When launched the entry level Range Rover Sport (the TDV6 S) was priced to undercut the equivalent X5, but it has much higher running costs than the BMW.

Range Rover Sport running costs can be extortionate. High fuel bills from V8 petrol models are to be expected but the diesels are remarkably thirsty until the 2011 eight-speed SDV6 joined the range. Repair costs can be high, though parts themselves are quite reasonable; for higher-performance models skimping on brakes and tyres is a false economy and you should check any used buy carefully to make sure the previous owner has applied some common sense when running a heavy, powerful 4×4.

With its large engines, brute force and average fuel consumption figure of just 24mpg, it’s no surprise that Range Rover Sport emissions make it score badly on the eco front. High VED is inevitable on 2006-on models.

The introduction of a 3.0-litre diesel and 5.0-litre V8 supercharged model in 2009 did not help, and all diesel Range Rover Sports attract ULEZ or clean air zone penalties.

Aside from couple of recalls, the Range Rover Sport is one of the more reliable Land Rovers you can buy second hand. It shares many components with the other Land Rovers and some Jaguars, which means spares are readily available and generally quite reasonably priced.

Enthusiasts will get the best experience, learning about the car’s quirks before engaging a dealer. We’d find an independent specialist recommended by Land Rover owners to look after your Range Rover Sport – a generic workshop could run up many hours ‘trying’ fixes without understanding the systems, and a main dealer’s labour rate could pay for a new car on finance after a couple of hours every month.