Advice on the L322

[Oohsam]

Hey guys
I'm currently in the market for a new car. Some history about me, I've been 4wd for years and had my fair share of experience in the Victorian high country.
I do all maintenance myself and have alot of experience - I have a hoist in my garage and a good workshop. I'm also a certified welder.

I've been after a luxury 4wd that is a propper 4wd as my last car was a Nissan gu patrol and was just exceptional but lacked comfort.
I don't want to do any crazy offroading but want access to the high country tracks and a Landrover felt like it fit the bill.

I have decided for a L322 over a disco 3 due to the extra comfort featured and the size. I like the big Vogue's.

I'm looking at an 04-05 petrol V8 , fuel consumption isn't much of an issue as I hardly any KMs on weekdays.

I know about most issues on these cars - the m62 has its fair share of issues - but some friends are trying to sway me out with the old "land Rovers are not reliable" talk.

Given my knowledge and experience with self maintance and repair , do you think I would be fine to maintain such a vehicle, and is the maintance of keeping these cars running really that bad? I mean, there's alot of them.out there and a wealth of knowledge online.

Any feedback is welcome.
Cheers.

[Homestar]

Sounds like you’re handy with the spanners so no dramas IMO. I did all the work on mine including head R&R on the diesel variant and although more complex than some other vehicles, there’s nothing to be too scared about - they are very well designed and easy enough to work on for the most part. The V8 does require a few specialist tools but you can get these if needed. The driveline, suspension, etc is easy to work on with standard tools. You’ll just need a good set of torx sockets if you don’t already have them. 👍

[p38arover]

The L322 is one of, if not the last, RR(s) that can be worked on at home. Have a look under the bonnet of later models vs. the BMW L322.

[Oohsam]

Thanks for the replies guys!
yes I have a few set of Torx and Etorx kits around.
I've done a lot of work on the BMW's, we have had a few. They can be a pain to work on in terms of space, but there's always a way.
I've done quite a bit of work on the ZF boxes too, so am quite familiar with them.
I guess the advantage of the M62 would be that there are lots of parts around for reasonable price given the breadth of that engine in the BMWs.. an assumption but I think its valid.

This eases my mind somewhat, and it may have convinced me enough to get one!
Unfortunately the Jag engine models are a little out of my price range, and as such the M62 is the only one I can really afford.

My car lift is only rated to 4Tons - the RR is 3.5!! Sheez - heavy car!

[p38arover]

The M62 L322 is a lovely car to drive and it's a great long distance tourer.

The thing(s) that worry me with the M62 are the timing chain guides when the km mount up.

If you get one with the BMW instrument panel, you might have to do a ribbon cable replacement. I did mine: Dead pixel fix (https://www.aulro.com/afvb/l322-range-rover/140752-dead-pixel-fix.html)

I added a reverse camera (using the existing screen) Fitting a BMW X5 style reversing camera (https://www.aulro.com/afvb/l322-range-rover/254222-fitting-bmw-x5-style-reversing-camera.html)
Converted the analogue TV to digital PTV - Digital TV interface board for BMW (http://pibus.info/tv/) (waste of money - reception is marginal).
I also removed the 2G mobile phone and fitted a BMW ULF Bluetooth: https://www.aulro.com/afvb/l322-range-rover/253792-retro-fitting-bluetooth-into-2002-2004-l322.html?253792=#post2720820

[Oohsam]

Yes, I agree, the plastic guides for the chain is a worry, i think I would probably tackle this, and the chain tensioner first as a point of preventative maintenance.
Timing chains just generally care me. In some ways I wish they just stuck with timing belts we could replace and see every 100 thou!

The one I am currently considering has the dead pixel issue as you mention, which is making it hard to read the actual odometer.
I have a scan tool which I am considering using to read the actual kms on the car. I've been told its sitting on low 100's (which is very very low for its age) but the second number is not clear.
It could be a 3 or it could be an 8! its like roulette. I"m not sure if my scantool will show the odometer kms but it usually does.