LR3 - buying used: what to look for?

[MonLand]

After month of researching a new car for my wife, she found a decently-priced LR3. Now..... I have zero experience with the LR3 and I have one hour to learn what could be wrong with it (i.e. what to look for). As far as I know:
- V6 engine
- close to 50K (highway) miles
- 2006 MY
- Land Rover dealership maintained
- never ever offroad (very few will see dirt roads for the next few years anyway! ;-) [well... maybe not on this board])

I did not do a search here yet (that's my next step), but if you guys have a 30-min crash course on the LR3, feel free to share!

Thx!

 

[D Chapman]

50k miles are high
Get an extended warrenty!
look for a V8 with the HD package with rear locker (no, you may not need it or want it, but the re-sale will thank you later on)
Make sure the pass door locks when you use the key fob
When you start it, make sure the battery does not seem "weak"
Make sure all the controls for low range, ride heigth, etc work
make sure the jack tools are there

that's all I can think of for now

 

[Lusty]

Two more to add-

Check the leather on the doors, for some reason it tears easily.

Check the sun screens.

Try to negotiate a real set of tires and a full size spare into the deal if you can

 

[BoiseLR3]

Run the VIN at the dealership where it was serviced to check the history and see what has been fixed/broken/ect.

Since it is at 50k you will need a third set of GY's or they will have put decent tires on it already.

IMO, I would not feel pressured to purchase this particular truck. The gas mileage with the V6 is not significantly better than the V8 and you will want the HD package for the locker as stated earlier.

As stated earlier, if it is a dealer selling, I would make them pony up for an extended warranty and make it a deal breaker for this LR3 or any other. Stand firm, they will cave on this to move the truck.

 

[expectthebest]

Is it common for LR dealers cave in and include the free extended warrenty when it comes down to a deal breaker? If so, this is good info!!

 

[RAV]

Wait for a V-8 with less miles.

 

[BoiseLR3]

Is it common for LR dealers cave in and include the free extended warrenty when it comes down to a deal breaker? If so, this is good info!!

Dunno if it is common but it worked for us because it was a service loaner and sales were slow with a lot of inventory on hand. We had also done a lot of sales research and had listings of a couple of other vehicles nearby at lower prices to pressure the salesman. YMMV but it's worth a try....they make money on the warranty sale also so if they wash on that but sell the vehicle they are usually happy. We were walking out when they said they'd do it. Just don't fall in love with any newer model car, there is another good deal around the corner.

 

[lrcb40]

Ask if this truck is covered under the Land Rover Certified Pre-Owned scheme - 75,000miles/6 years. It should qualify. It's a 140 point check and you get a number of other benefits too, like it can be extended.
Andy

 

[Springsroverfamily]

texascarsdirect.com check there site there seems to be some great deals there. someone on this board refered me. 2005 LAND ROVER LR3 V8 SE 1263 DEEP TONGA GREEN
$21,950 34kmi full factory warranty with factory complimentary maintenance program and pre qualified for 100,000 mile extended warranty and Lojack Stolen Vehicle Recovery System Ebony leather interior power seats xenon headlamps with dynamic leveling cd changer Harmon Kardon premium sound system electric sunroof traction control terrain response system integrated garage door/entry gate opener rain sensitive windshield wipers automatic dimming interior mirror headlamp power washers power windows power mirrors power door locks alarm dual airbags cruise control abs brakes speed sensitive power steering all-wheel-drive air suspension with factory 18 inch alloy wheels roof rails ESTIMATED TIME OF ARRIVAL 1/18

 

[Robert Page]

How important is the "certified warranty"? I am looking at an 05 LR3 "Trail" at a trusted dealer. They are telling me the "certified" adds $1700 to their cost and they do not usually do it. Asking $29,900 for an 05 trail SE with Locker and 29,500 miles, one owner. In near perfect condition with new tires and brakes.

 

[D Chapman]

30k seems high. I saw basically that same truck for 25k 2-months ago in Miami.

 

[expectthebest]

How important is the "certified warranty"? I am looking at an 05 LR3 "Trail" at a trusted dealer. They are telling me the "certified" adds $1700 to their cost and they do not usually do it. Asking $29,900 for an 05 trail SE with Locker and 29,500 miles, one owner. In near perfect condition with new tires and brakes.

Dealers will not usually do something that costs them money. Sometimes you have to demand it and then take your chances. Remember, there is never one perfect car. If the deal isn't right, there will always be another.

 

[DevilDisco]

If you are buying the vehicle from a actual Land Rover Dealer. Their certified preowned vehicles come with 75k mile warranty. For some reason the sales personnel do not always volunteer this information. http://www.landroverusa.com/us/en/Vehicles/Certified_Pre_Owned/Warranty_and_Assistance.htm

If you've bought from that them before they can give you a $1k loyalty bonus and 4.9% financing.

 

[nwoods]

I can't tell you if $1700 is a good price for the Certified Pre-owned status, but you are likely to need about that much or more in misc. repairs, alignments, etc... between 30K and 75K miles anyway, so it seems like not such a bad deal.

 

[LandCruisers4Life]

Warranty.... Warranty.... Warranty................. Did I say Warranty? Those LR3's have been known for a lot of computer problems. I don't know if they worked the bugs out or not, but buying used, I'd be careful about that.

 

[DOHC Holliday]

Sorry for the bump on an old thread...

Is there a designation for the HD package and locker? Need to know what I'm looking for. Thanks.

And..

Does their certified warranty cover electrical issues like sensors and modules, or is a shit one for "internally lubricated parts?"

 

[MonLand]

Sorry for the bump on an old thread...

Is there a designation for the HD package and locker? Need to know what I'm looking for. Thanks.

And..

Does their certified warranty cover electrical issues like sensors and modules, or is a shit one for "internally lubricated parts?"

I was told that the safest way to check this is to look at the top of the rear diff. If there is a locker, you can't miss it. As far as I understand it, the factory and extended warranty covers _everything_ except:
- tires
- brake pads
- rotors
With the extended warranty, there is a $100 deductible for every "repair" (not sure what constitute a "repair" for example if you blow the T-Case and the gearbox at the same time, does this count as two repairs?).

We went for a grocery getter (no HD package, V6, 2006MY, 30K miles) but with extended warranty (and two tires that needs to be replaced in the next few days...).

 

[Flip]

The certified is to be considered an extension of the factory warranty with the exception of the consumables and the 100$ deductible (I've seen people have to pay for hoses under the certified warranty also) . If you are looking at the HD package the best way to check and the only surefire way is to run the vin at the dealership and get a copy of the original windowsticker/invoice. If it isn't a landrover dealership email me the vin and I'd be more than happy to help...then again why not just come buy the car from me?!?!?!