Used Range Rover Sport review

Navigating the world of Range Rovers presents a challenge, notably due to their well-known reliability issues and occasionally less-than-stellar customer service, the latter being the more prominent concern.

The trajectory of Range Rovers, transitioning from the P38 Range Rover and original Discovery, has been characterized by a shift towards a more luxurious off-road experience, establishing a market benchmark that other manufacturers strive to emulate.

Let’s begin by examining the exterior aspects.

When evaluating the exterior condition, it’s important to note that body panels should be free from rust. However, vehicles in colder climates might exhibit rust on the undercarriage. A thorough inspection of the car, especially beneath plastic trim and fender protectors, is recommended.

Electrical components have been known to present issues and failures. These encompass power folding mirrors, parking sensors, door locks, as well as potential head and taillight problems. At times, the root cause can be related to wiring complications. It is advisable to ensure that all electronic features are fully operational before making a purchase.

For vehicles equipped with detachable tow bars, electronic glitches can arise when towing a trailer. Faulty tow bars can lead to rear fog light malfunctions upon detaching the tow bar.

The electric parking brake can pose challenges, and it’s crucial to listen for unusual grinding or other concerning sounds. These could indicate an incorrectly adjusted parking brake. Ignoring these noises could lead to a range of complications, including instances where owners have found themselves stranded due to parking brake issues.

Water leaks are a recurrent issue, with sunroof drains being a common source. Similar to other vehicles, these drains can become clogged. Additionally, there can be complications with the endings of the drain hoses. In cases of clogging, cleaning the drains with compressed air or a thin-edge trimmer line is usually effective. However, there are instances where the rubber endings of these drain holes detach. Located behind plastic side vents on both sides of the car, these rubber endings can deteriorate over time. Consequently, the rubber hose slides inside, causing water from the sunroof to pour into the car’s sides. This can be problematic, considering that the main wiring loom is also located in this vicinity, exposing it to potential water damage. Water and electricity, as we know, do not mix well.

Other concerns include the potential delamination of the rear spoiler and fading finish on the B and C pillars over time. The windshield cowl beneath the windscreen wipers can warp due to aging, leading to compromised sealing against the windshield. This exposes the HVAC inlet to water ingress, a less-than-ideal scenario.

Interestingly, it appears that these issues tend to be more prevalent in pre-update Sports. However, post-update models are not entirely immune to these challenges.

Moving on, one of the most common complaints pertains to the battery and its voracious appetite for electrical power. This is often overlooked. Owners may encounter instances where the car’s dashboard illuminates with errors and unavailable features, even on older models. This can frequently be attributed to low battery levels. These vehicles are laden with electronics and often feature two batteries: a main battery and an auxiliary battery (which may be replaced with a supercapacitor). The auxiliary battery allows certain functions to remain active after the main car is turned off and also assists with the use of auto start-stop features. However, the main battery is responsible for engine cranking, particularly significant for diesel engines requiring substantial cranking power during cold starts. Recharging the battery requires a drive of nearly 30 minutes, or thereabouts. If the car is used primarily for short trips within city limits, the battery’s voltage levels may drop quickly.

When the car’s Intelligent Power Management System (IPMS) detects a low battery state, it may prompt a message like “please start engine.” This serves as an indicator to either recharge the battery or embark on a substantial drive. Despite the message, the car will likely start, but ignoring it can result in the IPMS disabling certain less critical functions to conserve power and recharge the battery, potentially causing errors in other systems dependent on the affected components. The presence of these errors is usually temporary and disappears after a restart, provided the battery has been replenished through a proper drive.

These vehicles are not conducive to prolonged periods of inactivity, and batteries tend to last around three years. However, if the car is not driven daily, the battery’s lifespan may be reduced. Prolonged exposure to low voltage levels can also damage batteries, making regular use essential. Short trips are not recommended; the vehicles are best suited for longer drives.

Moreover, there is a noteworthy issue related to the earth strap in the right-hand side wheel arch behind the liner. Over time, corrosion can compromise the earth strap, potentially leading to grounding faults. This could trigger a variety of errors on the dashboard, such as low battery indications, sporadic door lock behavior, or flickering headlights. This corrosion could also contribute to battery drain, as certain circuits may fail to shut down after the engine is turned off and the car is locked. Some reports suggest that parking the car in “Access Mode” might aid the car in entering a sleep state, but this remains a topic of discussion.

Another common concern is related to the EAS (Electronic Air Suspension) system. While this system might be perceived as a potential financial burden due to its complexity compared to coil springs, it aligns perfectly with the Range Rover’s emphasis on comfort and off-road adaptability.

Common issues include dashboard faults displaying “not available.” As mentioned earlier, this often ties back to the battery issue. EAS and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) are often the first functions to be disabled when the car detects a low battery. A quick test of the EAS system is to observe if the car raises to normal or off-road height within a relatively short duration. If it does, the compressor is likely functioning correctly. The compressor’s location varies, found in the boot of L494 and L405 models, and under the right rear section in L320 models (though it can be more challenging to access). In older models, the compressor is located under the bonnet.

The functioning of the EAS system is relatively straightforward. The compressor draws in air, passes it through a desiccant dryer, and fills a small tank. This tank then supplies air to each corner of the vehicle. As the car’s height is adjusted, the compressor halts and releases pressure from the pipes. Sometimes, a diffuser softens the sound during venting, which can become blocked, leading to improper venting. This could prevent the car from lowering when desired or hinder proper corner leveling by the compressor. Additionally, the air dryer’s desiccant material (silica beads) can deteriorate over time, potentially blocking the valve block that distributes air to each corner. While this might present a more intricate issue to address, it remains manageable.

Leaking air struts are another possible cause for concern, leading to the compressor overworking and generating excess heat. This can exacerbate the aforementioned issues, and it’s essential to address any leaks promptly. To test for leaks, set the car to its highest height and leave it overnight on level ground. Any visible drop in the morning indicates a leak. Placing tape on each wheel arch to measure gaps can help monitor potential leaks. Remember, atmospheric pressure variations and self-leveling mechanisms can influence the vehicle’s height over time, making slight drops normal. If leaks are detected, repairs might be needed.

The compressor replacement process is relatively straightforward for L494 and L405 models, as the compressor is located in the boot. However, de-pressurization is necessary before replacing it. For prospective buyers, this can be a relatively simple and cost-effective task to carry out at home.

Next, let’s delve into the realm of keyless entry systems.

Security concerns have been raised due to instances of vehicle theft, particularly in the UK. Thieves often employ a relay attack method, boosting the communication between the car and the key fob, tricking the car into thinking the key is nearby, thereby gaining access and enabling ignition. To counter this threat, placing the key in a metal box or RFID-proof case can thwart such attacks. Enhanced home security measures, such as bollards, gates, or secure garages, can also serve as effective deterrents against theft attempts.

Transitioning to the interior, unfortunately, the situation doesn’t see a notable improvement.

Range Rover Sports located in hot climates can encounter issues with dashboard cracking, typically concentrated around the area of the passenger airbag.

Additionally, sagging headliners and sagging A-pillar fabric can be problematic. While repairing these issues is not excessively difficult, it’s advisable to consult a skilled upholsterer. On the other hand, replacing the entire dashboard with a new component is a more intricate and expensive endeavor.

However, with the introduction of the 2009 update, the dashboard underwent improvements, resulting in fewer reports of these issues in the updated models.

Another common fault pertains to the air conditioning condenser. If a car has never had a replacement, prospective buyers should be aware that this can be a time-consuming task, often requiring around five hours of labor due to the necessity of disassembling the front of the vehicle.

For those considering a Sport with auto-dip headlights, another prevalent issue involves the lights’ sensor, which is housed in the rearview mirror. Failure of this sensor necessitates the replacement of the entire mirror, a potentially costly endeavor. Moreover, the replacement involves rewiring and coding, which can significantly escalate the expenses.

Incorrect readings of the fuel gauge have been reported, leading to instances where owners unexpectedly run out of fuel, often far from a petrol station.

In pre-facelift models, the soft-touch material on the HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) knobs can deteriorate over time, a phenomenon amusingly referred to as “de-vulcanization.”

The infotainment system and all components powered by electricity, including power windows, seat controls, and even the gear selection knob, are susceptible to electronic issues. While some problems may be resolved with a new battery or a simple software update, certain perplexing electronic glitches can stem from enigmatic water leaks into the interior.

Mechanically, these vehicles have gained notoriety for their mechanical unreliability, making them a choice for those who enjoy troubleshooting or supporting their mechanics’ mortgage payments, kids school tuition and expensive hobbies.

The V6 diesel engine, a Ford creation, is plagued by well-documented issues. Turbos frequently fail, and complications with the EGR valve and high-pressure fuel pump are common. Oil cooler leaks, coolant leaks from water pumps, and thermostat housings are regular concerns. The most significant concern is bottom-end engine failure, encompassing big end and main bearing issues, and even crankshaft breakage.

The V8 diesel fares slightly better, yet it too faces several common problems. While catastrophic bottom-end failures are less frequent, the engine is susceptible to top-end failures due to timing chain issues.

The 4.2 and 4.4 petrol V8 engines share components and issues. A prevailing problem is timing chain tensioner and guide failure, which can lead to valve train and camshaft damage. The supercharger drive coupling is another frequent failure.

The later model 5.0 petrol engines, both naturally aspirated and supercharged versions, unfortunately, don’t exhibit substantial improvement, still encountering timing chain troubles.

Interestingly, the V6 diesel utilizes a timing belt, sparing it from timing chain woes. However, all other engines face timing chain challenges. Addressing these issues before they escalate to engine failure allows for in-situ repairs. However, if these problems necessitate engine removal, it’s crucial to note that lifting the entire body off the chassis is required for access.

The cooling system is another point of concern. Water pump leaks are commonplace, and plastic components like thermostat housings and expansion tanks are prone to splitting and leaking.

Regular servicing is key to mitigating severe internal engine problems. Owners should be cautious not to assume proper servicing simply because they follow the recommended service intervals. Servicing every 26,000km is inadequate; more frequent intervals, around 10,000km, are necessary to maintain engine longevity.

Diesel models feature Diesel Particulate Filters (DPFs) to adhere to Euro 5 Emissions standards. DPFs collect soot during trips and during Auto Stop Starting, which occurs in urban environments. Adequate DPF regeneration requires consistent driving at high temperatures, allowing the exhaust to burn off accumulated soot. Short trips hinder this regeneration process, potentially leading to clogged DPFs and engine issues.

The failure of force regeneration processes can lead to oil dilution, as unused fuel leaks into the engine. This thins the oil, potentially causing premature wear. Oil dilution could also contribute to the notorious crankshaft issues the 3.0 Diesel engines suffer from.

Crankshaft snapping is a significant concern for the TDV6 and SDV6 engines. Main crankshaft bearing shells can rotate and block oil passages, leading to heating and wear. This culminates in crankshaft fracture, resulting in catastrophic engine failure.

Despite best practices such as fresh oil and careful driving, this issue remains unpredictable. Warranty coverage or dealer assistance can mitigate costs associated with this problem however we have encountered far too many stories of dealerships refusing assistance. The V8 diesel encounters fewer issues of this nature but still faces timing chain concerns if not serviced properly.

In conclusion, the L320 Range Rover Sport presents both challenges and unique features. Addressing known issues through diligent servicing and cautious driving can help owners navigate potential pitfalls and enjoy the benefits these vehicles offer, however, we wonder if all of these potential issues, and the stress they may cause owners are worth it, especially when other, just as capable and far more reliable vehicles are available.