Thinking of buying a used Range Rover Sport, what should I check first?

[jacklee]

My birthday is next month and I have finally saved enough to buy the car I always wanted. I have been looking at a used Range Rover Sport, around six years old, with about ninety thousand kilometers on it. The seller seems nice and the price looks fair, but my heart says yes and my head says slow down. Everyone around me has an opinion. My father says buy something Japanese and forget about problems. My best friend says these cars are beautiful but can be expensive when they break. I understand both sides, so I want to do this the smart way. Last night I read a few posts about what people should check before buying, and one person said to ask for the full service record and then book an inspection at a Range Rover Repair garage before paying anything. That sounded like good advice, but I do not know what such an inspection usually includes or how much it costs. Should I ask the seller first, or just take the car myself? Also, what are the common weak points on this model? I heard about the air suspension, the gearbox, and some electrical issues, but I do not know which ones are serious and which ones are just internet stories. When I test drive it, what should I listen for? Should I try the car cold in the morning, because I heard some problems only show up before the engine warms up? I also wonder about the price of parts later. If I buy it, how much should I keep aside each year for repairs? I do not want to feel scared every time a warning light comes on. If you own one, would you buy the same car again knowing what you know now? Please be honest, even if the answer is no. Thank you for reading, and thanks in advance for any simple advice.