07 LR3 w/v6 engine

[dropper]

I think V8 power and smoothness is pretty tough to beat on these heavy trucks... if buying used I would think the slight premium is worth it.

I've actually heard stories the V6s get worse mileage than the V8s given how relatively hard they have to work... but maybe someone with actual knowledge can debunk / confirm these rumors.

 

[richpike]

I think V8 power and smoothness is pretty tough to beat on these heavy trucks... if buying used I would think the slight premium is worth it.

I've actually heard stories the V6s get worse mileage than the V8s given how relatively hard they have to work... but maybe someone with actual knowledge can debunk / confirm these rumors.

If the V6 is truly geared lower I would expect it to get worse gas mileage. Looking online, it appears that in 2005 V8 was rated 14/18 and the 2006 V6 was rated 14/19. Like you said that may not be accurate in the real world.

-Rich

 

[JJABKW]

We have an 05 SE V8 which is currently in the shop for scheduled maintenance and a laundry list of small items that need to be taken care of before the warranty expires. I was lucky enough to receive an LR3 as a loaner. It is an 07 with 22k miles. I had the opportunity to take the loaner car to Pismo Beach for the week towing a 4000 pound trailer. Towing was no problem, though it lagged alot more than the V8 on the steeper grades it still fulfilled its responsibilty. The V6's off-road capabilities were only limited by the Goodyear tires that for some unknown reason Land Rover insists on putting on their vehicles. The only real difference is that the V6 gets alot better mileage than my 05 V8.

 

[tommithy]

We have an 05 SE V8 which is currently in the shop for scheduled maintenance and a laundry list of small items that need to be taken care of before the warranty expires. I was lucky enough to receive an LR3 as a loaner. It is an 07 with 22k miles. I had the opportunity to take the loaner car to Pismo Beach for the week towing a 4000 pound trailer. Towing was no problem, though it lagged alot more than the V8 on the steeper grades it still fulfilled its responsibilty. The V6's off-road capabilities were only limited by the Goodyear tires that for some unknown reason Land Rover insists on putting on their vehicles. The only real difference is that the V6 gets alot better mileage than my 05 V8.

I've noticed that the 06 and 07 V8's get better mileage then my 05 V8. LR parts dept claims that this is because they changed engines. Dunno if that's true or not.

 

[richpike]

The only real difference is that the V6 gets alot better mileage than my 05 V8.

How much better?

-Rich

 

[richpike]

I've noticed that the 06 and 07 V8's get better mileage then my 05 V8. LR parts dept claims that this is because they changed engines. Dunno if that's true or not.

Interesting - I thought they all used the same Jaguar sourced V8. Can someone confirm/deny that the engines changed between 05 and 06?

-Rich

 

[nwoods]

Hmmm....well maybe gearing is more important than power, but I'd bet deep down inside Nathan would trade his V6 for a V8.

Hmmm...that's difficult to answer.

The V6 gearing is perfect, and noticeably better than the V8's gear ratios. I have driven about 8,000 miles in a V8, and 38,000 miles now on my V6. I have a pretty good feel for the differences.

I WOULD "upgrade" to the V8, but only if I was getting an HSE with all the bells and whistles, otherwise, my 05' V6 is going to stick with me for a while. It's the HSE creature comforts that would entice me to upgrade, not the engine.

Every time I drive a V8, I get back into my truck and do not find it lacking, which to be perfectly candid, is a relief, each and every time.

The V6 is a bit louder, because it is working harder. There is no appreciable difference in gas mileage, but I learned to drive from rally racers, so take that with a grain of salt

The biggest difference between the V6 and V8 LR3, is that the V8 makes the truck feel lighter and more nimble. Off road, there is no difference, the V6 is an incredibly torquey motor, and can run circles around older Land Rovers with the 4.0L V8 (and 3.8L V8's). Some mechanics I have spoken too feel the V6 is a more durable motor than the V8, but I have not ever heard of any V8 problems, so they both seem pretty good in that regard.

If you opt for the V6 to save money, you won't be disappointed, but if you have the opportunity to get the V8, I would suggest you do so. When I bought mine, it was a huge financial stretch, so the V6 was my only option. I wish for the creature comforts and air suspension of the higher spec models, but I don't pang for the V8.

 

[Houm_WA]

That's insightful feedback, thanks...

 

[toddjb122]

Changed engines? That sounds far fetched.
I have an '05 V8 and seem to get the same MPGs as everyone averages here. I'll still see 20 on highway trips, but if I don't touch the trip computer for weeks the average is 14.5 or so with mostly city driving and a heavy foot.


On the OP question, get the V8 unless you are really getting a sweet deal on the V6. This is a heavy truck and when you're doing 60mph on the highway and **** hits the fan and you have to mash on the gas pedal to accelerate away from something, i'd rather have the HP of the V8 there for me. But that's just me.

In lighter vehicles the V6 option makes sense. In the LR3, they should only be offering V8 and diesel!

 

[nwoods]

Interesting - I thought they all used the same Jaguar sourced V8. Can someone confirm/deny that the engines changed between 05 and 06?

-Rich

No change in the US market, overseas there are changes in the diesel plant. Someday, we can dream of the TdiV8 here in the States. Someday...