2005 LR3’s

Tugela

Well-known member
May 21, 2007
4,754
562
Seattle
Having recently purchased an LR3, I would suggest that model year is less important than service history. I would feel more confident about buying an older one with higher miles if it had a well documented service history than a newer, lower miles example that came with no background. If well cared for the LR3 can run for a long time, but if neglected it can be a frustrating ownership experience. I paid a little more for mine because it came with a folder of service receipts that included known wear items and preventative maintenance as well as big ticket component replacement.
 
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discostew

Well-known member
Sep 14, 2010
7,706
1,015
Northern Illinois
Because of changes in some of the CAN networks and wire harnesses, I would have to disagree violently about the model year not making much difference. '08 model year would be better.
 

discostew

Well-known member
Sep 14, 2010
7,706
1,015
Northern Illinois
Great! That's the year I bought.
The diffs have been updated and don't fail like the early ones did. They started putting a better tape over the splices, it's black and almost looks like it could seal out water. Kinda. But in the CAN networks you don't see as many pass thru modules. T case is still a pass thru all the way up to the last LR4's. Not having pass thru modules on the networks make it a lot more durable and easier to diagnose.
 

Howski

Well-known member
Oct 19, 2009
1,483
209
Alabama
Interesting to learn the small differences over the years. Feel like I remember there being an issue with the diff breathers on the earlier years too
 

WILDROVR

Member
Jan 13, 2021
6
0
Connecticut
After owning a D1 and a D2 I now added a D3 to the fleet. A single owner 2005 with 160000 miles. I wanted the LR3, HSE with the HD package and 4.4l engine.

Spent just over $4,000 on brake lines, sway bar links, tie rod ends, alternator, tires, brake calipers, fluids...

But for just under $10k I got a cherry LR3 that's just as capable as the new defender and that's going to last me a long time! 🙈