Should I Purchase an LR3

[rsracing1]

I have a 1999 D2 and had my share of pain that goes with the D2. Its now time sell it due to mileage/upkeep cost that goes with a car of this age.

I'm now considering/looking at 2005/2006 LR3s (approx 30K to 50K miles, with and with out warranty) but have no knowlege of the issues, if any one of these trucks brings. Any input, sugestions etc would be much appreciated.

I'm looking to gather as much feed back both positive and good to allow me to make a desicion as I need to replace my car in the next 4 weeks

Thanks

Gordon

 

[DiscoTeen]

I'd go with a 06. Although there are definitely good 05s out there, most have bugs/glitches. I wouldn't buy the first year of most models, especially a high-line brand. Also, it sounds like you're tired of maintenance costs -- understandable. How will purchasing an LR3 out of warranty really cut down on these costs? Won't it be more expensive to maintain a more technologically-advanced Rover out of warranty? Another thought would be to purchase a low mile 04 Disco. If you go with the LR3 -- get the warranty.

 

[jwest]

I agree on the 04 disco unless you just want a whole new experience and design - but if you read the disco3uk forum, you will see no one advocating living without the warranty. think fiber optics and much more computer related issues than any previous rovers. I wouldn't go any earlier than 06 either, maybe even find a hardly used 07 or 08, biting off a little more but maybe getting something practically new for much less. buying "cpo" will get you extended warranty on top of whatever is left on the base. the upgraded audio if nice, but not out of this world, the nav is nice have built in - can be updated, but has it's cons for sure, the leather quality has really improved into 08 which is why i mention finding one slightly used and of course right now the apr deals are fantastic.

one has to ask though, how expensive can your older one really be to maintain? compared to +/- upper $20's - $30k-ish for a cpo 06, that's a lot of repair $. I only ask because my 96 is still going strong with 201,000 miles .... as you surely know, the 04 D2 is like a whole different drive than up to 02 - you might dig it too.

 

[Ho]

Wife's LR3 has about 50K miles now, and has yet to act up with any problems. Well, it had to be reprogrammed twice. But other than that, it's been very solid.

You can't go wrong with the LR3. It's the best minivan x far.

 

[jwest]

....It's the best minivan x far.

Funny as hell but also quite true.

Part of why it works so well for our camping trips - in the winter especially - mini-van space inside, almost, but it can go where we want to go as well.

Just wish I could put the RR supercharger system on it.

 

[rsracing1]

I'd go with a 06. Although there are definitely good 05s out there, most have bugs/glitches. I wouldn't buy the first year of most models, especially a high-line brand. Also, it sounds like you're tired of maintenance costs -- understandable. How will purchasing an LR3 out of warranty really cut down on these costs? Won't it be more expensive to maintain a more technologically-advanced Rover out of warranty? Another thought would be to purchase a low mile 04 Disco. If you go with the LR3 -- get the warranty.

I have been considering the 04 D2. My only issue is the amount of issues/quality that come with the D2. On the other hand I've been spesificaly only looksing at 04 Smodels with duragrain interier with non air bag suspension and no sun roof in a hope to eliminate possable issues but would also like the change with a LR3.

Do the LR3s have the same amount/recurring expected issues the D2 had. Cylinder head leaks, 3 amigos lights on the dash, air suspension failure rear door hindge issues, window regulators just to mention a few of the things to expect when owning a D2.

I am looking at a few with warranty and some with after market 100K power train warrantys. ) 06 LR3s have typicaly 1 to 1.5 years left on them.

Are most issues been sorted out in the first 10 to 20K miles of ownership or are there issues happening with your trucks even afer warranty is out..?

Thanks again I appreciate everyones input

Regards

Gordon

 

[rsracing1]

I just noticed my spelling sucks on my last post

 

[jwest]

The 04 DII I have did not have air bags but it does have all the other options including rear parking sensors, sunroofs, cold pkg (heated windscreen) and for lights. You can pretty easily have the bags swapped to springs though. One benefit of the 03/04 is they come std with CDL although that can be added to the other ones too I think.

 

[rsracing1]

The other thing I meant to add on my last posts was what engine to go for V6 or V8.
Is there a noticable differance HP/TQ and MPG.... what would you guys recomend and why.

Thanks Again

Gordon

 

[Flip]

I would recommend as far as the lr3 goes an 06 v8 seven passenger, better resale and equivalent gas mileage as the v6. Buy one that is still under factory warranty there is over a mile of fiber optic cable inside the lr3 and i dont think you want to be the one paying to replace it if something goes wrong. If you love your disco get an 04 w/o the air suspension (not all SE's have the air suspension) that is still under factory warranty and certified. You will pay a little bit more for one that still has some remaining warranty but its worth it. The 04 in general doesn't have nearly as many bugs as the early series II did. I sell these cars for a living and I tell everyone for the most part that unless you are a competent technician dont buy one with out some sort of warranty.

 

[ccollins]

We have a 06 LR3 for our family vehicle, we really love it. I like it so much I have been considering getting one for myself. We have had a few small problems, Just the other day the horn went out, Little stuff like that. Definitly get a extended warranty. Great car though.

 

[RVRSRVC]

I think the horn issue is a recall relating to the SRS. Saw it on the counter at Land Rover Harrisburg when I was scheduling a follow up for my 06 HSE (which rec'd a new diff at 35k, now pulls right and t here is a suspension noise since the diff replacement)
My other posts on the D3 had me wavering a little about how I felt about this car. The more I drive it, the more I like it. I have 5 other Rovers: a S3 109, RRC swb and lwb, several DI's.

 

[Flip]

I was curious what ever happened with your diff issue on your 3 how has that all turned out?

 

[jbrockiii]

Gordon,Ive had 2 LR3s - have only had this one a few weeks but loving it so far. I too would recomend the V8, especially if u plan on towing. Ive also had a D2 and D1 and really think the drive of the LR3 is an improvement. Have u made any decisions yet?

 

[rsracing1]

Hi,

Thanks for all your replies. I've been doing a little more research on the LR3 an i'm still not sure what way to go. From what I've read it appears I would have to purchase one with warranty for piece of mind, which does make sense.
I realy like the appearance of rhe truck an heard nothing but great things about the drivabilty. The only dark cloud I have have sitting overhead that I cant shake is not if but what its going to cost once the warranty runs out.
I've not wrote off the LR3 yet; as long as I can find a decent reliable aftermarket warranty with a good reptation thats not going to cost more than $3k give or take a few $100 for a 100K mile full coverage.

Thanks..

Gordon

 

[Roverfire]

I've also been thinking about purchasing a LR3 or an 04' DII. I have a 99' DII now. Who has gone from a DII to a LR3 and what do you think of it? The DII has the more unique look to it where as the LR3 seems more mainstream.

 

[jbrockiii]

I've had a DII and now have a LR3. The interior in the LR3 is better and the drive is much more refined.

I'm with you -that the looks of the DII were more unique and I still like the way it looks better. However, I like the front of the LR3 better. I also like having a tailgate- good place to change boots, etc...

 

[jwest]

I don't think it's totally a question of one over the other but more about what you want to do with it and maybe if cost is a concern.

two easy comparisons:

for absolutely modifiable trail truck > disco
plush riding long trip travel/camping vehicle >lr3

other concerns get very subjective.

maybe you should decide by color instead - it will be simpler.

 

[Roverfire]

Would an 05' LR3 be an alright choice or should I stay away from the 1st MY of the LR3?

 

[paxton]

I've had no problems with my '05 that were not recall items.