Models · Land Rover
Land Rover Range Rover Sport L320 buying guide
The first Range Rover Sport, launched in 2005 with V6 and V8 diesels and V8 petrols. Its one major revision came in late 2009, with new engines, revised bumpers and grille and LED running lights.
The versions
- Diesel: 2.7 TDV6 (206hp) at launch, 3.6 TDV8 (270hp) from 2006, 3.0 TDV6 (245hp) from late 2009 and 3.0 SDV6 (255hp) from 2011 to 2012 with an eight-speed ZF automatic
- Petrol: 4.2 supercharged V8 at launch, a 4.4 V8 dropped early in the UK, and a 5.0 supercharged V8 from late 2009
- Automatic gearbox, air suspension
- Adaptive Dynamics and Trailer Assist added in 2009
What to check on a L320 Range Rover Sport
3 model-specific things to look at when you view one. They're a starting point, not the full inspection.
2.7 TDV6 cambelt and EGR
What to look for: On a 2.7 TDV6, look in the history for the timing belt and pulleys being replaced at seven years or 105,000 miles, and for EGR valve attention. Check for warning lights on the drive.
Why it matters: A failed cambelt can ruin the engine, so the change at seven years or 105,000 miles is essential. The V6 diesels' EGR valves are best replaced around every 40,000 miles; some have been blanked off instead.
Air suspension
What to look for: Check the car sits level after standing overnight, raise and lower it through its heights, and watch for suspension warnings. Listen for clonks or creaks from the suspension bushes on the drive.
Why it matters: Early air springs can leak, leaving the car low and refusing to lift. A failed height sensor can lock the suspension in one position, and the body control module can also fail. Each is fixable, but worth finding before you buy.
Gearbox engaging Park
What to look for: Select Park on a slope, release the handbrake gently and check the car holds. Test the handbrake on its own too.
Why it matters: The automatic gearbox can fail to engage Park even with the lever pushed into place, and cars built in August and September 2005 were recalled over the gearbox's parking function. Check both Park and the handbrake work properly.
Also in the full guide
- Water pump on petrol V8s
- The cold start, test drive and paperwork checks for the exact version you're viewing
The full guide to the L320 Range Rover Sport
The CrankSight guide walks you round the car on your phone at the viewing, with every check for the exact version you're looking at: what to look for, where to find it, and what anything you find is likely to cost. As you go it builds an assessment of that car, and if you view more than one, it lines them up side by side.
£29 for the model, used on as many cars as you like, delivered within 72 hours or your money back.
Other generations
General points for the model, last checked October 2026. Every car is different, so treat this as a guide to what to look at, not a verdict on any car. CrankSight is independent and has no connection with Land Rover.