Thoughts on the X164 GL500

[Conor]

Hello all

A rare machine, I know... just curious what people think of them.

I have a 4.2 Supercharged 2006 MY Range Rover for cheap. It's fairly rough though and needs a chunk or money and time spent on it (which I would happily undertake) before I would rely on it.

I'm just wondering about giving it the chop and going for a GL in the next year or two.

Things I like:

* more modern features
* Marginally better fuel economy.. that probably should be just enough for me not to resent it. The Range Rover is one thirsty bugger.
* Roof rails.. so easy enough to add bars if needed.
* decent cargo space

I know they say the GL is 4x4 S Class territory.. but I'm curious how the seats, driving position and general comfort would compare to the Range Rover.. which are frankly fantastic.

If I was to get one I'd make sure it had the off road pack with adjustable height suspension and electronic middle and rear locking diffs.

Curious what others think.

 

[bembo449]

i have 2 range rovers Conor , wouldnt swap either of them for a GL pal , there really isnt a comparison to make , i have a customer with a GL too , i dont find it a special place to be unlike the RR , just feels like a very large mercedes car to me , on the upside the tech used in a GL is common to the breed so working on one is relatively stright forward except where MB decided to put the battery ! its under the drivers seat , which is electric and a real PITA if the battery fails

 

[BillyBoy]

Ok, so I haven't had a Range Rover, so can't say how it stacks against the GL, but I did have a GL420 CDI and it was a great car to drive. I seem to remember that in the UK the off-road pack was standard anyway, so you should be ok there. I did have to have the airbags replaced on some of the suspension struts, but it had done over 200,000 miles when I bought it, and I put another 50,000 on that plus you never know how it had been treated before.
Plus sides:
Tonnes of space. You can actually sit two adults in the third row in comfort.
Great ride (never went off-road though)
GL420 was pretty nippy, especially for the size
Good trim spec even on "lower" models

Down sides:
They are BIG. Parking can be challenging, though probably not much different to RR
Thirsty - 28ish on work commute, maybe just over 30 on a good run

 

[EmilysDad]

..... except where MB decided to put the battery ! its under the drivers seat , which is electric and a real PITA if the battery fails

same as the R Class & I can confirm it's a PITA to access

 

[NJS5]

I haven't been without a RR or Discovery since the mid 1970's.

I am sure that you will be aware that your 4.2 Supercharged 2006 MY Range Rove is sought after, and would command a good price - a great car.

Good luck.

NJSS

 

[s5tuart]

Having driven lots of circa 2013/4 range rovers and only one GL, I would say the Rangie is a much more special place to be.

 

[Conor]

Thanks guys.. this really is saying something... coming to an MB forum and being recommended the unmerc.

I agree guys, the RR is a really confident cruiser and the comfort level is high. My pre facelift interior bugs me though.. which caused the itch. But I can certainly live with it.

My RR has 164k miles on but then engine runs well. It sat for a while before I bought it which didn't do it any good.. but I had it driving and loved it.. I nought it for £2k with a leaking front brake line and a burst air bag. It currently doesn't owe me a massive amount.

That said, it needs welding / body work in the usual points.. a good underside clean up and a new set of bushes and related wouldn't go astray.

Yes, I believe the 4.2 SC is quite sought after, supposedly it is the most reliable petrol engine in a RR..

It's probably the correct call to keep it and freshen it up when time permits.. i'd probably be kicking myself after.

BTW - Here it is ... it came with the RR Sport SC wheels (front) but I bought a set of factory RR SC wheels.. a guy was selling THREE!! and the spare was the fourth, so it was a good deal.

- We all know what is behind the duct tape (no shame)..
- Running boards were rotten so removed, but I will install new ones.
- Oh and it needs a matching silver spray job.
- Roof painted black.. I think it kind of works because the pillars and rear windows are black.

 

[JBell]

Roof painted black.. I think it kind of works because the pillars and rear windows are black.

Roof should be body coloured, the idea being it should look like it "floats", this was a big part of the original design

 

[bembo449]

the SC ffrr is very sought after Conor so i dont think you will be at a loss if you do sell it on , just to clarify , i would never recommend an FFRR to someone who couldnt do a bit of DIY , garages write their own cheques when doing the simplest of jobs on one but a good one is head n shoulders the best luxury 4x4 you can buy imo

 

[Conor]

the SC ffrr is very sought after Conor so i dont think you will be at a loss if you do sell it on , just to clarify , i would never recommend an FFRR to someone who couldnt do a bit of DIY , garages write their own cheques when doing the simplest of jobs on one but a good one is head n shoulders the best luxury 4x4 you can buy imo

Fair enough. Even with my RR being in a reasonably rough state, I could still really sense the level of luxury and special this car has to offer.

4.2 SC prices are in the toilet right now.. but that's no surprise really. They really at the stage where they are just big boys toys for lads who want to work on them and blast around at weekends and off road. The economy has put paid to that for the moment.

They say the L322 is the sweet spot for RR, so I am happy to refurb it and keep it as a nice workhorse cruiser.

 

[SL63 Mark]

Another vote for the Range Rover