# Range Rover — Used Car Buying Guide

AutoScout's analysis of the Range Rover on the UK used-car market. Backed by 33 million DVSA MOT tests, current AutoTrader pricing, and depreciation curves derived from CAP/Glass's Guide data.

Live interactive report: https://autoscout.fyi/cars/range-rover

## Verdict

- **Best value year**: 2018
- **Ideal trim**: HSE
- **Target mileage**: 30,000–50,000 miles
- **Max previous owners**: 1
- **Target price**: £32,000

## Why this model

Look, I need to be straight with you: buying a used Range Rover, especially one from this era, is a huge gamble and often a money pit. They look fantastic and feel luxurious, but under the skin, they're notorious for serious reliability issues. You're not just buying a car; you're buying a potential second mortgage for repairs. Owners frequently report major faults with the air suspension, electrical systems, and engine components, often leading to bills in the thousands. The depreciation is also brutal, meaning you'll lose a lot of money when you eventually sell it. Unless you have a very deep wallet and a high tolerance for stress, I strongly recommend you look elsewhere.

## What you should pay

Even at the target price, you're taking a significant financial risk. The purchase price is just the beginning; the real cost comes from the inevitable repairs and rapid depreciation. Don't be fooled by the seemingly 'good deal' on a luxury car, as it often hides a mountain of future expenses.

## Which trim to buy

If you absolutely must have one, the HSE trim from around 2018-2020 is probably your 'least bad' option. It gives you a good level of luxury and features without going overboard on the complex, often problematic tech found in the higher Autobiography trims. Fewer gadgets mean fewer things to go wrong, theoretically. Plus, it's a bit less expensive to buy initially, so your potential losses are slightly contained.

## What to check before you buy

- Air suspension failure (compressors, airbags, valves – £1,000-£3,000+ per corner)
- Electrical gremlins (infotainment freezing, warning lights, keyless entry issues – can be hundreds to thousands depending on module)
- Timing chain wear on diesel engines (major engine-out job, £4,000-£8,000+)
- Oil leaks (from various seals, often expensive to access)
- DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) blockages (especially if not driven long distances, £1,000-£2,500)
- Transmission issues (jerking, slipping, sometimes requiring full replacement, £3,000-£6,000+)
- Leaky panoramic roofs
- General sensor failures

## Running costs

Running costs are extremely high. Expect poor fuel economy (25-30 MPG for diesel), expensive insurance, and very high servicing costs. Crucially, be prepared for substantial and frequent repair bills, which are the biggest financial drain.

## Key stats

- **Fuel Type**: Diesel
- **Horsepower**: 300-350 HP
- **Mpg**: 25-30 MPG
- **Reliability Score**: Poor
- **Safety Rating**: 5 Stars (Euro NCAP)

## Trim comparison

| Trim | Price new | Price used | Key features |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Vogue D300 | £85,000 | £28,000 | Leather seats; Panoramic roof; Meridian sound system |
| HSE D300/D350 | £95,000 | £32,000 | Matrix LED headlights; 20-inch alloy wheels; Heated and cooled front seats |
| Autobiography D350 | £110,000 | £38,000 | Semi-aniline leather; Rear executive seats; Head-up display |

## Depreciation forecast

| Year | Estimated value | Retention |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 2026 | £32,000 | 0% |
| 2027 | £26,000 | 18.75% |
| 2028 | £21,000 | 34.38% |
| 2029 | £17,000 | 46.88% |
| 2030 | £14,000 | 56.25% |

There isn't really a 'sweet spot' for a used Range Rover. While the initial depreciation hit is taken by the first owner, the high running costs, frequent and expensive repairs, and continued rapid depreciation mean that any savings on the purchase price are quickly eaten up. You're always likely to be facing significant financial outlay.

Total value lost since new: 56.25%.

## Alternatives to consider

- [Volvo XC90](https://autoscout.fyi/cars/volvo-xc90.md)
- [Lexus RX](https://autoscout.fyi/cars/lexus-rx.md)
- [Audi Q7](https://autoscout.fyi/cars/audi-q7.md)

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Source: AutoScout (https://autoscout.fyi). Part of a review of the UK used-car market across 500+ models.