Decision time

[LemonLite]

My gf (soon to be fiancé) is in a similar sitation looking at getting a LR3, 100 Series LC or GX470. I've been on the above LR forums for about a year now and there's just too many similar and common postings about LR3 issues (brake light switch, hitachi compressor, EAS issues, LCA bushings) that steer me away from getting one with over 100k miles and out of warranty. I love the look and feel of them, but do not feel comfortable telling her to get one because I don't think the reliability will be there for her.

What gets me is the multiple LR guys on here in different threads saying they wouldn't even recommend one for your first vehicle, even a second vehicle. Don't get me wrong, i wouldnt mind getting an lr3 for myself as I'm mechanically inclined and don't mind the work if it arises, however if you're one that has to take it to the dealer or an INDY shop for every repair, I would consider something else.

Also FYI, if you are dead set on a LR3, opt out of any 2005 as they reportedly have the most issues. Look for a 07-09 if you can find one in your price/mileage range.

Initially I was looking for a DII. Not sure if you saw the one I posted on the first page? I'm still on the DII side of things, but the LR3 was/is tempting in terms of look and comfort.

 

[Bama4door]

Yep I saw that, I was referencing your last post with the 3 CL adds you posted of LR3s. I would look for a lr3 over a d2 imo.

 

[Mtanzania]

I have owned numerous Land Rovers to include 5 Range Rover Classics, 2 Disco 1's, and one Disco 2 (an 04 model). I have stuck with my 1993 Range Rover LWB because I was able to legally install a diesel engine and swap it over to a five speed manual...with that being said, the 04 Disco I had was the most comfortable, enjoyable Land Rover I ever had except I always had that fear in the back of my mind that the engine could go at any time. I never had any issues with it other than what is to be expected from Land Rovers (rebuilt the drive shafts, 3 amigos, etc). I think a well maintained 04 Disco is one of the best inexpensive options out there for a pleasure vehicle but would I recommend one to my wife or sister as their only car....no. Too much of a possibility that they might ignore a warning sign I might notice while driving it.

I would definitely say look into the D2 with a careful eye to detail regarding the maintenance and I think it could be a great vehicle for you...

Just my .02

 

[Ray_G]

Not sure I'd choose either one as DD/travel/vacation vehicle.

Maybe a newer 4wd Tacoma with a shell? Later on pick up an older Jeep YJ/TJ and with quality parts, build it up over time (Better aftermarket support & fewer electronics).

Just can't bring myself to suggest/recommend an LR3, unless you have plenty of free time, tools, patience, AAA, and another vehicle.

That's interesting, esp w/your LR3 in the stable. I say it b/c it is my DD (only vehicle here in AD in fact) and we just got done driving it from Abu Dhabi to Muscat (350mi the way we go-which goes through pretty much nowhere)...while in Muscat we then drove down to a desert camp through the dunes another several hundred km away, and from there back to AD today. Of course bouncing around on the rutted desert floor she popped a code, but the nice thing about the coil over was that the transmission fault had no bearing on pretty much anything. (I think the brake switch is going, but I was too lazy to change it out since I didn't need special programs at the time).

My point is the LR3 is plenty robust and with the IID tool and a little knowledge isn't likely to leave you stranded. The vehicle may be degraded until you can fix it completely but catastrophic failure is not likely. Moreover, and its funny b/c my wife is a diehard Toyota girl and refuses to get rid of her 02 extracab Tacoma for anything, there is no comparison in comfort there. You get a lot of truck for the $$$ for the LR3 if you are willing to learn just a little bit-in my opinion.
r-
Ray

 

[LemonLite]

I'm basically sold on the LR3. Unless a 100 Series pops up between now and mid January. Hoping to meet up with the owner of this 06 within a week or two. Thanks for all the help. Choosing a used Land Rover seemed to be a little more difficult than I had expected. :beer:

Here's what I'm hoping to have within the next couple weeks...Provided everything works out when I see it in person.
http://oklahomacity.craigslist.org/cto/5354772527.html

 

[tribeof5]

If you are willing to fly and drive home, you should consider the Florida area. We purchased a 2006 about 5 weeks ago for our oldest son from the Lexus dealership in Tampa Fl. They had taken it in on trade. They sent me a ton of pics and answered all my questions prior to me buying an airline ticket from NC. It was a 2 owner LR3 with service records and only 84k on the clock. It was clearly driven by a women given the glitter that was still under the front seat and the purple stars on the backside of the sunvisor. All in all it was worth my trip. Brought it home for $14300 including TTT.

 

[LemonLite]

If you are willing to fly and drive home, you should consider the Florida area. We purchased a 2006 about 5 weeks ago for our oldest son from the Lexus dealership in Tampa Fl. They had taken it in on trade. They sent me a ton of pics and answered all my questions prior to me buying an airline ticket from NC. It was a 2 owner LR3 with service records and only 84k on the clock. It was clearly driven by a women given the glitter that was still under the front seat and the purple stars on the backside of the sunvisor. All in all it was worth my trip. Brought it home for $14300 including TTT.

If my current assignment that I've recently taken on at Fort Sill would allow me to be able to take off I'd jump all over that idea. With this current 06 I'm hoping to get it for under 10K. It will eventually become vehicle #3 and will only be used for wheeling adventures. But if this current LR3 falls through I'll definitely reconsider and look further outside of my immediate area. Thanks for the idea Tribe.

 

[Ray_G]

One thing you will find with Rovers; they like to be driven. If its mostly going to sit, it will have issues.

 

[MTAA]

Just came across this one in your neck of the woods (not mine):

http://oklahomacity.craigslist.org/ctd/5375404696.html

133k
2007 LAND ROVER LR3 - $10500 (NW OKC)

 

[rlynch356]

LR3's make great choices (i had an 08 i regret selling..)

Any LC you find will have 2x the miles on it at least if not more for the same money...
LR3 do have problems though..
They eat brakes 15-20k miles was my replacement window for pads and Rotors (fronts first the rears with the next pad change) - its an easy job though. Air Pumps and other stuff is susceptible to failure as well.
o

 

[unseenone]

Cure your brake problems with EBC Sport rotors and Green Stuff pads.. :Mechanic: You should be good for a light rotor turn each pad change and at least 80-100k.

 

[DiscoDavis]

x3 on brakes comments. The 3's eat brakes and rotors but its stupidly easy to change. There is a litany of things to look out for but a complete service history and a few minor DIY fixes make for a pretty solid vehicle. Get whatever rover you look at inspected by a JLR dealer.

 

[LemonLite]

LR3's make great choices (i had an 08 i regret selling..)

Any LC you find will have 2x the miles on it at least if not more for the same money...
LR3 do have problems though..
They eat brakes 15-20k miles was my replacement window for pads and Rotors (fronts first the rears with the next pad change) - its an easy job though. Air Pumps and other stuff is susceptible to failure as well.
o

Definitely something noteworthy, in regards to the mileage and price comparison. I will say that every LR3 and for the most part DII I've looked at appears to have been very well kept, cosmetically. I'm guessing it's because most people who buy LR3's don't buy them with the intent of taking them off the pavement, which eases the mind a bit.

 

[howirolla]

Definitely something noteworthy, in regards to the mileage and price comparison. I will say that every LR3 and for the most part DII I've looked at appears to have been very well kept, cosmetically. I'm guessing it's because most people who buy LR3's don't buy them with the intent of taking them off the pavement, which eases the mind a bit.

yea that way when you DO take it off-road as the new owner you can find all its weak spots and problems...

so I would say, it does but then it doesn't...
lol