Replace transmission in LR3 or buy an LR4?

[gatorgrizz27]

Hi all, I have a 2008 LR3 with 250k miles on it. Have rebuilt/repaired quite a bit of the vehicle, and love it. Unfortunately the transmission has started having issues that solenoids, filter, new ZF fluid didn’t fix, so I’m looking at replacing the transmission and torque converter on it. Found a shop that will do it for $6,800 with a 3 year warranty.

Other option is walking away from it and buying a (ideally) 2016 LR4 with sub 100k miles on it, they look to be going for $16-18k for a clean one.

On paper, putting $7k into the 3 isn’t “worth it”, but I like the vehicle and could probably sell it for roughly that down the line, but it’s a high mileage vehicle and if the engine grenades in the short term I’m SOL. My major hesitation with the 4’s is the timing chain problems, it seems like a potential nightmare. Were they solid by that point, or is it still a toss up?

Thanks,
Jon

 

[gabrielef]

I changed my LR3’s transmission around the 155K mark, before it failed but because it was being lowered anyway for something else. That quote seems high but mine was around $3K plus labor. Maybe $3K in labor is reasonable. The rig has 313K now.

Putting that same money into an LR4 isn’t a bad idea. You could either find a well maintained 2013 that doesn’t need a chain job and if/when it does you could put the money into that. Or find a 2013 that has had the chain job done. The LR4 is noticeably a nicer L319 over the LR3.

The SCV6’s aren’t bad either but they’re just more complicated, ergo more expensive to work on. I also have a 2013 and 2016, and I replaced the engine in the 2016 because of a bad previous timing chain job.

tl;dr you won’t go wrong keeping your LR3, but a solid, clean 2013 might be the next step if there’s any LR4 that can be recommended.


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[cornfarmer]

Tough call. I was in the same boat, but replacing my LR3 with something else, no matter what, is just unreasonably expensive nowadays. Getting my transmission sorted out after waffling about it for way too long (a couple of years) was the answer. I had a shop put in new solenoids/etc. on my '06 V6 which cost a few grand, but it came in lower than a whole replacement transmission. It's doing great now, and after throwing on some new wheels & tires I am back to liking it again after being semi bored of it for a while. The paint is UV faded and has scars but to be honest it doesn't bother me. I used to sweat and fuss over paint condition too much!

I considered getting a LR4 too, but maybe think of it this way... I've had mine about 10 years and pretty much know what's been sorted, what's looming on the horizon etc. You'd have to kind of start over in that dept. with a slightly different or nicer, newer truck. I'd still like to switch mine out but I'm going to try and put my money where my mouth is and really drive it until the wheels fall off.

 

[Gnomad]

What can you buy to replace it for $6800?

 

[RoverFan]

I'm not sure why you'd want to get a 16. The V6 is a less refined V8 with less power and the same, if not more, problems.

If you get a LR4, try to find a 13 and budget for chains, control arms, and coolant pipes by 100K. Admittedly, that all will cost over the $6800 you're considering with the LR3 trans. You will have a much nicer vehicle though.

I rarely drive my 13 anymore but just used it to haul 7 people on a fun trip. Even after sitting for months, it quickly reminded me why I love it. I have owned 2 LR4s and at least 2 LR3s that I can remember. The LR3 is just fine, but the LR is a big step up in aesthetics and power. Especially with the V8.

 

[gabrielef]

I'm not sure why you'd want to get a 16. The V6 is a less refined V8 with less power and the same, if not more, problems.

If you get a LR4, try to find a 13 and budget for chains, control arms, and coolant pipes by 100K. Admittedly, that all will cost over the $6800 you're considering with the LR3 trans. You will have a much nicer vehicle though.

I rarely drive my 13 anymore but just used it to haul 7 people on a fun trip. Even after sitting for months, it quickly reminded me why I love it. I have owned 2 LR4s and at least 2 LR3s that I can remember. The LR3 is just fine, but the LR is a big step up in aesthetics and power. Especially with the V8.

This, I have an LR3, a ‘13 and ‘16 LR4. 2013 hands down.


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