The team at Land Rover must know something about good design that is not immediately apparent to most folk. Every time they bring out a new model I struggle to like the way it looks. But in a couple of years I start to warm to it; by the fourth anniversary I positively love the thing.
My most recent object of infatuation is thus the "new" Range Rover. Launched early in 2002 it was conceived while the company was under BMW ownership. The objective was to produce the world's finest luxury off-roader. By the time the car was born its owners had changed but the objective had been achieved.
Bigger, faster and better equipped than any previous Range Rover the car boasted a number of BMW-supplied components, including the engines: a 3 litre diesel producing 174bhp and a 4.4 litre petrol with 282bhp. At £7,000 less than the petrol model new and with around 5mpg better fuel consumption the diesel was the more economic purchase. But second-hand the weaker residual values of the V8 petrol start to turn the tables. At around £2,000 less than the diesel and with brisker acceleration and superior refinement the heavier fuel consumption of the V8 becomes less of an issue.
But whichever engine you choose you cannot disguise that the Range Rover is enormous. The engineers' challenge was to make it drive like a luxury car and they pulled it off. On the road the Range Rover's permanent four-wheel drive generates tenacious grip and only excessive body roll tends to rein in a driver's enthusiasm.
All models are fitted with a superb five-speed automatic gearbox. Inside there is plenty of space to stretch out. The standard leather seats are extremely comfy and with a huge range of adjustment allow drivers of any size to get comfortable. You should also find the 535-litre boot more than ample and appreciate the clever split-opening rear tailgate that makes access easy.
Equipment levels are generous, with base SEs having climate control, 18in alloys, CD player and cruise control as standard. The HSE adds bi-xenon headlamps, an electric sunroof, six-disc CD player and upgraded stereo and a couple of grand to the price. But only top spec Vogue models came with sat nav/TV and rear park aid; nice but not worth the £7,000 extra over the SE.
No other car can rough it in the morning and chauffeur royalty in the afternoon. What clouds this dream is the Range Rover's reliability record. The good news is that while the latest version is not quite flawless it is a huge step forward. Minor electrical niggles are not unheard of but few cause the vehicle to stop moving. Engines, gearboxes and transmissions are all very strong.
With concerns about fuel prices rising and a backlash against big 4x4s, now could be the time to pick up a used Range Rover bargain. But be warned: once you have owned one it may be impossible to go back to a "normal" car.
Ride Electronic air suspension manages the car's 2,500kg weight well
Parking Rear parking aid standard only on Vogue models so check bumpers for signs of damage
Safety Minimum of six airbags help give four-star Euro NCAP score
Fuel economy V8 petrol returns around 15mpg, diesel should achieve 20mpg
Towing A popular workhorse so check gearbox and brakes for wear
Service history First three years should see car returning to main dealer for servicing. Beware of EU imports that may not have same warranty cover
Stereo Owners rave about powerful factory fitted system as standard
Seven seats The aftermarket company www.range7.com offers a seven-seat conversion for about £2,000
VITAL STATISTICS
Model Range Rover 4.4 V8 SE auto
Engine 4398cc V8
Power 282bhp
Transmission Five-speed steptronic auto
Fuel 17.4mpg (combined cycle)
Acceleration 0-62mph: 9.2sec
Top speed 130mph
THE ONE TO BUY
Range Rover 4.4 V8 SE auto 2002 02 with 40,000 miles. Pay £25,000 from a dealer, £22,000 privately
OR, FOR SIMILAR MONEY...
2002 51 Mercedes ML 55 AMG
2002 02 BMW X5 4.4i Sport
2002 52 Toyota Land Cruiser 4.7
2003 03 Lexus RX 300 SE-L
VALUES
Diesels worth £1,500-£2,500 more than equivalent petrol models.