03' Range Rover

Hey everyone,
I dont have much time to post details, but my family is interested in the new range rover. Were not exactly looking for an SUV but we are constantly interested in new cars etc. and this one has caught our eye. Does anyone have any reviews, likes or dislikes? Anything you can provide would be great. My family is interested in a used 03' in the 50k range. Any owners on this site? I have used search and the topic of the new range rover has only come up once or twice. Thanks everyone!

 

we have on 04 rr and had lots of trouble with air suspension and assorted other issues. had about 5 unscheduled visits to dealer. dealer was other problem - loaners not always available, etc and is about 11/2hrs away round trip. audi a8 is nice alternative if dont want suv.

 

I have driven one on a number of ocassions thanks to work. They handle poorly, stop poorly, go poorly, pretty much do everything poorly compared to a luxury sedan, on the road at least. The only nice thing I found was that I was high enough up to see over the mini SUV's and vans, nothing larger though. To my coworkers chagrin, I took it off roading for a bit in a logging area near the office, it handled suprisingly well for how heavy it is, but how often is someone going to take their range rover off road these days. I am also told it tows a fair bit, 7500 lbs.

You mention that you are not really looking for an SUV so I can't imagine you are looking for a tow vehicle or off road capabilities. In that case, get a nicely equipped sedan and enjoy better ride comfort and quality as well as better performance, plus you won't look like one of 'those' people who drive SUV's for no reason other than to stroke egos.

 

I have a RR with 102k miles on it. I have never done anything but change the oil and add brake pads.............probably the best vehicle I've ever owned. Also had a Landrover Defender, Discovery and my wife also has a RR.

TOUGH AS NAILS!!

 

I had an 03 Range for about a year. Loved it. I want another one.

As for it "doing things poorly" compared to a luxury sedan, of course. It's not a luxury sedan. It's an SUV. When compared to other SUV's, the Range is in a league of its own. It is simply an awesome vehicle. I am going to re-acquire one soon.

 

not that I want to get into it, but if he isn't towing or off roading he has no reason to get an SUV, so why not enjoy the superior driving dynamics of a sedan

As for it being an awesome vehicle. Well, it is 'awesome' off road, and it has 'awesome' towing capacity, nothing else about the car is 'awesome'. It's luxury appointments are very good, but I have experienced better. So if you don't take advantage of the 'awesome' characteristics of the truck, why not get a car whose 'awesomeness' comes in the form of on road performance? something you will experience every day rather than once in a blue moon.

Do what you want, just something to think about.

 

What he said.

I have a 03 with 35k miles now, had it since new. Only 1 unscheduled dealer stop due to rear bushings getting squeaky. It handles amazingly well for something of its size, I love it. Predictable and planted, I push it like I do a car (albeit not as far or hard as I would a true sports car). I used to have the last gen MKII, and this is leagues ahead of it.

Aside for gas, the total maintenance has been <700 up to this point: Set of pads and oil changes (Dealer recommends 15k intervals, I feel better at 7500) I am going to need tires soon though.

I highly recommend it if you need its capabilities. If you never see snow, the occasional trail or large loads, get a NSX. I used to until I realized NSX + ice = spin. Rather amusing I must say.

 

i have an 04 and love it. compared to my wifes x5 and the escalade i had it's far better in every way imo.

i have had air suspension problems too but who cares?? my mb cl55 has been in the shop, my ferrari's have been in the shop, it's just the way it is.

i cant see someone being unhappy with the rr IF they are looking for an suv.

 

Well some mixed reviews, sounds interesting. I plan on going out with my father for a test drive. Im looking foward to it. Weve had an escalade previously and that was a great truck so for someone to say ti is leaps and bounds ahead must mean it has some credibility to it. We probably wouldn't be using it for offroading however, we do live in MA, which means lots of snow in the winter time. But anyway, well see how things turn out! Thanks for the replies everyone, Ill keep you updated!

 

I test-drove an 04 LR Discovery... With respect to the little "course" they have at the dealership, all I can say is, "WOW!"... What a vehicle. I'd love to own one, but in CA, I just can't get past the gas mileage - oh, and the serious lack in HP.

 

If nothing else, RR makes the best looking SUVs, imo. Compared to the LR/RR, the Cadillac and Lincoln SUVs look positively hideous!

 

i love the range. i really wish theyd bring the diesel over here.... when i used to work at a detailing place the range was by far one of my favorite cars to clean and drive. who ever said the range is leaps and bounds above the escalde is 110% correct. such a solid car. with that said, i really dont like the new land rover.

 

My sister has an 04 range rover td6 diesel,i also worked on them for many years,the new model dosent real give any problems and theres no other 4x4 better,pure luxury.

Dale.

 

well once again im short on time but heres a quick update-

We went to the first dealer and saw a used 03' for 58k. It was black and the body had lots of lil scratches. My dad was really impressed with the vehicle. He thought it had excellent handling for a such a large truck. The sales guy was just ok and pretty much said were not gunna move at all on the price and if you want to get rid of the scratches do it yourself. So we left and decided to look at some S-classes. There wasn't much of a selection so we went home and switched cars. We then went backout to another RR dealer and saw a 05' black. We fell in love and tommorow were gunna go back and check it out. The whole experience was much better, the sales guy knew his stuff and also offered to work on price with us.

 

My shop is right next door to a Range Rover dealer...lets just say..when it rains..it pours...I counted 6 tow in's in one day. They are not a good vehical according to my close friend who is a mechanic at the dealer. Nothing but headachs..but take it for what its worth...your money and time...

 

If your not specifically looking for an SUV why not go and get an Audi S4 Avant wagon? It hauls majour ass through to 60 and through the quater mile. It has tonnes of room for it. Plus the add on of all wheel drive. It has a cost of like 50k so if you dont want to spend that much. Skip the S4, and get an A4 sedan or wagon. there is a 1.6L 4 cycl, and there is a 3L 6cycl. The 4 cycl gets better fuel economy and they say that the 1.6 feels about the same as the 3.L

Maybe a toureag is more up your alley? it is about the same cost new, but it has 4wheel drive and such. Nice car

Just some food for thought -

Martin

 

I own a 2003 Range and I adore it. It looks better than any other SUV on the market, and it will get through anything. This is my third RR and I plan to continue to own them... a great blend of style, luxury, and capability. As for problems, I have had none. Our last 2 Range 4.6HSE trucks required only normal service and tires in 70k each of driving ... they never left me stuck anywhere. My '03 has 38k and it hasn't given me one problem, but I do plan to get a newer one once I near the end of the warranty ... just in case. Bottom line, they are GREAT and its a pleasure to own one!

 

Yuck. Stay away. I sat in one at the LA Auto Show and the first thing that sprang to mind was how uncomfortable the seats were. Those things were hard as rocks! Plus, they're supposed to be horribly unreliable.

Of all the SUVs I've been in, the Lexus GX470 still takes the cake for me. I am very intrigued by the upcoming Audi Q7 though.