Hi the RRS community,
I would like to introduce myself to the forum, a MY1958 semi-retired bloke currently running a Freelander 2 HSE but kicking around the idea of an RRS.
By kicking around I mean dreaming of owning a Range Rover for decades and lately consuming everything I can read about the things, including old brochures, test reports and YouTube videos; speaking to my local independent LR garage and RRS drivers at filling stations and supermarkets, and of course devouring this site.
I have also checked out a couple of extended warranty companies, my insurance company and got a green light (okay amber) from my live-in financial controller (who has a horse so she can't really complain).

I am about to see two cars, both at non-specialist dealers.
One is a four owner 85k miles 2010 HSE with a lot of nice options, history and a 12 months dealer warranty (£2,500 limit on engine and a 'betterment' clause that means a 50% excess).
The other is a two owner 68k 2009 straight HSE with 9 main dealer and well-known LR independent stamps and I understand some supporting paperwork. It has wanted for nothing I am told.

I have a list of things to check, gathered from the collective knowledge and wisdom of this site and expect (hope) the driving experience to be a great one. And yes, I know buying a good RRS is a crap shoot what with crankshafts and a hundred other things, and that running one is not for the faint hearted or fiscally challenged.
So TWO questions - Of the above cars which on paper would seem the better and, am I completely bonkers?

Hi are they both face lift models and what engines are they 2.7 3.0 as i believe those years could have either

Yes, sorry. They are both facelift TDV6 3.0 litre.

I would say that would be a personal choice but if the 2010 has loads more options and maybe better history I would go for that as long as the belts arc were done too

What history does the 2010 have?

There are many variables including price and what the extra options are that would need to be considered. If the options are of no benefit to you, this changes things somewhat.

Go and see both, have a good look around at the bodywork, condition of the interior and listen out for any knocks on the test drive. Then make the choice that is right for you personally.

PS. and you're no more bonkers than the rest of us  Kev

MY2014 L405 RR Vogue SE 4.4 SDV8 in Corris Grey
MY2010 L320 RRS HSE 3.0 TDV6 in Stornoway Grey

You need to buy on condition, but I'd be tempted by the 2009 all other things being equal. Two owners and a full history suggests better care has been taken. Four owners and more miles on the other one makes me wonder if it's been moved on a couple of times when the money got tight, IYSWIM.

Both would benefit from a gearbox flush but the 2009 having fewer miles means the gearbox oil may be in better condition so the gearbox might last longer. 2012 SDV6 - it's missing a couple of cylinders
2008 TDV8 - it was a labour of love and is much missed

I’d also go for the earlier one!

The thing I look for is a full history file....with every receipt and piece of paper....don’t just buy one with just the service book...

Good luck! It’s a buyers market at the moment so if either of these don’t come to fruition don’t panic...there’s loads out there..

Good advice here, I bought my 2007 TDV8 in September this year came with every receipt & fully stamped service book the owner appears to have had OCD judging by the condition & cleanliness, it was a private purchase so obviously no warranty, but I had a budget of £15,000 & only spent £7,000 on it so plenty in the kitty if anything crops up, has now done 89,000 miles, and makes me smile every time I drive it.

I have a list of things to check, gathered from the collective knowledge and wisdom of this site and expect (hope) the driving experience to be a great one. And yes, I know buying a good RRS is a crap shoot what with crankshafts and a hundred other things, and that running one is not for the faint hearted or fiscally challenged.
So TWO questions - Of the above cars which on paper would seem the better and, am I completely bonkers?

Dan, Some of them may have problems, but by & large they are fine as long as you have them serviced & fluids changed at the correct time, if your concerned change the oil twice a year, not a huge expense.
Lets face it no one comes on a forum saying their car is fine, no problems, its when you have problems that these forums are a godsend, so reading forums makes you think they are all breaking down. Not so. Pick any manufacturer, go on their forum & you will get the same theme "my cars crap"
Take your time, as stated already, fewer owners the better, loads of paperwork, get a specialist to check it over, wont cost too much but may save you a lot in the long run. Happy hunting & spread your net wider, a two or three hour drive isn't much for the right one

Many thanks to all on this and all your responses make good sense.

The extras on the 2010 appear to be: Dynamic Pack, Sunroof, full leather, TV (on dash), removable tow hook (Tow Pack?), space saver spare and what looks like a compressor in the boot, and DVD (not sure about this after looking at the 2010 spec sheets). Apparently £4k worth. I haven't seen the service record but am assured it has a service history (ex Stratstone) but don't know if subsequently at LR independents - will of course find this out. And of course a long if not over generous warranty.

The 2009 seems to be a straight un-spec'd HSE and on 19" wheels with standard (ie not low) profile rubber. I have seen the service book with wall-to wall stamps from initial main dealer and then LR independents. I also know of the non-specialist dealer and its good reputation.

Hope to see at least one this weekend. And of course there are loads more out there.

Thanks again. Any further comments please do post. I am on a couple of other owner/enthusiast sites and find them an invaluable 'friend' - and a couple of times even lifesavers!

Forgot to add - the 2010 is currently a grand less than the 2009!

The feel good factor can wain quite quickly if you are getting niggly faults that have festered for a while over the life of the car, which means the 2 owner 2009 car could be the thinking man's option. Provenance is everything in my opinion when it comes to buying higher value, complex used vehicles.

That said (sorry!) I would not rule out the 4 owner car. You need to rifle through the service history, look at the MOT history online, maybe get an inspection by your respected indie, and then place your bet. L405 P400e Autobiography (MY2020)... Silicon Silver / Espresso
RRS TDV6 HSE Lux (MY2011)... Nara Bronze / Arabica - now gone!

There are some very nice well specced/priced owners cars for sale on this forum, depending on budget and requirements I would say that buying an enthusiast owned example is far preferable than any other way. I speak from experience and picked up a members car on here which is superb.

Do your research, take on board the advice on these forums and definitely get yourself a warranty.

Keep us posted.

Si 2012 RRS HSE SDV6 - current
2006 911 Carrera convertible
2016 L200 Barbarian pickup
2010 RRS Lux
2008 E93 M3
2004 VX220 Turbo Stg 2
2010 E70 X5 30d M Sport
2006 Golf R32

Dan Freeler wrote:

The extras on the 2010 appear to be: Dynamic Pack, Sunroof, full leather, TV (on dash), removable tow hook (Tow Pack?), space saver spare and what looks like a compressor in the boot, and DVD. Apparently £4k worth And of course a long if not over generous warranty.

The 2009 seems to be a straight un-spec'd HSE and on 19" wheels with standard (ie not low) profile rubber.

Hi,
as already said try them and see what you think, you seem to already have a good idea what to look and listen for

Decide what spec you want from memory of our 2010/60 No sunroof but did not want one either, it did have the "Extended leather" on dash ect and was nice, but doubt I would pay any more for one now at 9-10 years old, TV watched it twice in over 2 years both times while waiting to pick up swmbo All models that age have the Towbar receiver, check behind the panel for the electrics and a removable bar is about £150 s/h (RRS, D3, D4) (removable worked for me "infrequent use" and it was "maintained" only you can decide for you.
Space saver istr was standard full size spare an option and my choice on tyre size would be 255/55/19 (50 profile is the standard on a RRS on 19") think the DVD was standard as well but as said it did have the TV.

Regarding warranty, the 12m inc with the 2010 car does not sound that good if £2500 limit AND you have a 50% possible betterment very easy to spend £1k on a few bushes, brakes, service ect so there may not be that much between them

Enjoy the search and echo some good cars get advertised on here dont rush in but if a car is nearly right and the expected spend gets in how you want it

 Porsche Cayenne 2022
gone Porsche Cayenne 2020
gone Corris Grey HSE Dynamic 2016
gone Ipanema HSE lux 2010
gone Rimini HSE 2005
!!

and

Timed climate is very nice could have it in the menu (can be added) and can have a remote fob it was an option can be seen in this pic



 Porsche Cayenne 2022
gone Porsche Cayenne 2020
gone Corris Grey HSE Dynamic 2016
gone Ipanema HSE lux 2010
gone Rimini HSE 2005
!!