The Range Rover Sport is a luxury SUV that combines performance, refinement, and off-road capability, making it a compelling choice for many drivers. However, buying one, especially a used model, requires careful consideration to ensure a smart purchase. This comprehensive guide provides essential Range Rover Sport buying tips, helping you navigate the market with confidence and make an informed decision.

Why Choose a Range Rover Sport? Understanding Its Appeal

The Range Rover Sport stands out in the luxury SUV segment for several reasons. It offers a blend of dynamic on-road performance, often praised for its engaging drive, coupled with Land Rover's renowned off-road prowess. Its stylish exterior and high-quality, spacious interior, featuring premium materials and advanced technology, contribute to its widespread appeal. Whether you're seeking a powerful engine, a comfortable cabin, or the ability to tackle diverse terrains, the Range Rover Sport aims to deliver a sophisticated driving experience.

Setting Your Budget: More Than Just the Purchase Price

When considering a Range Rover Sport, it's crucial to look beyond the initial purchase price. Owning a luxury vehicle like this comes with a distinct set of running costs and potential repair expenses that can significantly impact your overall budget.

Initial Purchase Cost: New vs. Used Range Rover Sport

New Range Rover Sport models come with a premium price tag, starting from around $81,325 for the base SE trim and going up to $125,025 for higher trims like the Autobiography. However, like most luxury vehicles, the Range Rover Sport experiences significant depreciation in its early years. A Range Rover Sport can depreciate by approximately 64% after five years, resulting in a five-year resale value of around $52,260. This rapid depreciation means that buying a used Range Rover Sport, especially one that is two to four years old, can offer a substantial saving while still retaining a good portion of its useful life. For instance, a 2024 model might be available at roughly 54% of its new price, with 92% of its useful life remaining.

Running Costs: Fuel, Insurance, and Maintenance

Prospective Range Rover Sport owners should be prepared for higher running costs compared to average vehicles.

• Fuel: As a powerful SUV, the Range Rover Sport is not the most fuel-efficient option on the market.
• Insurance: Premiums for luxury vehicles, including the Range Rover Sport, tend to be higher.
• Maintenance: Maintenance and repair costs for a Range Rover Sport are notably higher than the industry average for luxury SUVs. Over the first 10 years of service, a Range Rover Sport could cost approximately $19,146 for maintenance and repairs, which is about $6,652 more than the average for its segment. Annually, owners might expect to spend between $1,200 and $1,800 on maintenance, though some estimates suggest an average of $4,500 to $5,000 per year, including routine services, repairs, and unexpected costs.

Potential Repairs: Common Range Rover Sport Issues to Watch For

Range Rovers, including the Sport, have a reputation for requiring more maintenance than other luxury SUVs and a higher frequency of repairs than the average vehicle. While they offer an impressive driving experience, it's wise to be aware of common issues.

Key areas of concern often include:

• Air Suspension Faults: This is one of the most frequently reported problems. The sophisticated air suspension system, designed for a smooth ride and adjustable height, can experience issues like air leaks, compressor failures, or faulty height sensors. Symptoms can include the vehicle sagging or leaning, a bouncier ride, or warning lights on the dash. The first-generation Range Rover Sport (2006-2013) and the 2018 model year, in particular, are noted for suspension problems.
• Electrical Issues: Malfunctioning infotainment systems, sensor troubles, and other electrical gremlins are common complaints. This can range from the infotainment screen going blank or freezing to issues with Bluetooth connectivity.
• Engine-Related Problems: These can include oil leaks, coolant leaks, and timing chain or belt failures, especially in supercharged models. Timing chain issues may manifest as a rattling noise on cold start.
• Transmission Issues: Some owners have reported jerky or delayed gear shifts.
• Brakes: Due to their weight and power, Range Rover Sport vehicles are known to wear through brake discs and pads more quickly than average.

An extended warranty is strongly recommended for a Range Rover Sport to help manage potential repair costs.

The Research Phase: Know Before You Go

Thorough research is your best defense against unexpected issues when buying a Range Rover Sport.

Understanding Range Rover Sport Trim Levels and Features

Range Rover Sport models offer a variety of trim levels, each with different features and engine options. For example, the 2025 lineup includes the P360 SE, P400 Dynamic SE, P460e Dynamic SE, P530 Dynamic SE, P530 Autobiography, and P550e Autobiography, culminating in the high-performance SV Edition Two.

Common trim levels across generations include:

• SE: Often the entry-level trim, offering a refined mix of power, comfort, and standard luxury features like Windsor leather seats and a Meridian™ Sound System.
• Dynamic SE: Builds on the SE with more expressive styling, unique wheel finishes, and sometimes more powerful engine options or plug-in hybrid variants.
• HSE: Historically a popular mid-range option, offering a good balance of luxury and features.
• Autobiography: A higher-tier trim, typically adding greater power, enhanced comfort features like semi-aniline leather, massage seats, and a Meridian™ 3D Surround Sound System.
• SVR/SV Edition Two: The top-tier performance models, featuring powerful supercharged V8 engines (e.g., 5.0-liter supercharged V8 producing 550 hp in earlier SVRs, or the P635 twin-turbo V8 with 626 hp in the SV Edition Two), aggressive styling, and performance-oriented features.

Understanding these trims helps you identify the specific features and performance levels you desire in a Range Rover Sport.

Delving into Model Years: What Changed and When?

The Range Rover Sport has seen three main generations:

• First Generation (L320): 2005–2013. This generation is known for being more prone to air suspension issues.
• Second Generation (L494): 2013–2022. This generation introduced an all-aluminum monocoque body, making it lighter, and updated engine options including V6 and V8 supercharged engines, and later mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid options. The 2018 model year is specifically noted for suspension and infotainment issues.
• Third Generation (L461): 2022–present. This generation is based on the MLA-Flex platform, is heavier, and features updated mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, with the V8 now sourced from BMW.

For infotainment systems, models from 2022 onwards typically feature the Pivi Pro system, which replaced the older InControl system. While Pivi Pro offers advanced features, some users have reported glitches with both systems.

When buying a used Range Rover Sport, researching specific model years can help you anticipate potential common problems. Models from 2021 to 2023, along with the 2014 model, have been noted as ranking high in reliability within the Range Rover Sport lineup. The 2024 Range Rover Sport is also considered a top pick for value.

Checking Range Rover Sport Reliability Ratings and Recalls

While J.D. Power gave the Range Rover Sport a "Quality & Reliability" score of 76/100 and an overall rating of 78/100, placing it competitively in its sector, other sources indicate a "very poor reputation when it comes to reliability" for older models, with one source reporting a reliability score of 20% for the 2013-2022 generation. Range Rovers in general are known to demand higher maintenance than other luxury SUVs and visit repair shops almost twice as often as the average vehicle, with about 16% of visits being for severe issues.

Before purchasing, especially a used model, always check for open recalls on the specific VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) through official automotive safety websites.

The Inspection: What to Look for in a Used Range Rover Sport

A thorough inspection is paramount when buying a used Range Rover Sport.

Exterior and Interior Checks: Beyond the Surface

• Bodywork: Look for consistent panel gaps, signs of rust, or previous accident damage. Check for any signs of leaky sunroofs, which have been a reported issue in some years.
• **Interior Wear