L322 Company Car

[Gelandewagen]

Hi all,

I'm looking at leasing a new L322 as a company car early next year. Some questions:

1: The vehicle will need to be available 100% of the time. ie, if I get a call I can drive to Sydney or Melbourne now. Have reliability issues from previous models been addressed? The vehicle will be used and abused off-road; I'm led to believe that it will handle whatever I can dish out.

I would prefer an actual owner or service technician reply, I'm not interested in the conjecture that permeates other Australian off-road forums.

2: Is a new model due out soon? Land Rover Australia act very coy when pressed. If there's a new model due later in 2009 I would rather wait.

Thank you for your input.

[spudboy]

Yup - I've got one for my company car. 2003 model, 6 cyl Diesel.

100% availablity might be pushing it!! How about 99% :D Luckily I've also got an old Karmann Ghia for backup, but only for very short trips...

It has been back to the dealer a few times but not for anything that was a show stopper, and everything was covered under warranty so no out of pocket expenses apart from oil changes/brakes/etc. It had door handles replaced because the finish was flaking, a new digital readout on the CD player 'cause pixels had gone missing, and an air compressor replaced because it was slow to rise up after going down to entry/egress level. Has never stopped or failed to proceed though (120,000Kms).

It is not really the sort of car to abuse. What do you have in mind? Ours does beach work and ambles around the farm, but I wouldn't be thinking of flogging it through bog holes and filling it with mud like my Defender. It is superb off road (I have got Goodyear MTRs on it - bit noisy though) and always comfortable.

Fuel economy is amazing for such a big beast. Cruising you get in the 9's per 100Km. Around town I get 11-12/100. My missus gets 12-13/100. Gearbox is good for quick traffic light sprints but relaxed for 110/120 Km/h cruising.

Can't help with the new model info. Sorry.

Any more questions just ask away.
Cheers
David

[Gelandewagen]

That's exactly the type answer I was after.

I am wondering if the compressor was replaced during a scheduled service or did you need to make a special trip to the dealer? I usually plan my services for when I will be in Sydney overnight and can use a courtesy car. I prefer not to borrow other employee's company vehicles or use my personal car for work.

I will drive the vehicle fast over dirt and gravel roads of very poor quality, but rarely drive where I will need to use diff locks. I really like the new Defender but I'm not sure it would suit my needs; I rack up a lot of kilometers on the highway.

Fuel economy is not an issue that is high on my agenda.

[drivesafe]

Hi Gelandewagon, I’ve got a 2008 Lux RR and I can highly recommend it.

I had a 2003 L322 HSE RR, bought it 2 months after the model was released and with out exaggeration, it had to be the most unreliable vehicle I have ever owned but as you can see, I did not hesitate to buy a new one.

There’s been lots of changes from the 2003 to the 2008.

I have nearly 40k on the clock and the 2008 has not missed a beat. I just put it in for it’s third service and the only thing that needed attention was a dash air vent with loose fins.

I take it off road when ever I get the chance which is not enough but it performs well and considering I have 20” rims and dead stock road tyres, it’s performance is brilliant.

To my knowledge, there are no on going issues with the latest version of the L322.

They start at $140,000, mine was $169,000, the Supercharged is $188,00 and only today I saw a spect up SC at my dealers for $197,000, it had just been marked down from $212,000.

Their not cheap but in my opinion, they are worth every cent and so far I have not come across any other vehicle, 4x4 or otherwise that comes near the RR comfort and ride, particularly when used for long trips.

I’ve now made three trip from the Gold Coast to Melbourne, 1,700 each way.

On my first trip, I drove from Melbourne to GC in 23 hour with a 4 hour sleep stop at some relos and when I got home, took everybody for a run in the new wheels and when I got out, felt like I had just driven around the block. UNREAL!

[spudboy]

We live out of Adelaide, so I save up all the stuff I want done and get it done in one go. I usually get a hire car from the dealer even though it is $35 because it saves a lot of stuffing around and you generally get a new Freelander or Volvo which is nice for a day.

One thing I didn't mention before is the incredibleness of the warranty. Mine had 5 years or 180,000Km, and there were never any quibbles. They even fixes a few things I never mentioned, like some rear suspension bushes they said looked worn. Same with the air compressor, I just said it was slow to go back to full height and before you know it they'd whipped it out and put in a new one.

For fast gravel roads you might want the more industrial tyres, I liked the Goodyears because they are original fitment on the G4 Rangies. Scroll down towards the bottom of this page to see some: Mk III Range Rover Tire Choices (http://www.rangerovers.net/outfitting/tires/mkiiitires.html)


Also - Have a read of this: Mk III Range Rover L322 (http://www.rangerovers.net/rrmkiii.htm)

The early models (02/03) had issues with their front diffs (mine were recently replace under RR warranty even though there was nothing wrong with them) but they should all be updated by now - some design improvement.

Are you buying new or second hand?

[drivesafe]

That's exactly the type answer I was after.

I am wondering if the compressor was replaced during a scheduled service or did you need to make a special trip to the dealer?

The L322 did not have a compressor problem, it was the D3

The early L322s had a problem with front diffs.

[Gelandewagen]

Thanks, my comment re: the compressor was in response to Spudboy's first post.

I would be getting it brand new. I've read a fair bit on Rangerovers.net about tyres etc., I think the MT/Rs may be a bit overkill for my needs.

[drivesafe]

While I want to do as much off roading as I can, after nearly 40k on the Continental tyres on my RR, I’m so impressed with them that I am prepared to sacrifice some off road ability to keep the comfort and on road handling of these tyres.

Best tyres I’ve ever had on any of my 4x4s

[Gelandewagen]

I've owned several Mercedes-Benz that have come from the dealer with Continental tyres and I'll back you up there. Also, as it's a company car I don't have as much choice to select options such as alternative tyres as I like.

I wouldn't mind seeing some photos of Spudboy's Range Rover with the Goodyears if you've posted them up somewhere?

Thank you both for your informed opinions on this matter.

[pomonastik]

If there's a new model due later in 2009 I would rather wait.

surely common sense would suggest 100% reliability is more likely to be achieved with the last of an established model series than the first of a new series ? the phrase "the early ones suffer from........." is writ large in nearly every model specific forum of any make. disco2 td5's spring to mind !

[Leo]

Go for it! They've ironed out most problems and the new ones come with terrain response and rear diff-lock as well. Wading depth is deeper as well. There's nothing like it - it does everything well whether on or off-road and the TDV8 is a peach of an engine.

They still make the occasional lemon though but these are thankfully rare.

Rumour has it that a new model comes out in 2010, what is certain is that a new 5L V8 (more powerful and economical that the current 4.4) is coming soon.

If you want a stronger tyre than the road-biased one it will come with, you can get the new Pirelli Scorpion ATRs in correct sizes. This isn't as aggressive as a BFG A/T or General AT2, but much better on rough roads (and wet grass!) than the standard items because of its stronger sidewall and deeper tread.

[spudboy]

Guys - that sounds a little harsh.

I didn't take his posts in that way, and anyway I think he should be given the benefit of the doubt..... especially as he is a new member.

[drivesafe]

Guys - that sounds a little harsh.

I didn't take his posts in that way, and anyway I think he should be given the benefit of the doubt..... especially as he is a new member.

I second that.

He’s new to this forum and doesn’t know that we are a tad more honest about Landies than he has probably been use to on sites for other makes of vehicles.

[Camo]

Or a H3 :D awesome unit that one!

The rear leaf suspension will handle dirt roads better :wasntme:

[ariddell]

-I'll edit myself on this one as my original post was also rather unfair-

Our 2003 has been pretty good reliability-wise. Some niggles but nothing that i wouldn't expect to be fixed in the current models.

I wouldn't thrash ours though, it gets treated with respect, serviced properly and wants for nothing so i'd agree with the others that I wouldn't go for a $200k car if you're going to flog the nuts off it and leave a basketcase for some other poor sod to pick up the aftermath of when it has been handed back at the end of the lease.

[Outlaw]

FFS give it a rest people... he hasn't given you any reason to doubt his intentions so why acting like a bunch of *******?

[incisor]

Pffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffftttttttttttttt tttttttttt

Must....... keep...... mouth......... shut......... aaaarrrgghhhhhhh...........

i agree, consider yourself warned...

absolutely no need for it ...

[incisor]

The guys are right..he sounds like a ....

hunting in pack today are we?

last warning, there is no need for this crap....

[incisor]

I believe you don't want our help
Have a great day and should I be wrong i apologise in advance.;););)

we can do without the conjecture thanks

please refrain from it in the future...

[Gelandewagen]

Thank you all for your collective perspective, positive or otherwise.

The vehicle will be serviced and maintained perfectly as per our lease agreement. Like a mechanic would use a spanner, a company car is a tool to get the job done.

Unlike some owners of late-model Range Rovers, I do not intend to baby my vehicle around the city; I have also had reliability issues with previous Land Rovers I have personally owned. While dealerships have bent over backwards to rectify any problems under warranty, the vehicle was useless for weeks at a time on two separate occasions. Although I really would like another Land Rover, I cannot afford this on my company vehicle under any circumstances.

While dealers insist that reliability issues have been addressed, I am interested to hear what actual owners honestly believe. If members of this community do not believe this is the appropriate medium to explore this topic then please accept my apology - if an owner of an L322 Range Rover would kindly PM me their phone number I would gladly discuss the topic over the phone.

[Outlaw]

Don't mind them Gelandewagen, just a full moon somewhere at the moment ;)

BTW going by your username... have you got a g-wagen too?

[Gelandewagen]

Yeah two actually, both off the road. One undergoing restoration, the other I just seem to have collected.

[spudboy]

PM Sent

[big guy]

As`I said, I stand corrected....

Not sure if I like being warned though.

Often messages are misinterpreted and that might well be the case.

I sincerely hope he does buy one and has a great run with it.

i also may add theat the new Cruisers are having problems like blowing up their V8's.
best mate has one, 6 months old and just been fitted with new motor.

[incisor]

Not sure if I like being warned though.
it was just a nod to let you know that you need to refrain from it in the future cause if you dont you get to get a real warning...;)

[DirtyDawg]

I do apologise to the forum for the attack.

I will drive the vehicle fast over dirt and gravel roads of very poor quality, but rarely drive where I will need to use diff locks. I really like the new Defender but I'm not sure it would suit my needs; I rack up a lot of kilometers on the highway.

But I do not support irresponsible driving of any vehicle.......


But it would be nice to see photo's of your G Wagen..as we say here ..it hasn't happened without photo's

[drivesafe]

In both cases, on dirt and gravel roads of poor quality and for lots of highway use, then the L322 would one of, if not the safest 4x4s to do just what he needs.

[Ricey]

In both cases, on dirt and gravel roads of poor quality and for lots of highway use, then the L322 would one of, if not the safest 4x4s to do just what he needs.

Exactly what I would have thought. DD, do people generally oblige with your requests after taking a swipe at them?

[abaddonxi]

Welcome to AULRO.

Two G wagens. A G wagen would be my choice after a Defender.

Cheers
Simon

[rovercare]

I do apologise to the forum for the attack.

I will drive the vehicle fast over dirt and gravel roads of very poor quality, but rarely drive where I will need to use diff locks. I really like the new Defender but I'm not sure it would suit my needs; I rack up a lot of kilometers on the highway.

But I do not support irresponsible driving of any vehicle.......


But it would be nice to see photo's of your G Wagen..as we say here ..it hasn't happened without photo's

Jeez, you drive at 30km/h on corrugated roads?

What terrible comments, the man is obviously somewhat successful, being lucky enough to purchase a new RR, which is about the BEST vehicle for this sort of travel for a business situation and you idiots bag him out?:mad:

Bet the clientel would love being driven around in a Defender:(

Sorry, can;t offer any help, but can offer plenty of envy....I'll be waiting till they hit 20k, then I'll buy an L322:D

[Psimpson7]

Sorry, can;t offer any help, but can offer plenty of envy....I'll be waiting till they hit 20k, then I'll buy an L322:D

Thats 2 of us then!!:)

[Camo]

Jeez, you drive at 30km/h on corrugated roads?

What terrible comments, the man is obviously somewhat successful, being lucky enough to purchase a new RR, which is about the BEST vehicle for this sort of travel for a business situation and you idiots bag him out?:mad:

Bet the clientel would love being driven around in a Defender:(

Sorry, can;t offer any help, but can offer plenty of envy....I'll be waiting till they hit 20k, then I'll buy an L322:D

LOL! i said that to someone the other day.. my price is when they hit 25k.. give it another year and should be able to get a 2004 one for that with 60k:cool: I know.. im dreaming

I drove drivesafes new one a few months ago and I tell you what.. has to be the most impressive 4x4 ive ever seen.

Camo

[mike 90 RR]

....I'll be waiting till they hit 20k, then I'll buy an L322:D

and i'll be standing in line also ...... x2 :)


Hang on .... Just saw the above replies ....... I'm 4th in line :p

[rovercare]

^^^^Looks like Camo get's one first, tell us what its like:D

[Psimpson7]

LOL! i said that to someone the other day.. my price is when they hit 25k.. give it another year and should be able to get a 2004 one for that with 60k:cool: I know.. im dreaming

I drove drivesafes new one a few months ago and I tell you what.. has to be the most impressive 4x4 ive ever seen.

Camo

Camo, I didn think you ever offered over $5k:wasntme: :p

[Camo]

Camo, I didn think you ever offered over $5k


Range Rovers are an exception .. in their own class :)

different if Fender or Disco.. 5k max

Camo

[big guy]

What ever.

[Camo]

YouTube - Liam Lynch: United States of Whatever (http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=Xz7_3n7xyDg)
:wasntme:

[drivesafe]

Folks, I think you might have a long wait for the price of an L322 to come down much below $40k, particularly the 6 diesel.

They are not only holding at around that price but, Surprise Surprise, they are holding their price far better than similar models of other makes.

Like most new vehicles, they loose heaps just driving them out of the showroom. I bet mine went from $169k to about $120k by the time I cleared the dealer’s driveway but my 2003 trade-in got me $40k and it had clocked up 180,000, had a cracked windscreen ( 2k ), a couple of small dents and loads of light scratches from off roading, so I probably could have got another $5K if it was in top nick.

Even at $40k they are a great deal.

[DirtyDawg]

Jeez, you drive at 30km/h on corrugated roads?

What terrible comments, the man is obviously somewhat successful, being lucky enough to purchase a new RR, which is about the BEST vehicle for this sort of travel for a business situation and you idiots bag him out?:mad:

Bet the clientel would love being driven around in a Defender:(

Sorry, can;t offer any help, but can offer plenty of envy....I'll be waiting till they hit 20k, then I'll buy an L322:D



In three years time the balloon payment on my Lease is on $21500.....but historically they will still be beyond your $20......:p

[Camo]

In three years time the balloon payment on my Lease is on $21500.....but historically they will still be beyond your $20......:p

Are brilliant.. will hold you to that.. 25K.. done deal :D

Camo

[sniegy]

Folks, I think you might have a long wait for the price of an L322 to come down much below $40k, particularly the 6 diesel.

They are not only holding at around that price but, Surprise Surprise, they are holding their price far better than similar models of other makes.

Like most new vehicles, they loose heaps just driving them out of the showroom. I bet mine went from $169k to about $120k by the time I cleared the dealer’s driveway but my 2003 trade-in got me $40k and it had clocked up 180,000, had a cracked windscreen ( 2k ), a couple of small dents and loads of light scratches from off roading, so I probably could have got another $5K if it was in top nick.

Even at $40k they are a great deal.

Depends on where u work Tim....:D:D
And what state you are in!
I see prices vary from state to state dramatically. 10-15k price differences. On the same model vehicle.

[drivesafe]

I see prices vary from state to state dramatically. 10-15k price differences. On the same model vehicle.

Is that 10-15k higher ? :D:D

[DirtyDawg]

Interesting Tim, the windscreen being $2000.....my insurance offers a free windscreen every year as a part of their policy....:D:D:D:D boy are they in for a shock:D:D windscreen is double my premium...:D:D

[drivesafe]

My insurer has the same policy and I claimed one for free but 2 days after fitting it, I broke a second one.

As it was not 12 months since the last claim, I would have been up for the first $500 but as the damage was on the passenger side, I just left it and sold the RR as was.

[The Mutt]

How about a convertible!


https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

found on UPDATE: Dubai Range RoverConvertibles - The Land Rover Chronicles - Land Rover and Range Rover News, Reviews and Blogs! (http://rovering.squarespace.com/journal/2008/3/19/update-dubai-range-rover-convertibles.html)


Glenn

[p38arover]

Interesting Tim, the windscreen being $2000.....my insurance offers a free windscreen every year as a part of their policy....:D:D:D:D boy are they in for a shock:D:D windscreen is double my premium...:D:D

I'm with AAMI and they don't cover windscreens in NSW. :mad:

[ariddell]

Dealer did a windscreen replacement on ours before we collected it, $1200 appartently since it's heated and has rain sensors etc.

Fitters managed to crack it when applying the adhesive for the rear view mirror, so had to fit yet another replacement... :)

[mike 90 RR]

Dealer did a windscreen replacement on ours before we collected it, $1200 appartently since it's heated and has rain sensors etc.

Fitters managed to crack it when applying the adhesive for the rear view mirror, so had to fit yet another replacement... :)

Bet ya they won't be getting a invite to the annual company Xmas party :(

[The ho har's]

How about a convertible!


http://img236.imageshack.us/img236/1375/w6w20051124145053b66b4b5b7cp.jpg

found on UPDATE: Dubai Range RoverConvertibles - The Land Rover Chronicles - Land Rover and Range Rover News, Reviews and Blogs! (http://rovering.squarespace.com/journal/2008/3/19/update-dubai-range-rover-convertibles.html)


Glenn


do you think as I have been a very good girl this year santa will bring me one of these:D


Mrs ho har:angel:

and pigs might fly also