Is the 2006 Range Rover Sport Still a Reliable Luxury SUV Worth Buying Today?

The rain was coming down in sheets as I navigated the winding country roads, the wipers working overtime to clear my view. I'd borrowed my cousin's 2006 Range Rover Sport for the weekend, partly out of curiosity about whether these older luxury SUVs still held up. The leather seats felt surprisingly supple despite their age, and that commanding driving position never gets old. You sit up high, peering down at regular cars, feeling like you own the road even when you're just running to the grocery store.

Earlier that day, I'd been watching basketball highlights while waiting for the weather to clear up. The Meralco Bolts were playing their final elimination game against the Hotshots on the 31st, and it got me thinking about longevity in different contexts - both in sports careers and in vehicles. Much like an aging athlete who's still got game, this 17-year-old Range Rover was demonstrating that some things age better than others. The question kept circling in my mind: Is the 2006 Range Rover Sport still a reliable luxury SUV worth buying today?

The truth is, these vehicles are complicated beasts. When everything works, they're absolutely magnificent. The supercharged V8 in this particular model still pulls strong with its 390 horsepower, and the air suspension glides over potholes that would have regular cars crying uncle. But here's the thing - when things go wrong, they can go spectacularly wrong. I remember talking to a mechanic friend who told me that repairing the air suspension system could set you back anywhere from $2,800 to $4,500 depending on how many components need replacement. Ouch.

Driving through the storm, I noticed the navigation screen flickering occasionally - another common issue with these older models. The infotainment system feels ancient by today's standards, but there's something charming about its retro feel. It's like watching classic basketball games from the early 2000s - the fundamentals are there, even if the technology has evolved dramatically since then.

What surprised me most was how well the interior has held up. The leather on the dashboard showed only minor cracking, and the wood trim still looked rich and authentic. My cousin bought this vehicle three years ago for $12,500 with 85,000 miles on it, which seemed like a steal compared to newer models. But he's probably spent another $6,000 in maintenance since then, including replacing the coolant crossover pipes and addressing some electrical gremlins.

I pulled into a gas station as the rain lightened up, and the attendant commented on how "clean" the old Rover looked. We got to talking about maintenance costs, and he mentioned his neighbor had one of these that needed a transmission rebuild at 120,000 miles - that's another $4,000 to $7,000 right there. It really makes you think about the true cost of ownership.

Here's my take - if you're considering one of these, you need to go in with your eyes wide open. They're not for everyone, much like how not every basketball player can maintain peak performance into their late 30s. The Meralco Bolts understand that veteran players bring experience and wisdom to complement their physical skills, and similarly, these older luxury vehicles offer character and presence that newer models sometimes lack.

The driving experience remains special, even after all these years. That blend of British luxury and off-road capability still turns heads, and there's genuine pleasure in piloting something with this much personality. But you'd better have a good independent mechanic and a healthy maintenance budget - I'd recommend setting aside at least $2,000 annually for repairs and upkeep.

As I finally reached my destination, the storm had passed, and sunset was breaking through the clouds. The old Range Rover had gotten me through terrible weather in comfort and style, and I couldn't help but admire its stubborn refusal to become obsolete. It's not the most rational choice in 2023, but for the right person - someone who appreciates its unique character and is prepared for its quirks - it can still be a wonderfully satisfying vehicle to own. Just make sure you get a thorough pre-purchase inspection and have realistic expectations about what you're signing up for.