Range Rover SVs have been on my hacking radar for a few years now, but they seemed to get overlooked by all the other exciting luxury and performance SUVs on the market.
SV stands for “Special Vehicle” which these Rovers most certainly are. More highly optioned and sickly spec’d than any other Range Rover on the market, these are the top of their class and show in all aspects.
They are the full body, bigger example of the Rovers compared to the Rover SVRs (which I also really enjoy from a hacking perspective), so bare that in mind as if you don’t like the mid-size SUV’s but still want a Rover, this may just be the one for you.
If you want to know if the Range Rover SV Autobiography is the right next hack for you, than keep on reading to find out!
Driving Experience
Whilst there are many shapes, sizes, and configurations of the Range Rover, or even Land Rover in general, I would have to say that my preference for driving/owning has to be the SV Autobiography.
It is everything and more when you think of a Range Rover. It is large, big-bodied with a supercharged 5.0L V8 engine that makes 557 horsepower with 516 pounds of torque and go 0-60 in 4.3 seconds.
Whilst those stats are impressive, even in regards to some of the exotics I have owned in my lifetime, the true essence of the Rover SVA is that it mixes that power beautifully with a prestigious presence both inside and outside.
All that happens inside the SVA are going to be comfortable, whether it is for a quick trip to the store or a long-haul road trip to go visit family and friends. Of course, the power comes in handy when maneuvering through traffic, the look of the car is also very helpful when you pull up quite literally anywhere.
It is the big boss SUV that screams a bit of quiet luxury in a world full of G wagons and Urus’s.
Range Rover SV Autobiography Common Problems
Being the top dog of a brand’s product line doesn’t mean that you are subject to the notorious issues that seem to plague Rovers regardless of age, size, power train, wheelbase, etc.
Common problems that plague the Rovers are air suspension issues in terms of both the compressor and the bushings. Differential issues too arise and with an SUV of this size, you will certainly feel the issue when it happens. In addition to these problems, there are also major engine issues, faulty brakes, electrics issues, steering concerns, and leaks/seeps.
Now, this may make anyone reading this turn their nose up at the leviathan of British SUV’s but an easy way to ensure your potential next buy doesn’t have any of these costly issues is to get a PPI (pre-purchase inspection) performed. This quick 1-2 day inspection that costs usually less than $500 can be done by any reputable shop local to where the car is located and will protect you against incurring someone else’s problem pit.
Range Rover SV Autobiography Cost of Ownership/Maintenance
Are Rovers a bit more expensive to care for? Yes. Are they worth it? Also yes. BUT – that doesn’t mean that you need to constantly break the bank to keep your Rover on the road. That said, if you pull into a dealer to get the work done, you are going to get hit hard with a fat bill for anything from a standard service to a suspension repair, or even an inspection.
These cars can be pricey out of warranty, but with a clean PPI in hand I would be confident that you aren’t going to see too many issues unless you yourself are riding the car into the ground or putting extensive miles on it. If a problem does arise, we recommend making nice with a local third-party repair shop in your area. Working on Rovers isn’t like working on McLarens, most trained and competent mechanics can do everything and anything the car could possibly need and typically they can do so for a fraction of the cost of the dealer.
Throughout that, the old mantra of “the dealer knows best how to service their cars” comes up. This just isn’t true. If the car is under warranty, sure, let the dealer do it. If not, then don’t. Most dealer techs are fresh out of school and poorly paid, which is why the best technicians leave to open their own shops. Besides, a mechanic friend is always good to have as most likely that Rover is only a stepping stone in your exotic/luxury car ownership journey and they will be a helping hand along the way.
Range Rover SV Autobiography Trim Differences
There are no additional trim levels to the SV Autobiography as it itself is the highest trim level of the Range Rover SV Autobiography line.
Best Range Rover SV Autobiography To Buy
Given the Autobiography from a hack sense you will want to go for a 17 or 18 year, with less than 5,000 miles per year of existence. That means, being it is 2023 would mean that a car 5-6 years old with 25,000 miles -30,000 miles is a good example.
Autobiographies are not known to have outwardly “ugly” specs, but there are of course some that are more universally favored, 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 pretty standard but one big draw is to look for a model that perhaps has the rear entertainment. Is it a deal breaker if it doesn’t have it? No. But it sure is a nice added bonus for both yourself and the next buyers.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a Rover that holds true to all the preconceived notions of a big body, luxurious SUV, then look no further than the SV Autobiography. What it perhaps lacks in sportiness, it well makes up for with power, presence, and prestige.
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