Land Rover Range Rover Sport Mk2 (L494)

The second-generation Range Rover Sport (L494), produced from 2013 to 2022, was a significant departure from its predecessor, moving to a lightweight aluminium architecture shared with the full-sized Range Rover. This transformation resulted in a vehicle that was nearly half a tonne lighter, offering a level of handling agility and performance that establish it as the benchmark for luxury-performance SUVs. In the UK, it has been a consistent best-seller, prized for its "command" driving position, exceptional interior refinement, and its ability to blend high-end prestige with genuine Land Rover off-road capability. However, the L494’s reputation for reliability is deeply split between its exceptional engineering and well-documented high-cost failure points. Most notorious is the risk of catastrophic crankshaft failure on the SDV6/TDV6 diesel engines, a failure that often occurs without warning and can lead to a total engine replacement. The vehicle’s air suspension system and active anti-roll bars are also common wear items that can result in eye-watering repair bills if neglected. Additionally, later models equipped with the 2.0-litre "Ingenium" diesel engine are prone to turbocharger and timing chain issues if oil changes are not performed more frequently than the official manufacturer intervals. When buying a used L494 in the UK, the focus must be on a bulletproof service history with evidence of frequent oil changes—ideally every 8,000 miles. Prospective owners should carefully test the infotainment system and all electronic functions, as central locking failures and software glitches are common "niggles." It is also important to check the air suspension raises and lowers smoothly without noises and verify that the "Service Required" light has not been ignored by a previous owner. For those seeking the best balance of performance and longevity, the 4.4-litre SDV8 is widely considered the most robust engine in the range, despite its higher running costs. A well-maintained L494 remains one of the most rewarding and prestigious vehicles on the used market.