2016 Land Rover Range Rover Sport 5.0L Petrol · MK66 ESO

The 5.0-litre V8 petrol engine in the Range Rover Sport is unlikely to deliver better than around 20 mpg in real-world mixed driving, dropping significantly under load. Fuel costs for a driver covering 7,600 miles per year will be considerable, likely in the region of £2,500-£3,000 annually at current petrol prices.

Road tax for a vehicle emitting over 255 g/km of CO2 sits in the top bracket, costing £735 per year for cars registered between 2016 and 2019. Insurance is also a significant outlay, with the Range Rover Sport 5.0 V8 typically falling into insurance group 45 or higher, often resulting in premiums well above £1,000 per year for many drivers.

Maintenance costs are the real concern with this model. The aggregate data identifies suspension arms as the most common MOT failure point, and replacement components on a Range Rover Sport are notably expensive. Budget at least £1,000-£1,500 annually for routine servicing, with the potential for considerably higher costs if air suspension or drivetrain components require attention. Total estimated running costs: £4,500-£5,500 per year.

The most recent MOT in November 2025 flagged deteriorating dust covers on both front lower suspension arm ball joints, so a close inspection of the front suspension assembly is essential. While dust covers themselves are relatively inexpensive, their deterioration often indicates that the ball joints may need replacement too, and on this model the labour cost can be significant. Listen for any knocking or clunking from the front suspension during a test drive, particularly over speed bumps or uneven surfaces.

The aggregate data shows that suspension arms, tyres, and anti-roll bars are the most common MOT failure points across 136,318 Range Rover Sport vehicles, so all of these areas warrant careful inspection. Check the condition of all four tyres, including the spare, as this vehicle has had tyre wear advisories at three of its five MOT tests, suggesting that the car may be sensitive to wheel alignment or suspension geometry issues.

Beyond the MOT data, physically inspect the engine bay for any signs of oil leaks, particularly around the valve cover gaskets, which are known to weep on the 5.0 V8. Examine the underside of the vehicle for corrosion, as Range Rovers of this era can suffer from corrosion on underbody components. Test all electrical systems thoroughly, including the infotainment screen, sat-nav, climate control, and seat adjustment functions, as electrical faults are common on this generation.