Jeep JKU to LR3

[LL247]

Ok, I know this is the RR section and opinions well be somewhat biased, but here's my situation...

I've had many jeeps over the years, my most recent an 08 Wrangler Unlimited. My intention was to build an overland vehicle, so far it's off to a good start (lift, tires, trail protection, lighting, comm equipment). Here's the issue, I'm not too old, but have some health issues that include bad arthritis in my hips, back, and neck. I've noticed that even with good suspension, the jeep is taking it's toll on my short excursions. Plus, even though it's not my daily driver, having a huge diesel truck means I do like to drive my 'fun vehicle' occasionally for a few days. With that all being said, I've started looking into switching to an LR3 instead. From what I can tell it's a good platform for overlanding and can be road friendly too with many more amenities. So what's the problem? I'm conflicted. Being a long time jeep guy, plus the sunny summer days with the top and doors off, and the tight knit jeep community...it's a hard decision. Also, it feels like defeat, like I'm giving up my youth to acquire a more adult, refined vehicle.

Again, I realize you folks will be biased, but I'd like to field opinions. Is it worth giving up a half-built Wrangler Unlimited for a needs-built LR3?

 

[roverandom]

The best thing about Land Rovers are the amazing people you will meet.

LR3's are very nice and make great overlanders but have a limited modification aftermarket when compared to your JK Jeep. Good news is you don't need big tyres and a lift to go off road in a Land Rover.

Can't help with a soft top though. For that you need a ultra expensive, ultra uncomfortable Defender.

 

[LL247]

I don't think many vehicles can match the Jeep aftermarket options that are available. My days of wanting to modify my vehicle with loads of aftermarket parts are well in the past at this point anyways. The LR3 has plenty of options to outfit it accordingly for what I'd like to do with it.

As for not needing big tires and a lift... that's a major positive. The last 3 JKU's I've had have been fitted with 4" lifts and 35's, no thank you. Give me a capable vehicle on a sensible tire size any day!

So after i put up my original post, i stumbled across a fantastic LR3 at a dealer 2 miles from my house. Black '08 LR3 HSE with 85k on the clock.

 

[nwoods]

I had a Rubicon and an LR3 around the same time frame. The Jeep was more durable for regular trail pounding, and had considerably more capability once it was built up (lifted, 35's, bumpers, lights, winch, air, etc....)

The LR3 was the one we took all around the West, and did Moab in multiple times, drove all over the Sierra's and local deserts, in, and brought me into a very close knit (though somewhat fractious) community. The LR3 is without a doubt the most versatile vehicle I've ever owned. Exceptionally comfortable daily driver, extraordinary driving position and visibility, phenomenal turning radius, physics defying proportions (smaller on the outside, bigger on the inside), and seats for everyone or anything. Huge cargo area, superb tiedowns, crap-tons of storage capacity in a variety of compartments, and a milky smooth engine that runs rings around any jeep except the 6.4L AEV. Outstanding articulation for an IFS rig, phenomenal ride quality, amazingly effective traction control, superb gearing, factory recovery points, triple sealed doors, etc....

If pure off road ability is your yardstick, the Jeep can't be beat... once built. If the most versatile, family friendly, trail capable, safe, and comfortable vehicle is more your style, go for the LR3.

Put some good tires on it, buy a GAP tool, and turn on the permagrin

 

[dwvninety]

I currently own a 2012 Jeep JKU Rubicon, 2006 Land Rover LR3 with HD, and 2003 Land Rover Discovery with CDL, front and rear lockers. If you want to go rock crawling, weekend fun with the doors and top off the Jeep wins. The LR3 I take on trips that do not require me to be off grid (very remote) as the electronics and air suspension can get temperamental and cause you to drop down tho the bump stop (even with a GAP tool) as I have experienced. It is extremely capable and very comfy for overlanding.

My choice for very remote overlanding (no provisioning, must pack parts, tools, H2O, gas, food, satellite phone etc.) that means not near any towns, cell service, highway roads, hotels, Dollar General since every small remote towns seems to have one, I take my trusty Land Rover Discovery. Solid axles, very few electronics, comfy, and lots of room with the back seats taken out and with a drawer system in place.

So depending on what overlanding you might want to do hope this helps. If you plan on doing Moab the Jeep and LR3 are great, if you plan on doing Canyonlands or Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument as an example I would take the Jeep or the Discovery.

 

[Omar Brannstrom]

. Good news is you don't need big tyres and a lift to go off road in a Land Rover.

.

The same with Jeep Wrangler, I drive mine completely stock. I mean the Wrangler is trailrated and it can handle the Rubicon trail in stock mode. In more rugh terrain it could be good with a lift and bigger tires. Many Wrangler owners put on lifts and bigger tires for looks and not for needs.

So to the OP:

You might try a new stock Jeep Wrangler unlimited to see if it has a firmer ride, maybe a Sahara that have similar tires like a LR3, a more road tire.

My 2013 unlimited has a soft ride for me but mine is stock, so I think little maybe your modifications hade made it more rough and you might have hard offroad tires on and maybe to high air pressure. Maybe the suspension is worn out.

I do think that a LR3 gives a smoother ride, but I still find that my wrangler gives me a nice ride.

It also have much to do what tire you have and the air-pressure it has.

 

[LL247]

I've considered a newer Wrangler but it's out of budget for an extra vehicle. I'm trying to stay in the 15-20k range which eliminates the 2012 and newer Jeeps. On top of that, my wife has a 2014 JK Unlimited sport, and I had a 14 Unlimited Rubicon for a few months (traded it for my truck). They're great for a daily excursion, but an extended trip...not so sure.

I do have to say, I'm done with 35's on anything other than my big diesel. Tires that big are overkill unless you're rock crawling or mud bogging in my opinion.

 

[LL247]

Another question guys... If the choice was between an older LR3 with low miles or a newer LR3 with high miles... which route would you go?

 

[nwoods]

Another question guys... If the choice was between an older LR3 with low miles or a newer LR3 with high miles... which route would you go?

I'd choose 2007 and up, as I recommended on my website:
http://lr3tips.wordpress.com/2008/09/11/buying-a-used-lr3-v6-or-v8-which-options-cautions/