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I think most, if not everyone, agrees the 4.4 with ZF 8 speed is better.
I have the 3.6 L322 MY08 and it’s been a great car, now with 290k km. I’ve done lots of big drives in it. Fantastic for chewing up the kms.
For the price the MY10 L320 tdv8 3.6 would be hard to beat with updated styling.
But my next FFRR will be a L405 (not for years).
I had a 2008 L320 (2.7 TDV6) from new for three years and have now owned a L322 2010 3.6 TDV8 for the last 3 years. I was also loaned a pre-facelift 2009 L320 TDV8 for a few weeks, then a brand new just launched facelift 3.0 L320 for a week or so when my 2.7 L320 was having warranty work done back in the day, and my view is you need to drive both L322 and L320 to be sure which you personally prefer as they are almost chalk and cheese.
In my opinion you can go for an early TDV8 L320 or 2010 facelift TDV8 - they didn't do the TDV8 in the 2011 (I wouldn't go for either the 2.7 or 3.0), but the big difference in my view regardless of engine is the wheelbase and construct - The L320 being a shorter D3/D4 Body on Chassis architecture, and the L322 being Monocoque. So they are different in the way they drive, but mostly because of the wheelbase.
I personally find the L322 more than 'sporty' enough for me, but not too 'twitchy' on the longer drives, and therefore wouldn't go back to a L320. Having also owned many European Coupe's/sports cars (my L320 2.7 was my first 4 door car in 15 years) - its the best daily driver I've had.
I would personally recommend a 2010 3.6 TDV8 as a minimum for the updated interior, and 'toys' - and if you do go this path try and get the Luxury if not AB so you also get the heated/cooled seats. (you also only get heated seats on the higher spec L320's AFAIK). If you get the L322 4.4 TDV8, you can only have 19" or 20" wheels. With the 3.6 you can buy 18" Compomotive wheels to give you extra sidewall obviously! (I'm still on 20's but looking to move to 18" for offroading/camping). If you don't need the 18's and can stretch $'s I think the 4.4 TDV8 L322 Luxury or Autobiography is the car to have IMHO.
Just my opinions and hope they help in someway.
Thanks guys really helpful! Looks like 4.4 TDV8 L322 is the go to be honest. If I'm going to buy a 4x4, I don't need it to be sporty.
I've done some more maths and research. In my financial situation, Novated Lease makes the most sense. So I'm looking for 2010 onwards (lease reasons for tax) - leading candidate is now a 2011/2012 L322 TDV8 - preferably an AB but at a minimum, a car with rear reclining seats, HK sound system, heated and cooled seats and preferably with 19 or 20" wheels.
My close second is a F80 BMW M3. Wildly different vehicles and a 20-30k price difference! For that price I could get an L405! Correct, but the M3 won't depreciate as much and is very reliable.
L322 makes sense for me if it's cheaper, old enough to have taken the bulk of the depreciation hit and a mature enough model to be reliable - which I read they are in the later years.
Unfortunately there's no perfect vehicle. Why can't they make a car that is a comfortable tourer, decent off-roader as well as an overpowered RWD sports sedan??
I'm going to need to test drive both to decide. Shame the L322 TDV8s are hard to find at dealers in SA.
-Edit- Foolishly started looking at L405s after writing this.
My AB doesn't have rear reclining seats. Have you spotted any L322s with the seats?
Yes there are plenty around. Perhaps it was an option on ABs too.
Yes, it was an option especially on the AB having bespoke options but I didn't spot any in my hunt, not that I was looking for it.
The MY11/12 are no slouches in the handling dept due to the CVDs which stiffen further on bends when DSC is "disabled".
So after further conversation with SWMBO, a Cape trip may be on next year. She has always wanted to see the Daintree. So I am using that as an excuse.
I'm test driving an L494 RRS tomorrow but may need to look at a D4/D5 as well. I just don't love the look of the D5.
L405 or L322 are both still leading the way. Just very, very hard to test drive either in SA. Now looking at a 2011/12 L322 TDV8 or a 2013/14 L405 SDV8.
Which would you choose if some more serious off road trips were on the cards? I've seen a couple threads of people doing big trips in an 322 but not much in a 405. I won't be towing - camping or staying in hotels.
Ha ha ha ha!!!🤣🤣🤣. You haven't driven a 4.4 tdv8 then?? There's enough sportiness for most people there... handling and outright power and torque are astonishing for such a heavy vehicle, with braking to match. You will not be disappointed 😏❤Quote:
Originally Posted by AlexRS4
Ha, I'm sure it is compared to your average 4wd. I simply meant in comparison to most cars I've owned before.Quote:
Originally Posted by justinc
Plenty say the L405 is a lighter, better option than the L322, which is no slouch.
Like all modern complicated cars, newer the better probably.