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How reliable is the L405?

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l405 reliable
38K views 36 replies 22 participants last post by  Keralis  
#1 ·
Hello everybody... I'm new to this forum seeking firsthand advice about the reliability of the L405.

I have a 2010 Land Cruiser that's absolutely flawless still after 200,000 km on the clock. Other than routine maintenance I had nothing to worry about despite pushing its limits off-road and on the road. But since the new Land Cruiser is anticipated this August, I'm considering RR L405 instead of buying the new Land Cruiser model.

I understand LR isn't as reliable as Toyota. But I was wondering if it got any better with the new model that keeps me drooling every time I see one.

All firsthand feedback is appreciated whether positive or negative, thank you all.
 
#2 ·
Every Land Rover requires a substantial amount of TLC. The only question is, which part of its life cycle. Some early, some late into their lives. Having a good, dependable, knowledgeable dealer helps a lot. If you're expecting Toyota-class reliability, then you should not buy a Range Rover, because you might not get it.
 
#3 ·
But that's just it. In my experience, if the owner (and POs) maintain it as scheduled, LRs are pretty reliable. It's when the owners neglect (or naively think they're indestructible) routine maintenance, that things fall apart.
 
#4 ·
You can look up my recent posts with details about a loud rattle that is electrical/sound generated on a new 2015 RR ATB. The problems that are caused by poor manufacturing quality control are the most frustrating to new owners.
 
#5 ·
Suppose I should have qualified what I meant by reliable. I'm referring to the power train. As for the electrical accoutrements and fit and finish, forget about those. That's a losing battle...
 
#7 ·
it's not as bad as the stereotype (which Mr. Demuro loves to write about). I have yet to be stranded by any Land Rover product. The highest miles accumulated on one of my vehicle was 113k. That one looked like new when I traded it in.
 
#11 ·
those surveys...well, here's an interesting experiment.
Google result count for "Range Rover Problems" - 2.2M
Land Rover Problems - 11.5M
Audi problems - 25M
BMW problems - 29.2M
Mercedes problems - 34M
Toyota problems - 37M

There. At least as useful as a survey. I've never responded to them. Have you?
 
#14 ·
Well Google is a woldwide thing, so take those numbers as such.

I more of less agree with what you're saying otherwise, esp the 2010 upgrades. I haven't really had reliability problems with Land Rovers over the years. (Ms Mdx stops reading here) And specifically the 405, that's a pretty solid vehicle.
 
#16 ·
I guess if I spent well over 100K plus for any car, it should be as perfect as it can be. When it comes to rattles, any car in that range really should be Bentley quiet. So I totally understand Ms Mdx's disappointment and frustration. Is it a lemon? Not really. But it is not what was/is expected. I'd personally love to have a 405... but will wait patiently until the time is right.
 
#15 ·
Uh no, some loud rattle is not acceptable at any price point! My expectation are no different now that I can afford a $150K car versus when I could only afford a $20K car. I expect the standard features and gadgets to work as advertised, what ever the price point.

And yes, I was very happy to respond to the surveys. Unless the manufacturer gets feedback from customers, how can they change or improve?

The RR and RRs are hot right now mostly because of customers like me ... new to the brand ... but if too many of those cars have problems right off the bat ... we will not be repeat customers.

Edit to add, that obviously I like the RR or I wouldn't be so patient with it, service and/or LR.
 
#17 ·
Uh no, some loud rattle is not acceptable at any price point! My expectation are no different now that I can afford a $150K car versus when I could only afford a $20K car. I expect the standard features and gadgets to work as advertised, what ever the price point.
Agreed. When I took delivery of my Range Rover, there were several problems right from the start, which included the hood not latching properly (this took the dealer TWO tries to fix) and a bad speaker. These are things I wouldn't find acceptable on a $20k car. It really takes the excitement out of the purchase when things aren't even working properly on the first day with the vehicle.
 
#18 ·
I can't believe anyone even try to compare LR with BMW and Toyota. Had all three makes and I can tell you first hand expirience, I knew LR was so-so but even I am shocked. it just is objectively no better than a lottery wit these cars. They are good looking, they feel like nothing else out there, but quality or reliability are not any words I can associate with LR. And I own one. Just saying.

If you think Ms Mdx story is a coincidence, I think a bit of research is in order. What LR has is brand loyalty that I have never seen with any other car brand except maybe tesla. But I think the new crowd they have attracted that's made them so successful will melt away just as fast unless they do something about quality control, because the new crowd is not like the traditional LR crowd, and they are about to find out as much.

My car is loaded with everything available at the time except ATB 16 way seats. I paid over 100K and its objectively a lot worse than Ms Mdx car by a mile. Go figure!!! If you saw the repair records you'd cry for me. I told them I want another car, I don't want to try repairs or anything else. I am ready to order something new but first I'd like LR take the lemon back.

Despite all this been asked to bring it back to service. **** it I keep trying not to say anything publicly but they make it so hard. How about just do the right thing? If I have to resort to lawyers, I will. But if I do, they will have shown they don't care and am sorry I can't buy a car from LR anymore. I love the design but at some point it's not worth it.

Let's hope they just need a bit of time to make it right. I am giving time to see what they do. Cars are lovely, but when things go wrong we expect them to step up to the plate. No one is asking for perfect. Just reasonable is all.
 
#19 ·
I think LR is a cult-brand more than anything else... and yes, that has dwindled over the years, AND a LOT of new buyers are buying into the brand and finding out pretty quickly it's not the best fit for them. I personally don't feel this way because I've been around them for most of my life, and I'm more tolerant or possibly conditioned with them more than other brands I've owned. When it comes down to it, nothing drives or feels like a LR. Nothing. And because of this, I don't get my undies bunched up so easily. And I've had my share of "expensive" cars... and one I had was such a monster the speaker rattle it had meant nothing to me... because every time I started that car and that engine tickled my &%#@'s... all of that was forgotten.
 
#20 ·
7 Range Rovers over 14 years, including a 2014.5 NA spec 5.0SC:
Only one of the 7, a 2005, spent any time in the shop with a gearbox fault.
So my contribution to the topic: reliable and no quality issues whatsoever.
Having said that: I'm waiting for some new tech to bring it up to speed. 2016MY maybe?
 
#24 ·
I've had nothing but great experiences with the brand. My 06 FFRR lasted me 9 years and 135,000 miles before trading in for the new RRSSC. The rig went to Cabo and back on Baja 1000 trails and off-road all over the west coast, never left me stranded and the only damages were ones I caused.

I loved the reliability so much I bought my wife the Evoque which has been great as well. Now I'm in the new Sport and it's doing great, best vehicle I have ever owned.
 
#35 ·
Talk to your local dealers. Mine does, and I can request whatever vehicle I'd like. Disco 5, Disco Sport, Velar, Evoque..
 
#36 ·
Usually if they do it won’t be anything above your current vehicle. In other words don’t expect to get a FF RR as a loaner unless you are dropping off a top of the line RR and even that don’t be surprised if you leave with a disco or evoque.
 
#37 ·
Rover dealer will not give out a RR Sport or full size RR.. Should have been more specfic. Largest style truck is the Discovery 5 HSE. They seem to only have base model Evoques/Velars.