Thread: So... I think I've had enough

Plenty of info on AULRO about the L322 but here also is a buying guide

Used buying guide: Land Rover Range Rover L322 (2002-12) | Autocar

Also the D2 has bucket loads of after market, quality, off road gear that RR does not have available. If you are keen on doing a lor of offloading and hitting really rugged areas etc then D2 is the choice.

Cheers

I like the mechanics summing up about 1/2 way through.

“The L322 is the best Range Rover. It’s a ‘proper’ one – a full-blown off-road vehicle but with luxurious on-road manners.”

I have to say as a 50 something 110 Perentie owner, this is true. I have a MY08 3.6 Ford built tdv8. I love it.

I can drive Brisbane to Sydney in a day and not be exhausted. In the 110 I can get to Port Macquarie and be knackered. That’s the on road experience. Just to add, not long ago I did a road trip to Victoria. I drove the whole way and back easy. The R&P steering plus the quite comfort make it so less tiring.

Off road: Done a trip to lightning Ridge, some corruptions, very easy. Done plenty of beach drives to Fraser, Moreton, Bribie and Straddy. Not much of a comparison I know BUT, on Moreton my BIL in his NP Paj & us were touring around Moreton. We decided to explore the dune look outs. He took the lead and got about 3-4 metres up the dune track before digging himself in. I decided to have a go in the L322. This think pretty much idled up without hesitation. We just disappeared up the track. My MIL was worried and then amazed, a nice moment. On another trip we had to pull him out.

EAS: a great bit of kit. But from what I’ve read it took the experience of the classic, P38 and early L322, before they finally got the bugs out in the MY07/08 L322 and maybe MY07 D3 & L320. From my reading the L322 front air suspension has a life of about 10 years. That’s when I replaced mine. I love how I can drop the height in a car park & in a off road situation get a lift. My EAS as been faultless. I like the L322 rear EAS over the D3/L320 as the on the L322 the shock is outside the air spring. Also the air compressor is fully protected.

Engines/Trans: the L322 (2000-2005) started with the BMW X5 set up. I personally would go the next generation.
MY06-09 had the ZF6HP26, like the D3/4s and next gen transfer box. These really need an oil change every 100k km to mid 08, an every 50k for the 08/09 models.

The 6hp26 is a very nice trans. Some L322/D3/RRS transmissions output shaft (like on my L322) didn’t get greased, and just wore away. The car is so smooth that a worn output shaft is impossible to detect on a test drive. I found a low cost/km trans & case for cheap.

The Jag 4.4 & 4.2SC are both very well regarded motors.

My D2A was a bargain at 10k but since has cost me closer to 20K. It is now virtually a new car mechanically and is still a cheap car even tho resale value is prolly 12k or less. Some costs were due to misfortune (dusted engine) and preventative maintenance eg new auto for the big trip.

As a comparo..my sons TD42 GU Patrol cost him 5k with a knackered engine and the engine rebuild is costing @10k..much more than i paid to reco the TD5 (4500).

BUT he could get 25k for the Patrol/fork lift powered truck now😐

And yes I would definetely take the disco over a Patrol for comfort and safety every time and it can tow 3500kgs whereas the Patrol can't. .legally.

Mmm there's winners n there's losers in every game!

Yep I don't worry about resale. I have owned my D2 since new so 17 years and replaced engine due overheating - my fault. I have reconditioned the 5 speed and replaced the transfer case (knew it was leaking but took it to Cape York...where oil gets out water gets in...replacement TC with 20,000k on it for $450...).

I insure it for what it would cost me to return a good D2 bare to what I have now and just enjoy the vehicle which is very reliable and very competent at a variety of duties.

Cheers

Found what I was looking for. I saw this a while ago when I was looking at L322. A good guide if you go that way. Cheers

MkIII L322 Range Rover Remedies

A lot of that relates to the early L322s (2000-2005).

The FFRR UK site also has some useful info.

Main Page - fullfatrr.com Wiki

Bought my son a D2 4 litre 2 and a bit years ago for $3k and it has been great, the only downside is fuel use but looking at others his is quite good getting around 14 litres per 100kms. It is a little rough but a great vehicle. Only real issue we have had is an alternator failure and air con clutch failure. Building on it as we go. Does need new rocker cover gaskets and will likely do the head gaskets when we do them as a matter of course. Very underated vehicle.

Originally Posted by Bravado440

I'm a glutton for punishment.

Hell yeah.

Sleep on it and then if you still want to buy one have another nap.

They are tractors so unless you are ploughing a field, bush bashing, pigging or some other form of a questionably civilised contemporary hobby I would recommend cutting your loses.

Pros
Relatively easy to work on.
Excuse to buy more tools for repairs

Cons
You will spend a lot of time working on the vehicle.
You will need to buy tools for repairs
Fuel economy is very high relative new/er cars.
Old - cars are almost driving themselves these days.