It's refreshing to find intelligent and articulately presented material on YT and being a Ranger Rover driver you have captured my interest. I very nearly bypassed the privilege of owning my L322 4.4D Westminster 2012 which I bought in 2014 with 19000 fully serviced miles on the clock because the rumour machine had cast doubt in my mind. I ran the Westminster for another 80k and the only issue was an oil leak in the valley and a wiper motor, both were fixed fairly cheaply. I'm on my 3rd now, the latest being a LR serviced 26000 mile L405 and despite the cost of running a luxury car I am an evangelist for spending money on scheduled and preventative maintenance. A Range Rover is aspirational and you can understand why some people get themselves involved without considering the running costs, you can spot the early indicators of impending doom by the mismatched cheap tyres and the defective wiper blades; there's no shame in it, just poor decision making.
I have a 2011 L322 and I couldn't agree with you more. I'm the second owner and it was always maintained by the dealer by my predecessor. I took an extended warranty and continued with the dealer at specified intervals. Once the coverage ended, I've used independent Land Rover techs (former dealer maintenance workers). We are aggressive in our repairs to keep ahead of any issues - timing chain guides a prime example. Wonderful vehicles but cutting corners never pays off. I've had a Classic and a P38 which had not been taken care of and experienced too much time in the shop! Glad you're keeping it on the road!
I am not a Land Rover owner, but I fully concur with all your comments about the previous pp maintenance etc. As someone who ran a business chauffeur service using Volvo S80’s and regularly doing 70-80k miles a year, I had to keep mine in tip top condition with 5 full services a year. I had 3 S80’s over a 15 year period they covered between 250k -350k in their working lives. Proper maintenance meant I never had to replace a turbo, no DPF issues on later models. So to my mind you are doing exactly the right thing to have a vehicle that will serve you well for years to come, now you are sorting out all of its “gremlins”, inherited from previous owners bad maintenance practices.
Mark, nice work. I would say this doesn’t matter if it was serviced at a dealer or not means nothing as all they are are parts swappers. And even at that they don’t do the job properly. I could go on this a story for hrs about my wife’s D4 one owner purchased from a Landrover dealer. Serviced by a Landrover dealer all logged. The amount of items I found wrong with it was unbelievable. And I did have it out with Landrover in a big way. To make a point. I had it at Landrover for the timing belts and I mark all bolts covers etc with a special markers and I can tell you half the items were never changed or touched. But I was billed for it! Just because the car has a dealer record means nothing. I found bolts missing brackets not put back on wiring harness not clipped back in place etc. I only ever work on them myself. The only reason for this one was my wife hassled me and said but it from and dealer and nothing will go wrong with the car. So I did and it turned out to be a lemon.
I wish I had to time, or workshop to do the work myself, unfortunately I don’t, so I have to farm the work out, no choice. I’m happy that Tim and guys know what they are doing and are compassionate to what the vehicle needs. Tim has an L322, he knows what these vehicles need as far as maintenance and attention 👍🏻
It's amazing how many people don't understand the concept of preventative maintenance! All they see is how much you've spent and then say you bought a dodgy car. We've just bought a 2012 Freelander 2, we've spent about £6k on it, this is: Michelin tyres (£800), full service inc gearbox and Haldex, new ancillary belts, EGR blanking and remap, two new front shocks (£1100), silicon intercooler hoses, water pump, ghost alarm, satnav and dashcam install, additional soundproofing. Almost none of this required doing but it's my wifes car and she wants to keep it for a good number of years. So it's worth spending the money now and fixing the bits we know can (and will) go wrong, and that they'll last for the next 10 years. There's more things we're going to do next year, but we'll fix anything that comes up in the meantime. I'll do the same to my L322 when I get it, but 4.4 TDI Autobiography's are getting harder to find in good condition.
Can‘t wait to see on the road again. Thank you for your honest documentation of the repair. My experience with my L322 tdv8 (117k Mi) are so gar far quite good. I think with the L322 it is like with all older cars, maintenance is only to be replaced by preventive maintenance. Unfortunately, the sins of previous owners add up and one day there is an unpleasant surprise. I wish you all the best and continued enjoyment with your Range Rover. BR from Vienna
I can't see how the previous owner is to blame tbh. I mean they took it to a garage and had the turbos replaced which wouldn't have been cheap, it's not exactly their fault if the garage that did the work is incompetent. Cross threading bolts and over tightening clips, bending PAS pipes when fitting it back together etc isn't the owners fault. I bet they actually thought it was done correctly.
very interesting... amazing how both turbos were 'gone' or were their out of limits or similar. or did i hear that the scraps of plastic intercooler went through the turbines?? sounds like the missing copper washers were causing a bleed down, and possibly an air pocket in fuel rail, causing rough idle when cold start too. ive never heard of these engines failing, unless an obvious issue, like heavy sludging of over extended oil life, and similarly the turbos arent typically an issue either. as ive said before, mine is on 200,000, (ive done 10,000 on it after that too.) and looking at the engine, it looks to be in typical 'dirtyness' and no bright parts... and on the fullfat forum, theres a 4.4 tdv8 with 337.000 miles and still going. looking forward to seeing the beast one day.
Good for you. Once the problems are sorted out you should have a trouble free ride that you can be confident in. I have both an L322 and an L320 that are my last vehicles that I will maintain and drive. Mine have both been very reliable and require just enough attention to keep me busy and entertained.
I admire this channel and its honesty. I also fully agree that many of the problems which afflict Land Rovers is poor quality maintenance and parts. These vehicles tend to become progressively Chinese because of the excessive cost of genuine parts. Where I disagree with the philosophy of this channel is which vehicle would I take on a major trip? I would simply love to have the performance and comfort of an L322 or a new Defender but would either of those vehicles get me home when things start to go wrong? I am currently in South Africa with my 30 year old Defender which IMO is the right tool for the job.
Thank you. But, I did 13K miles, 4 long trips, estimate 4K off road, it has never let me down. So, while some may question my choice of vehicle, I still maintain that they are reliable. Each to his/her own.
@@Overlanding4WD The point is that I find your choice of vehicle interesting. It isn't just another Troopie or Hilux build with all the usual accessories. I fully understand why you have taken that route. Vive la différence. PS plenty of people tell me I have got the wrong vehicle and one noted commentator suggested that even a Jimny would be better suited. It doesn't bother me at all :-)
@@defendermodsandtravels I’d never drive a Toyota. LR’s are in the DNA, nothing I can do about it. The L322 is a brilliant vehicle. It can easily cover distances on and off road. Sure, there are limitations with LR pushing it upmarket, bigger brakes, no 18”s, yet. Not much in the way of accessories for off road, but, you can manage and compromise. I’d never do what I do in a L405, simply too big and not practical. The people that tells us we have the wrong vehicle, well, like you said “vive la difference 👍🏻
Great update Mark. It’s a car that should be owned by an enthusiast- not by someone who cannot afford to keep on top of maintenance. Can’t wait to see it back. Also, I’d love to see a cross over episode with you & LR Time. Vera & Christian are not too far away from you (compared to Australia that is!!)
Great video. I’m thinking of jumping into the L322 ownership at some point so very interested in your videos. I totally agree about bad workmanship - years ago I had a BMW X5, which I had all the work done by the main dealer. For some reason I changed to an independent garage on a recommendation. The damage they caused with cheap substandard parts was horrendous. By the time I had got it fixed properly it was more than a main dealer would have been in the first place. For me, I fully understand about going down the independent route at some point in the life of a vehicle - but it’s so hard to find a good honest garage. Quality is remembered long after the price is forgotten.
Unfortunately, it’s a case of buyer beware, a lot of these cars have been bodged down the years, as owners run out of time, effort and money to fix them properly, so they are neglected, and the next owner is faced with fixing the issues, past and present. I will say, mine has been incredibly reliable for what I have use dit for, the recent issues I’ve had, were me trying to maintain it to a higher standard, and in doing so, uncovered the past issues and corner cutting. Prime example, injectors with no sealing washers, which in turn caused other engine issues. TBH, it’s a testament to resilient these cars and engine are, that I put 15k miles on it last year before issues were found. They are great cars, ignore the doubters, but buyer beware 👍🏻
Totally agree. I’ve spent a lot of cash in 4 years of ownership on preventative maintenance on the engine another parts of the motor. For example, all new belts, tensioners etc up front, new starter motor, one turbo, oil cooler, EGR gaskets, hoses etc. It’s only ever allowed into a specialist LR place.
Such a shame it wasn't looked after properly. Least your sorting, should do another 100k!! I'm the 3rd owner of my 2012 TDV8, have service records of previous owners, last owner used LR specialist in Reading. I've even used them for major bits of work despite it being a 4hr round trip, these vehicles definitely need a specialist to work on them. That said, I do all the usual service items myself with 5k oil change intervals. Hopefully I can keep it going!. We use it for all long distance holidays, never had any issues. Great vehicles. Planning to do starter motor in the next month as a matter of course. Had pulleys, alternator, AC compressor, battery already done. Keep it up, love the videos. Look forward to the in depth chat with Tim.👍
P*ss poor maintenance. Mate you hit the nail on the head. Owners that think it would be too costly to repair something properly and put the car back with screws and silicone (literally) on my l322. Poor form.
Not wishing to piss on your chips as they say up here !! But you have been unlucky which ever way you look at it. I have owned 3 range rovers since I was 21 years young now 70 !! All of which I still own. First being a 1971 2 owner me being the second No issues at all never ever let me down Second being a T.D. Classic V M engine great engine infact one of the best engines I have ever had in any car. Last but not least an L322 with the straight 6 Bema unit again never ever let me down and its now on 157K It will need the rear arches scraping off and a re paint but still not rotten !! The first car cost me 4K quite a lot those days The 4 door classic cost me around the same and I paid a little over the odds for the L322 at 7K 5 years ago.. I know there is a lot of luck involved buying any car but it is down to the buying always ! The more time you take in the purchase the les you will spend before the sale !!
Full service history, dealer maintained until 3rd owner, receipts for work done. The problem is, who did the work and the quality of said work. Too many people buy these cars, can’t afford to fix them when they break, cut corners to save money, and bang, sell them on. As they say buyer beware, however, I’m in this for the long haul, 5 years, so, I fix it.
It's refreshing to find intelligent and articulately presented material on YT and being a Ranger Rover driver you have captured my interest. I very nearly bypassed the privilege of owning my L322 4.4D Westminster 2012 which I bought in 2014 with 19000 fully serviced miles on the clock because the rumour machine had cast doubt in my mind. I ran the Westminster for another 80k and the only issue was an oil leak in the valley and a wiper motor, both were fixed fairly cheaply. I'm on my 3rd now, the latest being a LR serviced 26000 mile L405 and despite the cost of running a luxury car I am an evangelist for spending money on scheduled and preventative maintenance. A Range Rover is aspirational and you can understand why some people get themselves involved without considering the running costs, you can spot the early indicators of impending doom by the mismatched cheap tyres and the defective wiper blades; there's no shame in it, just poor decision making.
I have a 2011 L322 and I couldn't agree with you more. I'm the second owner and it was always maintained by the dealer by my predecessor. I took an extended warranty and continued with the dealer at specified intervals. Once the coverage ended, I've used independent Land Rover techs (former dealer maintenance workers). We are aggressive in our repairs to keep ahead of any issues - timing chain guides a prime example. Wonderful vehicles but cutting corners never pays off. I've had a Classic and a P38 which had not been taken care of and experienced too much time in the shop! Glad you're keeping it on the road!
I am not a Land Rover owner, but I fully concur with all your comments about the previous pp maintenance etc. As someone who ran a business chauffeur service using Volvo S80’s and regularly doing 70-80k miles a year, I had to keep mine in tip top condition with 5 full services a year. I had 3 S80’s over a 15 year period they covered between 250k -350k in their working lives. Proper maintenance meant I never had to replace a turbo, no DPF issues on later models. So to my mind you are doing exactly the right thing to have a vehicle that will serve you well for years to come, now you are sorting out all of its “gremlins”, inherited from previous owners bad maintenance practices.
Mark, nice work. I would say this doesn’t matter if it was serviced at a dealer or not means nothing as all they are are parts swappers. And even at that they don’t do the job properly. I could go on this a story for hrs about my wife’s D4 one owner purchased from a Landrover dealer. Serviced by a Landrover dealer all logged. The amount of items I found wrong with it was unbelievable. And I did have it out with Landrover in a big way. To make a point. I had it at Landrover for the timing belts and I mark all bolts covers etc with a special markers and I can tell you half the items were never changed or touched. But I was billed for it! Just because the car has a dealer record means nothing. I found bolts missing brackets not put back on wiring harness not clipped back in place etc. I only ever work on them myself. The only reason for this one was my wife hassled me and said but it from and dealer and nothing will go wrong with the car. So I did and it turned out to be a lemon.
I wish I had to time, or workshop to do the work myself, unfortunately I don’t, so I have to farm the work out, no choice. I’m happy that Tim and guys know what they are doing and are compassionate to what the vehicle needs. Tim has an L322, he knows what these vehicles need as far as maintenance and attention 👍🏻
It's amazing how many people don't understand the concept of preventative maintenance! All they see is how much you've spent and then say you bought a dodgy car. We've just bought a 2012 Freelander 2, we've spent about £6k on it, this is: Michelin tyres (£800), full service inc gearbox and Haldex, new ancillary belts, EGR blanking and remap, two new front shocks (£1100), silicon intercooler hoses, water pump, ghost alarm, satnav and dashcam install, additional soundproofing. Almost none of this required doing but it's my wifes car and she wants to keep it for a good number of years. So it's worth spending the money now and fixing the bits we know can (and will) go wrong, and that they'll last for the next 10 years. There's more things we're going to do next year, but we'll fix anything that comes up in the meantime. I'll do the same to my L322 when I get it, but 4.4 TDI Autobiography's are getting harder to find in good condition.
Definitely seems to be moving in the right direction, would be good if there was more Land Rover owners like you 🙌
Can‘t wait to see on the road again. Thank you for your honest documentation of the repair. My experience with my L322 tdv8 (117k Mi) are so gar far quite good. I think with the L322 it is like with all older cars, maintenance is only to be replaced by preventive maintenance. Unfortunately, the sins of previous owners add up and one day there is an unpleasant surprise. I wish you all the best and continued enjoyment with your Range Rover. BR from Vienna
Thank you 👍🏻
Totally agree 😊
I can't see how the previous owner is to blame tbh. I mean they took it to a garage and had the turbos replaced which wouldn't have been cheap, it's not exactly their fault if the garage that did the work is incompetent. Cross threading bolts and over tightening clips, bending PAS pipes when fitting it back together etc isn't the owners fault. I bet they actually thought it was done correctly.
very interesting... amazing how both turbos were 'gone' or were their out of limits or similar. or did i hear that the scraps of plastic intercooler went through the turbines?? sounds like the missing copper washers were causing a bleed down, and possibly an air pocket in fuel rail, causing rough idle when cold start too. ive never heard of these engines failing, unless an obvious issue, like heavy sludging of over extended oil life, and similarly the turbos arent typically an issue either. as ive said before, mine is on 200,000, (ive done 10,000 on it after that too.) and looking at the engine, it looks to be in typical 'dirtyness' and no bright parts... and on the fullfat forum, theres a 4.4 tdv8 with 337.000 miles and still going. looking forward to seeing the beast one day.
Good for you. Once the problems are sorted out you should have a trouble free ride that you can be confident in. I have both an L322 and an L320 that are my last vehicles that I will maintain and drive. Mine have both been very reliable and require just enough attention to keep me busy and entertained.
Thanks. Agreed 👍🏻
I admire this channel and its honesty. I also fully agree that many of the problems which afflict Land Rovers is poor quality maintenance and parts. These vehicles tend to become progressively Chinese because of the excessive cost of genuine parts.
Where I disagree with the philosophy of this channel is which vehicle would I take on a major trip? I would simply love to have the performance and comfort of an L322 or a new Defender but would either of those vehicles get me home when things start to go wrong?
I am currently in South Africa with my 30 year old Defender which IMO is the right tool for the job.
Thank you. But, I did 13K miles, 4 long trips, estimate 4K off road, it has never let me down. So, while some may question my choice of vehicle, I still maintain that they are reliable. Each to his/her own.
@@Overlanding4WD The point is that I find your choice of vehicle interesting. It isn't just another Troopie or Hilux build with all the usual accessories. I fully understand why you have taken that route. Vive la différence.
PS plenty of people tell me I have got the wrong vehicle and one noted commentator suggested that even a Jimny would be better suited. It doesn't bother me at all :-)
@@defendermodsandtravels I’d never drive a Toyota. LR’s are in the DNA, nothing I can do about it. The L322 is a brilliant vehicle. It can easily cover distances on and off road. Sure, there are limitations with LR pushing it upmarket, bigger brakes, no 18”s, yet. Not much in the way of accessories for off road, but, you can manage and compromise. I’d never do what I do in a L405, simply too big and not practical. The people that tells us we have the wrong vehicle, well, like you said “vive la difference 👍🏻
Great update Mark. It’s a car that should be owned by an enthusiast- not by someone who cannot afford to keep on top of maintenance. Can’t wait to see it back.
Also, I’d love to see a cross over episode with you & LR Time. Vera & Christian are not too far away from you (compared to Australia that is!!)
Thanks I know the LR team. Not sure I have large enough following tbh. Christian is more hands on than me.
Great video. I’m thinking of jumping into the L322 ownership at some point so very interested in your videos.
I totally agree about bad workmanship - years ago I had a BMW X5, which I had all the work done by the main dealer. For some reason I changed to an independent garage on a recommendation. The damage they caused with cheap substandard parts was horrendous. By the time I had got it fixed properly it was more than a main dealer would have been in the first place.
For me, I fully understand about going down the independent route at some point in the life of a vehicle - but it’s so hard to find a good honest garage.
Quality is remembered long after the price is forgotten.
Unfortunately, it’s a case of buyer beware, a lot of these cars have been bodged down the years, as owners run out of time, effort and money to fix them properly, so they are neglected, and the next owner is faced with fixing the issues, past and present. I will say, mine has been incredibly reliable for what I have use dit for, the recent issues I’ve had, were me trying to maintain it to a higher standard, and in doing so, uncovered the past issues and corner cutting. Prime example, injectors with no sealing washers, which in turn caused other engine issues. TBH, it’s a testament to resilient these cars and engine are, that I put 15k miles on it last year before issues were found. They are great cars, ignore the doubters, but buyer beware 👍🏻
Can’t wait to get you back on the road mate and we can catch up
Imagine how good it’s going to run after you’ve had it fixed ❤
Good man! You are doing God’s work keeping that vehicle going! The studio looks great!
Thanks for the detailed update.
Totally agree. I’ve spent a lot of cash in 4 years of ownership on preventative maintenance on the engine another parts of the motor. For example, all new belts, tensioners etc up front, new starter motor, one turbo, oil cooler, EGR gaskets, hoses etc. It’s only ever allowed into a specialist LR place.
Great point!
Such a shame it wasn't looked after properly. Least your sorting, should do another 100k!! I'm the 3rd owner of my 2012 TDV8, have service records of previous owners, last owner used LR specialist in Reading. I've even used them for major bits of work despite it being a 4hr round trip, these vehicles definitely need a specialist to work on them. That said, I do all the usual service items myself with 5k oil change intervals. Hopefully I can keep it going!. We use it for all long distance holidays, never had any issues. Great vehicles. Planning to do starter motor in the next month as a matter of course. Had pulleys, alternator, AC compressor, battery already done. Keep it up, love the videos. Look forward to the in depth chat with Tim.👍
thank you
P*ss poor maintenance. Mate you hit the nail on the head. Owners that think it would be too costly to repair something properly and put the car back with screws and silicone (literally) on my l322. Poor form.
Keep going prove them all wrong . Wonderful motors
Thanks, will do!
I know a superb alignment place near Liphook 👍👍
Who bodged it? Name and shame 😊
I have the receipt when the turbos were replaced in ‘19 which means the engine out and off the subframe. So, my guess is them!
@@Overlanding4WD Who was the outfit?
Not wishing to piss on your chips as they say up here !! But you have been unlucky which ever way you look at it. I have owned 3 range rovers since I was 21 years young now 70 !! All of which I still own. First being a 1971 2 owner me being the second No issues at all never ever let me down Second being a T.D. Classic V M engine great engine infact one of the best engines I have ever had in any car. Last but not least an L322 with the straight 6 Bema unit again never ever let me down and its now on 157K It will need the rear arches scraping off and a re paint but still not rotten !! The first car cost me 4K quite a lot those days The 4 door classic cost me around the same and I paid a little over the odds for the L322 at 7K 5 years ago.. I know there is a lot of luck involved buying any car but it is down to the buying always !
The more time you take in the purchase the les you will spend before the sale !!
Full service history, dealer maintained until 3rd owner, receipts for work done. The problem is, who did the work and the quality of said work. Too many people buy these cars, can’t afford to fix them when they break, cut corners to save money, and bang, sell them on. As they say buyer beware, however, I’m in this for the long haul, 5 years, so, I fix it.