s been fine for the last couple of years. My tip is not to skimp on maintenance, and consider preventative measures as a good investment (mine is serviced annually at a main dealer and is also thoroughly steam cleaned underneath and given a total anti Krown anti rust treatment before each winter. It’s paid off, I have no corrosion issues and the car now drives like a dream.

[@anthonyoneill2993]

I’ve had several over the years and honestly I’ve never had a problem with them.

[@MrSudanPresident]

You must be on commission or you have just Jinxed yourself.

[@anthonyoneill2993]

@@MrSudanPresident to be honest I know the Land Rover of old had major issues but the new generation are fantastic . There like any other car just keep them serviced and maintained

[@djdad2482]

You had each one for 6 months? 😂

[@anthonyoneill2993]

@@djdad2482 nope every 18 months thanks

[@madfrosty5228]

Anthony did it sit in the garage and never did any driving , in that case you are not bullshiting 👍🏻

[@bigleemac]

What a beautiful Ridgeback 🧡

[@nelsonclub7722]

Had a RR V8 4.4 Diesel. 30K miles. engine blew. Broke 2 conrods - cost 32K to replace engine from LR - backstreet garage in Dartmouth rebuilt it for 6,500 cash no questions asked. Never again. I can see why most are stolen, probably for spare parts..

[@aabidamn]

30K miles? Didn't it still have the warranty?

[@jamiep61]

I enjoyed watching the Video

[@helipeek2736]

Never had a problem with one.

[@allosaurusfragilis7782]

Ever had one though?

[@woocoheed]

Vicki the 🐐

[@MrBlackNupe]

There’s no other SUV like RR. Nobody buys a RR for reliability. I can’t imagine using it as a daily driver. I’ve been extremely pleased with every RR I’ve owned.

[@user-qe9xz2jr9j]

Nobody buys a RR for reliability! Well yes that's why the Taliban and the likes have got toyota .

[@embajadoresboy4535]

I use it everyday as any other car and it is reliable

[@74aamer]

Love it

[@ianbrown1255]

Had a new one in 2016 with a number of problems and as soon as the 5 year extended warranty ran out bought a new Mercedes GLE hybrid…..very happy and after 9 months, 7 k miles no faults whatsoever! Altogether a better vehicle, certainly less stressful and currently worth a lot more than I paid for it!

[@rawsonellis2038]

How much does is the “Correct maintenance” and how often are they needed? Thank

[@dougsaunders8109]

I have had few of these so would say with a warranty

[@andreas.abrahamsson]

So what are the vibrations at high speed, then and what is the costly fix?

[@seigliere1]

Thanks Vicki, I want one.

[@embajadoresboy4535]

I love my 2016 RR Sport Dynamic Supercharged V8. It rides amazing and has been a reliable one. Of course maintenance is expensive but what can I do. I do the maintenance at my local dealership and suck the expense 😂 I will keep it as long as I can

[@timsworld9342]

I love my 2012 RRS LUX shes wonderful.

[@papagen00]

how do u know it's a she?

[@timsworld9342]

@@papagen00 Because she's graceful like a lady.

[@papagen00]

@@timsworld9342 and high-maintenance no doubt

[@timsworld9342]

@@papagen00 Well people who have money like myself don't worry about things like that

[@ankbrq]

Only logical way of owning a Range, buy it from new, use it till warranty ends and buy an new one. If you're planning to buy a second hand one, go for leasing instead or just buy a Land Cruiser.

[@mrkp1000]

Mine was in warranty, 20 mins before LR pick up the phone, minimum 6 week wait before you can get an appointment, no courtesy car or pick up, and always a minimum 6 hr wait until the job is done

[@barry5138]

@@mrkp1000 as you say, not worth it. These big dealers take customers for fools

[@yilmazh3127]

Absolute rubbish. You've never owned a Range Rover. If they've been serviced and maintained, they won't have any more issues than most cars. The reason people like you talk bad about them is you're trying to justify why you won't buy one when the real reason is you can't afford it.

[@barry5138]

@@yilmazh3127 100% I cannot afford to run one.

[@ankbrq]

@@yilmazh3127 Yep i can't afford it. Same way i can't afford a space shuttle but i didn't talk anything negative about them, why? Because they are not a pile of posh scrap box like Range.

[@jonathancollard3710]

Love them… the go anywhere, do anything kinda of car. Shooting or shopping, green lane or red carpet… it’s a one stop shop: ok parking in underground sites can be nerve racking but hey, it’s just the alloy wheels 😜

[@allanhughes7859]

Had my first R/Rover at 25 years old 2 door J plate 1971 still got it !!!My next R/Rover was the 4 door T.D. V.M. engine don't care what anyone says the best engine ever !! I now have an L32 Just waiting for the new ones to come down in price but to be honest I love the L322 so not sure if I will up grade ?? Having driven the new option I am not sure ???

[@dougm659]

I have an L322 Td6 with 171,000 miles on the clock, still pulls like a train and gives 28+ mpg…soon moving to an L405 Overfinch, let’s hope it matches my old girl’s trustworthiness…

[@gerryr1893]

Get a 2016 upwards don’t get anything below my old 2014 was horrendous my 2016 is brilliant different all together

[@itzjdub282]

A 2014 and up works fine as long as it's maintained properly.

[@gerryr1893]

Had a 2014 one it was a bag of rubbish Now have 2016 different all together

[@cheggersgoespop2157]

I work on these daily..... and let me say, when they're "right" their an amazing machine. However, when not looked after, get ready.......

[@lionheart.5983]

How do you look after them?

[@cheggersgoespop2157]

@@lionheart.5983 forget what the reccomend service intervals say. They need minimum oil and filter every 6 month, or 5000 miles, whichever sooner. And at least 1 good run on motorway for at least 40 mins in top gear. Clear its lungs out...(dpf-egr-system) Lovely cars, just too much to go wrong.

[@lionheart.5983]

@@cheggersgoespop2157 the last part " a good run at top gear" wat does that mean?

[@cheggersgoespop2157]

@@lionheart.5983 for example, if your car has a manual gearbox, with 6 gears, make sure you get to top gear, "6th" same rules apply for automatic gearboxes, however most are 8 and some 9 gear auto gearboxes. Just take it for a good run, as suggested. Thats all. If you have one, enjoy it, and look after it. They do need nurturing.

[@lionheart.5983]

@@cheggersgoespop2157 you mean hit the accelerator until its flying?

[@merseybeat1963]

Unfortunately they haven't brought back what should be standard equipment on every heavy duty truck..Front and Rear Bumpers. Just freakin ridiculous

[@johnnyhickman6798]

Gave up on LR over 20yrs ago, I used to drive past the Stourbridge/Lye dealership (Shuckers?) everyday where a customer had parked their new (I think P38) outside with a sign in the rear screen saying had 2 gearboxes needs a third in 20k miles.

[@jamesinbradford5882]

I would love a Range Rover but I don’t like the coffee served in garage’s!

[@stephenlane9168]

Nice video Vicki. Great work. Ive never had any issues. Owned them in UK and New Zealand. Just service regularly and fill with premium fuel and it will stay reliable and wonderful to drive 👌👏

[@MrAvant123]

A car for people who love visiting the petrol station !

[@dansutherland70]

Constantly breaking. My 2018/68 SDV8 bought from a dealer 6 months ago with only about 30k on it has let me down 3 times, needing new turbos, new alternator and a new aircon compressor. It’s predecessor was returned to the dealer because it was a lemon and the dealer had faked the service history. Through this the dealers are even worse than the reliability. Compared to other high end brands Landrover dealers have the feel of the 1970s about them and an attitude to quality, hard work and service learned from David Brent. I won’t be buying another which is a shame because when they do work they are awesome.

[@CarLifee]

Unfortunately there are bad ones out there what do get abused and don't get looked after one bad one shouldn't put you off a brand just like having a relationship just because you get someone who ain't right donst mean you stop looking for the right one.

[@TheFlyingClutchman]

1st mistake was trusting a dealer

[@AELwriter]

There are warnings on the V8 engine.

[@AbdulSalam-xe4md]

The problems with RR are to do with quality control. The people who make them in the factory are not the most conscientious people, they don’t often adhere to design tolerances. The 3.0 v6 diesel has serious design flaws, the crankshaft is 2 inches shorter than ideal and the oil flow design allows for bearing failure. Finally analysis of snapped crankshafts find causes due to poor production quality of the crankshaft. Either poor material mixture, poor forging/ cooling processes.

[@johnknipe5673]

As usual lots of negative comments from individuals who have probably never even owned a Range Rover, yes they can have problems but so can most used cars.

[@nigelbarratt6825]

I live and work within a couple of miles from the main UK plant in Solihull, and know people who work there. Most of them say they wouldn't buy one. The negative comments are just facts when even the people who build them admit how unreliable they are.

[@stephennewton2777]

@@nigelbarratt6825 Wow, you did a survey of plant workers?! That must’ve taken weeks and goodness knows how long the statistical analysis took to come to your exacting conclusion. Or you could just be talking bo**ocks.

[@nigelbarratt6825]

@@stephennewton2777 No, I just know quite a few of them and drink with a few in the local pubs. I was simply reporting honestly what they regularly say, I never claimed to have asked everyone who works there but I do know quite a few who say the same thing, particularly those who work on 'rectification'. Perhaps the people who work there are talking bo***cks, but I'd say they're probably more in the know than you or I.

[@jbconno]

If you cant afford to run a brand new one you certainly cant afford to run a used one !!

[@metrix9125]

Sums up just about everything... kkkkkkk

[@gerryr1893]

Got both new ones been in the shop more often than the road

[@maximilijan77]

So many Toyota fans here. Scotty Kilmer is proud of you 😂

[@iceonthemoon]

“The boot is so big it should be measured in square feet rather than metres” 🤔

[@kshaw8494]

She says “Litres not metres “

[@nelsonclub7722]

@@kshaw8494 Gallons

[@mrkp1000]

I had a SDV8 Autobiography for over 1 year, until I had enough. In my opinion, it's not worth the money, considering, poor quality, unreliability and poor dealer service

[@electrikoptik]

Uh oh! Your comment is gonna upset Land Rover fans. He/she will comment how he/she owned numerous LR's over the years and how they've all been bullet proof as if they were Land Cruisers. 🤣

[@resnonverba137]

Rather like the interior of the demonstration car.

[@volt8684]

The very knowleadable, mechanic VBH

[@AngryBritain]

Beautiful cars, want one, but would never buy one. They're just not reliable enough, and it's a big nill everytime it goes wrong. Shame.

[@javierpereira7580]

Trunk “Should be measured in Sq Ft rather than litters or meters? (Not clear audio) Regardless sq ft is an area indicator, not usable for trunk since it needs to be measured in a volume metric. Litters is correct. If you want to us Ft, then cubic Ft is more appropriate. ;)

[@bushmasta7408]

Perfect Used?

[@petercavellini3232]

A great Car maybe, but, with potential huge bills?

[@adelal-rawashdeh1050]

I need just to say : 👍👍👍👍👍

[@-DC-]

Great vehicle to lease, Horrible vehicle to own.

[@robertgough5804]

What did this tell us the title is wrong

[@flyinghedgehog3833]

Yellow suits these...lemon

[@johnsomerset1510]

One of the few examples in life that's got sexier over the years. By the way, good run-down on the new RRs.

[@camilogomezkeep2324]

This expenses don't sound too expensive for a Range Rover...

[@paulroberts5687]

Is a Wange Wover the same as Range Rover?

[@rotoehu9266]

Ah Range Rover, loved and respected in the UK, treated mostly with derision in the rest of the world due to well earned reputation of chronic reliability issues. In the UK, excellent residuals, everywhere else save yourself money and instead smoke $100 bills…

[@Man_from_UNCLE]

Regarding the comment on derision abroad, this is not true. Here in UAE the 'locals' love it and they sell hundreds here. Up against the Land Cruiser and the Nissan Patrol, which are bought here in their thousands, and every 3rd vehicle on the road is one of them, but these two are bought mainly for taking wives/maids/children shopping, also on the school runs using the ''house driver'' (an Indian or Pakistani expat). Men use them as their weekday workhorse. Of course they both cheaper to buy and maintain than the British Tata beast However when it comes to the 'locals' and wanting to show off, or impressing others, a lot of them take out the Range Rover and its only real competitor here is the Porsche Cayenne.

[@matthewgee8122]

The biggest problem with Range Rovers is not the cars themselves but naive owners. You're talking about cars that cost upward of 90k new with shed loads of technology. Therefore there's a lot that can go wrong and unsurprisingly they may not be cheap to fix. I love them but they're not budget cars so don't be cheap if you end up owning one. That said they're the best cars ive used. Comfort and refinement 2nd to nothing below 200k!

[@robloxfan4271]

its a shame as the mk 4 is a fantastic car alone but cause of the reliability i would never buy one if i had the money i would most likely go for an audi q7 instead

[@lomoto1076]

I have bought just one RR, but several BMW s and Mercedes...never again will I darken Land-rover,s dealer doorstep..horrendous service and poor product

[@VinderGroup3]

Don’t buy one from a skull that wears a skinny fit tracksuit and cruises around the city centre at night. Great vehicle, wonderful to drive!

[@kz8476]

Why this video look as if it’s from 2005

[@Birmingham_racing]

Only watched this for Vicky

[@animallover19581]

Vicki, ps. remove those Rose Tinted Glasses. 🌹😎🌹😎🌹😎🌹😎🌹

[@philiphartley6169]

I like vbh but do not put your reputation on range rover. Too many silly isdues...take my mates 15000 miler. It needs discs ,pads and calipers .yes calipers!!. Then there is the real worry of the crankshaft issue .jlr are aware of it but done nothing to assist an out of warranty vehicle..remember a non jlr warranted rr can cost £50k

[@Paravantos]

The user guide should start with and SIDE JOB AND another car to drive every 2 months while the RRover is in the shop for weeks.

[@MrTimor45]

DON'T

[@pwatom22]

16000 miles between services.. are you kidding me. Will surely compromise life expectancy.

[@StreetBob-tn1ed]

i used to work with a guy who out the blue inherited a 5 bed house and a 4 year old range rover and i think maybe a lot of money straight away he sold his 8 year old civic 6 months latter he said it was the biggest mistake of his life it was nothing but trouble the final straw was when it broke down on him when he was on his way to see wolves play man united he missed the match it it was binned

[@rvboyett]

The perfect used Ranger Rover is the one that never departs the dealer lot.

[@mojojojo911]

This is deep

[@galadimakeita-ozieh8398]

Depart from ye oh ye lovers of Ranger Rover and ye shall find rest.😂😂😂

[@alanwayte432]

Little Ricky has never owned one, jealously is a little sad Rick Rick I am sure 2007 Polo is just funky

[@malcolmlane-ley2044]

This feels like a 1970’s car review, come on get a grip

[@bondjamesbond9041]

You can't

[@colinsmith3938]

I'm an Englishman who has been driving Land Rovers products for over twenty years and can honestly say there is no place more comfortable to be.... ....whilst waiting for a tow truck!

[@davidhughes5496]

No matter how you buy it the crank is going to snap service history or not

[@electrikoptik]

I will never understand why people keep buying Range Rovers especially used Range Rover when they are some of the most unreliable cars that exists.

[@Birmingham_racing]

Me neither I drove a 70 plate it was nice but would still buy a x5 of any generation

[@rotoehu9266]

Yep, in the US Range Rovers make up 0.0001% of new sales but it seems make up at least 10% of total stock at Copart 😁

[@djdad2482]

I learned..nothing from this!

[@paulmccolgan9227]

Wow! So much hate for the Range Rover. Mostly by Toyota fans and people that don’t maintain them properly. 😂

[@BobbyDeniroX]

They say that but Lexus is way better still.

[@paddymuppy]

Lexus is just behind Land rover for most unreliable SUVs in the world 2021

[@Birmingham_racing]

@@paddymuppy 20 year old Lexus would be more reliable than a 5 year old Range Rover

[@zacharylukes1799]

@@paddymuppy Source, please.

[@nelsonclub7722]

@@zacharylukes1799 A used Trabant with a zillion miles is more reliable, - I should know I have had 5 RR's, but not any more - Mercedes now.

[@claytonsimon5686]

haha land rover was so pretty

[@nigelbarratt6825]

Such a shame that such a beautiful range of cars has never been truly able to fulfill the basic necessity required of all vehicles, to get you from A to B without breaking down and to not cost you a fortune just to keep it going! I have a friend who is a true Range Rover / Land Rover enthusiast who has three of them, and even he admits that the only guaranteed way to get one from A to B without any problems is to put it on a trailer and tow it with something else. I'd buy one tomorrow otherwise, but it'll be an Audi again for me. Not nearly as impressive to look at but at least pretty reliable.

[@philippepeltier142]

His name is Land Cruiser and it's made in Japan... 😇

[@billybones2385]

Grossly overpriced as a used car.

[@martinwilliam5536]

Don't put your cheap thots in everyone

[@Bobblenob]

Best advice, don’t.

[@barry5138]

Fancy motors feed the ego. But one or two engagements with any main dealer will soon burst that bubble, along with any savings you may have. I'll stick with the Toyota, and they can fleece some other fool

[@johnperry7534]

These as used cars are evil and will fail quickly .

[@tomdeevy3390]

Problems scrap

[@deet4895]

Buy a Toyota LandCruiser and have peace of mind and money in your pockets.

[@merseybeat1963]

$86,000 plus tax new..money in your pocket ? In US buying a used few year old $85k Range Rover $34k..same age $86k Land Cruiser $64k...Total cost of ownership over 15-20 years..maybe about the same ?

[@susanhenderson2322]

The best range rover is the one you didn't buy,

[@Ricardo-ur7tp]

When you're poor like yourself you can only afford a Datsun! 😂

[@susanhenderson2322]

@@Ricardo-ur7tp wrong, I worked professionally on Range Rovers so I speak from experience, I also worked for Nissan, a far more reliable brand ( except for their cv transmission)

[@Ricardo-ur7tp]

@@susanhenderson2322 Nissan are absolute rubbish. If the RR are serviced properly and you can afford it, they are great. Any car can have problems though.

[@Dom-sc9ih]

How to buy the perfect used Range Rover = Don’t buy a used Range Rover

[@madfrosty5228]

Reliable car ….. This is Not 😂😂😂

[@dionisiuskusuma1462]

Perfect used Land Rover are oxymoron

[@samyporrata5840]

Don't buy these period

[@damieg82]

How to buy the perfect used Ranger Rover: buy a Land Cruiser

[@billybones2385]

No, thanks.

[@luisduarte8185]

Yawn

[@stefanroseEP3]

Theres no such thing as a good used range rover

[@swiss889]

Most unreliable car on the road, don't bother!!