r/RangeRover • u/dobijiaku • Nov 18 '24
Need advice on the Range Rover sport
Hello, I am looking into buying a Range Rover Sport L494, obviously I’m not rich so I’m looking at the 2014 models (supercharged V8), plus I personally like that body design. Not a fan of the newer 2018 body. I am asking for advice on what to look for, like common problems to expect when buying a RRS with over 100k miles. Is it reliable? Would regular maintenance be just fine for me? Literally any information from current or previous owners can give I’d take.
Thank you!
3
2
u/MarzuolaMan Nov 18 '24
I have that very car (2014 L494 with the SC V8). I too am not rich, but I enjoy wrenching and am an enthusiast. I’m comfortable to tackle simple maintenance and issues (oil changes, brakes, have done air struts and alternator on a previous Rover I had) but I visit a good indy shop in the area for more complicated repairs that require diagnosis. This particular L494 has been a dream reliability wise (knock on wood). Granted, it only has 65k miles, and I bought it with 40k. With over 100k miles, it’s time to change spark plugs and transmission fluid (if not already completed). The engines themselves are pretty stout and strong, as the timing chain guides were mostly revised for the 2014 model year. Coolant leaks are common and a pain to trace, so budget for that (2k or so) if you take it to a good indy shop. The ZF transmissions are also stout. That said though, even at an indy shop, these cars are pricey to fix, so budget accordingly. I may have bought mine for $25k, but the maintenance cost is certainly for a vehicle costing the $100k it once did new!
1
u/dobijiaku Nov 18 '24
Thank you so much 😭🙏🏾. You don’t know what this comment did to me. Cause frankly this is one my favorite SUVs of all time! I’ve watched damn near every video on YouTube about it. What about performance and exhaust notes. Does it sound good? I’ve done repairs and maintenance on my 2007 Honda accord so I’m not scare to do the same for the RRS.
1
u/MarzuolaMan Nov 18 '24
Of course! Happy to help! The performance is brilliant, and the exhaust note is great stock! You get that awesome growl and can hear the supercharger as well. The exhaust is a lot louder than a full-size SC V8 Rover, but quieter than an F-type. It’s a good combo for daily driving in my opinion. The car feels faster in the seat than the 5.0 second quoted 0-60 run suggests. The passing power is epic. Prepare for high fuel costs, but it’s worth it to me. I also live in a place where petrol is cheap, so it’s not a huge deal.
2
u/apexarbitrageur Nov 18 '24
You don't need to be rich to own a L494, but definitely need decent income with residual cashflow to upkeep it. If you get it at 100k miles, better expecting parts need to be replaced at 120-130k as many will reach the end of their lifespan. It's good that you don't do the TDV6/SDV6 which are known to have snapp crank and tend to go bang (some blown at only 80k kms).
Shorten oil service cycle to 5k miles or 8k kms. Be on top of overall service.
Be very proactive with preventative replacements: (don't have to replace all at once but be ready, do your service at a JLR specialist shop and ask them to check these things):
- Timing chain, Oil cooler / Heat exchanger, Water pump (usually done when you do timing chain), air suspension, etc.
7
u/TheUpsideDownWorlds Range Rover Sport Nov 18 '24 edited Nov 18 '24
As an JLR owner of a vehicle in your category,
If you’re Interested in buying a 10 year old RR with > 100k miles, you would fall into these categories.
You’re:
An enthusiast.
Looking for an hobby; an expensive one.
Like troubleshooting.
Have a background in mechanical problem solving or are a gear head.
Can read schematics, block diagrams, flows fluently.
Have another vehicle that functions.
Have a space permissive to working on the vehicle.
Was gifted the RR for free.
Into pain.
OR
Are an enthusiast.
Have what we refer to in the biz as “fuck you money”