Is the SDV6 worth the extra money?

I have seen two RRS that I like, one black one buckingham blue both with ivory and with side steps. SDV6 61 plate, 39000 miles and is £36441. 60 plate TDV6, 31000 miles and £33000. Both a main dealers.

61 plate

http://www.usedvehicles.landrover.co.uk/search#/details/2481273

60 plate

http://www.usedvehicles.landrover.co.uk/search#/details/2475006

Also being seduced by a Full Fat but i think that will bust the budget!

I guess it depends on how long you'll keep it and how many miles you'll do. The main benefit of the SDV6 is the better fuel economy. I think it has slightly better performance figures too but not sure. 2012 SDV6 - it's missing a couple of cylinders
2008 TDV8 - it was a labour of love and is much missed

SDV6 has slightly better performance which may not justify the price difference alone. It also has a smoother 8 speed gearbox (as opposed to 6 speed with TDV6) which makes a difference. I think there were some improvements to the interior too in MY12 (61 reg onwards) but I am not sure. Current: Volvo XC90 T8 Inscription Pro PHEV with some optionals on top
Gone: MY16 RRS2 3.0 SDV6 Autobiography Dynamic, Carpathian Grey & Santorini Black Sliding Pano/Ebony & Ivory 2 Tone
Gone: MY13 RRS 3.0 SDV6 HSE Black Edition, Orkney Grey/Ivory
Gone: MY09 RRS 2.7 TDV6 HSE, Santorini Black/Almond

The SDV6 looks a lot cleaner and neater at the rear end in my view. The chrome strip across the tailgate and the moving of the RANGE ROVER lettering to just under the rear window makes a big difference. I appreciate that the gearbox is also much improved, so it's a case of weighing up how much these mean in financial terms and whether there will be an appreciable difference come resale in a couple of years time.

Yes, forgot about the rear end styling changes.

Right now looking at dealer asking prices, my MY13 SDV6 HSE Black Edition hasn't depreciated too much from what I bought it for 10 months ago. However, IMHO both RRS1 TDV6 and SDV6 will take another hit when the gap between RRS2 order and delivery times narrows and dealers start discounting the new model. Having said that, the last of RRS1 were generously specced as standard and even when new, cost significantly less than similarly equipped RRS2. Some might argue this could mean they continue to hold their value well because even when there are deals available on used RRS2, they will still be in a different price bracket.

My view is that TDV6 vs. SDV6 price difference should decrease in absolute values but remain constant in percentage terms over time. Unfortunately there is no definitive answer. Only time will tell. Current: Volvo XC90 T8 Inscription Pro PHEV with some optionals on top
Gone: MY16 RRS2 3.0 SDV6 Autobiography Dynamic, Carpathian Grey & Santorini Black Sliding Pano/Ebony & Ivory 2 Tone
Gone: MY13 RRS 3.0 SDV6 HSE Black Edition, Orkney Grey/Ivory
Gone: MY09 RRS 2.7 TDV6 HSE, Santorini Black/Almond

The premium for a SD over a TD seems reasonable for the improvements in performance and fuel consumption, but I find my TD plenty powerful.

Two changes to last of the line RRS which I disliked enough to go for an earlier model.
1. rotary gear selector - give me a proper stick every time.
2. one piece tailgate - I know it is lighter and powered but the window only alternative is so convenient.

Loving the keyless entry and start - but why is the remote so BIG? and HEAVY? It's like a brick in your pocket all the time! 2011 TDV6 HSE Stornoway grey, ivory trim

Life's too short to drive an ugly car.

I actually like the rotary gearchange knob.... Much cleaner in the dash - horses for courses I suppose!

I didn't realise that the last of the line RRS1 had a different tailgate, so its a one piece as opposed to the split variant on the earlier models? If so, this doesn't make a big deal,of difference to me, but useful to know.

I think the earlier model you are looking at does not have the dynamic pack. This makes quite a big difference in my opinion when in traffic or driving in towns and country lanes.

I think the older model does have the dynamic pack but not the dynamic mode in the terrain response selector. Agreed, makes a big difference on twisty roads.

I didn't like the rotary gear selector in the beginning but got used to it very quickly.

Yes, the MY12 tailgate is one piece but powered. My vertically challenged wife found it difficult to operate the older model's manual tailgate because sometimes you can't get away with using just the window part. No need to partially open the tailgate now that it's electric. Haven't heard a thing about the Sport being impractical for her since I upgraded (the car, not the wife)

Each to their own as you say. Current: Volvo XC90 T8 Inscription Pro PHEV with some optionals on top
Gone: MY16 RRS2 3.0 SDV6 Autobiography Dynamic, Carpathian Grey & Santorini Black Sliding Pano/Ebony & Ivory 2 Tone
Gone: MY13 RRS 3.0 SDV6 HSE Black Edition, Orkney Grey/Ivory
Gone: MY09 RRS 2.7 TDV6 HSE, Santorini Black/Almond

peterg1965 wrote:

The SDV6 looks a lot cleaner and neater at the rear end in my view. The chrome strip across the tailgate and the moving of the RANGE ROVER lettering to just under the rear window makes a big difference.

Well I wouldn't pay 3.5 grand extra just for a shiny strip and lettering... (sorry, couldn't resist) 2012 SDV6 - it's missing a couple of cylinders
2008 TDV8 - it was a labour of love and is much missed

fkarim wrote:

I didn't like the rotary gear selector in the beginning but got used to it very quickly.

Does the newer RRS also have the TFT display that the 4.4FFRR has? If so, that was very impressive, almost reminiscent of the digital dash in my MG Montego 30 years ago!

I would miss the split tailgate massively. I can't count the number of times I've reversed parked up close to my garage, turned the car off and got out only to remember I need something out of the boot. Without the split tailgate option I'd have had to get back in the car and move it forward again (until I learnt not to park too close obviously!). 2016 VW Golf GTD DSG
2007 Exige S British GT SE
Gone : 2011 3.0TDV6 HSE, Stornoway Grey, Ivory, Piano Black Trim, Paddleshift, Privacy Glass, Side Steps, Mud Flaps, Heated Steering Wheel, Timed Climate & Remote Park Heating

There you go Peter ... everyone is different. It all comes down to whether all the differences in SDV6 (combined, not individually) are worth the extra money to YOU  Current: Volvo XC90 T8 Inscription Pro PHEV with some optionals on top
Gone: MY16 RRS2 3.0 SDV6 Autobiography Dynamic, Carpathian Grey & Santorini Black Sliding Pano/Ebony & Ivory 2 Tone
Gone: MY13 RRS 3.0 SDV6 HSE Black Edition, Orkney Grey/Ivory
Gone: MY09 RRS 2.7 TDV6 HSE, Santorini Black/Almond

I would say yes