I sold my beloved RRS over a year ago to finance a renovation on a new house, i have missed my RRS more than I thought I would and I am now in a position to buy another one!

As i have not spent the last year or so on this forum I am now hoping you guys will help me make a decision about my next purchase..... I have the following options/questions:

I had a 2.7l 06/56, HSE, fully loaded previously so now want something a bit different. I want to spend no more than £40k in an ideal world.

I originally wanted a Kahn but have always been concerned about putting non OEM parts on a RR and after searching threads regarding Kahn the feedback has somewhat put me off (poor quality, bad customer service. devaluation of the car, resctricted market on resale etC etc) I still think they look good and appreciate they are not everyones cup of tea!

Having dismissed the Kahn i have been looking at the HST and considering the 3.6/v8, is the fuel consumption much worse than the V6/2.7? very mixed reports on here....

Now at the weekend I have had my head turned by the quality of the new model interior and improved 3l/v6 engine, I am seeing some low mileage examples for around my budget BUT i will need to put on 22" alloys and colour code it and at a later date perhaps add the autobiography kit (my father in law has a bodyshop)

Do i go with a loaded HST that i dont have to mod for £35-36k, in an 08/58 OR breath in and stretch to a new model and mod it in time?

Sorry for the long thread but I am now re entering the world on RRS ownership and much has changed

It all depends on how you will be using your motor, if you are doing high miles then a 3.6 V8 may not be the car for you if you are concerned about fuel consumption, there are a few 3.0L tdv6 now falling around the 40k mark, with a bit of haggling you might get one well within your budget, good luck and keep us posted on your decision.

definitely the new model......you will regret it every time you are sat in that dated shoddy interior...........new style is lightyears ahead inside!

My wife will probably potter around doing short trips so low mileage, the fuel consumption isnt a great issue but the more i think about it the V6 might be fine for our needs.

Can anyone tell me what year the new model came in, was it 59? What changes have been made from 59 to date? Did LR manage to sort out the suspension issues etc?

What extras are desirable? I will be looking at an HSE anyway. I will be taking off the 20" wheels to replace with 22's so what price would i "roughly" get for them (dpending on tyres etc i know)

What year was the autobiography released, this is a lovely looking model but my £40k doesnt stretch!

JF you are right, the more i look at the new model the more the old one looks dated. How much would an autobiography kit cost?

Def the new interior, the old one looks like an 80s interior......get the car and do some of the mods over a period of time....but you'll kick yourself getting the old model....

Agree with Nickm  

Artful Dodger wrote:

My wife will probably potter around doing short trips so low mileage, the fuel consumption isnt a great issue but the more i think about it the V6 might be fine for our needs.

Can anyone tell me what year the new model came in, was it 59? What changes have been made from 59 to date? Did LR manage to sort out the suspension issues etc?

What extras are desirable? I will be looking at an HSE anyway. I will be taking off the 20" wheels to replace with 22's so what price would i "roughly" get for them (dpending on tyres etc i know)

What year was the autobiography released, this is a lovely looking model but my £40k doesnt stretch!

JF you are right, the more i look at the new model the more the old one looks dated. How much would an autobiography kit cost?

I think you are all being a bit harsh. For the OP's budget he could get a cracking HST, or break the budget and get a base spec new interior model which he may not be happy with

Yes, the newer RRS's have a slightly better interior, but come on, the old one is great also!

I for one would not compromise on exterior looks and engine just so I could have a newer looking dashboard

JF, just seen your interior, looks mighty fine!

I take it this was an upgrade with the A/B?

Did you sell your 20" wheels? do you mind me asking what i am likely to get for them so I can budget on some 22"

Right decision made, a standard HSE new model rather than an older loaded one with mods to follow....

Now to find one, just spoken to a stealer and he says they are hard to find right now and normally sell before they hit the forecourt! Oh no, there goes the fun of haggling off the screen price, if i dont buy it someone else clearly will!

Artful..... I could help you out here.... PM youre details and lets talk. I was offered a 59 ab this weekend. 

I hear what you are saying about not being happy with a standard newer model HSE but after more research I can see the engine appears to be more superior and the various faults etc on the older model have been updated. The pre 59 plate is 05 technology now right? I cant go through the suspension knocking/bushes issues again

In time I will fit an AB kit and 22", that alone is £££ but I will have no regrets WHEN its done. Any car I buy I have to mod, even slightly so a loaded HST will still get added to!

What would you want to add to a loaded HST?

I'm just playing devils advocate for you, all the replies above have been by "newer interior" owners, I know I wouldn't swap my HST for a base newer model!

I did infact take a 2011 3.0V6 out a while back when mine was in for a service, I wasn't overly impressed and definitely wouldn't put ££££'s to mine for one! TDV8 is a must for me, the noise alone is priceless!

Just my opinion of course

Gilford, it depends on what we both classify as "loaded" but most HST's i have seen for sale have 20" alloys so that is a mod, then i would colour code the grey etc so we are still talking about £££ either way.

I admit my budget is split in the middle and in the past I have always gone for styling over age but this time my brain is over ruling the heart.. admittedly only slightly.

HST's are colour coded

http://rrsport.co.uk/forum/topic23247.html