LR 4 Retired

[PaulLR3]

I'm not really sure the Defender is an option for me. I'll have to see one in person, I think. But I've come to feel like they look too much like a toy and not anything substantial.

That's it! I couldn't explain what I didn't like about the Defender and "looks like a toy" is it.
And the fact that my Defender build costs the same as an HSE-LUX D5 or V6 Range Rover Sport.

Still so disappointed that the D5 SVX got cancelled.

 

[PaulLR3]

Very interesting and useful perspective on the long game here. I'm one of the new-to-me owners, having just recently purchased a 2013 LR4 and immediately putting about $3K worth of preventive maintenance into it. I figured I got it for $45K off retail so I don't mind putting maintenance dollars in.

Welcome Troy! Excellent point and helps explain why people are moving on after paying $60K for a new LR4 then another $15K in repairs once the warranty ran out.

 

[Quijote]

I am fortunate enough to have a desirable 2013 (LUX/HD/decent color) and have low miles and take very good care of it. I've said it before but to the point of there being new people on this board, I got it for a few different reasons, but a major one was the amount of cargo space and usable 3rd row for its length. Few people realize how short the LR4 is because it's so tall and boxy. I have a shallow (attached) garage and it was the best vehicle for us. That has not changed. It also happens to be a wonderful vehicle. So my plan is to take great care of it and hopefully it will last "indefinitely." We are at over 6 years now and I have zero desire to replace it.

Anyway, it's at this point going forward where the value proposition continues to grow. The LR4 depreciation will be minimal going forward. I would be crushed if something were to happen to it to force me to move on before another 6 years (at least). We are more likely to add another vehicle and relegate the LR4 to more limited and specific duty like harsh winter conditions, carrying many people, lots of cargo, family vacations, towing, occasional off-roading (if it ever happens), etc. With that in mind, I hope and can truly see us keeping it another decade+.

It sure helps that I am a mechanical engineer and have a hydraulic lift and also have more cars than drivers, so I can take the time to fix things on it myself.

 

[NASdiesel]

I ordered my LR4 with locker and while the repair costs recently have been egregious, I don't think I'd sell unless the engine had a major meltdown. I agree with the the op, mine hit 90K miles and has needed a significant amount of work in the last year. I could see why people get fed up.

I'm a multi LR owner (4,3 and 97 d90), daily drive a LR3 I paid $6K for a 3 years ago that just hit 215K miles. It literally was perfectly fine up until this year and has needed progressively more maintenance (and left me on the side of the road twice). I'm considering replacing the 3 next year now as the road salt takes hold. It's had a good run. But I might flip to a land cruiser or something else that lets me dedicate more time to the other rovers.

 

[ktm525]

What were the repairs required? I have had my 4 for 7 years now and it has been a little maintenance heavy but nothing crazy. At this point it is worth so little I will probably run it into the ground. Not sure I would even bother with the timing chain guides if and when they act up. Currently she is at about 110k miles and my daughter mostly drives it.


Oh and what Toyota? 4Runner or Land Cruiser? The 4Runner is such a step down in terms or ride, handling, power and refinement but it should be trouble free. The Land Cruiser is great but pricey. Which did you go for?

 

[PaulLR3]

Not sure I would even bother with the timing chain guides if and when they act up.

Totally agree. When I was picking up mine with a $2500 new steering rack the guy next to me was picking up his with a $9600 timing chain guide replacement.

But I will tell you that at 110K miles, a new steering rack makes a huge handling difference. (and mine was leaking as well). These wear so slowly you never notice it until you replace it. Now corners like it is on rails.

 

[horns]

went with the 4runner. agree that it is a step down except in anticipated reliability and resale. more than adequate for any off road activities for me.

the straw that broke the camel's back was combo of brakes (forgot how may sets I replaced), bushings and the tick-tock of a loose timing chain that I knew was looming.
If the timing chain tensioners have to be replaced you are almost "upside down" in it, financially speaking.

I enjoyed driving the LR4. Distinct. Not. too many on the road, but in the end I decided to tighten the financial belt. If I could keep it as a 3rd car, then perhaps it would be cool to have in the stable.

 

[ktm525]

Your rig was making a tik tok sound or you feared it might?

 

[ryanjl]

I'll be honest. When I had my timing chain and guides replaced under warranty a year ago, I told them it was making a tik-tok sound. When I picked it up after the job, it made the same sound.

I think I, like a lot of people, started hearing ghosts every time I started the engine.

 

[Troy A]

I'll be honest. When I had my timing chain and guides replaced under warranty a year ago, I told them it was making a tik-tok sound. When I picked it up after the job, it made the same sound.

I think I, like a lot of people, started hearing ghosts every time I started the engine.

Ha! Now I don't feel so alone. Every little creak, shake, and click makes me wonder what's coming, thanks to you all!


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