LR3 (Disco 3) buying question: History of the short block replaced. Major red flag?

[LR3fan]

Hello,
I'm in the market for a used Land Rover LR3 and have found one that has the mileage, options, and price I'm looking for (a 2008). The thing is, the CarFax report has shows "air suspension checked" several times throughout the years but no notes of anything being fixed. Would this be a common check for the dealer to perform or is this a sign of a reoccurring issue?

Perhaps more concerning though is that the history shows the "short block replaced" at 46k miles. Now, for me this is a red flag, but I like this car so I'm hoping someone can tell me this isn't as big an issue as I'm thinking it is. I know these cars need to be well maintained to last so my fear is that a previous owner allowed fluid levels to run very low or otherwise improperly cared for the car. The car does have 40k miles put on it since the engine rebuild, so I'd like to assume nothing else was damaged from whatever the cause of the rebuild was.

To those of you who know your way around an LR3: are there known issues that would cause and/or result from the short block replacement?

Thanks.

 

[roverandom]

A short block is basically the engine main block, crank, rods and pistons. If it has gone 40k since repair with no problems then it is ok.

Problems resulting from this would be stuff like improperly refitted wiring looms etc. with an LR3 the mechanic likely removed the body to gain access to the engine so this shouldn't be an issue either.

They all get air suspension faults eventually. It's a modern Land Rover thing. It's fixable one way or another.




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[LR Max]

Not really. I remember a lot of D2's requiring new engines with 8~10 miles on the odometer.

Is it a V6 or a V8? For the most part, both engines, if maintained, are pretty reliable. However as a precautionary, at 100k I would do some cooling work. Do research as there is a plastic thingie near the t-stat that breaks. Its cheap, but if it goes you are SOL. Also I've got a thing about flushing radiators at 100k.

 

[Howski]

Not really. I remember a lot of D2's requiring new engines with 8~10 miles on the odometer.

Max, you know better than compare a D2 to an LR3. I do agree it's probably not a big issue as long as the replacement was done properly.

 

[LR3fan]

Thanks so much for the feedback guys (and not just because it's what I wanted to hear). I'm feeling a little more optimistic about this car now. I'm going to check it out today and take it to an lr dealer to get inspected.

Max: engine is a v8

Also, Here's a link to the carfax report:
http://www.carfax.com/VehicleHistory/p/Report.cfx?partner=HNR_0&vin=SALAE25468A467340

If any of you have a chance to glance at the carfax and give your opinion I'd love to hear it.

Best,
Peter

 

[LR Max]

Its fine. Is there documentation on getting the oil changed somewhat regularly? I have seen a LR3 engine die because it didn't receive an oil change in 60k.

 

[brdl04]

Sheesh. This thing has been in to service a lot. 5 owners? Why? That's my thoughts.


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[LR3fan]

LR Max: Thanks. Not really any documentation.

Brdl04: Yes. I'm a little concerned with that service and owner history also. The seller (a non-LR dealer) could offer no info other than than it was a trade-in.

I test drove it today and had an LR dealer inspect it. The check engine light went on while test driving (error codes PO174, PO171) as well as the tire pressure light. It also had some body shake at 60mph+. The (Non-LR) dealer selling it said they had already corrected the alignment to stop the shaking but I found that it remained at highway speeds. The inspection also found that the front lower control arm bushings were quite worn (in need of replacement soon). Also a minor oil leak, and the steering wheel is off-center.

The engine is fine but the other issues that arose leave me questioning whether this particular LR3 will be trouble off the lot.

 

[SDLR3]

LR Max: Thanks. Not really any documentation.

Brdl04: Yes. I'm a little concerned with that service and owner history also. The seller (a non-LR dealer) could offer no info other than than it was a trade-in.

I test drove it today and had an LR dealer inspect it. The check engine light went on while test driving (error codes PO174, PO171) as well as the tire pressure light. It also had some body shake at 60mph+. The (Non-LR) dealer selling it said they had already corrected the alignment to stop the shaking but I found that it remained at highway speeds. The inspection also found that the front lower control arm bushings were quite worn (in need of replacement soon). Also a minor oil leak, and the steering wheel is off-center.

The engine is fine but the other issues that arose leave me questioning whether this particular LR3 will be trouble off the lot.

Based on that info, I would walk away.

 

[Eniam17]

walk a way there is no reason to buy something with a shady history like this and the current problems; there are plenty of clean ones out there that you can find if you are patient.

 

[JimBiram]

Walk...


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[Ryanmb21]

Run

 

[roverandom]

walk a way there is no reason to buy something with a shady history like this and the current problems; there are plenty of clean ones out there that you can find if you are patient.

100% agree.
Spend a little more or wait for a better unit to turn up. LR sold loads of these so one will turn up soon.


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[KiwiKurt]

my vote is dont buy that truck.

5 owners with checking air suspension codes means people keep getting the issue, are unable to resolve it so they hide the problem short term and sell the truck.

Its likely an electrical problem that will never be fixed.

Skip it.

 

[LR3fan]

Thanks guys. I have walked away from that troubled vehicle.

I found an 08 LR3 SE that's a bit more expensive ($18,000) but 70k miles, spotless carfax with all scheduled maintenance and oil changes performed at the dealer.
I still need to get it inspected but everything looks great. Aside from the usual brakes and tires are there any major repairs that I should count on in the next 15-20k miles?

From what I've been reading, It seems the air suspension usually needs a little love around 90k or so.

There are a lot of bad LR3 stories out there but it seem like a lot of them are from '05 and '06 models. Have those of you with an '07 or later been satisfied?