SecondHandSense:More than any other car, the Range Rover embodied the excesses of the Celtic Tiger. Big, muscular and powerful, it was seen by many as the ultimate statement of arrival.
From July, it will have a sharp increase in price when carbon emissions will dictate a car's tax liability. It is, after all, one of the most polluting cars on the road. However, for some, it will be no deterrent and they will probably continue to pay for the Range Rover Vogue.
The Vogue is the daddy of the Range Rover line-up. Currently a new SE model with the 4.2-litre petrol engine will cost you about €160,000. For that you will get a car weighing about 2.4 tonnes.
Then add a six-speed auto transmission, hill descent, leather upholstery, a surround-sound radio system, an integrated TV system, alloy wheels, traction control, nine airbags, stability control, ABS and electronic air suspension.
The Vogue is a wonderful car to drive. Its elevated stature, interior luxury and its powerful engines can leave you slightly elated. The combination of the car's design and its performance is unique. Equally unique, is the experience of many owners over the years who have had to endure shoddy build quality and totally unexpected and very expensive repairs.
In the past few years, however, the take over by Ford has yielded results and Range Rover has emerged again with most of its reputation intact.
The latest version of the Range Rover went on sale seven years ago and it has lasted well - its design is a modern icon.
You will cruise in absolute comfort in the Vogue and, if you can leave your environmental conscience at home, your journeys will be stress-free. Very few cars will match it for comfort and enjoyment and the automatic gearbox and engine are a joy. It won't be found wanting off-road either.
The Range Rover has a four star crash test rating in the Euro NCAP programme, but reliability has been an issue with cars more than two years old.
A 2004 model with a 3.2-litre diesel engine and all the extras listed above and with 62,000 kilometres on the clock is on offer for €49,450. A 2006 version with 44,000 kilometres on the clock is on sale at €72,950.