Range Rover (L405) buying guide

Launch engines were a 254bhp 3.0 TDV6 and a 334bhp 4.4 SDV8 diesel, plus a 503bhp supercharged 5.0-litre V8 petrol. A long-wheelbase body arrived in March 2014 with an extra 186mm of rear legroom. A supercharged 335bhp petrol V6 followed in late 2016. Auto Express says the Autobiography trim brings larger 21-inch wheels, a camera system that covers all around the car and climate control with four zones; see Autobiography models for sale and long-wheelbase Autobiographys.

November 2017 brought the SVAutobiography, the P400e plug-in hybrid and a redesigned interior with dual-screen infotainment. The facelift added new front and rear fascias and LED matrix headlights. Autocar says it improved infotainment usability and connectivity a lot, which is a reason to look at post-facelift cars if you will use the screens. Pre-facelift MOST optical-ring infotainment can fail as a whole when one node goes, according to Budget Parts.

For the 2020 US model year a 395hp 3.0L Ingenium inline-six mild hybrid replaced the supercharged V6. What Breaks calls the Ingenium sixes the most refined and mature engines and the most rational pick. CarScout considers the SC380 V6 the more sensible choice than the V8 for most buyers.

The 5.0 supercharged V8 is magnificent, says Auto Express, but its running costs can be crippling. The same publication prefers the regular TDV6, SDV6 or TDV8 diesels over the non-plug-in diesel-electric hybrid. CarScout warns that SVAutobiography cars carry the most complex electronics and the highest part replacement costs. Later special editions include the Fifty, Westminster and Westminster Black.

The serious faults depend on the engine, so match this list to the car in front of you.

Coolant crossover pipe

On the supercharged V8, the plastic coolant crossover pipe under the supercharger can crack and empty the cooling system fast, possibly destroying the engine. Several sources recommend an aluminum replacement. CarScout puts the job at $2,100 to $2,600 at an independent specialist.

Timing chain wear

On the 5.0 supercharged V8 the timing chain guides and tensioner can wear, which you hear as a rattle when the engine starts cold. Fault File says it mostly shows from around 50,000 miles. Guide failure costs $3,500 to $5,500 at an independent, per CarScout.

TDV6 crankshaft failure

The 3.0 TDV6 diesel has a history of crankshaft and bearing failures. The sign is a deep knock from low in the engine, worst when cold. The repair is a used replacement engine at $8,000 to $15,000 installed, according to CarScout.

Transmission shudder

The ZF eight-speed can shudder at around 80,000 miles, often cured by a fluid change. Neglect can lead to a rebuild at $4,000 to $6,000, CarScout says.

Air suspension faults

The air suspension can sag or fail to hold height from leaking springs, a weak compressor or a sticking valve block. Budget Parts adds that the compressor is prone to thermal cutout when an air spring seeps.

Electronics and parking brake

Auto Express says electronic faults are common, so confirm everything works. The electronic parking brake can stick on or fail to release.

Keyless latches

On 2013 to 2016 cars the keyless door and tailgate latches could release on their own, which led to a recall. Check that the recall work was done and done properly.

Auto Express says every model needs a service every 12 months or 16,000 miles, from £425 on a 3.0 TDV6, with the 10th service possibly over £1,600. Those are UK figures. Only the TDV6 has a cambelt, due every seven years or 112,000 miles.

Fuel is a big line on the V8. CarScout reckons the 5.0L supercharged V8 returns about 15 mpg combined, roughly $3,000 to $4,500 a year in fuel. The big repair figures are in the faults above.

Autocar reports that owners say rigorous servicing and accepting the odd big bill makes ownership tolerable. For what these cost to buy, see the Range Rover price guide.

Look for a post-facelift car with the Ingenium six, or the SC380 V6 if the budget points that way. Both are rated more sensible than the V8 by the sources we read. Skip a supercharged V8 unless it has proof of the aluminum coolant pipes, and be wary of a TDV6 that knocks from cold. Treat an SVAutobiography as a car with the highest repair bills.

Insist on a full service history, recall work confirmed and a pre-purchase inspection that includes the air suspension. Browse L405 Autobiography (facelift) listings or the wider used Land Rover market, and see our L460 guide if you want the next generation. Set aside money for the first big bill.