Range Rover SVs have been on my hacking radar for a few years now, but they seem to be overlooked by all the other exciting luxury and performance SUVs on the market.
SV stands for “Special Vehicle,” which these rovers certainly are. With more features and awesome features than any other Range Rover on the market, they are at the top of their class and impress in every way.
Compared to the Rover SVRs (which I really like from a hacking perspective too), they are the complete, larger example of the Rover. So think of it like if you don’t like the midsize SUVs but you still want a Rover, this might be right for you.
If you want to know if the Range Rover SV Autobiography is the right next hack for you, then read on to find out!
Experience behind the wheel
Although there are many shapes, sizes and configurations of the Range Rover or even the Land Rover in general, I have to say that my driving/owning preference is the SV Autobiography.
It’s everything and more when you think of a Range Rover. It’s big and big-bodied with a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 engine that makes 557 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque and goes 0-60 in 4.3 seconds.
While these statistics are impressive, even in light of some of the exotics I’ve owned in my life, the true essence of the Rover SVA is that it beautifully combines that performance with a prestigious presence both inside and out.
Everything that happens at SVA will be comfortable, be it a quick trip to the store or a longer road trip to visit family and friends. Of course, the performance comes in handy when maneuvering through traffic, but the car’s looks are also very helpful when stopping literally anywhere.
It’s the big-boss SUV that screams a bit of quiet luxury in a world full of G wagons and Urus.
Autobiography of the Range Rover SV General problems
Being the top of a brand’s lineup doesn’t mean you’re subject to the infamous problems that seem to plague Rovers regardless of age, size, powertrain, wheelbase, etc.
Common problems the Rovers struggle with are air suspension issues with both the compressor and bushings. Differential problems also occur, and on an SUV of this size you will certainly feel the problem when it occurs. In addition to these problems, there are also serious engine problems, faulty brakes, electrical problems, steering problems and leaks.
While this may cause anyone reading this to turn their noses up at the leviathan of British SUVs, a simple way to ensure that your potential next purchase doesn’t experience any of these costly problems is to carry out a PPI (Pre -Purchase Inspection). This quick, one- to two-day inspection, which typically costs less than $500, can be performed by any reputable repair shop near the vehicle’s location and will protect you from causing someone else’s problem.
Autobiography of the Range Rover SV Operating/maintenance costs
Are Rovers a bit more expensive to maintain? Yes. Are they worth it? Also yes. BUT – that doesn’t mean you have to constantly blow your budget to keep your Rover on the road. That means if you go to a dealer to have the work done, you’ll be charged a hefty bill for everything from standard maintenance to suspension repair or even an inspection.
These cars can be expensive out of warranty, but with a clean PPI in hand I’m confident you won’t experience too many problems unless you drive the car into the ground yourself or put a lot of miles on it. However, if a problem still occurs, we recommend that you contact a local third-party repair shop in your area. Working on Rovers cannot be compared to working on McLarens. Most trained and competent mechanics can do anything and everything the car may need, usually at a fraction of the cost of the dealer.
The old mantra keeps coming up: “The dealer knows best how to maintain his cars.” That’s simply not true. If the car is still under warranty, be sure to leave it to the dealer. If not, then not. Most dealer technicians are fresh out of school and poorly paid, so the best technicians leave to open their own shops. Plus, it’s always good to have a mechanic friend as Rover is most likely just a stepping stone on your journey to owning an exotic/luxury car and will give you a helping hand along the way.
Autobiography of the Range Rover SV Trim differences
There are no other trim levels for the SV Autobiography as it is the highest trim level in the Range Rover SV Autobiography range.
Preferably Autobiography of the Range Rover SV Buy
Looking at autobiography from a hack sense, aim for a 17 or 18 year old car with less than 5,000 miles per year. So if it’s 2023, a five to six year old car with 25,000 to 30,000 miles on it would be a good example.
Autobiographies are not known to have outwardly “ugly” specifications, but there are of course some that are more universally popular, and those will be the ones you want. White on black, black on black, black on red, red on black, silver on black, silver on red, white on red and so on and so forth.
The options in the SV Autobiography are fairly standard, but a big advantage is looking for a model that may have the rear entertainment electronics. Is it a deal breaker if it’s not there? No. But it’s definitely a nice added bonus for yourself and the next buyers.
Diploma
If you’re looking for a Rover that meets all your preconceived notions of a large-bodied luxury SUV, look no further than the SV Autobiography. What he may lack in athleticism, he certainly makes up for in power, presence and prestige.
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