Although a used Range Rover might look alluring when you see an Autotrader advertisem*nt for an inexpensive one, no vehicle, especially a large luxury SUV, should be an impulse buy. The more high-end a vehicle is, the more it costs to repair.
Range Rover models can be complicated, costly vehicles with very expensive parts; consequently, do your homework before buying one. We’ve gathered the essential facts you must know before purchasing a used Range Rover.
Which Range Rover?
- First-generation
- Second-generation
- Third-generation
- Fourth-generation
- Fifth-generation
While the Land Rover Range Rover came out in Europe during the 1970s, the brand didn’t offer the luxury SUV to American buyers until the 1980s. By then, the once-basic farm truck had already become rather luxurious, featuring leather upholstery, power accessories, and a brawny V8 engine. Even early Range Rover models were considered status symbols — a reputation that has only increased. Now in the hands of India’s Tata Motors, Jaguar, Range Rover, Defender, and Discovery are separate brands under the umbrella JLR (Jaguar Land Rover).
First generation (Classic)
Land Rover sold the first-generation Range Rover from the mid-1980s until the 1992 model year, and it’s affectionately dubbed the Classic (or Range Rover Classic) by the brand’s enthusiasts. Classic models in the U.S. only offered four doors (some overseas models had two doors), though 1990s versions touted short- or more desirable long-wheelbase body styles. All U.S. models featured a V8 powerplant and an automatic transmission.
Second-generation (P38)
The Range Rover’s second-generation model, dubbed the P38 by Land Rover geeks, debuted as a 1996 model. Sold through 2002, the P38 dramatically upped the luxury quotient, adding a far plusher interior and many more modern comfort and convenience features. The model came in one wheelbase but with two available V8s (a 4.0-liter and a 4.6-liter). Find a second-generation Range Rover for sale.
Third-generation (L322)
The Range Rover received its third complete redesign for the 2003 model year, using architecture developed by BMW during that automaker’s stewardship of the Land Rover brand. Initially powered by a BMW V8 engine, the L322 earned a face-lift for the 2006 model year that saw the arrival of a new transmission and a more powerful Jaguar-Land Rover V8. Land Rover refined the SUV again in 2010 to offer more power and additional equipment. Find a third-generation Range Rover for sale.
Fourth-generation (L405)
The Range Rover’s fourth generation began with the 2013 model year, as it morphed into an ultraluxurious SUV. Power, equipment, and luxury touches during the L405 model run are unparalleled in its segment, cementing the Range Rover’s image. A few notable changes during this generation include a long-wheelbase version in 2014, various infotainment updates, and a plug-in hybrid powertrain introduced for 2019 models. Find a fourth-generation Range Rover for sale.
Fifth-generation
The current Range Rover iteration is more than just a face-lift — it is an entire shift toward the future. The fifth generation of the British car staple kicked off in 2022. Although the company didn’t make many exterior changes, it made interior changes, including a first-ever 3-row Range Rover variant. Following industry fashion, Land Rover introduced more electrified vehicles, including hybrid (HEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and an all-new fully electric (EV) 2024 Range Rover. Built on an all-new platform, the Range Rover EV is a long-wheelbase model with three rows of seats. Among other innovations, it offers rear-wheel steering. Find a fifth-generation Range Rover for sale.
Are Range Rover SUVs Reliable?
When buying a used car, one of your most significant considerations should be reliability. Used car prices remain near record highs; therefore, getting a quality car for that inflated price is crucial. Sadly, Range Rover models are haunted by a reputation for lackluster reliability. Cynical critics say used models are known for “typical British engineering,” which translates into leaks, breakdowns, and other mechanical and electrical issues compounded by unusual malfunctions.
According to Autotrader executive editor Brian Moody, the Range Rover is not the most reliable and faces significantly more problems than other used cars — especially with the electronics.
“Used Range Rovers are often less reliable than other types of used cars,” Moody said. “While Range Rovers do exceptionally well off-road, some of the electronics and more sophisticated components can be finicky and expensive to repair.”
Moody said electronics such as the infotainment systems are notoriously bad with Range Rovers, and problems can worsen as the car ages. Regrettably, the issues don’t stop there.
Common Range Rover Problems
“Range Rovers typically have issues related to the SUV’s well-known off-road abilities, with suspension issues being quite common,” Moody said. “The air suspension is often very specialized or uses high-tech components, and those frequently fail.”
Air suspension has been standard on all Range Rover SUVs since the early 1990s, adding an improved ride and adjustable ground clearance. However, it brings with it a host of problems. Most notably, it seems to fail after six to 10 years, leaving the SUV sagging to one side. As a result, most owners replace the air suspension with traditional coil springs once it fails. Because a failed suspension might not be apparent in a test drive, you could unknowingly buy one with a suspension requiring repair. Take any Range Rover you consider buying to a mechanic for inspection before purchasing.
We recommend looking for older models converted to coil springs rather than dealing with unresolved air suspension issues.
Moody says another common issue is a malfunctioning engine management computer. “Range Rovers have large engines that make a lot of power, so heat can be an issue,” he said. “Look for damaged drive components like differentials. Also, heat and electronics don’t get along well, so many older Range Rovers will eventually have electrical problems,” he said.
Beyond these issues, each Range Rover generation seems to have its own unique set of problems. The Classic is known for electrical issues and oil leaks. The P38 also has several issues, including electrical problems, costly head gasket, and heater core failures. The 2003-2012 models tend to be more reliable. However, earlier models seemed to have issues everywhere, including the differential, the transmission, and the electronics. As for the newest L405 generation, it gets a mediocre reliability rating from J.D. Power.
Are Used Range Rover SUVs Good Cars?
Used Range Rover SUVs may have the reputation of being unreliable, but that doesn’t mean that they are necessarily bad cars. You’ll likely need more patience than you would with a different used luxury vehicle. However, you can purchase a used Range Rover for a reasonable price and look good riding around town.
“A used Range Rover will be a comfortable car, but it will need more attention than other luxury SUVs,” Moody said. “The good news is that the purchase prices are often lower because it’s commonly known they aren’t super-reliable. ”
Moody said a Range Rover could be a good purchase if you’re OK with frequent repairs or can do the work yourself. Otherwise, he said, “the repairs for any Land Rover or Range Rover vehicle are likely to be expensive if you have to pay a shop or mechanic.”
The simple truth is you must expect the unexpected. Range Rover SUVs are enormously fun to drive — visibility is excellent, the driving position is unparalleled, the V8 is muscular, and the styling is handsome and classic. Still, a Range Rover may not always work to its total capacity.
Other Resources: Range Rover Mechanics and Enthusiasts
The good news is that you have many resources at your disposal both before and after you buy a Range Rover. Before you buy, we strongly suggest a mechanical inspection from a trusted mechanic. Range Rover examples are costly vehicles with complicated systems. A mechanical inspection is essential, considering the potential repair costs and future issues you might face. Knowing your SUV’s maintenance history indicates its problems and foreshadows the future.
If you’re looking to buy a used Range Rover, using the Private Seller Exchange will give you a complimentary vehicle history report and presale inspection to give you a heads-up on any potential repairs or issues.
And remember that there’s strength in numbers. Before and after you make the purchase, we strongly suggest consulting with other Range Rover enthusiasts. Many of the issues you’ll experience have happened to other drivers. They’ll likely have some support in solving common and quirky problems.
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