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So whilst we downsized from a Mercedes GLS to a GLC to an Audi A3 as the main family driver we missed having a larger car. The last trip to Amsterdam in the Audi A3 was fine, but we missed the space and comfort you get from larger vehicles.
I didn't want to spend too much as we aren't planning to be around much longer in the UK, but I wanted comfort, luxury, and whilst not outright banned a bit of fun and oomph as well. Secondary lots of space to clear out junk from our home and get some diy materials in.
So I and my daughter looked around for a bit; started at a Porsche Panamera as they are great value second hand. Ticked all the boxes bar boot space, although it is pretty good. Then also looked at the BMW 6 Gran Coupe, again amazing value second hand, and was nice to drive but boot space and rear luxury felt lacking a bit.
Then I looked for some more space like a BMW M5 Touring, rare as hen's teeth to find a decent one. Also looked at Audi (R)S6 Avant, newer styles command more money than I wanted to spend (up to £30K I had in mind). The older ones are really old looking now with media features etc.
SUV's it was then. VW Touareg V8 or V10; found them too dated on the inside especially. Porsche Cayenne; could not get approval from the wife and children. BMW X5 V8; lovely to drive, but not that nice in the back for passengers and didn't feel that luxurious somehow. Audi Q7 V8 / V12; looked and drove each, was again very nice and V12 amazing power but felt just like an A6 estate on the inside. Besides the scan, I did result in both lit up in red with fault codes
I looked at a Range Rover L322 Autobiography Black edition, and it was lovely on the inside and drove great. It was missing the load cover and they wouldn't budge on the price. No covers were on eBay in black, nor ones that are compatible with the electric rear seats. A £1,200+VAT part from Land Rover. Anyway, it sold the following morning.
The search went on, my mind was set on one and although the later L405 fits in my budget I was actually happy with an MY2010+ L322. Plenty come up for sale, but hardly ever in the specification I desired. I was easy on the exterior colour (can always be wrapped) but I did NOT want beige or ivory (still looks like beige to me) interior, also didn't want wood inserts, and did not want a light ceiling. It had to be an Autobiography for the leather roof lining alone as that is so lush or a Vogue SE with the right options. The Westminster is nice with the 1200W sound system, but it doesn't have the luxury feeling aniline leather that an Autobiography has. The mind truly boggles in trying to find one and you have to look at each individual trim level.
So when finally an interesting 5.0V8 Supercharged Autobiography came up I was ready to take a look, but it is a 4-hour drive from my home . So in a possibly unprecedented stupid move, I bought it unseen, although agreed that if it is not as discussed or for whatever reason, I can back out of it. On Monday morning I am going to pick it up.
3 Previous owners, full Land Rover service history, just been serviced, got a new MOT with no advisories. 5.0V8 510Hp Autobiography with a few styling bits added and modified to black it out. Just how I like it, but granted not to everyone's taste which is fine. For its age, it is loaded with features like heated seat front/back, cooled seats in the front, three-zone climate control, laminated windows all round, dual vision screen, virtual cockpit, iPhone connection (not wireless but I already had an airplay plug which is reportedly working in these), blind-spot monitoring, active dynamic suspension, dynamic cruise control, heated steering wheel etc.
I'm not sure I'm keeping the 22" wheels, it depends on whether they compromise the ride too much but I can always swap to the standard 20" wheels. A lot of car for £12K. I hope it is as good as they reported otherwise I'll have to take the train back again Sometimes you got to gamble a little in life
And it is London ULEZ compliant
I didn't want to spend too much as we aren't planning to be around much longer in the UK, but I wanted comfort, luxury, and whilst not outright banned a bit of fun and oomph as well. Secondary lots of space to clear out junk from our home and get some diy materials in.
So I and my daughter looked around for a bit; started at a Porsche Panamera as they are great value second hand. Ticked all the boxes bar boot space, although it is pretty good. Then also looked at the BMW 6 Gran Coupe, again amazing value second hand, and was nice to drive but boot space and rear luxury felt lacking a bit.
Then I looked for some more space like a BMW M5 Touring, rare as hen's teeth to find a decent one. Also looked at Audi (R)S6 Avant, newer styles command more money than I wanted to spend (up to £30K I had in mind). The older ones are really old looking now with media features etc.
SUV's it was then. VW Touareg V8 or V10; found them too dated on the inside especially. Porsche Cayenne; could not get approval from the wife and children. BMW X5 V8; lovely to drive, but not that nice in the back for passengers and didn't feel that luxurious somehow. Audi Q7 V8 / V12; looked and drove each, was again very nice and V12 amazing power but felt just like an A6 estate on the inside. Besides the scan, I did result in both lit up in red with fault codes
I looked at a Range Rover L322 Autobiography Black edition, and it was lovely on the inside and drove great. It was missing the load cover and they wouldn't budge on the price. No covers were on eBay in black, nor ones that are compatible with the electric rear seats. A £1,200+VAT part from Land Rover. Anyway, it sold the following morning.
The search went on, my mind was set on one and although the later L405 fits in my budget I was actually happy with an MY2010+ L322. Plenty come up for sale, but hardly ever in the specification I desired. I was easy on the exterior colour (can always be wrapped) but I did NOT want beige or ivory (still looks like beige to me) interior, also didn't want wood inserts, and did not want a light ceiling. It had to be an Autobiography for the leather roof lining alone as that is so lush or a Vogue SE with the right options. The Westminster is nice with the 1200W sound system, but it doesn't have the luxury feeling aniline leather that an Autobiography has. The mind truly boggles in trying to find one and you have to look at each individual trim level.
So when finally an interesting 5.0V8 Supercharged Autobiography came up I was ready to take a look, but it is a 4-hour drive from my home . So in a possibly unprecedented stupid move, I bought it unseen, although agreed that if it is not as discussed or for whatever reason, I can back out of it. On Monday morning I am going to pick it up.
3 Previous owners, full Land Rover service history, just been serviced, got a new MOT with no advisories. 5.0V8 510Hp Autobiography with a few styling bits added and modified to black it out. Just how I like it, but granted not to everyone's taste which is fine. For its age, it is loaded with features like heated seat front/back, cooled seats in the front, three-zone climate control, laminated windows all round, dual vision screen, virtual cockpit, iPhone connection (not wireless but I already had an airplay plug which is reportedly working in these), blind-spot monitoring, active dynamic suspension, dynamic cruise control, heated steering wheel etc.
I'm not sure I'm keeping the 22" wheels, it depends on whether they compromise the ride too much but I can always swap to the standard 20" wheels. A lot of car for £12K. I hope it is as good as they reported otherwise I'll have to take the train back again Sometimes you got to gamble a little in life
And it is London ULEZ compliant
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