We will tell you all the ins and outs in the used car purchase advice for the Land Rover Range Rover (L405) 2012-2021.
The Land Rover Range Rover is the ultimate luxury SUV. Not the first, but the best. The Range Rover can be called a true icon. The idea for a more luxurious Land Rover dates back many decades. The Land Rover was a great success in its own genre. There was a great need for a vehicle that could be used for everything and could go almost anywhere. Private individuals, farmers, the army, the fire brigade: the classic Land Rover was a versatile tool.
As early as the end of the 1950s, British Leyland had the idea of ​​positioning a car above the existing Land Rover. This had to be larger and more luxurious than the Land Rovers of the time. The first prototypes were still quite rudimentary. A station wagon was built on the frame of a Defender. The idea was shot down.
In the meantime, American brands like Ford and Jeep had come up with the Bronco and Wagoneer. For the engineers, the Bronco was the benchmark in terms of comfort and the Wagoneer more in terms of practicality and luxury.
The idea of ​​coil springs (instead of leaf springs) was taken from the Bronco and fitted to a 100 inch wheelbase Land Rover chassis. The result was the Velar prototype.
The first generation was released in 1970. We have now reached the fifth generation, but today we are driving the fourth generation, the L405. The model was a huge leap forward in many ways. First of all, the L405 was much lighter. This was due to the use of an aluminium space frame. In contrast to the previous generation, the Range Rover now had a self-supporting bodywork, instead of a ladder frame. Depending on the version, this could save around 400 kilograms. Also new: you can order the Range Rover as LWB.
Since the engines of the Range Rover were still relatively new, they were carried over to the L405 generation. However, because the car was much lighter than before, the performance was significantly improved and the consumption was considerably reduced. In the Netherlands, you can get the Range Rover with a 5.0 Supercharged V8 or a trio of diesels: 3.0 TDV6, 3.0 SDV65 and 4.4 SDV8.
In 2017, the L405 generation is facelifted. The most important addition is a plug-in hybrid. This ‘P400e’ combines a 2.0 Ingenium four-cylinder with an electric motor. This makes the Range Rover considerably more affordable in the Netherlands. Despite the model starting to show its age, Jaguar Land Rover is investing in new engines, including a straight-six diesel engine (D300, D350) and a straight-six petrol engine (P400 MHEV).
A popular luxury SUV, but also an expensive one. The offer is diverse, but not necessarily large. We dived into all the points of interest we could find to think about if you want to buy a Land Rover Range Rover (L405) 2012-2021.
Points of attention
If you want to buy a used Land Rover Range Rover (L405) 2012-2021, we have a few tips for you. Before you buy, go through the list of Land Rover Range Rover (L405) 2012-2021 problems in this used car buying advice.
Body and interior
In this generation, the nose section is slightly tilted back. The rear is tapered. The aluminum monocoque provides a weight saving of 420 kilograms compared to the previous generation. It is available as an SWB, short wheelbase, and as a 200 mm longer LWB, longer wheelbase.
If the Land Rover Range Rover used car you have in mind has a two-part electric tailgate, which was an option, then it is a good idea to check its operation. It can sometimes refuse to work. Pay attention to the doors and door seals, they sometimes do not sit straight.
Take a good look at the bodywork. You would expect us to call for checking for off-road damage, but this is a luxury SUV. Better to check for parking damage all around. And also take a look at the underside for damage, in case you happen to come across the example that has been off-road.
If the Range Rover is equipped with a sunroof, check for leaks. We come across Range Rovers online that have been declared a total loss due to a leaking sunroof. The water then runs down via the roof and the bodywork and then the electronics in the bottom simply rust away. We actually come across photos online with rusted away plugs and electronics. So find one without a sunroof or check for leaks. If the sunroof does not seem waterproof, leave it alone.
In terms of interior, there was a lot to choose from. For example, there is an option in the back for a three-seater bench or two extensively adjustable chairs. If you find seat cooling, heating and massage options important, check the checked options for your used car, because it is all there.
Online we also come across complaints about rattles and creaks in the interior. See if you can live with it.
Chassis
This generation no longer has a ladder frame, but a self-supporting body. It has 300 mm ground clearance and can drive through a maximum of 900 mm of water. In practice, however, that will not happen much with this luxury off-road vehicle.
On the asphalt, the comfort is high. The car has independent wheel suspension and adaptive air suspension. Always comfort, even with the lowered and sportier versions. The air suspension is also a point of attention. They can start to leak. The cause is usually damaged air bellows or problems with the compressor. Make sure that you also include uneven roads and a bit of terrain during the test drive. Check whether the system can adjust the height of the car relatively quickly. If there are problems with the air suspension, the car will no longer rise. Replacing the air suspension can easily cost four or five thousand euros. Not a small amount.
The lower wishbones can also wear out faster than normal. Pay attention to noises when driving slowly forwards or backwards, especially in combination with braking. The suspension can also have suffered a lot. Again, do not only drive on smooth asphalt during the test drive.
Drivetrain
Every Range Rover comes with a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission as standard. Permanent four-wheel drive with high and low gearing is also on every model. A luxury SUV and convenience are key, so the Terrain Response 2 system helps you when driving off-road, although not every Range Rover will necessarily spend a lot of time there.
The automatic transmission is also a part that needs regular maintenance. Changing the oil on time extends the life of the automatic transmission, the transfer case and the differentials. Certainly also important if the car is used as a draught horse. It can pull up to 3,500 kilograms. If the car has a tow bar, this is also a point to keep in mind.
The automatic transmission must shift smoothly, not feel laborious, the clutch must not slip and vibrations while driving are taboo. Pay attention to this during the test drive.
Now about the differential. An important part of the driveline, but also vulnerable. We encounter minor problems such as poor traction, but also major problems such as a defective differential or broken gear. If you hear a singing sound from the front axle while driving, this could be a sign that the differential is failing. Here too, the chance of this happening is smaller with regular expert maintenance.
So check if the maintenance history is known and if the correct maintenance has been carried out regularly. The previous owner may not have economized on that, then just leave the Land Rover Range Rover used car alone.
An indication of how a previous owner has dealt with the costs of maintenance can often be read from the tires. They really have to be from an A-brand. If the previous owner has already saved on that, then it is doubtful whether the rest of the maintenance has always been paid off properly. These are not cheap cars in terms of purchase, consumption and maintenance.
Electronics
We come across quite a bit about electronic failures. Especially the first years, until 2015, we see a lot of them. In 2017, a new Touch Pro Duo infotainment system was introduced that works better than the first system. A copy from after the facelift is therefore a good idea for your infotainment.
Just pick out a few electronic malfunctions then. Try everything that is electrical as much as possible. Do the windows open and close properly, do all the lights work, do the parking sensors still work and does the climate control work. All things that we often encounter online as problematic. The cause could simply be a blown fuse, but also defective wiring or problems with the battery. You would rather see that before purchasing.
Engine
Let’s start with a general comment about the engines. A Range Rover is expensive to buy, but also to maintain. However, all engines are sensitive to timely maintenance. Look up the maintenance booklet, because when the maintenance is done, the engines are all vulnerable. Look for a copy that has been well cared for.
With the 5 liter V8 engine we come across cooling problems online. A leaking cooling tube is the cause and that must certainly be fixed The cooling tubes have bad seams. The two hard plastic tubes cross each other and there the seam can come loose causing the coolant to leak. Stop immediately if the warning light of the cooling water comes on!
There is a wide range of diesels. In general, contamination of the EGR valve is reported for all diesels. This can cause the engine to perform less and is also not good for the emissions. A knocking engine can reveal that the EGR valve is contaminated.
With the 3.0 liter V6 diesel a defect on the crankshaft is a point of attention. It is rare but an important point of attention. The engine will not survive that and then a new block is needed. Just before it happens there are a lot of metallic sounding noises to be heard, but usually you are not in time to switch off the engine.
With the 4.4 V8 diesel we encounter problems with the turbo. If it does not work properly, you get blue smoke clouds from the exhaust and the performance of the engine decreases. Hissing sounds when accelerating can also be an indicator.
Petrol
- 2.0 P400E Plug-in hybrid four-cylinder 404 hp (from 2017)
- 2.0 P400 MHEV six-cylinder 400 hp (from 2019)
- 5.0 V8 Supercharged 510 hp (until 2017)
- 5.0 V8 Supercharged 525 hp (from 2017)
- 5.0 V8 Supercharged SVAutobiography 565 hp (from 2017)
Diesel
- 3.0 TDV6 258 hp (until 2018)
- 3.0 SDV6 275 hp (from 2018)
- 3.0 SDV6 Hybrid 340 hp (until 2017)
- 3.0 SDV6 Hybrid Autobiography 364 hp (2014-2017)
- 3.0 D300 Mild-hybrid 300 hp (from 2021)
- 3.0 D350 Mild-hybrid 350 hp (from 2021)
- 4.4 SDV8 339 hp
Another general point. The Range Rover is not a cheap car. You don’t just feel the purchase in your wallet. The mileage costs are high, even for models without problems, the parts are expensive and the repairs are labor-intensive. Keep that in mind if you are in the market for a used Land Rover Range Rover.
Brand Warranty Land Rover Approved
Used Land Rovers (and therefore also Range Rovers) that are bought through the dealer can fall under the used label Land Rover Approved. This applies to cars that are younger than 84 months and have driven less than 150,000 km. The Land Rover Approved warranty is valid for two years.
Offer Land Rover Range Rover (L405) 2012-2021 on Marktplaats
There is a considerable range of used cars on Marktplaats, including the Land Rover Range Rover (L405) 2012-2021.
At the time of writing, there are approximately 38 copies of the Land Rover Range Rover (L405) 2012-2021 on Marktplaats.nl. Prices range from 10,500 euros for a 150 hp 2.2 liter diesel from 2013 with more than 265 thousand kilometers of experience to a 124,900 euro SVAutobiography version with a 5.0 liter V8 from 2019.
For the complete range of Land Rover Range Rover (L405) 2012-2021, you can of course visit Marktplaats Auto.
We drove the 2019 Land Rover Range Rover 5.0 liter V8 SC Vogue that we were allowed to borrow from Land Rover Broekhuis in Utrecht.
Comments
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mashal say
Short summary: don’t do it!
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ivory tops say
Resume; Leave it alone…..
