Looking into an LR3-what should I look for?

[Wander]

I'm looking into trading my 4R for an LR3. Is there a better year or trim package that I should look for? I've heard about a coil springs suspension being offer in the early run (05-06?) but are they so rare I'll likely not find one and is the air suspension troublesome.

I'll be using this as my DD so any build will be very moderate.

 

[LeoLR]

05' came with a Trail Package that had the rear locker and fullsize spare but was a minimally trimmed truck, no fluff. 05 is a ok year I never had major issues, biggest problem is the firmware needs to be updated on the older models which is around $200 I believe. 06-09 were good years too, they put a better leather in the HSE in 07 plus models. Factory skid plates are great, and 27in is the factory wadding depth before you need a snorkel. You will also notice all the fluids and battery are in sealed compartments under the hood. Not exposed like on other so called off-roaders. Major thing is get a service history, there are a ton of these things out there so pick a good one that has been dealer maintained, not indy but dealer. Certified pre-owned gives you a great warranty and they almost always put on new brakes and tires on them. I had thee dealer put larger KO's and a ARB bullbumper on mine as part as the deal. When people rode in my LR3 they had no clue it was 5 years old and that I had beat the mess out of it on the trails.


Find a certified HSE with the rear locker and you are good to go. A stock LR3 will out wheel the Payment Cruiser or 4 Runner anyday. Very capible and has strong aftermarket support. And its a Rover, chicks dig em

 

[huskyfargo]

My buddy just bought an '08, and it's amazing!
I have an '08 Rubicon Unlimited with 3" lift and 35"s, but I wouldn't hesitate to take the LR3 anywhere mine will go. I spent a lot of time helping him research his purchase, and it seems that an '08 is the way to go, unless you can get your paws on an '09. Apparently, with the stock market craziness and such, there weren't many '09's sent this way. A lot of the bugs were worked out by '07 after the Ford days and after the re-design. X2 on buying a certified pre-owned. You may pay a little more on the front end, but you won't regret it. My buddy got an HSE with 20K miles, completely loaded, and it was only about $36K. That's a way better deal than anything else on the market...especially those stupid looking soccer mom tahoes and such.
Good luck, and have fun!

 

[Wander]

I'd like to keep it in the low to mid 20's-I'm guessing a CPO 08 HSE is out. Looks like I should look for 07 and up CPO maybe the SE unless a trail package clean 05 comes about. I've never seen one here.

Thanks for the info.

 

[FourByLand]

If it's going to be moderate anyway why not keep your 4runner? I understand you have a Series and want to go all LR and such but I think you will be happier with the 4Runner in the long run especially when the maintenance starts racking up or the electronics start faulting.

 

[DexGtr]

If it's going to be moderate anyway why not keep your 4runner? I understand you have a Series and want to go all LR and such but I think you will be happier with the 4Runner in the long run especially when the maintenance starts racking up or the electronics start faulting.

but he wants a LR3 :coffeedrink:

 

[discodisco]

Good source

http://lr3tips.wordpress.com/
Excellent source that points out specific areas to look out for.

In my own hunt for an LR3 I have talked to some dealers and apparently if you get something around 3 years old or younger, you can transfer the warranty to yourself and even extend it.

Some of the HSE models came with an upgraded rear differential lock that adds to the CDL system.

 

[N8URE2]

you might check Bear Valley
http://bearvalleyvehiclesales.ebiza...over&_model=LR3&_search=&_new=true&_used=true
I have no personal experience with them, but I periodically look at their inventory online and they always seem to have a decent selection. Sometimes the prices seem a little on the high side, but most of their cars seem to be low miles and I think you may get some warranty.
Just throwing it out there, looks like you're in the east too.

 

[Wander]

Thanks for the link, Jeff. Pretty nice inventory.

 

[LeoLR]

Stay far away from Bear Valley. Bad dealership, overpriced, ****ty trucks.




Buy from a LR dealer and you will have a good expirence, if you buy from a non-LR dealer be ready to be screwed and hit with a huge repair bill for whatever they were hidding.




If you cant handle doing maintance yourself or your checkbook cant handle paying the dealer I am going to say stick with the Crapota. If you don't mind doing service yourself and doing it right with quality parts than you will enjoy your LR3 ownership as much as I did. The electronics really never give you issues, thats normal scare tatics from people that do not understand how they work. Only electrical issues I had was from a bad ground.

 

[Dendy Jarrett]

Matt:
Call Kelly Graham at Land Rover Nashville. They are one of the true die hard dealerships left in America. Dale will vouch for Kelly and he will find you the right truck at the right place.
A friend of mine in Columbia, SC just purchased an 08 HSE from him and got a screamin deal and screamin great truck and was tickled with the transaction.

Kelly Graham
615-986-6000. Tell him Dendy sent you.


Dendy

 

[Rovertrader]

Kelly is the man for sure as far as dealers go. I would do '07+, don't get worrisome about the rear diff lock- redundant in the LR3. Extended warranty encouraged. They are great trucks- think you saw mine when you were here?? Hope to see you at URE next month

 

[Wander]

I registered (and joined ONSR) yesterday Dale. Looking forward to it! I can see the value in an extended warranty with this but the closest dealer is in Cary (90ish miles away). When I had my Mini Cooper S I had a similar problem. It only required annual service and was only in the shop once but that shop was 3 hour away in Va Beach. I do think the reports of constant problems with Land Rovers are very over stated.

There is a nicely built LR3 at the Nashville dealer. I should have gone by there two weeks ago when I was the city.

 

[Dendy Jarrett]

Yeah, or at least looked an expedition portal brother up for a coffee or lunch!!
D

 

[Wander]

Yeah, or at least looked an expedition portal brother up for a coffee or lunch!!
D

Sorry Dendy, I was there for a day and at the school for most of it.

I wish I had contacted you and I will next time. It sucks eating alone but I did go to loveless cafe this trip. Damn good chicken!

You coming to URE?