So what do you do if you need a big SUV, you don't want American or Japanese, and you don't have 80k handy. I think you go for the last generation Range Rover the Series II final version. In 2002 the Range Rover had a couple of options besides paint or interior color. All of them had 18 inch wheels, nav, sunroof, huge harman kardon stereo etc. What I'm getting at is that this Rover always comes with every option imaginable, in a very attractive and now pretty affordable package. The 4.6 engine, while not overtly powerful is completely sufficient and reliable.

The tires are big, headlamps integrated, interior is gorgeous. It's sort of a what else do you really need in an SUV...SUV. As they approach 80k miles the complexities of the self leveling suspension begin to show themselves, but a simple conversion to shocks fixes this malady forever. Figure 1000 on top of the purchase for the new setup. Otherwise, put 89 in 'em and don't look at the trip computer. I take that back, actually these get better mileage than a Discovery @ 19 or so highway and 15 in town. Plus, they're aluminum so they'll never rust. I think they're my favorite SUV of the recent past. Be sure to get the bull bar and roof rack...

...read the full guide with pics here