Used Land Rover Range Rover 2002-2013 review

Whether a gorge or a hill, the Range Rover has a reputation for defeating pretty much any tricky landscape, all the while smothering you in leather-filled luxury. This 2002-2013 generation (known to the Land Rover aficionado as the L322) is no exception.

What's more, many consider it the best Range Rover generation of them all.

Engines & Performance: Early cars were available with a 4.4-litre V8 petrol engine or a 3.0-litre TDV6 diesel, which can feel a little short of puff on hills.

These were joined by a supercharged 4.2-litre V8 in 2006, while the 4.4 gained an extra 20bhp. However, it’s the TDV8 diesel, introduced in 2007, that’s the pick of the range, offering all the performance you need without the insatiable thirst of the petrols – although it’s still not exactly frugal.

Whether you choose a petrol or a diesel model, the engines are smooth and quiet – and both the V8 diesel engine and the supercharged V8 petrol are properly quick.

Ride & Handling: The Range Rover will cruise comfortably all day – given sufficient stops for fuel – keeping wind and road noise at bay and offering a relaxing ride. Or you can spend the day exploring the wilderness where most other 4x4s would be completely out of their depth. This is a highly accomplished off-roader, as well as a classy cruiser.

The handling isn't anything to write home about, but this is a big, heavy, luxury SUV at the end of the day, so sports car handling isn't really what it's all about.

Interior & Practicality: You sit high in the Range Rover, looking down on everyone bar HGV drivers, plus the seats are as comfortable as a favourite armchair and offer lots of adjustment.

There’s also decent space for five, and the fact that the interior is trimmed with thick slabs of wood and the finest leathers adds to the limousine-like feel.

Trims & Equipment: SE, HSE, Vogue, Vogue SE and Autobiography trims are available, with the Vogue striking the best balance between equipment and affordability – and being relatively easy to find, due to its popularity when new.

It’s very limo-like on the move, too. Whether you choose a petrol or a diesel model, the engines are smooth and quiet – and both the V8 diesel engine and the supercharged V8 petrol are properly quick.

Interested in buying a used Range Rover? Visit our Used Cars For Sale pages to find lots of cars listed at great prices.

Prices start at about £4500 for early cars that have covered huge miles, but these are quite literally likely to be more trouble than they’re worth.

You’ll need to up your budget to about £10,000 to get our favourite engine, the SDV8, while the newest examples, built in 2013, are likely to set you back around £15,000.

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Don’t kid yourself into thinking that you can run a Range Rover on a tight budget. If the purchase price is going to stretch you, you’re really going to struggle, because the running costs are steep as well.

The only solace is that a well cared for example with a decent spec will hold its value well, so you’ll resell it quickly for a good price.

Service costs are pretty hefty because this is a complex bit of kit, and you shouldn’t skimp on looking after: that would be a false economy. Expect to spend a little less on servicing than you would with a Porsche Cayenne, but more than with the Audi Q7, BMW X5 or Lexus RX.

Insurance won’t be cheap, and fuel economy mpg figures will be in the high-20s at best for diesels and high-teens for V8 petrols.

Early cars were available with a 4.4-litre V8 petrol engine or a 3.0-litre TDV6 diesel, which can feel a little short of puff on hills.

These were joined by a supercharged 4.2-litre V8 in 2006, while the 4.4 gained an extra 20bhp. However, it’s the TDV8 diesel, introduced in 2007, that’s the pick of the range, offering all the performance you need without the insatiable thirst of the petrols – although it’s still not exactly frugal.

The Range Rover was also given a revised front grille, front bumper and headlight design in 2006, which make it look a bit more chintzy, while from 2007 onwards it came with Land Rover’s superb Terrain Response system, which lets you optimise the car for different conditions at the twist of a dial.

For the 2008 model year, all Range Rovers received an electronic park brake, more effective four-zone air conditioning and the option of cooled front seats. There's also a 'climate control' windscreen and side glass, available in conjunction with automatic lights and wipers.

SE, HSE, Vogue, Vogue SE and Autobiography trims are available, with the Vogue striking the best balance between equipment and affordability – and being relatively easy to find, due to its popularity when new.

Our favourite used Range Rover: TDV8 Vogue

This third-generation Range Rover was developed while Land Rover was under BMW ownership, but the brand was sold on before it went on sale, with BMW instead concentrating on sales of its own luxury SUV, the X5. Unlike the Range Rover, the BMW X5 majors on fun handling rather than ride comfort, but it’s a practical and classy alternative.

Then again, if practicality is your main priority, the Volvo XC90 could be a better choice, because it offers seven seats and is a relaxing long-distance cruiser. It doesn’t have the off-road ability of the Range Rover, while its diesel engines and interior feel dated, but there are lots of XC90s on the used market, some at very tempting prices.

The Lexus RX is also worth considering, despite having numb steering. It’s available as a petrol-electric hybrid, is incredibly well equipped and probably has the best reliability record of any SUV on sale.

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