LR3 Fatigue

[StangGT5]

I know trucks are all opinion and budget. That said, a few years ago at a dealer auction I compared 2020 2500s from the big three side by side for a friend. I hate Ford dealer's nasty up charges, but I see why people pay them. Measuring by exterior and interior, the Ford truck blew the other two away. Dodge was second, and the Chevrolet felt entirely outclassed. The Dodge is going to eat its transmission though, guaranteed. The "Trail Boss" 1500s they offer are an absolute joke compared to the Raptor, and the Ram Rebel has a better chassis and cab (though less powerful). The Power Wagon kicks ass for the price, but it will drive through its brakes in low range down hill. The only thing that bothers me about the Bronco is the oil pump belt. That is some terrible engineering to me. The 2.7T in the F150s either pop at 100K or go 300K though. Guess they know something I don't. Other than that, and some early roof issues, the Bronco kicks ass too. The 392 Wrangler is really just that, all the crappiness of a Wrangler with an awesome engine.

As for Land Rovers, yeah the only one I'd own made after the V8 LR4 would be a 18+ Supercharged L405 with an extended warranty. The D5 is just too damn ugly and I never hear anything good about them other than that they drive well when they work. Big whoop. I guess the RRS is okay, but if you're going to own a RR own the real one.

I think the LR3 and the LR4 are a sweet spot like the L322 and will be the 99-02 and 03-04 Discos of the future. They can be a pain above 150K or so, maintained or not, but they're the last of an iconic design, V8 powered, and drive really well.

 

[Blueboy]

I think the LR3 and the LR4 are a sweet spot like the L322 and will be the 99-02 and 03-04 Discos of the future. They can be a pain above 150K or so, maintained or not, but they're the last of an iconic design, V8 powered, and drive really well.

At least older Rovers are maintainable for usually reasonable costs. Have 132k on the ‘94 Rangie LWB and 112k on the ‘96 D1 SD. The Rangie is holding up better than the Disco yet I use the D1 on a daily basis. Both still are very enjoyable to drive and really appreciate the simplicity of both compared to even a LR3 let alone later model Rovers. However I do like the L322 and could be an alternative to the D1 down the road.

 

[MM3846]

I’m still waiting for the expensive maintenance. I’m going to have to pay an indy to do crossover pipes and all that soon, but that’s an every 80-100k miles expense. Outside of fluids, I’m not even $1500 deep over 3 years and 40k.

 

[robertofollia]

Well, I can feel I am in the same boat. Have driven nothint but LRs for the past 30 years. 1st one a Santana 88" from 1992 (imagine a Series III with D90 body and cart springs)made in Spain. Then my dad's RRC 300tdi powered (by far the most reliable), then a V8 D2, and a V8 LR3, and all them are kept to this day. The LR3 is the one that gave the most troubles, diff and suspensions related, from 2008 to 2012.
I've been looking at alternatives, namely a Chevy Tahoe 1993-95 3 door, or a Durango 1998-2003 (don't know if 4,7, 5,2 or 5.9) or a Ford Explorer 1992-1994MY (it's not price it's the ones I like) but parts availability for them outside USA is dismal. Nothing is available or is obsolete and if I buy from US, shipping and customs costs kill me.
For modern ones, Ram 1500 classic 5,7 looks great but don't know long term reliability. Did not know anything about the Bronco's oil pump belt (FORD Fabricación Ordinaria Reparación Diaria -ordinary build quailty repair daily, as they say in Spain).
So far dealing with myriad of HEVAC faults in the LR3, slipping clutch in RRC, and water ingress in D2.....
Would like another alternative but keep with LR massochism as can't find suitable alternatives (candidates are no longer supported by their builders)
Best regards