LR2 questions

[spikemd]

Now, I know most people wouldn't consider an LR2 the ultimate overlanding vehicle, but that is not why I am posting this thread. My father is looking at purchasing one and I haven't found much about overall reliability and if folks like the car. I own a 2001 P38 Range Rover, so I know all about LR reliability. Actually, my truck has been quite reliable the past two years with only simple maintenance items and known problem areas. We just came back from a 2000 mile trip to Moab and the only issue was a wire clip or something that punctured the sidewall of my tire. It is a great truck.

I guess the good news not finding a lot of information about the LR2 is that they are decently well built. We test-drove one and it seemed pretty solid. No low-range, but my father isn't going to be rock-climbing in this. Steering was tight, brakes a bit touchy at first, but it drove well and had adequate pick-up. He came to an NCLR (NorCal Land Rover) club event in September and I think we all rubbed off on him. He thinks the LR3 is too big and would like something with better gas mileage. The Evoque is great in the gas mileage department (22/28) but too pricey. I finally saw one in person and the interior is quite nice. It is very small though.

Any feedback is much appreciated. It seems that the LR2 is the dealership loaner vehicle of choice. Thanks.

 

[baja5337]

I work at a dealership. The LR2 is a great little car, they are fantastically reliable and we hardly see them in for service. They are not very good offroad, but the Terrain Response helps. They are super fun to drive on sandy washes though!

 

[SMD]

I've owned mine for about 2 years and love it. I think most of us are pretty biased because we spend so much time in Discos, LR3s, RRs, etc; but the LR2 is not as small as you think. A friend's 4Runner was parked next to my LR2 recently and it made me realize that the 2 is very close in size to the 4Runner. The seats are the most comfortable of any LR I've owned (D1, D2, LR3, LR2). It's great for long-distance travel, and I've seen them do better off-road than I expected (for off-road trips I almost always take the D1, but I've other folks have driven LR2s) Deep sand, big rocks, deep mud... of course it doesn't do well. Reasonably well-maintained forest service roads... it has been fine. I once used it for a camping/fly-fishing trip to Michigan when I found a bad wheel bearing on my D1 just a day or two before departure and didn't have time to change it. More than adequate for the dirt roads up there (actual roads and FS roads, not the fun trails).

Overall it's a fun vehicle. I bought it as a commuter car when stationed in Ohio. (Yes, for all the folks who say there are better AWD commuter cars, I know that. It's the intangibles of LR ownership and common feel with the LR3 that sold me. And a good dealer discount - had been a loaner car.)

Mechanically it has been great with one very big exception - rear diff went out around 20k. Replaced under warranty. Seems to be a rare occurrence, but it happened to me.

As I find myself needing the D1's capabilities less and less, I also find myself thinking more and more about using the LR2 for fishing, camping, adding a kayak roof carrier, etc.

 

[proper4wd]

I concur with everything that has been said above. If you want to do some broader research, look up the Volvo XC60. It and the LR2 are one in the same, excluding the turbo engine that Volvo offers.

I re-sealed a leaking transmission pan on one last week but that was definitely an anomaly.

 

[Snagger]

As you said, it's not stunning off road, and it doesn't feel so much like a Land Rover either, but as a practical 4wd car for the non-enthusiast, it's very good; easy and comfortable to drive, plenty of space for family use, decent towing capability and good in bad weather. They're reasonably frugal and seem well built. My father is looking at getting one too because he has moved to a hilly rural location that is likely to have untreated roads in winter and I recommended it over a 4wd Volvo (he has a Volvo now which has been a little problematic and highly over-rated) or a Discovery which is bigger and costlier than he needs.

 

[proper4wd]

I recommended it over a 4wd Volvo (he has a Volvo now which has been a little problematic and highly over-rated)

This is funny because the LR2 *is* a 4wd Volvo

 

[Snagger]

This is funny because the LR2 *is* a 4wd Volvo

Yeah, hilarious. Not all Volvos are the same, just as not all LRs are the same. Is the D3 or RR Sport anywhere near as reliable as the L322? Does a Defender have similar build quality to a Freelander? Not even close... So, why should a Freelander's reliability be influenced by a different Volvo model? My point is that just because something has a Volvo badge rather than a Freelander badge, it won't necessarily be better, and will not likely be worth the extra cost and more difficult parts sourcing of a foreign car. If the Freelander and XC60 are based on similar platforms, then though they should have similar attributes, the Freelander should cost less in the long run in the UK. Volvo's build quality leaves something to be desired in just the same way as LR's, but since the Freelander has a good reputation for reliability, I'd trust it more. Besides, I know he'd rather spend the money on a domestically produced car if its standards and abilities are the same.

 

[proper4wd]

Hey turn off the flamethrower.

I am stating fact. The LR2 and XC60 are not built on "similar" platforms, they are built on the SAME platform. Same engine, same transmission, same suspension, same rear diff, same brakes...

So why cant they be compared in terms of reliability and build quality?

 

[spikemd]

Thanks for the input. I was not aware that they are basically an XC60, but it was a decent ride. We will be test driving some of other cars too in the next few weeks. I am hoping he gets the LR2.

We will be getting an LR3 for my wife in the fall. It will stay mostly stock and be the 'family' truck to replace the 4Runner.

 

[Snagger]

Hey turn off the flamethrower.

I am stating fact. The LR2 and XC60 are not built on "similar" platforms, they are built on the SAME platform. Same engine, same transmission, same suspension, same rear diff, same brakes...

So why cant they be compared in terms of reliability and build quality?

Turn off the flame thrower? It was you who tried to ridicule me, not the other way around.

As for comparing the vehicles, just because they share many components, it doesn't make them the same - they have different chassis, body shells, interiors and accessories, are built by different companies in different countries. I've not said that the Volvo model will be bad or that the Freelander will be perfect - I've merely stated that Volvo's reputation for quality is not completely justified and that the Freelander has a good reputation.

 

[owhiting]

Disco 2

We owned a Disco II and have to say it was a very nice vehicle and I was very impressed at how well it did off road with the traction control and street tires. I am a Defender owner and driver for many years and the Disco can hold it's own quite well off road. We sold ours only because of the distance we drove every day and the fact the Disco was a bit thirsty on fuel, and tires only seem to last about 20k.

 

[spikemd]

I agree that the Disco II is a great truck as is the LR3. But it comes down to size and gas mileage for my father. He doesn't need a large vehicle and he wants something more efficient. He wants a vehicle that can carry his kayak as well as get to tahoe in the snow. He is currently building a wooden kayak that will be amazing when finished. We found an LR2 relatively close to him from a private party at a very good price. I am hoping I can persuade him to look at it soon.