In my early 20’s I used to own a freelander and I absolutely loved that thing. Luckily I never had any issues with it and sold right before the 100k mark. Fast forward now early 30’s I want to get a LR3. Ive been doing some stuff to my wife’s 4Runner and kinda want to get something of my own. This won’t be a daily driver however I do want to take it on road trips. I need some guidance on purchasing one. From what I’ve read around the 2005’s are pretty reliable. However I’m still nervous about getting one. How reliable are these trucks. I know the lower control arms need to be replaced due to bushings. So I’ve read any other major issues with these trucks? What year is best to buy and are these easy to work on or will I need to take to the dealer everytime? Any input would be great thanks.
Used LR3?
- Thread starter Clos
- Start date
DVD
Adventurer
I bought my 2005 LR3 5 or 6 yrs ago with 90k miles at the time. I'm at 165k now. Prior to the LR3, I would do brakes and oil changes, but not much more. Because I bought it for exploring remote trails, I figured I'd better do more mechanical work in case I needed to do any trailside fixes. Good news is that they are pretty easy to work on. There's a wealth of info on the UK disco3forum site, as well as other forums. One of my first fixes was the front air struts. I developed a slow leak when the vehicle had 125k or so. Probably would have been $500-$1000 to have one replaced by someone else. Under $400 to buy both struts and a Saturday to do it myself. I'll be happy to do it again at 250K miles 
. Similar story with the control arms. Replaced them at 140-150k. I got all 8 control arms shipped from UK site for under $1000. That was a big job, but I did it in my driveway. Vehicle rides like new after that.
Good luck (hope you have the same good luck I've had).
-Dirk
. Similar story with the control arms. Replaced them at 140-150k. I got all 8 control arms shipped from UK site for under $1000. That was a big job, but I did it in my driveway. Vehicle rides like new after that.Good luck (hope you have the same good luck I've had).
-Dirk
GORM
Adventurer
I bought my 2008 LR3 with 65k on it, now 125k. Only minor issues, I am a YouTube mechanic and will do the basics (maintenance, brakes, etc, but I get adventurous and did sway bar bushings, upgraded compressor etc. I’m pretty sure I’m on original control arms and they are ready to be replaced even though my mechanic says different.
My advice, later model years for all cars typically are better as they address short comings of the earlier models. That said, if you go this route ... only need decent tires to go deep into the woods/trails. This truck is a beast. I’d get the IdTool tool ... defintely get the blue tooth version. You’re going to get warning lights and stuff and this forum, a way to diagnosis and some guts to do it on your own is going to give you a ton of comfort that’s others here can help you out.
Also, my 2 cents ... get the SE not HSE version. You do not want 19’s or your 1st Purchase will be getting new rims. Better to get AT good tires on 18s and hit the trails.the heated windshield is cool but I found the rear heated seats uselessness because I almost never use them and I find th NAV awful too ... that will be circa 2008 maps.
Good luck
My advice, later model years for all cars typically are better as they address short comings of the earlier models. That said, if you go this route ... only need decent tires to go deep into the woods/trails. This truck is a beast. I’d get the IdTool tool ... defintely get the blue tooth version. You’re going to get warning lights and stuff and this forum, a way to diagnosis and some guts to do it on your own is going to give you a ton of comfort that’s others here can help you out.
Also, my 2 cents ... get the SE not HSE version. You do not want 19’s or your 1st Purchase will be getting new rims. Better to get AT good tires on 18s and hit the trails.the heated windshield is cool but I found the rear heated seats uselessness because I almost never use them and I find th NAV awful too ... that will be circa 2008 maps.
Good luck
Ray_G
Explorer
These trucks are light years more reliable than previous generations, though those generations reliability was often as much a facet of being properly maintained as anything.
A long way of saying they are great trucks. In fact I'd argue that the LR3 is one of the most solid platforms LR has built, but doesn't really get credit for it. Which is good if you are trying to buy one.
This site is a great resource for the platform, as is the aforementioned d3.uk. If you want a thread that consolidates buying advice to a degree, this is a good reference: https://nas-row.com/showthread.php?t=567
r-
Ray
A long way of saying they are great trucks. In fact I'd argue that the LR3 is one of the most solid platforms LR has built, but doesn't really get credit for it. Which is good if you are trying to buy one.
This site is a great resource for the platform, as is the aforementioned d3.uk. If you want a thread that consolidates buying advice to a degree, this is a good reference: https://nas-row.com/showthread.php?t=567
r-
Ray
The Rover Shop
Explorer
I owned a Land Rover shop for the longest time...I bought my wife an LR3 and it has been by far one of the most reliable and comfortable vehicles I have had in a long time..
Victory_Overland
Explorer
08 LR3, bought with 63k miles or so in 2012. 2018, I have 104k and the best vehicle I have ever owned. Everything that has let me down is attributed to my own causal factor.
I was told to stay away from 05-07 and get a late model 08 or up so I did. I can't speak for the reliability of those years but my 08 has been fabulous and well taken care of and spends a lot of time on the trails.
Happy hunting and Rover on my friend, Rover on!
I was told to stay away from 05-07 and get a late model 08 or up so I did. I can't speak for the reliability of those years but my 08 has been fabulous and well taken care of and spends a lot of time on the trails.
Happy hunting and Rover on my friend, Rover on!
Blaise
Well-known member
Very happy here as well. The good news is that the used market is very scared of used Discos so you can get a *very* inexpensive truck. A similar year/mileage toyota would have cost 2.5x and not been nearly as nice.
I've done nothing but lower CA bushings and maintenance on mine.
I've done nothing but lower CA bushings and maintenance on mine.
LR Max
Local Oaf
Early 30s here as well and have owned an LR3 for about 6 months. Also a non-daily driver. So far its been excellent. Use it for hauling clients, date night, wheeling/camping trips, and towing. Its just been great.
I got the "least interwebs version" possible. An 05 non-HD SE. It has been wonderful. They are heavily on maintenance, but not DD'ing it helps with this. But I'd say I dumped about $2500 in it (5 BFG tires, transmission service, and all the other service) right off the bat. Its been good.
Find one with history and enjoy.
I got the "least interwebs version" possible. An 05 non-HD SE. It has been wonderful. They are heavily on maintenance, but not DD'ing it helps with this. But I'd say I dumped about $2500 in it (5 BFG tires, transmission service, and all the other service) right off the bat. Its been good.
Find one with history and enjoy.
A friend of mine owns a LR/Jag/whatever comes in the driveway repair shop. He sold his 2006 LR3 with 150K to a friend of his - always a dicey proposition - but they are still friends and the LR3 now has over 300K with no major issues. The shop owner bought a 2012 RR for commuting and keeping up appearances.
MAKE SURE you don't dilly-dally about changing the engine oil, transmission/transfercase and coolant. Change them at the minimum mileage per service instructions. Bob will be your uncle.
MAKE SURE you don't dilly-dally about changing the engine oil, transmission/transfercase and coolant. Change them at the minimum mileage per service instructions. Bob will be your uncle.
Victory_Overland
Explorer
cornfarmer
Observer
My DD is an '06 SE, probably the most basic/stripped trim....V6, no Nav or heated seats, etc. Thing runs like a clock with just basic maintenance. The previous owners took good care of it, which is key.
<-- My post count is low because the dang thing really just goes and goes and doesn't complain.....past cars I've owned and dealt with, I'd be on those forums everyday looking for info on how to fix this or that....
<-- My post count is low because the dang thing really just goes and goes and doesn't complain.....past cars I've owned and dealt with, I'd be on those forums everyday looking for info on how to fix this or that....
LR Max
Local Oaf
Also I get my parts through a mixture of sources. Atlantic British is very good as they have kits. But a lot of time I go onto new LR cat, get part numbers, and then buy from lrdirect. Easy to buy from england and sometimes faster. Sometimes its cheaper, other times it isn't. But just keep an eye on it.
We just bought our 08 HSE with 159K on the clock, it is solid, tight, runs perfect and is everything I'd hoped it would be and more. Thus far the biggest problem is that my wife keeps stealing it and I think she may have driven it more than I have, and she tells me I should think about getting one for myself.