Being a first-time owner of a Land Rover could be a challenging experience, especially if you don’t know what to expect from this car. The British company has defined class and luxury when it comes to off-road vehicles, and has been offering for sale its most popular models since 1978.

Take a closer look at our guide to know everything about the brand and its models before deciding on the best car for you and your family in the future.

New vs. used

Buying a brand new Rover can cost up to $100,000 and even more, depending on the options and the type of car you’re choosing. While there. are incredible benefits of owning a new car, not everyone can afford that kind of lease.

A used Land Rover usually costs around $20,000 or $25,000 and can still offer you a reliable and comfortable ride after 75,000+ miles. Keep in mind that these cars are designed with luxury in mind, so you’ll be paying extra for leather interiors and full-option boards.

If you’re not entirely sure Land Rover is the best SUV for your family, we consider taking your favorite model out for a ride. Test its endurance, speed, stability, and other criteria you consider important before deciding. A used car is always a better option if this is not your primary family vehicle or you’re not going to use it daily in the city.

The right model

Once you decide on a new or used car, it’s high time you picked the model that best suits your needs. Land Rover’s most popular model, the Defender, was mainly designed for crossing deserts and rivers but it’s practical enough to become a great choice for a family car.

The model’s iconic shape has hardly changed over the decades, and this is one of the reasons why people love the Defender. It is versatile and spacious and ruled the manufacturer’s auto salons for over 25 years. Introduced in 1990, the Defender has decreased in popularity and is now mainly available in used car shops.

Although by definition big cars, the SUVs from Land Rover don’t always have enough room for all your family’s favourites, including your teenager’s favourite scooter from Thescooterist. Make sure the car model of your choice meets your family requirements before buying.

Model-specific issues

Bear in mind that each model from the famous British car manufacturer comes with a series of advantages and some flaws. The epitome of SUV luxury, Land Rover still fails to introduce the same level of quality throughout its model collection.

For instance, the older versions of cars experienced rampant electrical issues, while the P38 was known for having issues with the heater cores and head gaskets. The models designed before 2003 were also known to have transmission problems.

No matter your choice, we suggest finding a good mechanic with experience in luxury import cars to take a look at your Land Rover and identify any issues worthy of your concern.

Maintenance and upkeep

Ultimately, consider that any imported luxury car comes with a series of other problems, including high maintenance bills. We always recommend buying original parts to replace the broken ones from your car but this translates into more money and, sometimes, a bigger waiting time.

Land Rover falls into the luxury car category, which means even premiums and insurance might be higher, even if you’re opting for a used car. Again, replacing any broken piece can take several thousands of dollars out of your pocket and you might have to wait for it to arrive from an international seller.

Finally, don’t forget to also add the right type of tires. These cars are mainly developed for off-road trails but if you want to use them inside the city, on regular asphalt, make sure you purchase a good set of city tires.