Thinking about a LR3 , Any years to avoid?

jafir

Well-known member
May 4, 2011
1,628
0
Northwest Arkansas
I'm no expert, but my understanding is that it's all repairable as far as the issues with the 2005 and 2006. Water leaks, software updates, ignition condenser update, thermostat, idler pulley etc.

For $12,000 I'd want it to be pretty good, without needing too much. It certainly shouldn't need a bunch suspension work for that price. If it needs control arms and a compressor, I'd expect to get it for less than 10.
 

jafir

Well-known member
May 4, 2011
1,628
0
Northwest Arkansas
Drive it around quite a bit, make sure no warnings come on. Listen for clunks driving over bumps. Look, feel, maybe smell? for evidence of water leaking. Sunroof drains, windscreen cowl, and a pillar trim are the most common leaks I think. I need to find one on mine.
 

1920SF

Well-known member
Jan 6, 2007
2,705
1
NoVA
As Jafir mentions the water leaks are worth checking on, pass side carpet/foam & the channel along that side that conveniently holds a large bundle of wires.

Maint history is always a plus, particularly the control arms, brakes, service intervals-particularly the dif fluid-etc.
I just got one and love it so far.
R-
Ray
 

Nomar

Well-known member
Apr 23, 2004
6,078
13
Virginia
The local Indie shop recommends '06 and up V8's, I believe jymmiejamz(LRTech) does too.
 

jymmiejamz

Well-known member
Dec 5, 2004
6,008
361
35
Los Angeles, Ca
I only recommend 06+ because the front part of the drivers seat cushion does not go up and down, and I do not like seating position. There really aren't many differences in them as far as reliability goes.
 

KyleT

Well-known member
Mar 28, 2007
6,059
8
39
Fort Worth, TEXAS
I recommend against LR3's, and normally tell people to look at the GX470. OR a full size range rover.


too much electrical and mechanical potential for failure. I saw soo many estimates for repair that totaled more than the book value of the truck.
 

jymmiejamz

Well-known member
Dec 5, 2004
6,008
361
35
Los Angeles, Ca
I recommend against LR3's, and normally tell people to look at the GX470. OR a full size range rover.


too much electrical and mechanical potential for failure. I saw soo many estimates for repair that totaled more than the book value of the truck.

Range Rovers have just as many problems as LR3's and the interiors fall apart more on Range Rovers.
 

KyleT

Well-known member
Mar 28, 2007
6,059
8
39
Fort Worth, TEXAS
Range Rovers have just as many problems as LR3's and the interiors fall apart more on Range Rovers.

What are you smoking? 06+ is a million times better. I never see them falling apart like lr3's. Plus I think I have done like 1 rear diff in a 06+ and every lr3 seems to need both.
 

roverandom

Member
Dec 1, 2009
18
0
Here it is.
They can be relatively cheap to buy today, but still cost as much to repair as they did when they were new.
V8. Don't even bother looking at a V6.
Find a unit with 18" wheels and a full sized spare......some of those had the optional rear locker.
http://www.disco3.co.uk/forum/........Join.Read.Learn. If it go's wrong on a LR3, the fix will be documented on there.

If you plan on modifying it don't fool yourself that it is ever going to be a trail crusher. Mod's sadly consist of mostly lame and expensive bolt on stuff for overland types with too many pockets sewn onto their trousers. Rubbish stock tyre size makes it difficult to find decent treads and a stock 6,000lb curb weight conspire against you. The terrain response is good, but not that good.

If you are looking for a versatile, comfortable suv for the family that can handle some moderate-semi difficult off roading right off the showroom floor? A LR3 is hard to beat. 100% better than the DII.

My 2c.
 

qbenplaya00

Well-known member
Oct 4, 2012
122
0
Melancholy Hill NJ
Here it is.
They can be relatively cheap to buy today, but still cost as much to repair as they did when they were new.
V8. Don't even bother looking at a V6.
Find a unit with 18" wheels and a full sized spare......some of those had the optional rear locker.
http://www.disco3.co.uk/forum/........Join.Read.Learn. If it go's wrong on a LR3, the fix will be documented on there.

If you plan on modifying it don't fool yourself that it is ever going to be a trail crusher. Mod's sadly consist of mostly lame and expensive bolt on stuff for overland types with too many pockets sewn onto their trousers. Rubbish stock tyre size makes it difficult to find decent treads and a stock 6,000lb curb weight conspire against you. The terrain response is good, but not that good.

If you are looking for a versatile, comfortable suv for the family that can handle some moderate-semi difficult off roading right off the showroom floor? A LR3 is hard to beat. 100% better than the DII.

My 2c.


i just bought myself an 05 6cly... :eek:
 

roverandom

Member
Dec 1, 2009
18
0
DII is easier to modify into a trail beast, but if that is what you want to do a DI is better.
If you want a multipurpose SUV, a D3 is best.
 
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