Apparently I did an ok job on the last article, and have been asked to write another. Spare Dave here,  to talk about how we became a 3 Land Rover home.

Following on from my first article where I was fortunate to visit the Land Rover Experience, where my opinion of the Range Rover was drastically altered, I found myself reviewing my daily driver due to going up from about 8k miles a year to 16k with my new role. I greatly enjoyed driving my XC40 EV and had loads of fun with its blistering acceleration and torque, but sadly the cost of using public chargers and the incoming change to vehicle tax, meant it was no longer as cost effective as when I first got it.

Above – Monty at the Motorist – It takes a brave man to choose a L405 Range Rover as the cost effective solution!

Then, while listening to LRM Podcast featuring “Fitter Mat”, a mechanic and internet content creator (featuring a few Land Rovers and lots of farm machinery), they where discussing various subjects when the hosts asked Mat what his favourite Land Rover was, I totally expected a 300tdi defender, instead he said the modern Range Rover, specifically the L405 with the V8 diesel, he currently owns a L322 with the same engine, and rates it as one of the best for daily driving, IF properly maintained.

Above Left – With a Range Rover, you can enjoy the pomp and circumstance no matter the weather. Above Right – Monty on Kiln Bent Road, outside of Holmfirth.

So I began my research, reading loads of reviews, watching land rover channels (LR Time, Ramies Garage, Dad Cars, to name a few). And it transpired this was not just one angry Yorkshireman’s opinion! This then followed with a search, I was very specific, I wanted an Autobiography L405, older than 5 years, preferably with main dealer service, I didn’t want the “footballer” package of black paint and tinted windows. This severely limited my options!

I eventually narrowed it down to 4, all located roughly 2 hours away from us! I did some calling around, and decided we would go test drive one supplied by Auto Bahn Cars (https://www.facebook.com/autobarn4x4) , I got a good vibe from Alex on the call, and he seemed to know his modern Range Rovers (having 30+ in stock of various models!).

Above – When Larry the Disco 2 didn’t want to play ball on a Green lane day, Monty was quickly pressed into service for his first off tarmac experience

at the hands of Spare Dave.

So, on a crisp Saturday morning, we headed over the Pennines. We where greeted warmly by Alex, and began asking questions and looking round the car. Alex then handed over the keys and off we went on a test drive. We tested all the functions, air suspension, traction control modes, sport mode, aircon, even the heated massage seats. All seemed in good working order.

And like that, we placed down a deposit, and I began the process of handing back my Volvo. During the next few weeks I spoke to OG Dave and read the article Phil and Ian wrote, a few questions back and forth with Alex. Then on New Years Eve, we returned across the mountains and picked up “Monty”.

I have now owned him for nearly 3 months, and what a car! Driving up and down to Brighton, picking up wheels and tyres for Harriet & even taking him Green Laning with the LRL crew. No regrets and looking forward to many years of happy ownership.