2003 Range Rover L322 Project *Sold £1,500*

Description

• Current owner since 2013 
• Dry stored & unused since last MOT 
• Professional LPG conversion 
• Excruciatingly honest vendors description 

The Gen3 Range Rover (L322) had a hard act to follow after the outstandingly successful P38 Range Rover.  

It would be fair to say it was a tricky gestation and birth for the L322. It was planned and developed, by British engineers under ownership of BMW. However, BMW had sold off the Land Rover brand to Ford a couple of years before the L322 hit the showrooms in Feb 2002. 

It’s a testament to the British engineers who brought the L322 to market. By the time they did, the Gen3 instantly set new benchmarks in the SUV market. It was more luxurious, packed with technology and could rival the very best limousines for comfort. 

For the first time in its history, the Gen3 Range Rover discontinued the separate and agricultural ladder frame chassis. Instead it adopted an all new monocoque design. This was a giant and much needed leap forward. Added to that was four wheel independent air suspension. The L322 is so smooth at times it is a little alarming. Standard equipment levels were incredible. All in all the whole lot adds up to an amazing package. 

Anyone will tell you buying a cheap Range Rover can be a gamble. That is only the case if the vendor has been less than forthcoming and positions it as something it is not.  

You’ve got two options. Shell out a shed load of cash on a Range Rover which can still have hidden issues, or buy a Range Rover the vendor has been incredibly straight with. You’ll get a whole lot of SUV at a massive discount. 

In order to follow through on the transparency of the vendor we’ve taken the decision to reproduce his own words in full. 

‘Registered 15th May 2003, 3 previous owners, current owner since July 2013.  

104,660 miles, MOT until 29/03/2022. 

MOT history shows a number of advisories that we don’t believe have been rectified prior to storage. The vehicle has not been used, and has been dry stored, since the MOT was applied in 2021.  

This is an early model L322 Range Rover Vogue with the BMW M62 4.4ltr (4398cc) V8, with a MY06 facelift kit on, making it look much newer. The car is finished in brilliant white, complete with 2 keys, 20″ wheels. The car also has a professionally installed LPG system, and comes complete with two keys and a private number plate; MIL 5487. 

In preparation for consigning the car, it has been started and checked which as identified a number of issues any buyer must be aware of. It is worth noting that the car starts straight up and idles perfect. All gears select as expected but a road test could not be carried out due to the lack of Tax or insurance.  

Once started, the dashboard displays a ‘Air Suspension Inactive’ warning, and the car has proceeded to rise to the top of the suspension travel and seems content to stay there and there only at this point in time. While the vehicle is charging fine when running, the battery (a Gel type battery) appears to no longer hold charge. I would add that since I have had the car out for the photos in early Jan and while the air suspension is not going up and down with the controls it has at least levelled out. 

In addition, some residue was noted on the ground suggesting a small oil leak once the engine is running. Without a ramp we are unable to determine where this is coming from as the engine bay is not exactly spacious to go investigating.  

We have jacked the car up to take a look and while the underside looks in good order, the rear drivers side jack point has collapsed (with a small dusting of rust) which would suggest the inner wing at the rear right needs attention. the other three jack points appear solid.  

The 20″ wheels are fitted with tyres that have reasonable tread (all between 6-8mm) but are sadly of an unknown brand with the spare having a different tread pattern altogether. 

The LPG system appears to be active, with a nearly full tank of LPG, but records and installers details suggest the system is due a service. Not sure if its relevant but I also took a photo of the LPG tank which takes the spare wheel well up, so I will throw the spare wheel in the boot of the car so it has all 5. 

I also noted that the radio unit doesn’t appear to work (it’s a whole factory fitted screen unit so a bit of a pain). I did find a spare one which I will send with the car but I don’t know if that works so please just note that the radio isn’t working. ’ 

There you have it! We always tell vendors, describe the vehicle as it is, not how you wish it was. Doing that builds trust. Bidders know where they are and bid with confidence. This vendor, who is known to us, has embraced that! 

Our View

The Gen3 Range Rover is a glorious vehicle. It is luxurious with presence and pace. The pace being provided by the marvellous BMW four valves per cylinder V8. Inside, the cabin space is wonderful. 

This vehicle is an opportunity. A good one.  

The vendor has been honest in their description and realistic in their Reserve. The component parts separately are probably double the Reserve. If the new owner sold the engine alone he’d be in profit! 

But that misses the point. Cars like this deserved to be saved. A knowledgeable bidder will know just what this needs to put it straight and in doing so will have a grabbed a magnificent vehicle at bargain basement price.