Best Range Rover L322 to buy

The most asked question about the L322 is which year and engine to buy. The short answer that most owners agree on is a 2007 to 2009 car with the Jaguar petrol or the later diesel, because by then the electronics, gearbox and build quality had matured. This page explains why those years stand out, which years need more care, and how engine choice changes the decision.

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For the best balance of reliability and value, look at 2007 to 2009 cars. The 4.4 Jaguar petrol and the later 4.4 TDV8 diesel are the strongest picks. The earliest 2003 to 2005 cars are the cheapest but need the most care. On any L322, condition and service history matter more than the exact year.

The best years: 2007 to 2009

The L322 changed a lot across its life. After the 2006 switch from BMW to Jaguar engines and a facelift in 2007, the cars gained better electronics, a stronger gearbox and improved interior quality. By 2007 to 2009 most of the early teething issues had been resolved, which is why owners and the used market both point to this window as the sweet spot.

These cars are old enough to be affordable but late enough to avoid the worst of the early faults. A well kept 2008 with full history is the car many buyers settle on after looking at the whole range. For the era detail, see the Jaguar era (2006 to 2009).

Era	Character	Verdict for buyers
2002 to 2005 BMW era	BMW engines and electronics. Cheapest to buy, oldest, most worn.	Cheapest entry, most care
2006 to 2009 Jaguar era	Jaguar petrol, improved electronics and gearbox, 2007 facelift.	Best all-round
2010 to 2012 Late cars	5.0 petrol and 4.4 TDV8 diesel, eight-speed auto, newest cabin.	Newest, priced higher

Years to approach with care

No L322 year is one to avoid outright, but some need closer inspection. The earliest 2003 to 2005 cars had the most early faults and are now the oldest and highest mileage, so they need the most thorough check and the best history. The 5.0 petrol introduced in 2010 is strong but some examples suffered timing chain issues, so a service record matters on those.

The most important point is that an older car with full history and sorted suspension and gearbox is a far better buy than a newer car with gaps in its record. On the L322, history beats year.

Which engine to choose

Engine choice changes the car more than the year does. The full detail is on the engines overview and the comparison page, but in short:

4.4 V8 Jaguar petrol (2006 to 2009): widely seen as the most robust L322 engine. A common choice for buyers who can accept petrol running costs.
4.4 TDV8 diesel (2010 to 2012): strong torque, good economy for the size, the newest gearbox. The pick of the diesels if budget allows.
3.0 Td6 (BMW, 2002 to 2006): the most economical and generally reliable, though modest on power for the weight.
4.2 Supercharged (2006 to 2009): fastest of the era, thirsty, a more focused choice.
3.6 TDV8 (2006 to 2009): capable but needs the best history. See 3.6 TDV8 before buying one.

In short: a 2007 to 2009 car with the 4.4 Jaguar petrol or a later 4.4 TDV8 diesel is the safest pick. Whatever the year, buy the best history you can find rather than the newest car with an unknown past.

What to check before buying

Every L322 needs a careful look before purchase, because a cheap car with neglected systems can cost more than a dearer car that has been maintained. The full list is on the buying guide and checklist, but the priorities are:

Air suspension: raise and lower fully at standstill, check all four corners hold level with no warning lights. See air suspension faults.
Gearbox: smooth shifts, no warning lights, evidence of fluid changes despite the "sealed for life" label.
Service history: the single most important item. Full history with suspension and gearbox work done is worth paying for.
Rust: check the rear sills, arches and tailgate behind the plastic trim.
Recalls and TSBs: confirm any outstanding work has been done. See recalls and TSBs.

Frequently asked questions

What is the single best year L322?
There is no one perfect year, but 2007 to 2009 cars are the most recommended for the balance of reliability, value and the improvements made after the 2006 to 2007 changes.

Petrol or diesel?
Diesel suits higher mileage and towing with better economy. Petrol, especially the 4.4 Jaguar, is seen as the most robust engine but costs more to run. Choose by your mileage and budget.

Are the cheapest L322s worth buying?
A cheap L322 can be a bargain or a money pit. The price difference between a sorted car and a neglected one is small next to the cost of putting a neglected one right. Buy on history.

Is the L322 reliable?
Reliability depends heavily on maintenance. Reported issues dropped steadily across the production run, and a well kept later car can be dependable. A neglected one will not be. See common problems for the full picture.

How much should I budget to run one?
An older L322 run properly costs more than a normal car but is reasonable if maintained rather than left to break. See running costs for a full breakdown.