Is the 2007 Land Rover Sport Still a Reliable Luxury SUV in Today's Market?

When I first laid eyes on the 2007 Land Rover Sport back in its debut year, I remember thinking it represented everything British luxury SUVs stood for - that perfect blend of rugged capability and refined comfort. Now, nearly two decades later, I find myself constantly asked whether this aging aristocrat still holds up in today's competitive used car market. Having personally owned one for three years and maintained several others for clients, I can tell you the answer isn't as straightforward as you might think.

Let me start with what makes this vehicle special even today. The moment you slide into the driver's seat, you're greeted by that distinctive Land Rover aroma of leather and wood that somehow still feels premium despite its age. The commanding driving position gives you that king-of-the-road feeling modern SUVs often try too hard to achieve. I've driven mine through everything from city commutes to muddy trails that would make most modern crossovers whimper, and it's never failed to deliver that solid, substantial feel that's become increasingly rare in today's lightweight, fuel-efficient vehicles. The 4.2-liter supercharged V8 in the top models still produces a very respectable 390 horsepower, which honestly feels more immediate than many modern turbocharged engines I've tested. Just last month, I helped a client restore one with 145,000 miles on the odometer, and the engine still pulled strong with proper maintenance history.

Now, here's where we need to talk about the elephant in the room - reliability. I won't sugarcoat this: if you're looking for Toyota-level reliability, you're shopping in the wrong British showroom. These vehicles require what I like to call "preventive enthusiasm" - you can't just drive them and forget about maintenance. In my ownership experience, I budgeted about $1,800 annually for maintenance and unexpected repairs, which is significantly higher than the $600 average for luxury SUVs from the same period. The electronic systems can be particularly temperamental - I've dealt with everything from mysterious sensor failures to the infamous suspension air compressor issues. But here's the thing I've learned: when you find a well-maintained example with service records, many of these issues become manageable rather than catastrophic.

What fascinates me about maintaining older luxury vehicles like the 2007 Sport is how it parallels the approach needed in other fields where legacy systems require thoughtful updates rather than complete overhauls. I was recently discussing this with a colleague who works with emerging basketball talents, and he mentioned how they focus on strengthening and holistic improvement to the game of younger athletes coming off solid performances in major tournaments. This approach resonates deeply with what I advocate for older luxury vehicles - it's not about chasing perfection but about building on existing strengths while systematically addressing weaknesses. Just as a promising athlete needs targeted training to elevate their natural abilities, an aging Land Rover Sport requires strategic maintenance priorities rather than trying to fix everything at once.

The electrical system deserves special attention, particularly the terrain response system which can develop glitches around the 100,000-mile mark. I've developed what I call the "three-system rule" for evaluating these vehicles: always test the air suspension through full height cycles, verify the cooling system holds pressure properly, and make sure all electronic differential functions engage without warning lights. When one of these systems fails, repair costs can easily reach $2,500-$3,500, which is why I always recommend potential buyers get a specialist inspection before purchase. That said, the mechanical components are generally robust - the ZF 6-speed transmission, while not as smooth as modern 8-speeds, can reliably exceed 200,000 miles with regular fluid changes.

Where the 2007 Sport truly shines compared to modern equivalents is in its repair accessibility. Unlike newer models packed with integrated electronics that require dealer programming for simple components, many repairs on this generation can be handled by competent independent shops. I recently replaced the front control arms on my unit for about $1,200 including alignment, whereas the same job on a 2018 model would have cost nearly double due to more complex calibration requirements. This accessibility makes it surprisingly viable as a project vehicle for enthusiasts willing to get their hands dirty.

Fuel economy is where reality sets in hard. My supercharged model averages about 14 MPG combined, and I've never seen it break 18 MPG even on pure highway runs. Compared to modern luxury SUVs that easily achieve 22+ MPG, the difference adds up quickly - assuming 12,000 miles annually and $3.50 per gallon, you're looking at about $1,500 more in annual fuel costs. The environmental consideration matters too - this vehicle produces approximately 460g/km of CO2, which places it firmly in the guilt-inducing category by today's standards.

So who should consider buying one today? In my professional opinion, the 2007 Land Rover Sport makes sense for exactly three types of buyers: the knowledgeable enthusiast who understands the maintenance requirements, the weekend adventurer who needs genuine off-road capability without modern electronics complexity, and the luxury traditionalist who values that distinctive Land Rover character over modern convenience. For everyone else, there are probably better options. But when everything works as intended, there's still nothing quite like piloting this British aristocrat down a rough trail or through a stylish downtown - it maintains a presence and capability that continues to turn heads and conquer terrain in ways few modern vehicles can match. The key is entering the relationship with eyes wide open, understanding that you're not just buying transportation but adopting a piece of automotive history that demands respect and proper care.