Used Range Rover Quick Tips
- In general terms, we wouldn’t go much deeper than the 2012 model year, though avoid the 2014 model. Each Range Rover generation has unique, well-known mechanical issues and unusual malfunctions.
- Range Rover SUVs are enormously fun to drive but may not always work to their fullest capacity. A bad reputation doesn’t mean a Range Rover is a bad car.
- Despite Range Rover’s respected off-road abilities, suspension issues are common.
Although a used Range Rover might look alluring when you see an Autotrader advertisement for an inexpensive one, no vehicle, especially a large luxury SUV, should be an impulse buy. The more high-end a vehicle is, the more it costs to repair.
Range Rover models can be complicated, costly vehicles with very expensive parts; consequently, do your homework before buying one. We’ve gathered the essential facts you must know before purchasing a used Range Rover.
While the Land Rover Range Rover came out in Europe during the 1970s, the brand didn’t offer the luxury SUV to American buyers until the 1980s. By then, the once-basic farm truck had already become rather luxurious, featuring leather upholstery, power accessories, and a brawny V8 engine. Even early Range Rover models were considered status symbols—a reputation that has only increased. In the hands of Tata Motors since 2008, now Jaguar, Range Rover, Defender, and Discovery operate as separate brands under the umbrella of JLR (Jaguar Land Rover). We’ve provided jump links you can use to skip ahead.
- What Are the Best Years for Buying a Used Land Rover Range Rover?
- Range Rover By Generation: Which Should You Buy?
- Are Range Rover SUVs Reliable?
- Are Range Rover SUVs Good?
- Other Resources: Range Rover Mechanics and Enthusiasts
What Are the Best Years When Buying a Used Land Rover Range Rover?
In general terms, if we were in the market for a used Range Rover, we wouldn’t go much deeper than the 2012 model year. Anything earlier and you potentially expose yourself to some serious expense. Having said that, we would steer clear of 2014 versions because of electrical issues. If you are looking for something in the realm of classic, the 2001 version might be worth a roll of the dice. It has a stronger-than-average reputation for reliability among older Range Rover models.
See Land Rover Range Rover SUVs for sale near you
Range Rover by Generation: Which Should You Buy?
Considering the Range Rover’s long and storied history, picking the best version for your needs may be a complicated task. Our goal is to simplify your quest.
Fifth Generation: L460 (2022-Present)
The current Range Rover iteration is more than just a facelift—it is an entire shift toward the future. The fifth generation of the safari staple kicked off in 2022. Although the company didn’t make many exterior changes, it made interior changes, including a first-ever 3-row Range Rover variant. Following industry fashion, Land Rover introduced more electrified vehicles, including a hybrid (HEV), a plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and an all-new fully electric (EV) Range Rover coming in 2025. Built on an all-new platform, the Range Rover EV is a long-wheelbase model with three rows of seats. Among other innovations, it will offer rear-wheel steering.
See 2022-to-current Range Rover SUVs for sale.
Fourth Generation: L405 (2013-2021)
The Range Rover’s fourth generation began with the 2013 model year, as it morphed into an ultraluxurious SUV. Power, equipment, and luxury touches during the L405 model run are unparalleled in its segment, cementing the Range Rover’s image. A few notable changes during this generation include a long-wheelbase version in 2014, various infotainment updates, and a plug-in hybrid powertrain introduced for 2019 models.
See 2013-2021 Range Rover SUVs for sale near you.
Third Generation: L322 (2003-2012)
The Range Rover received its third complete redesign for the 2003 model year, using architecture developed by BMW during that automaker’s stewardship of the Land Rover brand. Initially powered by a BMW V8 engine, the L322 earned a facelift for the 2006 model year that saw the arrival of a new transmission and a more powerful JLR V8. Land Rover refined the SUV again in 2010 to offer more power and additional equipment.
See 2003-2012 Range Rover SUVs for sale near you.
Second Generation: P38 (1996-2002)
The Range Rover’s second-generation model, dubbed the P38 by Land Rover geeks, debuted as a 1996 model. Sold through 2002, the P38 dramatically upped the luxury quotient, adding a far plusher interior and many more modern comfort and convenience features. The model came in one wheelbase but with two available V8s (a 4.0-liter and a 4.6-liter).
See 1996-2002 Range Rover SUVs for sale near you.
First Generation: Classic (1987-1995)
Land Rover sold the first-generation Range Rover from the mid-1980s until the 1992 model year, and it’s affectionately dubbed the Classic (or Range Rover Classic) by the brand’s enthusiasts. Classic models in the United States offered only four doors (some overseas models had two doors), though 1990s versions touted short-wheelbase or more desirable long-wheelbase body styles. All U.S. models featured a V8 powerplant and an automatic transmission.
See 1987-1995 Classic Range Rover SUVs for sale near you.
Are Range Rover SUVs Reliable?
When buying a used car, one of your most significant considerations should be reliability. Used car prices remain near record highs; therefore, getting a quality car for that inflated price is crucial. Sadly, Range Rover models are haunted by a reputation for lackluster reliability. Cynical critics say used models are known for “typical British engineering,” which translates into leaks, breakdowns, and other mechanical and electrical issues compounded by unusual malfunctions.
According to Autotrader executive editor Brian Moody, the Range Rover is not the most reliable and faces significantly more problems than other used cars, especially with electronics.
“Used Range Rovers are often less reliable than other types of used cars,” Moody said. “While Range Rovers do exceptionally well off-road, some of the electronics and more sophisticated components can be finicky and expensive to repair.”
Moody said electronics such as the infotainment systems are notoriously bad with Range Rover, and problems can worsen as the car ages. Regrettably, the issues don’t stop there.
Common Range Rover Problems
“Range Rover typically has issues related to the SUV’s well-known off-road abilities, with suspension issues being quite common,” Moody said. “The air suspension is often very specialized or uses high-tech components, and those frequently fail.”
Air suspension has been standard on all Range Rover SUVs since the early 1990s, adding an improved ride and adjustable ground clearance. However, it brings with it a host of problems. Most notably, it seems to fail after six to 10 years, leaving the SUV sagging to one side. As a result, most owners replace the air suspension with traditional coil springs once it fails. Because a failed suspension might not be apparent in a test drive, you could unknowingly buy one with a suspension requiring repair. Take any Range Rover you are considering buying to a mechanic for inspection before purchasing.
We recommend looking for older models converted to coil springs rather than dealing with unresolved air suspension issues.
Moody says another common issue is a malfunctioning engine management computer. “Range Rover SUVs have large engines that make a lot of power, so heat can be an issue,” he said. “Look for damaged drive components like differentials. Also, heat and electronics don’t get along well, so many older Range Rover models will eventually have electrical problems,” he said.
Beyond these issues, each Range Rover generation seems to have its own unique set of problems. The Classic is known for electrical issues and oil leaks. The P38 also has several issues, including electrical problems, costly head gasket, and heater core failures. The 2003-2012 models tend to be more reliable. However, earlier models seemed to have issues everywhere, including the differential, the transmission, and the electronics. As for the newest L405 generation, it gets a mediocre reliability rating from J.D. Power.
How Long Does a Range Rover Last?
A search of Autotrader used car listings revealed several first-generation models on the market. Most were low-mileage versions, obviously garaged and babied for most of their existence. We would argue that a well-cared-for, rarely-driven vehicle will last forever. However, we found plenty of second- and third-generation models with upwards of 150,000 to 200,000 miles still viable and for sale.
How Many Miles Does a Range Rover Last?
Although Range Rover vehicles have worse-than-average reliability issues, when well cared for and meticulously maintained, they can last 150,000 miles or more. Several factors affect a Range Rover’s longevity.
- Mileage: Not only does the number of miles driven impact a vehicle’s life expectancy, but where those miles are accumulated can also affect it. City vs. highway, moderate vs. extreme climate, and other situational factors can make a difference.
- Maintenance and care: Following the Range Rover’s maintenance schedule, as outlined in the owner’s manual, is the key to a vehicle’s long life. Furthermore, allowing needed repairs to go unresolved can lead to even bigger issues down the road.
- Driving style: A moderate driving style causes less wear and tear, while an aggressive driving style can eat years off a vehicle’s life.
Are Range Rover SUVs Good?
Used Range Rover SUVs may have the reputation of being unreliable, but that doesn’t mean that they are necessarily bad cars. You’ll likely need more patience than you would with a different used luxury vehicle. However, you can purchase a used Range Rover for a reasonable price and look good riding around town.
“A used Range Rover will be a comfortable car, but it will need more attention than other luxury SUVs,” Moody said. “The good news is that the purchase prices are often lower because it’s commonly known they aren’t super-reliable. “
Moody said a Range Rover could be a good purchase if you’re OK with frequent repairs or can do the work yourself. Otherwise, he said, “the repairs for any Land Rover or Range Rover vehicle are likely to be expensive if you have to pay a shop or mechanic.”
The simple truth is you must expect the unexpected. Range Rover SUVs are enormously fun to drive — visibility is excellent, the driving position is unparalleled, the V8 is muscular, and the styling is handsome and classic. Still, a Range Rover may not always work to its total capacity.
Other Resources: Range Rover Mechanics and Enthusiasts
The good news is that you have many resources at your disposal both before and after you buy a Range Rover. Before you buy, we strongly suggest a mechanical inspection from a trusted mechanic. Range Rover examples are costly vehicles with complicated systems. A mechanical inspection is essential, considering the potential repair costs and future issues you might face. Knowing your SUV’s maintenance history indicates its problems and foreshadows the future.
If you’re looking to buy a used Range Rover, using the Private Seller Exchange will give you a complimentary vehicle history report and presale inspection to give you a heads-up on any potential repairs or issues.
RELATED: What Is More Important When Buying a Used Car: Miles or Age?
And remember that there’s strength in numbers. Before and after you make the purchase, we strongly suggest consulting with other Range Rover enthusiasts. Many of the issues you’ll experience have happened to other drivers. They’ll likely have some support in solving common and quirky problems.
See Range Rover SUVs for sale in your area.
Hello. Thinking of buying a used 2010 supercharged model from a local person. 107k miles, Timing belt already done. Service records dont show much more than that plus oil changes. Claims runs perfect.. what do I need to be looking for.. maintenance is a semi issue. Dont need to drop 2-4 thousand a year into it.. any pointers.. should I stay away?
I am going to test drive a 2012 HSE with 67k mikes tomorrow anything in particular I should look for? This would be my first RR
I’m looking at a similar one and am wondering too!?
Looking at a 2008 – any advise????
I’m thinking of buying a Land Rover Freelander SE, I’m use to driving Acuras & Hondas & I’m wondering if I’m going to be out of ALOT so money purchasing this vehicle?
I’m thinking of buying a Land Rover Freelander SE, I’m use to driving Acuras & Hondas & I’m wondering if I’m going to be out of ALOT so money purchasing this vehicle?
I like the idea of owning one, but would probably be wise to hang on to my low trouble Infinity FX35 suv.
I have had many many land rovers in the last 25 years and yes older ones are much harder to maintain as other cars do however I still own a 2012 range over hse and
thanks very much for your opinion. Doing my homework. I live in the Dom Rep. Had jags around all my life going to try to take my mechanic and buy a 2009 supposedly in garage for 9 years low millage etc. Seen the truck, no keys at the dealership. its pristeen ourside. Looks perfect through the windows. They want $24 US. Lots in the paper various years and prices condition etc. Cheap to fix cars here. New parts,
worth consideration. Cheers mate. I,m a Brit.
Horrible article…no relevant information
I just found a 2017 with 9K miles and a 2016 with 19K miles. This low mileage is kinda scary. While I appreciate being able to purchase a nearly new RR, I just can’t help but to wonder why the mileage is so low. What do you think? Are these year models improved reliability?
Where did you find those vehicles with such low mileage? If you don’t mind texting or calling me at 817.798.5233? I’m looking to purchase a used one. I’m one of those people who really watch miles. Finding one with low mileage is key to my purchase!!! Thanks so much for your time?
most of things you said here I don’t agree with, I started with the first 1970 Range Rover, and other one 1996, and now I am still driving a 2006, the only problem I have was the air suspension which I replaced it in 2018, like everything, you don’t expect it will
I have owned a luxury brand vehicles such as Lincoln Lexus Mercedes and have a BMW now but looking to get into my first 2008 Range Rover HSE SuperCharged with 106k does anyone have any information on this particular model with the 4.2 V8 and curious to know how many miles they typically last for?
I have owned a luxury brand vehicles such as Lincoln Lexus Mercedes and have a BMW now but looking to get into my first 2008 Range Rover HSE SuperCharged with 106k does anyone have any information on this particular model with the 4.2 V8 and curious to know how many miles they typically last for?
I found a Gold 2004 (love the body style & color), 1 owner older woman, garage kept, 80,000 miles. Sticker in the glove box was for $78,000 new. I paid $15,000 for it many many years ago. About 3.5 years ago at 10+ years old it began costing me $2000 -$3000 a yr for maintenance. I asked my mechanic if it was worth fixing. He said to me….Maintaining this vehicle is still cheaper than a $500 car payment a month and getting twice or more for the money. I have never driven a better SUV in my opinion. I love my RR.
This article is almost blatantly plagiarized by Mike Richards
I want to buy one despite its bad name I’d like to purchase this particular one cause of its mileage 04 50000 miles if it gets checked and all checks out..should I buy it ???
I’ve been researching Land Rover for the last year. After careful review I cannot bring myself to buy this beautiful vehicle. Like others have mentioned, I just can’t get past the known unreliability. I had heard they were known to have issues but after my research, it’s downright irresponsible to buy a car you know will depreciate faster than most vehicles, may leave you stranded and will end up costing you an average of $3K yearly in repairs/maintenance. I work hard for my money and throwing it away on a vehicle that should be better built for the price points they sell for is just asinine. Candidly, I can’t look at LRs and their owners the same anymore after reading up on them. Anytime I see one rolling down the street now I immediately wonder if the person has more money than sense.
That’s pretty judgmental my man. If you enjoy something enough, then the expense is worth it. That’s the general takeaway I get from the posts in this forum.
I am about to buy a 2008 Land Rover LR2 with 160k miles on it, is that reasonable?
I look at newer Range Rovers from an off road stand point and I really don’t know what the prestige is all about. They have absolutely terrible ground clearence, street tires from the factory, terrible approach, breakover, and departure angles, and a LSD system in place of locking diffs now. Not that long ago I was out on a pretty easy going trail in Joshua Tree and saw a brand new Range Rover high centered on a very basic and shallow rut in the trail that no other factory 4×4 vehicle would have a problem with. They are basically a fancy AWD crossover now with inclimate road condition going capabilities (snow/rain). If you are thinking about buying one for it’s prestigious offroad name, don’t let a salesman and video of a Range Rover doing a Ranger Rover built course fool you. They are not off road capable vehicles.
Sounds like there are a couple of Rover fans in this list of comments. I have owned 2007 LR3, 2007 RR Sport HSE and a 2006 supercharged RR and bought them all new. Great vehicles if you can handle the expense of owning (and that is very considerable, especially if you are used to driving the Asian vehicles) . I am in the oil & gas business so spend a bunch of time on the road but almost an equal amount of time off road. The LR3 has been a real trooper and is big enough for a 6’3″ man to set up an overnight residence in the back. The 07 RR Sport I is basically a sporty LR3 so does very well off road as well.
Great, honest review. Love this: “if you can afford them, you’ll love em. If you are tight on money, you’ll probably hate them.”
Hello All,
HI \, I wonder if you bought the car because I’m in the same situation here. What have you decided eventually?
@RobbyGregory I am thinking of buying a 2005 Range Rover Bmw 4.4 V8 with 210,000kilamitores not exactly sure what that converts to in miles but am turned off that it sounds like it will be in the shop more than the road, anyone have a Range Rover that high in km/mileage? Is it a bad idea?
@Zakk Y, had one for 1 week constant issues general bits falling apart, major fuel/air mixture issues causing to stall when accelerating, constant air suspension issues and a grossly overstated MPG figure I was getting avg 8MPG and thats without a heavy foot! gave it back got my money back and now going for a 2007 Diesel 3.6TDV8
As the author states, before buying a used Range, get a thorough inspection. My first Range was a 2004 HSE and it was a virtually in the shop every year. Thank heavens it was under warranty. I traded that in for a 2008 HSE and that car has been great to this point. I have 170k miles on it and the only mechanical problems I have had other than the general services is replacing the catalytic converters and a water pump. I plan to drive it until the wheels fall off. I am on my third Range, a 2016 Supercharger and so far no issues.
Cool! I will eventually,get a newer model but I honestly think the older models are better looking.
What HSE do you have ?
Does anyone know of any good after-market warranties for a range rover that will allow me to take it to the dealer for any repairs and upkeep? I’m looking at purchasing one…but would also like a warranty if possible…
I would like to know this as well. I’ve googled but experienced opinions are better.
Looking at a 2010 range rover sc. 70k miles. Lexus dealer. Priced about 23k. I can find nothing wrong. Anything I should look for?
my range says it is leaning when cornering why
One possibility is because of the air suspension
Wow, what a retarded and misleading article.
So you think I could be lucky and find a good Rover Sport ?
Lol..true…what model do you own?
Robert
Wow. Really? I have always known that they have issues. I have a 2003 and so far no problems …I pray it stays that way for a while but….
My decent gear won’t go off. Having to drive it in decent. Any advice please.?
Get it fixed
Having read this very well written and honest article, I won’t be buying any Range Rover. I really can’t believe that if the Japanese could build reliable cars 25 years ago and American auto makers learnt to do the same albeit quite a bit later, why the Brits are so incapable of doing it in this day and age? Wondering if they do any better with the Rolls?
Funny, Land Rover have been building Reliable vehicles since WW2.
The question is not whether they are reliable or not, it’s whether the necessary maintenance and servicing is worth it to own and drive this vehicle. I’ve been tested once or twice but overall for me it is still a yes.
Folk seem to think they are just going to spend on a modern one… Abuse it on tarmac and never have to worry about reliability…
In 2010 I bought a 2002 Mark 3 Vogue (L322), i.e. the first year of this model, with 150,000 miles on it. I bought it in Latvia mainly for occasional use when visiting Europe during the ski season. I paid 13,000 Euros for it, m logic being that as some heavy bills were probable, and paying a high purchase price was no guarantee against that, I might as well buy cheap and save some cash for the inevitable. During the first 4 years I had to replace both front air suspension struts, turbocharger and gearbox (which was reconditioned and half the price of a new one.) Since then I’ve also replaced all brake discs, a section of brake pipe, flywheel, and suspension arm, 4 new tyres, new front seat valances and some paintwork plus some minor items like fog lamp, rear brake lamp over the tailgate etc. So I’ve probably chalked up around 15,000 Euros in repair bills to date. However, I’m only clocking up about 3500 miles a year and the more expensive problems seem to have tailed off, meaning that the repairs I’ve done are a legacy of its previous use and (in theory) I can now look forward to relatively hassle free motoring. In total my outlay (purchase price + repairs) therefore stands at 28,000 Euros but nobody can expect to keep a car for 7 years without garage bills, so deducting “normal” repair costs of maybe 3,000 Euros my real outlay for the vehicle has been around 25,000 Euros and I now have a car which runs well and looks great. If I’d paid 25,000Euros for the vehicle originally there’s no guarantee that many of these issues (or similar) would not have occurred whereas at least I now know exactly what is going on with the car and what is unlikely to fail again for a good few years. Inconvenience aside, I think the financial strategy was sound. One thing I have also done is to have the entire car rust-proofed using the Krown system, as it stands for long periods and is used a lot in snow and slush during winter (I plan to have it treated at least every 2 years, maybe annually) to minimise longer term bodywork issues or rust underneath. My regular drive is a 2006 Toyota Land Cruiser and that car is faultless in reliability, but the journey with the Range Rover has been worth it to me because it’s a joy to own and drive, it looks fabulous and it turns otherwise mundane journeys into a form of recreation, something which is rarely free of charge nowadays.
I’m about to buy a 2006 Range Rover with 74,500 Miles on it. It seem to be in good shape for being 11 years old.
Some of the issues are difficult to detect in advance but I’d say a close inspection of the rubber “air bags” which operate the air suspension; these fail over time because grit gets trapped in the folds when they are contracted and wears away the rubber, causing leaks. Transmission can be an issue, difficult to detect but I’d suggest researching sources for reconditioned gearboxes in advance so it doesn’t take you unawares down the line (hopefully won’t be necessary. Likewise the driveshaft, often mentioned due to a joint issue but mine is still fine after 150,000 miles.Check carefully for rust spots or signs of a respray around the wheelarches and on the tailgate, these areas collect water and are prone to rot. Assuming they are sound, get the car rust proofed immediately after buying. The turbocharger on mine had to be replaced, so worth checking that if possible. Those are the main issues of my own experience. Check also lamps for water ingress & corrosion.
I own a 2006 HSE RR, I’ve owned it since 2009 and bought it with 43k miles, besides the oil changes and rotars and 2 air suspension bags, ive had no regular or yearly issues. I will buy another one. I love it.
I just got interested in range rovers ,my hobby is looking at used cars It sounds like this has been going on for a long time with this unreliability ,I don’t understand why a car company would keep puting out junk ,this is really crazy…
Perhaps they should stop selling them to imbeciles.
Hopefully I’m not too late to the comments section. The 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport HSE has always been my dream car. I fell in love with that body shape from day one, just never could afford it. Now, many years later, I see a local dealership advertise one for 12k (which is very reasonable I believe). I’m however concerned about the high miles (137k) and the age of the SUV. After all it’s a heavy machine, and physics is sure to prevail. Any thoughts? Should I bring it to a local RR dealer for inspection? Any insights would be greatly appreciated.
Mohamed:
My suggestion would be–first–to pass on this 2006 Land Rover. Then–second–to spend hours, days, weeks, and a couple of months learning EVERYTHING that you can possibly learn about Rovers, both Land and Range. Spend HOURS on the Internet. Talk to Owners. Talk to Mechanics at the Dealership. Become an Expert. Know more than Anybody Else. In the Whole World. Anywhere.
Then check out Craigslist, eBay, CarMax, and all Other Sources to find the Very, Very, Very BEST DEAL on a Rover, now that you are a Very Knowledgeable Potential Purchaser. Then use all of your Substantial Middle-Eastern Negotiating Skills (Don’t be shocked: Mid-Easterners are Fantastic Negotiators, compared to the Average American……..Like taking candy from a Baby. Don’t say it’s not true; it is.) to work the Very, Very, Best Bottom-Line deal for………………..You.
Then be prepared to Spend a Lot of Money and Love-Hate Your Rover. It’s like have a Very Beautiful Woman who is just a bit Neurotic. It’s worth it. Every Penny.
Sincerely,
Ken
My 2006 Range Rover has 203,000 miles now and I love it. If you buy one, you will average $2,000 in repairs annually but it will be worth it! 🙂
Hi Donald, how did you find a good mechanic to keep it in good condition?
Wow. I have a 2003 with 97k miles