2018 Land Rover Range Rover Sport 3.0L Diesel · KO07 KMA

Fuel economy for the 3.0-litre SDV6 diesel typically sits in the low-to-mid 30s mpg in real-world driving, dropping noticeably in town use given the vehicle's size and weight. Road tax falls into a relatively high bracket for a vehicle of this engine size and emissions class, so budget accordingly. Insurance is also significant — the Range Rover Sport sits in a high insurance group, so obtain quotes before committing to buy. Servicing at a franchised dealer or specialist tends to be £400–£700 per visit depending on whether it is an interim or major service, and major items such as air suspension components, EGR coolers, and timing chain replacements can each run into four-figure sums. Realistically, expect annual running costs in the region of £3,200–£4,200 including fuel, tax, insurance, and routine maintenance, though this can climb sharply if any of the known weak points manifest.

The MOT history itself is clean, which is reassuring but does not eliminate the model's known weak points. Pay particular attention to the air suspension system — listen for the compressor running on startup and check that the vehicle settles to a level stance within a minute, as replacement compressors and air struts are common and expensive. Inspect all four tyres for even wear, as uneven wear often points to suspension or geometry issues, and this aligns with the model's top MOT failure categories of suspension arms, tyres, and anti-roll bars. On the test drive, check for warning lights, smoke from the exhaust (particularly on startup), rough idle, hesitation under acceleration, and any signs of DPF issues. Inspect underneath for oil leaks from the sump, EGR area, and turbo connections, and examine the bodywork for corrosion around the tailgate, wheel arches, and undercarriage, as these are common on Range Rovers of this generation.