Ditching the Disco nd millstone
Now we’re talking! Why the Mk2 Range Sport is the real deal
THE SECOND GENERATION Range Rover Sport marked a quantum leap over its predecessor when it launched in 2013. Not only was it far nicer to behold, a new all-aluminium body evicted the previous model’s Discovery-derived underpinnings, shedding 420kg. Stepping from old to new was like slipping off concrete boots. Still weighing over two tonnes, the current model is lighter, far more agile and enjoyable to hustle down a challenging road. It also rides more serenely and still monsters the off-road stuff. Today, you’ll pick up a good early car from £36k – but secondhand Range Rover Sport ownership is not without its pitfalls, so we’ve enlisted expert Dave Salmon from specialists JD Automotive.
Go for the most power you can a ord
The Range Rover Sports we’re focusing on come with two tunes of V6 (TD and SD) and SD V8 turbodiesels, plus the supercharged V8; hybrids, supercharged V6 petrols and fourcylinder versions have been offered, but much more recently. The V6 turbodiesel is most popular, but it’s only adequately powerful. A later upgrade from 288bhp to 302bhp helped, but Salmon cautions that these engines are known for snapping crankshafts, something that isn’t linked to mileage or age. He prefers either the SD V8 or the supercharged V8, and he suggests budgeting at least £46k (usually more for the V8) which is a big leap from £36k or so for an earlier TD V6. Is this the sweet spot in the Range Rover line-up?
Yes and no. The Range Rover Sport is a relaxing, special place to be. Fit and finish is impressive, the materials are good quality, and the dash is cleanly organised with its strong horizontal beam and rakish centre console. You’re afforded a good view of the road and you sink into comfortable seats, but you sit lower than in the full-size Range Rover. You’re also held more snugly, and the steering wheel is purposefully small. It’s a contradictory yet successful mix. The Range Rover Sport was late to receive JLR’s much-needed infotainment upgrades, so while it’s all usable enough, it feels clunky compared with 2018’s best.
The bills, the bills…
We seriously rate the Range Rover Sport, but it has flaws. Regular faults seen by JD Automotive include door locks that won’t lock or unlock – budget on at least £270. The button on the gearstick that you press to move from Park to Drive can fail, and the replacement needs to be programmed with pricey diagnostic equipment, leaving owners £810 poorer. Problems with the electronic parking brake can increase the cost of rear brake pad replacement from £210 to £540. JD also reports hard-to-fix water ingress from the top of the door seals, and electric tow bars that seize in place. Did we mention the snappy crankshafts? The Range Rover Sport is desirable, but a warranty is wise.
Thanks to Dave Salmon at independent Range Rover experts JD
Automotive (range-rover-specialist.co.uk)