Here are my thoughts on the subject. I just bought a 2012 Range Rover Supercharged with 39k miles on it. I've been looking for an SUV that would be a daily driver, mild off roader, runaround car that I didn't care if it got a parking lot ding. I wanted it clean with pristine interior and no leaks or drama when I get under the chassis for an inspection. I don't need 7 seat capacity although it would be nice. I wanted something used, at least 3 or 4 years old to keep the costs reasonable. The one must have was it had to have a V8. I also wanted a vehicle that was a west coast car and proven so. East coast rovers have so much more chassis rust, potential flood cars, etc. Finding a local truck that was bought and serviced at the same Land Rover dealer is a huge plus as they know the history of the truck and how it was taken care of. Here is what I was comparing it to:
BMX X5....drove a unit for a week, not in love with it and it really didn't feel substantial in its build quality. What I mean by that is it just didn't feel like it would survive rough terrain, etc. I have no other basis to state this other than what my butt meter felt when driving it around for about 700 miles. Nothing that I experienced made me want to even consider buying a X5. Sad, because I do think they have a nice look to them exterior-wise and are unique in their shape.
Lexus GX470/GX460.....drove 4 or 5 used models of each. Biggest problem was that I did not like how close the passengers shoulder felt to mine. Ride was good, power good, etc. But, the platform felt just a little too cramped for me. A lot of these trucks had a lot of miles yet the price was ridiculous for the wear and tear they had. Yeah, I know you're paying for Toyota quality, reliability, blah, blah, blah....but the pricing was not what I was willing to pay for what I was able to feel, touch and enjoy. Main drawback for me was how close I felt to the passenger.....I like my space, lol.
Tahoe/Yukon/Expedition/Navigator....Too bulky of a truck on the exterior, non communicative driving experience and IMO, under powered when nailing it. Out of all the engines combo's I tried, the Eco Boost V6 felt the best once the vehicle was into 2nd or 3rd gear. Much better than the old 5.4 Triton engine when it came to power. The Tahoes just felt sterile in the driving experience. I could not see myself driving an Escalade as I think they look like an angular mess so I didn't even test drive them.
LR3.........Looked at about 7 or 8 of them. Really liked the driving "feel" of the LR3 more than the LR4. Can't explain it, but it felt more communicative and sporty. Love the LR3/LR4 for their functionality when it comes to interior storage. Not only huge, but more importantly usable space. I could not find one that I liked....either it was beat up, too many miles, interiors that were a mess, etc. Damn, I really like that platform and I do think they'd make the best hardcore off roader for the money. If I get ambitious in the future, I may pick up an LR3 as a project truck, I like them that much.
LR4........Damn, how can soccer moms destroy a vehicle so easily? Man these things were dirty on the inside, under the seats, spilled drinks, etc. Even at dealerships where they should have better pride in the product they are selling (Mercedes, Land Rover, etc) they were messy. I looked at 4 or 5 units that I had pre-inspected via service records, multiple pictures, etc. I would only settle for an Lux model as I wanted power tilt, memory and all the other comforts that come with the Lux model. Biggest problem with the LR4....I just didn't like the driving feel as much as the LR3. I also think it felt more like it wallowed than what I cared for. Nearly every LR4 I looked at had issues under them with leaks, impacted mud and debri, lots of body paint scrapes, etc. From a utilitarian standpoint that has good luxury, good power and great off road capability, nothing comes close to the LR4. Last problem with the LR4 is cost, they seem to really hold their value and low mile units really demand a premium.
Range Rover Sport........We already own one, wife bought a new 2013 Range Rover Sport Supercharged. She has 60k miles on it already and it has been a great truck. We take it to the dealer religiously for service. It's had a few minor issues (most that we did not realize but were found by the dealer during services) and one issue that I do think would have sidelined the vehicle was a bad injector at approximately 40k. It idled very rough to the point I knew something was seriously wrong and not drive the vehicle. Every issue has been covered under warranty or the extended warranty. Truck will get 18 mpg at a moving average of 70 mph from Vegas to Sacramento. Seats are great even after an 8 hour drive, no soreness or pains. The handling defies an SUV of this size and weight. The active roll bar system should be standard on every SUV made IMO.
Range Rover L322.......I was only considering the 2010 to 2012 units since they had the 5.0 and I was looking for something without a ton of miles on it. I didn't need a Supercharged version, but when looking at pricing it wasn't that much more than non supercharged trucks but gave you a lot more options and features. Plus, I love the cooled seats and the locking rear diff is a bonus if so equipped. I really like the look of the more square bodied Range Rovers...the 2013 and newer full sized units often look like a Ford Explorer to me. Awesome trucks but I don't want to have it look like a Kia Sorento either. When comparing Land Rover trucks, the L322 chassis seems just so much more substantial than the LR4/Range Rover Sport. The A-arms, frame sections, etc just seem so much more beefy. I love the feel of the L322....I like the upright driving stance and the visibility. I hate trucks with a bulbous hood (had a 2008 Toyota Sequoia that was just stupid to look over) and love how the Land Rover trucks have short, down sloping hoods. Best part of my Range Rover to me is how it feels when driving on the road....it just fits me so good. The cost of the used L322 platform is a bargain....most are used by businessmen or folks with older or no kids that don't beat on the cars. Not as popular for the soccer mom crowd as the LR3/LR4 platform. You can pick up an equivalent miles, year and condition L322 for less than an LR4 from what I found.
Bad parts is not so great storage (I think our Sport can handle just as much cargo), no power rear hatch (spoiled by the RRS hatch) and its infotainment system is not the fastest to respond compared to newer (and way cheaper) cars. Fuel mileage sucks for all the trucks on my list in stop and go city driving. Not a lot of aftermarket support but I do think this will grow as I see the L322 platform being used for more off road platforms because of the low cost for what you are getting. Even stock these trucks will go over silly difficult terrain.
