In truth, I am trying to rationalize why I SHOULD get one, not why I shouldn't. We had two BMWs previously. Then we bought a 2009 Honda Pilot when we are expecting our first child, sold one of the BMWs (my baby, the M3) a few months later and told myself when the time came to get rid of the second BMW, I was going to get a boring, but reliable and economical car that used regular unleaded gasoline. Something like a Honda Accord or a Toyota Camry or one of those boring cars.
Two kids later (and hope for a third), I am now thinking of going the complete opposite direction: buying a hogging big SUV that sucks premium gasoline (with gas prices high again) and has a questionable reputation for reliability.
So I am trying to talk myself INTO buying a LR, and by reading about some of the problems people are having, I am trying to figure out a way to convince myself that I could either live with these problems or, better yet, that they probably woudn't happen to me.
Hey gfcronus,
You bring up some great points and I certainly understand your hesitation about making the plunge and buying an LR4. I agree with baobay's comments, as all vehicles have their issues. I am very happy with my LR4, despite some of the quirks. The blend of luxury, utility, and capability are excellent for the price tag. Before the LR4, I had a 2009 ML350 which gave me very few problems. I will tell you, I had a 2001 Land Rover Discovery and absolutely hated it. It was the biggest piece of crap in the world. By 25,000 miles it felt as though it was going to fall apart and had everything wrong with it. I sold it and got a new 2002 Mercedes E class wagon, which I loved, but it had several issues in the 2 years I owned it. I thought about going back to Land Rover with the LR3, but I just was not into it after the test drive. The LR4, at least, has made some great improvements and has definitely led me back to the brand - despite the quirks and potential issues. I am hoping that Land Rover quality will continue to increase over the years. All this said, I think you are probably better off than some folks who bought the 2010 first year model, as the upcoming 2012 model should have (hopefully) worked out some of these issues. I have talked to LR4 owners who have had a myriad of problems (especially from the 2010 year), but also several (including 2010) who have lots of miles and have had absolutely NO problems. But, like I said, this can happen with any make or model car, etc.
I have a good friend who is a service manager for Lexus / Toyota and he said they see a number of issues lately, especially with Lexus. Still, I definitely considered a Toyota Land Cruiser, as I feel they are a great choice as far as reliability and holding their value. The only problem I had when I drove one was that they were just really boring. I did not care for the new design as much as the previous version.
I guess I am just trying to say that you are doing the right thing in thoroughly exploring the brand, but sometimes these boards can give a false picture as all make/model discussion groups are filled with issues, etc. In the end, I wish you the best of luck making the choice that is best for you and your family.
I apologize if you already mentioned it, but have you driven the LR4 yet?
Thanks, David