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Range Rover Sport opinions
marco - 26/2/15 at 07:28 PM

The days of hankering for a fast road car have got fewer and fewer and I'm thinking more about some comfort and style for a daily drive.

Any opinions on the RRS diesels either the 2.7 or V8TD good and bad would help me narrow down my options. Other contenders for me are Audi Q7 or the Disco 3 TDv6.


Doctor Derek Doctors - 26/2/15 at 07:58 PM

Disco out of those 3, just a lovely place to be and more practical than the RRS.


perksy - 26/2/15 at 08:15 PM

One of my best mates has a Range Rover sport and loves it, However it does have the Land rover extended warranty and he's had £500 worth of work so far (In his first year with it).

I've had a trip out in the Discovery TDV6 (13 plate) and was hugely impressed by both the ride and the performance.
It wasn't as 'imposing' as the Range Rover either imho

Chap at work has the Q7 and loves that aswell and it does look very nice on big alloys



Hmmmm its a nice position to be in to choose between that lot


BigFaceDave - 26/2/15 at 08:37 PM

My boss has a disco tdv6 and When he got it I jokingly said we should have a sweepstake to see what falls off first! Almost 5 years and I think it's done about 60k and no problems and nothing Fallen off! (Much to my disappointment) although have heard of horror stories of Q7's chewing there way through tyres at a very scary rate!


Barkalarr - 26/2/15 at 09:20 PM

It's got to be the new shape Range Rover - would absolutely love one.
It's a bloody big car though, and you would really have to think about where to park it - that's what puts me off.
You can pick them up for £2k deposit and £900 per month on a PCP.

Am tempted to look at the new shape discovery sport when it's out next month - it's a big smaller and easier to park.


tegwin - 26/2/15 at 10:02 PM

Bit of a curveball but have you considered the V6 TDi Toureg? Ive been pretty impressed with them!


marco - 26/2/15 at 10:12 PM

The Toureg just doesn't cut it on the looks front for me, It's a shame because I think the VW/Audi reliability will be better than the Land Rover. I've read that the air suspension can be a common failure on the RRS not sure what else though.

I knew the Disco 3 would get a good vote, they are a vast improvement on the previous model.

[Edited on 26/2/15 by marco]


mk85 - 26/2/15 at 10:13 PM

We went for a land rover free lander test drive a few and had a 15k budget. On the off chance we test drove a vouge and ended up with that. Plus we got a lot more car for the ££££


mk85 - 26/2/15 at 10:13 PM

We went for a land rover free lander test drive a few and had a 15k budget. On the off chance we test drove a vouge and ended up with that. Plus we got a lot more car for the ££££


coyoteboy - 26/2/15 at 10:14 PM

900quid a month. Who the hell pays that? Jesus, wish I had that much cash to bin.


jeffw - 26/2/15 at 10:51 PM

I've just bought an 11plate FFRR 4.4 TDv8 VSE ....and very nice it is too....28MPG and pretty damn quick when you want it to be...


tul214 - 27/2/15 at 08:58 AM

My wife has had the 2.7 Disco 3 for 4 yrs now. Touch wood it has not blown up, or bits haven't fallen off BUT you do need to look at them and the RRS (which is essentially the same car but with less space) knowing that they will need some maintenance.

The 2007/8 yr model has had many problems with engine seizures - all well documented so avoid unless you know that the timing belt AND the oil pump has been replaced at 7yrs or 100k.

The compressors die with age but can be replaced simply

The front wishbone bushes wear quickly due to the weight of the vehicle and you will hear them knocking if worn

The auto box starts to slip with miles but there is a fix

Glow plugs seem to be a big issue and snap when being removed - body off job to get them out so listen for a lumpy tickover when cold.

I could go on with the faults but they are well documented on the Disco3 forum and when the car is going well, IMHO, they are all things to all men.

The newer 3.0 Disco4 is a nicer thing again but seem to have the same issues including some 2010/11 models smoking badly on acceleration.

We bought ours to pull a horse trailer but after 1yr we got rid of the trailer and bought a 7.5t lorry. The fact that we still have the disco @ 28mpg tells me that we still like it


marco - 27/2/15 at 12:43 PM

Very nice that Jeff, my colour choice too, your not in the North are you by any chance and is your surname Cooper?




quote:
Originally posted by jeffw
I've just bought an 11plate FFRR 4.4 TDv8 VSE ....and very nice it is too....28MPG and pretty damn quick when you want it to be...



jeffw - 27/2/15 at 01:09 PM

lol.....no and no. South and Wiltshire


marco - 27/2/15 at 01:11 PM

Lol, ok it was a long shot



quote:
Originally posted by jeffw
lol.....no and no. South and Wiltshire


Matt21 - 27/2/15 at 05:54 PM

5.0litre v10 tdi touareg!!!!!!


jeffw - 27/2/15 at 06:33 PM

Good luck with that......


perksy - 27/2/15 at 08:34 PM

quote:
Originally posted by marco
Lol, ok it was a long shot



quote:
Originally posted by jeffw
lol.....no and no. South and Wiltshire






Would that be Jeff Cooper you are thinking about ?

Used car dealer and used to have a Westy but last I heard had a rapid Caterham


marco - 27/2/15 at 08:37 PM

That's the guy, I thought he lurked in this forum hence the long shot mentioned..


quote:
Originally posted by perksy
quote:
Originally posted by marco
Lol, ok it was a long shot



quote:
Originally posted by jeffw
lol.....no and no. South and Wiltshire






Would that be Jeff Cooper you are thinking about ?

Used car dealer and used to have a Westy but last I heard had a rapid Caterham


perksy - 27/2/15 at 08:48 PM

Nice chap Jeff and very helpful.

Have spoken with him on the phone and met him at Bruntingthorpe on a track day.


daniel mason - 27/2/15 at 08:50 PM

Bloody hell Jeff! That's some car. Something I couldn't ever dream of affording! Wish I'd tried a bit harder at school now


jeffw - 27/2/15 at 09:34 PM

Age has some perks Dan, not many mind....


mark chandler - 27/2/15 at 11:23 PM

Getting old is bloody horrible as my late Aunty Phylis told me 30 years ago....

Nice car Jeff, that would be my choice, I did not realise the economy was that good these days, the ones I ran guzzled fuel.


jeffw - 28/2/15 at 07:28 AM

The 4.4 TDV8 has the 8 speed ZF box on it and does over 30MPG according to the EU figures. I'm averaging 28.6 over the 1500miles I've done so far. It is a big improvement on the previous 3.6 with the 6speed box.


morcus - 28/2/15 at 10:48 PM

I can't see a Q7 without being remind of the time I watched a woman try and reverse park one for about half an hour (I was at work, this just happened to be in my eye line) the thing was huge and yet she was determined to park it between to cars, backwards, even though the car park was half empty and there were lots of spaces she could have driven through to be pointing the right way. I really miss working Saturday afternoons at the drive through sometimes, I saw some crazy stuff.

I think in your position I'd be tempted to take a look at an X5 or maybe an Escalade but I don't think they come in RHD.


coozer - 28/2/15 at 11:52 PM

Horrible.


mark chandler - 1/3/15 at 08:30 AM

X5 very dated now, you know in your heart that a discovery or RRS will always feel inferior to the daddy, follow Jeff and get the best Range Rover you can after its had its initial devaluation.


jeffw - 1/3/15 at 11:08 AM

Amen brother


omega 24 v6 - 1/3/15 at 01:30 PM

My tuppence worth.
Drive a disco 2 workhorse and a Seat leon sport road car.

Have driven quite a lot in my BIL disco 3 ( good car ) and Disco 3 newer 3ltr engine again good car.
Have driven courtesy cars in RRS and RR form again both good cars.
Have driven the new RR with TDV8 and fully loaded flappy paddle box etc. F**king rocket ship unbelievable for a car that size.

In summary though pound for pound and most enjoyable place to be Disco 3 or 4.

If its new fine if its older defo go for ext warranty for sure. Back discs and pads go at an alarming rate along with leccy handbrake issues ( on disco and RR |RRS models) also egr valves are prone to problems( well where are they not on any model)
A lot of work needs body off as well so warranty defo required in my opinion.

I'l stick with my disco 2 though till the lottery comes up


jeffw - 3/3/15 at 02:07 PM

Had to change the plate....£250 off the DVLA. Not bad on a 4.4 TDv8 Vogue SE



PSpirine - 3/3/15 at 03:08 PM

OP - what budget/age of car are you looking at?

There's a big difference between the Disco 3/4, and 2010-onwards RRS/RR - the facelifts were quite substantial inc. engines.


Jeff - that's a great one, hope you're enjoying it!!


welderman - 3/3/15 at 04:33 PM

Love my RRS TDV8, pulls like a train, great for towing. Had it remapped too. STONKING

Description
Description



Few mods, DLR's fitted, different side and front grilles and newer rear lights.

[Edited on 3/3/15 by welderman]


marco - 8/3/15 at 08:06 AM

quote:
Originally posted by PSpirine
OP - what budget/age of car are you looking at?

There's a big difference between the Disco 3/4, and 2010-onwards RRS/RR - the facelifts were quite substantial inc. engines.


Jeff - that's a great one, hope you're enjoying it!!




Unfortunately it's not a case of money no object, so probably around 15k which will be the earlier RRS TDv8 3.6 not the later 4.4 models. this budget will be the 07 models with up to 100k already clocked up. I considered the 2.7v6TD but given the size and weight of the vehicle the extra torque the V8 gives will suit it much better even though it won't be quite as good on fuel. I would be interested in getting a re map done which can gain a little back and vastly increase the torque..

I won't be using it as a commuter (well maybe once a week ) only weekends and evenings and possibly a posh tow truck for the Indy on track days.

I did consider the 4.2SC as I know it will make all the right noises and give some enjoyable performance but the yorkshire in me couldn't justify at least passing one or two fuel stations without stopping


marco - 8/3/15 at 08:10 AM

quote:
Originally posted by welderman
Love my RRS TDV8, pulls like a train, great for towing. Had it remapped too. STONKING

Description
Description



Few mods, DLR's fitted, different side and front grilles and newer rear lights.

[Edited on 3/3/15 by welderman]



That's nice welderman, it ticks my boxes for looks.. Is that the 3.6 model then? If so what sort of mpg are you seeing given JeffW said his 3.6 was terrible compared with the new 4.4engine.


jeffw - 8/3/15 at 09:47 AM

I've never had a 3.6. only the 4.4 so I have no direct comparison. I know that the 4.4 has the sequential turbos and the 8 speed box which is better of fuel than the preceding 3.6 (low emissions and tax as well).


ianm67 - 8/3/15 at 10:00 AM

Audi SQ5.....? 309bhp, 479lb ft twin-turbo V6 diesel. 41 mpg apparently.........


marco - 8/3/15 at 07:23 PM

quote:
Originally posted by jeffw
I've never had a 3.6. only the 4.4 so I have no direct comparison. I know that the 4.4 has the sequential turbos and the 8 speed box which is better of fuel than the preceding 3.6 (low emissions and tax as well).



Ah sorry Jim, I thought you had a direct comparison when you made that statement, no worries...

quote:

The 4.4 TDV8 has the 8 speed ZF box on it and does over 30MPG according to the EU figures. I'm averaging 28.6 over the 1500miles I've done so far. It is a big improvement on the previous 3.6 with the 6speed box.


marco - 8/3/15 at 07:27 PM

quote:
Originally posted by ianm67
Audi SQ5.....? 309bhp, 479lb ft twin-turbo V6 diesel. 41 mpg apparently.........


No where near budget I'm afraid also all audi's basically look the same from the front now...


ChrisW - 8/3/15 at 10:07 PM

So I have a Range Rover Sport. It's a 55 plate 2.7 TDV6. We bought it with 85k on it a couple of years ago, it's now at 115k. As a practical vehicle it's great, if a little smaller than the full size Range Rover. Comfortable, soaks up the miles, easily handles anything the weather and local terrain throws at it, and will pull a full 3.5 ton trailer too. It's not a sporty drive by any means, but it's a very easy car to cruise around in, the Mrs loves it, and I'm a lot happier with her commuting to work on the country roads in that as opposed to the Astra she had before.

Things I've learnt from owning one:

1. The timing belts need doing at 100k or 7 years. There is one at the front and one at the back. The front one is the critical one (cam belt), the back one just runs the diesel pump. RR say it's a body off job to do the rear one although specialists will do it with the body in place. Expect to pay £1k to have both changed

2. There are rumours of the compressors for the air suspension going. What I've been told by a guy who works on them regularly is the failure tends to be overheating due to continuous running when one of the bags is leaking. The trick is to spot if it has sunk on one corner when parked up which is a sure sign of a leak. If that's fixed promptly the compressor tends to survive.

3. Pre-06 plate cars (ie the 05's and 55's) are on the lower road tax rate and, when we were looking at least, commanded a little more money than the slightly later ones. £250 per year vs £450 I believe.

4. Ours will need suspension bushes this year, but it doesn't look that hard to do, and at 115k it's not exactly a hardship. You can buy the bushes on their own and press them out but for the hassle of that the arms are not a lot more expensive.

5. We've got a knock in the steering rack too. It's annoying, but I don't think it's critical, not yet at least!

6. Brakes are reasonably cheap and easy to change. I've done both fronts and rears. The electric handbrake doesn't need a tool to reset it unlike the Audis (and others?)

7. I did an alternator on it about 5k miles ago. About £100 for the part and 3 hours. Most of that was making a tool to lock the viscous fan so I could undo it. I would have bought one, but I needed the car working and didn't want to pay main dealer price for the tool!

8. Be aware of the glow plug issue. Ours probably needs them changed, but they are known to snap off in the head so I've just left it. Be aware that if the fuel is low the ECU does some kind of 'fuel saving' thing which makes it a pig to start it negative temperatures if you have a couple of glow plugs out. We had terrible issues before Christmas with it until someone pointed that out. Now as long as it's not left with the fuel light on and you give it a couple of goes on the plugs it will fire up without a worry, just a bit lumpy for the first minute or two.

All in all I have been very happy with the ownership. I would be happy to recommend it, just be aware that if you are not prepared to get your hands dirty they can be expensive to have worked on. That said, we will probably swap it in the Summer - the Mrs fancies a Q7 or maybe a full-size RR.

Cheers, Chris


welderman - 8/3/15 at 11:41 PM

quote:
Originally posted by marco
quote:
Originally posted by welderman
Love my RRS TDV8, pulls like a train, great for towing. Had it remapped too. STONKING

Description
Description



Few mods, DLR's fitted, different side and front grilles and newer rear lights.

[Edited on 3/3/15 by welderman]



That's nice welderman, it ticks my boxes for looks.. Is that the 3.6 model then? If so what sort of mpg are you seeing given JeffW said his 3.6 was terrible compared with the new 4.4engine.


Yes it's the 3.6. mpg is around 26. Had it up to 31 on a long run and down to 19. Was averaging 22/23 but had it terra cleaned and it runs hell of a lot better now. With the remap it pulls in all Gears too and the torque is amazing.


jeffw - 9/3/15 at 06:22 AM

quote:
Originally posted by marco
quote:
Originally posted by jeffw
I've never had a 3.6. only the 4.4 so I have no direct comparison. I know that the 4.4 has the sequential turbos and the 8 speed box which is better of fuel than the preceding 3.6 (low emissions and tax as well).



Ah sorry Jim, I thought you had a direct comparison when you made that statement, no worries...

quote:

The 4.4 TDV8 has the 8 speed ZF box on it and does over 30MPG according to the EU figures. I'm averaging 28.6 over the 1500miles I've done so far. It is a big improvement on the previous 3.6 with the 6speed box.




It's Jeff....I understand the confusion, I meant the 4.4 was better on fuel than the 3.6. not that I had owned a 3.6 FFRR.