Talk to me about the LR3

T

telemike

SE Expedition Society
I've been thinking the Lr3 could be my next vehicle. Currently have a 2007 Hummer H3 with the Adventure package (4:1 low range, rear locker, 33" tires). Stock, it is very capable off-road and not too bad on the street. The 3.7l I5 is ok power wise but cannot tow a large load. I may need that capability sometime which would mean I would need to find something that can tow more than 5000#.

I never considered the LR3 before, but after reading more and looking it does have most of the features I am looking for. The big downsides are how bad are the upkeep costs and repairs? All the LR3's I am considering would be in the $12-18K range and have 100K+ miles on the odo. I don't want a 4x4 that is going to fall to pieces and be in the shop.

The other downsides are the HSE's with those 19" rims and no decent tire selection other than 255/55R19. The 18" SE's have much better tire selection. I just don't get the low profile tires on a capable 4x4. What do you do about a spare tire if you upsize the main tires?
 
E

Eniam17

Adventurer
I had a 2006 H3 a while ago and now have an 08 LR3. There is not even a comparison between the two in my opinion. I think the LR3 is better in every way (the exception would be, it's more expensive to maintain). I didn't dislike the H3 other than poor visibility and the lack of power. It was rugged and I thought the traction control was pretty good. Articulation with the leaf springs was obviously limited, as was towing capacity. I think the LR3 has better articulation and traction control, hands down. Have you test driven an LR3? If not, I think you will be blown away at how comfortable it is on the road. You will not want to drive the H3 again.

If you are looking for serious off road capability, and comparable clearance to what you have now, you will probably want to run a lift and larger tires. Even though the LR3 is extremely capable in stock form - you would run into clearance issues, etc. with a stock LR3 on 30's compared to the H3 with 33's. My SE has 18's, you could easily find a set of stock 18" wheels online somewhere and switch them out. You can fit a larger tire in the spare compartment, but I'm not sure how large.

As far as maintenance and repairs, it all depends on how well it's been maintained for the first 100k. There are plenty of LR3's and RR Sports going well into the 150-200k range and beyond. You would want to find one with a detailed service history and avoid one that has been back to the shop time after time for issues such as nagging electrical issues, differential noises, etc. They tend to need brakes and control arms every 30-50k depending on how you drive, and more than likely, at 100k you are going to be replacing some air suspension components if they haven't already been replaced.

Don't let the horror stories scare you away. Land Rovers reliability has increased exponentially, especially around the 07 models. Absolutely night and day over what you would have experienced with a Disco 2. It will be worth spending the time and doing research to find one that has been properly and proactively maintained.
 
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brickpaul65

Adventurer
There was a nice 2006 (twin to mine) 68K and asking $18,900 but it just sold this weekend (it was in Knoxville). I tried to talk the wife into it as her vehicle so I could take mine out of family/road trip duty :) I failed :( Dang her common sense and fiscal responsibility...

We are planning on an LR4 for her in a year or two though...so I count that as a win.
 
Dendy Jarrett

Dendy Jarrett

Expedition Portal Admin
Staff member
telemike said:
I'm concerned about repairs and breakdowns.....

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Mike:
Buy a truck that is either Certified to 100K or buy a truck plus extended warranty.
You'll be just fine. The only real "got you" is the service schedule prices for say a 80K or 100K service (at around $800-$900)
However, there are independent authorized shops that will do it cheaper.
Do check the service history on the truck before you purchase. You should be able to call any LR dealer and give them the VIN and them tell you if it has a good maintenance record.
d
 
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Eniam17

Adventurer
telemike said:
I'm concerned about repairs and breakdowns.....

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Click to expand...

I have been stranded in two off road vehicles in my entire life - both GM. The same manufacturer of your H3. I have never been stranded, or, (knock on wood) had a major mechanical failure in any of My rovers ranging from 1989, through the 90's and now 2008 models. Both GM problems were electrical issues that were difficult to diagnose and required multiple trips to the dealer. Does hearing that make you think twice about bringing your H3 on another adventure?

Don't be scared of a Rover - do your homework before buying as me and others have already advised.
 
JimBiram

JimBiram

Adventurer
Mine has 156k miles now, with lots of tough offroad miles in the mix. Yes, like the others have said, the LR3 is much more reliable than previous LR's. That being said, mine has failed me twice on the trail...1st time I blew head gaskets at 123k miles and had to rebuild top of engine...cost around 5,200 at dealer. 2nd time was three weeks ago when my height sensors threw a fault that could not be cleared, and had to be towed on flatbed 200 miles. (Thank you AAA Premier!) Cost 1,200 at dealer for 4 sensors. The Tranny was rebuilt at 140k by AAMCO for $4,700. Not cheap, I know, but I have no car payment, so I figure if my annual cost of ownership is less than $8k per year (12 months times 700 per month payment), then I'm ahead of the car ownership game for a newer version.

Yet I was asked to sell it recently, but I can't let it go...it is an amazingly comfortable, capable, reliable offroad (yes I said reliable) vehicle that can haul a lot of stuff to places that make most 4x4's blush...It isn't cheap to operate, and neither is a G-Wagon, a Sportmobile, or other high end SUV. If you get one, stay ahead of the service...get a Gap-Diagnostic Tool for dealing with the computers, and go have some fun.
 
Wallache

Wallache

Observer
JimBiram said:
Mine has 156k miles now, with lots of tough offroad miles in the mix. Yes, like the others have said, the LR3 is much more reliable than previous LR's. That being said, mine has failed me twice on the trail...1st time I blew head gaskets at 123k miles and had to rebuild top of engine...cost around 5,200 at dealer. 2nd time was three weeks ago when my height sensors threw a fault that could not be cleared, and had to be towed on flatbed 200 miles. (Thank you AAA Premier!) Cost 1,200 at dealer for 4 sensors. The Tranny was rebuilt at 140k by AAMCO for $4,700. Not cheap, I know, but I have no car payment, so I figure if my annual cost of ownership is less than $8k per year (12 months times 700 per month payment), then I'm ahead of the car ownership game for a newer version.

Yet I was asked to sell it recently, but I can't let it go...it is an amazingly comfortable, capable, reliable offroad (yes I said reliable) vehicle that can haul a lot of stuff to places that make most 4x4's blush...It isn't cheap to operate, and neither is a G-Wagon, a Sportmobile, or other high end SUV. If you get one, stay ahead of the service...get a Gap-Diagnostic Tool for dealing with the computers, and go have some fun.
Click to expand...

Reliable is a very subjective term.
 
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