Another LR3 Purchase question...

JohnC

Well-known member
Dec 8, 2005
896
13
Tappan, NY
I went to see a 2005 LR3 SE with 103K miles. I did some research here first (glad I did). First thing I noticed:

1. Duct tape on bottom of windscreen (between cowl and windshield), ask the seller about this and he said they replaced the windshield ad left the tape. I told him WRONG!!! They usually use blue tape (painter tape) because it doesn't leave a residue when removed. Radio not working and sunroof not working, I'm guessing electrical issue because of water getting inside. What do you think?
2. FOB key was destroyed, all buttons missing. How expensive to replace these remotes?
3. Low coolant message on screen as soon as I turn on ignition. Coolant was about 1/4 below MIN level. Why low?? Took it for a spin and noticed small stain on floor of coolant, below reservoir tank. Could this be a hose?
4. Let the truck run for about 15 mins before moving it with AC on full blast and it blew very cold air and temp was below mid-point. Ok, AC works and no overheating so far.
5. Airbags replaced with springs. Ride was fine.
6. Tried slamming on brakes to see if I hear any tie rod clanking but brakes seemed a bit spongy. Didn't look like they changed the calipers but it might need a brake bleeding.
7. Emergency brake working, rear door latches working, very clean inside except for small rip on cubby box. Headliner sagging in the corners (not a big deal since there are 3 sunroofs you barely notice).

It's being sold for under $6K, what do you guys thinks? I don't mind doing the work (electrical and replacing hoses) but I want to make sure I'm not getting a POS.

Outside is nice, some scratches and a few small dents. I was planning on using it for camping and some light off roading.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.
 

discostew

Well-known member
Sep 14, 2010
7,733
1,023
Northern Illinois
The cowl cover will need to be replaced, that could well be the reason water is in the car. Pull the pollen filter out of it and if its wet its the cowl.

The sunroof is probably because the lin bus is open circuit. It's a red wire that makes a goofy trip in the cross car harness that runs from up in behind the glovebox behind the front row seats to the driver side. then up into the headliner in the a pillar.Check that the drivers seat works.

The key could cost you around 400 and just so you know going into this, there is some kind of problem right now getting keys. I just got one like that this week that I ordered on Feb. I've seen a lot of keys with the button exposed that still work. I would test the key function with a RKE tester and if it's sending out a signal you probably have a broken splice down in the pass front door sill.

That car is probably not worth 2500. If your willing to spend 6 large I would think you could find a really nice example. From what your describing I wouldn't pay 1 grand for it. You lost me at steel spring conversion, water in the floor, and spongy brakes.