In many ways, it could be argued that the L322 is already a classic car. You get timeless styling, an amazing reputation for luxury, a wide variety of cars for less than £5000, and – ahem – the ability to infuriate the most hands-on tinkering owner. We’ll get to the last point in a moment, but first let’s discuss what makes the third-generation Range Rover so special.
Like the Rover 75 and MINI (R50), it was developed under BMW’s ownership of the Rover Group. But unlike these two models, the German firm’s overall engineering supremo, Wolfgang Reitzle, took a very hands-on role with the development of this car, and (correctly) asserted that it should be a top-end luxury car to challenge the likes of Bentley. So much effort was expended on its interior and exterior design that it was a revolution for the Range Rover franchise when it first went on sale in 2002.
Its body was an all-new monocoque and the petrol V8 and diesel straight-sixes and transmissions were transplants from the BMW passenger car range. The L322 extensively evolved during its production to reflect its change of ownership from BMW to Ford in 2005. Those sixes and eights were replaced by Ford-developed units, suitably re-tuned – while the design remained largely As for which one to buy, make sure unchanged. that it’s been serviced properly, the These cars have matured nicely. transmission has been cared for with
In many ways they’re untouched regular fluid changes, the mileage isn’t by the anti-SUV agenda thanks to high and it’s a petrol for long-term their image of providing old-money piece of mind and driving pleasure. luxury, but the ropiest examples can However, if you land yourself a be had for buttons (£2000 and up). 2007-on TDV8 or supercharged Let’s be clear, though – there’s no 5.0-litre petrol V8, you’ll enjoy an such thing as a cheap Range Rover. imperious, wafty drive from one of They cost an absolute fortune to the best seats in the world. Of course, run; and when they go wrong, they If you’re looking for a return on your go wrong expensively. All models investment, expect launch-spec can rust around the sills and door petrols and later Anniversary and openings, the air suspension is Autobiography models to tip into the troublesome and expensive to rectify appreciating asset status the soonest, and the electronics haven’t aged well. and easily within five years.
