If you have decided your existing vehicle needs replacing but don’t quite have the funds to stretch to a brand-new model, a used Land Rover can be an affordable and highly suitable option.
It shouldn’t be something you rush into, though. Private sellers may not always be too transparent about a vehicle’s condition, and the Land Rovers sold at dealerships can sometimes be overpriced. So, how do you know you are getting value for money, and what should you look out for when buying a used Land Rover? Well, in this edition of our blog, we will hopefully explain that all for you.
Find a Land Rover model that aligns with your needs and budget
There’s a great collection of Land Rover models available. Each has qualities that distinguish it from the others, but sometimes, those differences are what add a few extra pounds to the asking price.
Consider how you’ll be using the Land Rover. Will it just be the school run and a commute? Do you plan to do some off-roading? Are you driving around a small built-up town, or will you be making long journeys?
Then look at how much you’re willing to spend. Will the purchase be made via a finance deal or loan? Perhaps you have the cash saved up already.
Our table below outlines some of the common models and where they excel, along with average prices.
| Model | Town Driving | Long Drives | Off Roading |
Avg Price |
| Defender 90/110/130 | Ok | Good | Excellent | £18,000-£28,000 |
| Discovery | Ok | Excellent | Very good | £25,000-£43,000 |
| Discovery Sport | Good | Good | Good | £20,000-£37,000 |
| Range Rover | Good | Excellent | Very good | £30,000-£65,000 |
| Range Rover Sport | Good | Excellent | Very good | £28,000-£60,000 |
| Velar | Excellent | Good | Good | £28,000-£46,000 |
| Evoque | Excellent | Ok | Good | £15,000-£35,000 |
It should be noted that the average prices shown above are wide-ranging as mileage, condition and the age of the vehicle all play a part in how much it will cost.
Shop around for a used Land Rover
Now you have a model and budget in mind, start your hunt for one that’s on sale. There are three ways you can find a used Land Rover:
- Official Land Rover Approved Used Network
- Local dealerships and garages
- Online marketplaces
With sales via these platforms, you should have more confidence in your purchase. The Land Rover will be checked, tested and prepared for sale. Compare this to an individual selling it in the pages of the local newspaper or on Facebook, and it’s often a “what you see” isn’t always “what you get”.
We recommend using a trusted dealership or the Land Rover used network.
Book a test drive
No matter where you find your Land Rover, always look to test drive it before handing over any cash. This may sound obvious, but there are people swayed by a glossy ad who unfortunately believe all they read or see!
Give the Land Rover a vigorous shakedown. You’ll want to make sure it drives as you expect it to, but also:
- All windows and doors work as they should and show no signs of cracks or splits.
- Any electronic systems in the vehicle function normally
- All safety features are operational (we don’t advise testing the airbag!)
- The vehicle starts and stops correctly.
- That there are no unusual noises or smells when driving
- The tires are in good condition (use a 20p to check the tread depth!)
- All lights work and show no signs of damage.
- Seatbelts show no signs of damage.
- Mirrors are not damaged.
- There are no signs of leaks, either pre- or post-test drive
Inspect the vehicle and view its service history
Adverts are great at covering up the negative aspects of a product, and with the sale of vehicles, it happens a lot. Ideally, before your test drive, inspect the vehicle.
Check for scratches and dents to see if the vehicle matches the cosmetic description of the seller. Then look for more serious functionality issues. Check for:
- Whether the doors open and close properly
- Signs of leaks both in and outside the vehicle
- Signs of rust
- Signs of damage to components under the hood
Then ask the owner for the service history. Look through it and see that the Land Rover has been serviced regularly. An ideal service interval for a Land Rover is every 12,000 miles. See if its service history matches this or is at least close to it. At the same time, look at the mileage. A high mileage may mean its been well used and parts are worn, but it could also indicate that the vehicle is reliable and trustworthy. Likewise, a low mileage may mean the parts are in great condition and going to last for a long time, or it could mean the vehicle has been troublesome and hardly used. Checking the service history will help give a good indication of this.
Should issues have been raised during a service, seek proof that they have been resolved. This will put your mind at ease that there aren’t likely to be any expensive repairs lurking around the corner.
Ask about a warranty
Used cars will normally come with some kind of warranty, with an option to extend it for a fee. Find out what the seller offers in terms of warranty and how much it costs to increase its length.
Find out what the running costs and other expenses are
Buying a used Land Rover involves more than just the purchase cost. You’ll also have to weigh up the running costs. Find out from the seller and conduct some online research to get an idea of the other costs you’ll be facing. Research the following:
- Fuel costs
- Insurance premiums
- Tax
- MOTs
- Repairs and service costs
Insurance for a Land Rover can be expensive, and it’s sometimes a factor that deters people from making a purchase. In addition, repairs and servicing – especially for some models – can be pricier than your more standard car by quite some way. Do thorough research so you know just what to expect.
Complete an HPI check
An HPI check on the Land Rover will give you more confidence in buying the vehicle. These checks will indicate whether this Land Rover has been stolen, has been in any accidents or has outstanding finance against it.
Ask questions
Don’t be afraid to ask questions when buying a used Land Rover. Of course, the owner wants to sell it as quickly as possible and for the best price, but you also want to have full confidence in handing over the cash.
Ask about their experiences driving the Land Rover, find out why they are selling it, what they like and don’t like about it. Perhaps ask questions based on what you’ve picked up through looking at the service history. No question can be deemed unreasonable by a genuine and honest seller as they know this is a big purchase.
Be willing to negotiate
As you saw earlier, the average prices for Land Rovers can vary quite significantly. If you feel offering 10% less than the asking price is reasonable for the age or condition of the Land Rover, then do it! If there are issues with it that you are happy to fix, then maybe go 15%-20% lower than the asking price. Of course, sellers occasionally advertise vehicles at a lower price due to the condition, so be careful not to be insulting with an offer that is wide of the mark. This could see them turn you down right away!
Once you are happy, make the purchase! Just don’t forget to keep up with Land Rover servicing so you can keep the vehicle running at its best for as long as possible. Our team at RCV are specialists in all aspects of Land Rover maintenance and ensures your Land Rover gives you the best possible driving experience. With prices up to 40% lower than main dealers and a friendly team on hand to offer Land Rover MOTs as well as services, you can’t find a better place for Land Rovers.