I am considering buying a 2006 Range Rover, as the model year has the new Jag engine and other upgrades (Nav System, suspension tuning, brakes etc) But I was reading on some other forums that the 2006 is more problem prone because of the new engine/drivetrain? Any truth to this, would anyone go with a 2005 instead? Let me know what you guys think. Thanks!

 

I would go with the newest one you can afford. Just make sure that you are under warranty when you buy.

 

The 2005 has the BWM engine and I have not been a huge fan of that particular engine but, I think it is more personal preference. If you go with a 2005 you will have the same features that are in the 2006 but, the engine and grill will be different. When the released the 2006 RR they put the new jaguar engine which, in my opinion is far superior to the previous BMW engine. The 06 also featured an electronic throttle, barometric pressure sensors to adjust the engines fuel to air mixture ratio as it altitude above sea level increases, allowing it to climb mountains in excess of 14k feet MSL. The 06 also features fiber-optic sensors instead of the traditional copper wire sensors allowing the traction control to operate much faster than its predecessor. If I were in your shoes, I would fork up the extra dough for an 06. As far as an 07 goes, they are pretty much the same as an 06 but, the 07 has an updated interior and has the new terrain response system featured in the lr3 in 2005. If it were up to me I would get an 06 and possibly try for an 07 after January 1st...As far as the 06 being problem prone... that was when it first came out because, of all the new technology they implemented was still "experimental" by now most or if not all the bugs have been worked out of the new system. In either case the 05,06, and 07 RR are great cars but, I would purchase one under warranty or with an extended warranty. Not to say that you will have problems but, it never hurts to cover your a$$.

 

I like the look for the terrain response from '07+ (wasn't in the '06). What is your price range?

 

If you can afford it buy the 2006. I just purchased a cpo 2005 and I love it. Except for no sirius or ipod aux connection. It can be done through fm, but I didn't buy a range rover to have stuff stuck to dash. I have had a few minor issues, a new socket for front blinker and a coolant leak but aside from that I absolutely love it. This is the first vehicle that I truly have an emotional connection with. Mabey that's wierd but I love my rr. But anyway get a 2006 if you can swing it.

 

I know what you are saying with the emotional connection! It just makes you feel a certain way that simply can't be articulated.

 

Thanks LRScott, Luxury1, MSK2503! I am currently out of the country, and wont be back until February or March, so perhaps prices will have gone lower then due to more lease cars coming up, and the general economic malaise. I currently own a discovery and will trade up to the RR, or LR3. I will be looking for a LR CPO vehicle with low miles, so I can take advantage of the 6yr/75000 mile warranty and will purchase the extra two years, so that hopefully I will be protected from big repair costs for about a 5 year period.

Does anyone know if LR still provides free maintenance for 4 years. I dont see anything on their website anymore. That makes a LR a even better value IMO.

 

Yes they do provide free maintenancebut it is not like BMW where everything is covered. Is is more like fluid and oil changes. So far I have had the car for approximately 15 months and Ihave paidnothing out of pocket for repairs or maintenance.

 

My wife and I were all set to buy a 2006 at the dealer and when we went there, my wife was really bothered by the lack of cupholders in the 2006 compared with the 2007. She also really thought that the 2007 had a noticable improvement in the interior. We decided that we would look for a 2007 instead. We wound up finding a 2007 the next week. There is a significant difference in the interior if this matters to you. I personally thought the ride was the same.

 

If I am not mistaken, the 2007 gained the following things over the 2006;
[ul][*]Twin glove boxes[*]Revised center console[*]Electronic parking brake[*]New gauges, switches and trim[*]Improved climate-control and ventilation systems (more vents for better ventilation and to reduce noise).[*]Front side airbags have been relocated from the doors to the seats and a driver's sideknee airbag was added.[*]Acoustic windshield glass is triple-laminated for added sound insulation.[/ul]