What to look for
Four-cylinder engines: There are many horror stories about the 2.0-litre diesel, particularly regarding the diesel particulate filter, timing chain, turbos, oil dilution, excessive cylinder wear and coolant leaks. The 2.0-litre petrol and later 2.0-litre MHEV diesel are safer bets, but they can still suffer timing chain and turbo issues.
Six-cylinder engines: Many owners agree the 3.0-litre V6 and straight-six petrol and diesel engines are the most reliable. Nevertheless, listen for knocking in the diesel (crankshaft issues) and watch out for heavy coolant use in the petrol (water pump problems).
Alternator: The belt tensioner can fail in MHEV cars. Budget for as much as £2500 unless it’s covered by a sensible extended warranty.
Steering: If the electric steering motor develops a hairline crack, the electrical circuit board inside the unit is exposed and becomes corroded, rendering the car undrivable. Check for grinding, groaning or a heavy feel.
Transfer case: Signs of a drip or transmission warning messages could point to a leaking transfer case, which can lead to component damage and costly repairs.
Electrics: Many owners have faced frozen display screens. The solution is normally to turn the car off and on again. Failed parking sensors have also been reported, typically rendering the entire sensor system inoperative.
Also worth knowing
Service intervals are every year or 16,000 miles, but some owners recommend changing the oil more frequently.
Given JLR’s reputation for patchy reliability, you might value the reassurance of an extended warranty. It will typically cost around £1000 for a year from JLR. For a little more, plenty of third-party providers will cover a Velar for three years.
A Velar that’s more than five years old won’t attract the £425 luxury car supplement. VED will be £195 annually – or £620 if the supplement applies.
Insurance is a thorny issue for some Range Rovers, yet the Velar was never that badly affected. Insurance groups range between 31 and 50, so it could still be costly, though.