Frequently asked questionsLast updated: 18 June 2012 The questions buyers and owners ask most about the L322. Key takeaway: The short version: buy the best-maintained 2007-2009 4.4 V8 or a TDV8 with preventive work, service it properly, and the L322 is one of the great used luxury cars.
BuyingWhich L322 is the most reliable?The 2007-2009 naturally aspirated 4.4 V8 (Jaguar) is widely regarded as the most robust. For diesels, the 3.6 TDV8?TDV8: Land Rover's twin-turbo diesel V8 (3.6, later 4.4): the 'AJD-V8' / 'Lion' engine, prized for huge torque. (with preventive work) and the 4.4 TDV8 are excellent. Petrol or diesel?Diesel for economy and towing (UK/EU cars); petrol if you do low miles or want the supercharged performance — but expect 13-19 mpg. US cars are petrol-only. What's a fair price?Period guide: ~£3-8k for early high-mile cars, ~£6-12k for good 2006-2009 cars, up to ~£30k for a low-mile 2012 Westminster. ESTIMATE — condition and history matter most. Running & reliabilityIs the L322 reliable?Reliability is "relative" — rated low by some indices, but the faults are well known and mostly preventable with maintenance. A neglected one is a money pit; a maintained one is a great car. Reported issues dropped steadily over the production run. What are the big costs to watch?Gearbox (~£4,500-5,000 if it fails), transfer box, air suspension, and on the TDV8 the coolant pipe and turbos. See running costs. Is the "sealed for life" gearbox really sealed?No — treat it as needing fluid/filter changes (many specialists say every ~4 yrs/40k mi). Skipping it is a leading cause of failure. TechnicalShould I convert the air suspension to coils?Only if it's repeatedly troublesome. Coils cure the headache but lose ride quality and height adjustment — a big part of the car's appeal. Diagnose properly first. How do I know which engine era a car is?2002-2005 = BMW; 2006-2009 = Jaguar petrol + 3.6 TDV8; 2010-2012 = 5.0 petrol + 4.4 TDV8. Confirm by VIN/engine code. Can I tow with it?Yes — up to 3,500 kg. The TDV8 diesels are superb tow cars. See towing. Why are there no numbers / why does the ride height change by itself?The air suspension self-levels and adjusts height with speed and driving mode — that's normal. It also drops to "access" height at rest for easy entry. Only worry if it won't raise, sinks unevenly, or shows a "suspension inactive" message. See air suspension. Is it good off-road?Genuinely yes — permanent 4WD, low range, a Torsen centre diff and (from 2006) Terrain Response make it highly capable, despite the luxury image. Land Rover reckoned fewer than 15% of owners ever actually go off-road. LPG — worth it on a petrol?For high-mileage petrol owners, often yes: LPG is cheaper per mile and offsets the thirsty V8s. If a car already has it, ask for the installation certificate and receipts. Quick verdict
IN ONE LINE
Buy the best-maintained 2007-2009 4.4 V8 or a TDV8 with preventive work done,
service it properly, keep a contingency fund — and the L322 is one of the great used luxury
cars. Buying guide »
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