Nearly new buying guide: Range Rover Mk4

The SV Autobiography model, meanwhile, got everything on the options list thrown at it, so it featured a 1700W Meridian sound system, quilted leather semi-aniline seats, a rear seat refrigerator, mohair floor mats with leather bindings and deployable leather-trimmed tables.

And then there was the SV Autobiography Dynamic, which offered a lower ride height and more driver-focused chassis settings, signalled by special side vents and a different front grille.

Despite its huge size, this Range Rover always feels manageable and supremely isolated on the road. Whatever the engine, progress is always smooth and refined. The ride is first class, with a cross-linked air suspension set-up that’s standard on all cars providing a suppleness that very few luxury cars can match.

In the bends, you never forget that you’re driving a tall, two-tonne, topheavy SUV, but the Range Rover is more agile than you might expect.

Inside, there’s plenty of space up front, and large amounts of both leg and head room in the rear for three. There was also a long-wheelbase version, should you be wanting for more. You won’t want for boot capacity, though. There’s more than enough space for a couple of adults’ luggage and a reasonably hefty baby buggy – or a few sets of golf clubs. The sting, of course, is in the tail. The Rangie has always suffered with a reputation for poor build quality and reliability. Some people, though, run them for big miles and swear by them. Our advice? Shop carefully, keep your fingers crossed and purchase a warranty if you can.

Buyer beware 

Poor reliability: Problems with the Range Rover span a wide range of areas, centring on the air suspension, engine, engine electrics, air conditioning, sat-nav, interior electrics, gearbox, drivetrain and bodywork. Leaks from the engine, sunroof and around the tailgate are also known issues.

All faults are well documented, with some specific ones being fixed easily and some requiring the car to be off the road for weeks.

In our What Car?’s most recent Reliability Survey, owners reported the usual span of problems, leading to the Range Rover being ranked sixth out of nine models in the luxury SUV class.

The last three spots were occupied by the Range Rover Sport, Range Rover Velar and Land Rover Discovery, so there was no consolation for Land Rover, which as a brand finished an embarrassing 29th out of 30 manufacturers.