I've been kicking around the idea of a RR Full-Size S/C over the past few years and while I certainly don't have the budget to buy new (or even 1-2 years old), I could definitely budget for an '08 truck and having finally come to this realization, I spent Saturday test-driving a few vehicles. Thought I would run through some initial thoughts:

1) The 2008 RRS Supercharged I drove really didn't do it for me and really pushed me towards the full-size. Not only was the driver's seat loose (which I have read to be a very common issue...experiencing it on the test drive just made the "rumors" a reality) and the console and controls reminded my wife and I of an early 90's Mercedes. It was quick..but didn't do a whole lot more for us.

2) The 2008 RR S/C was not terribly quick but did scoot when you really stepped into it. I would think a roots-type blower would be more responsive as the S/C rush felt far more like a centrifugal blower instead of a PD blower.

I had a few questions for you experts:

1) The dealer let me know that the airbags on the full-size RR are typically good for 8-10 years, independent of mileage travelled on a typical daily driver. Does that sound about right that the bags would fail around 8-10 years of service?

2) Is the 2008 a much better buy than a 2007 in terms of reliability? I have heard the 2008 is more reliable, but that more hearsay and not backed up by any facts.

3) How important is buying a low mileage example? Whichever truck I buy will have the NAC warranty offered by most LR dealers. I am currently looking at 2008 RR S/C trucks and the going rate for a truck with 30k miles seems to be $55k whereas an '08 with 50k miles seems to sell for $10k less ($45k). Is it really worth the price differential to get a truck with 20k fewer miles provided I have a warranty with either one?

Anything major (aside from Dash lights and uneven tire wear) I should be concerned with during test drives or in searching for the "perfect" truck?

Thanks in advance and I look forward to being a part of the forum!

 

the chassis on the full size range rover has been in production since circa 03 (NAS spec)
In general it hasnt changed a lot except for body electrics, interior trim, air suspension components and engine. the 07 08... tough call if you can find a nice 07 I wouldn't hesitate over an 08 that wasn't as nice.
Land Rovers warranty is 4 years 50000 miles so they probably want extra money for it being in the factory warranty period at 30000 miles but it's still got to be close to 4 yrs.
Warning lamps are there for a reason if you're planning on spending upwards of 50k you should not be seeing any warning lamps illuminated or dash illumination out.
If purchasing an extended warranty make sure you read and understand what is and what isnt covered. There are a lot of plans that cover less than you would think, just be careful.
Good luck with your quest!!

 

don't go with land rover or apco warrantee, they won't cover noises or water leaks.

But the inspectors told us that chrysler warrantee was the best and you can put it on any car out there. And it covers water leaks and noises.

 

Thanks for the responses, guys. I went this weekend and drove a few 2007 MY trucks (both an HSE and a Supercharged) as I was hoping to convince myself the HSE was more than enough for me (and therefore allowing me to save $6-8k on the purchase price)...unfortunately that was not to be :

It was amazing to me the night and day difference between the HSE and the SC model...the supercharged was obviously quicker at "full song", but also had substantially better pickup at slower speeds. In addition, the overall handling/feel of the SC just felt "tighter". Even my wife noticed from the passenger seat!

It seems the trucks in my price range will likely have 45-55k miles and I would absolutely be getting a warranty (not CPO), and I think I am leaning towards the NAC which my local dealer recommended as something that covers just about everything (I would need some clarification on a few things, but the brochures look very comprehensive).