Move on or Fix

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ktm525

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The guys at Columbia Rovers here in Portland all still swear by LR3s (for sure over LR4s) and are getting closer to the 300k mark on some of their vehicles.

If I were in your shoes it would be a tough call, one of the things I value with my LR3 is that I know what has been done and what feels solid. It also doesn't look older than 7 years even though it's a 2005 - so the condition of the paint and interior are important there too. If I found a gem of a 2009 LR3 with all the right features and I was in your shoes . . . I might go for it . . . otherwise fix and love.


Good luck, let us know what you decide!


It is in their best interest to have owners hand on as long as possible and pump money into their rides...

I would try to fix the jerky transmission with a 100% fluid change and ignore the fuel gauge (for now). Otherwise it is worth peanuts. V6 or V8?
 

jwest

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It is in their best interest to have owners hand on as long as possible and pump money into their rides...
Oh come on now! Lol you’re implying he’s lying or they are lying. You apparently don’t know squat about that crew so maybe think next time before ******** on one of the few good Indy shops.

The point being made is the lr3 are holding up with less major engine issues compared to lr4’s which have a ‘lucrative’ but more common engine repair.
 

Shaggy

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Hello,

I would love to get your collective opinion on my beloved 2005 LR3. It's now at 170,000 miles with a jerky transmission and dead fuel gauge along with some smaller DIY issues. It's going to be around a $7000 repair bill for transmission and installed new fuel sender units. The truck is obviously worth less- around $5-6K. But structurally and interior wise, it's still pretty good. Will need new tires in a year for $1500, maybe new air compressor for struts in a year or two. Aside from the brakes, anything else that I should be concerned about?
Will the engine last to 250K? or a rebuilt is in the foreseeable future?

Should I look for a newish Discovery or fix this one? Am I being sentimental and not wanting to move on from a truck that has served me well? Thanks.

So what are you thinking of doing now? Still thinking about it or have you made a decision yet?
 

Ian Morrison

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Hello,

I would love to get your collective opinion on my beloved 2005 LR3. It's now at 170,000 miles with a jerky transmission and dead fuel gauge along with some smaller DIY issues. It's going to be around a $7000 repair bill for transmission and installed new fuel sender units. The truck is obviously worth less- around $5-6K. But structurally and interior wise, it's still pretty good. Will need new tires in a year for $1500, maybe new air compressor for struts in a year or two. Aside from the brakes, anything else that I should be concerned about?
Will the engine last to 250K? or a rebuilt is in the foreseeable future?

Should I look for a newish Discovery or fix this one? Am I being sentimental and not wanting to move on from a truck that has served me well? Thanks.
Hello,

I would love to get your collective opinion on my beloved 2005 LR3. It's now at 170,000 miles with a jerky transmission and dead fuel gauge along with some smaller DIY issues. It's going to be around a $7000 repair bill for transmission and installed new fuel sender units. The truck is obviously worth less- around $5-6K. But structurally and interior wise, it's still pretty good. Will need new tires in a year for $1500, maybe new air compressor for struts in a year or two. Aside from the brakes, anything else that I should be concerned about?
Will the engine last to 250K? or a rebuilt is in the foreseeable future?

Should I look for a newish Discovery or fix this one? Am I being sentimental and not wanting to move on from a truck that has served me well? Thanks.
To be quite honest your engine could last and go over 250000 miles is all services are done and nothing is neglected. There is a known Fault with the Discovery 4 where the crank bearing are slipping causing the engine to seize. There is several disco 4s some with less than 85000 miles seizing so buying a Discovery 4 might give you bigger problems if brought. I would keep the Discovery 3 if you say it’s in good condition. The job of changing the compressor could be a DIY job and can be done in less than 1. Hour. If you did the job yourself it would cost you less than $500 .
I’ve always said keep what you know. What I’ve read about Discovery 4 issues you could buy a Discovery 4 and end up spending triple the amount on it. I too have a Discovery 3. I’ve just replaced all my tyres. New Discs, Pads and Shoes and new battery. My Discovery has 132000 miles on the clock and is still as powerful as the day it was first put on the road. The more you spend on the old girl the more you don’t want to part with her. Good luck with the transmission!
 

m_lars

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I’d fix it. $7k sounds insane, so I’d definitely get a second opinion as previously mentioned. Personally, I’d find a lower mileage used tranny on car-part dot com. Find a boneyard that offers a warranty if you’re not as comfortable with used parts as I am.
 

spawnywhippet

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I'd fix the transmission myself. I recently did it on my previous 2005 LR3 with 155k miles. Very jerky shifts, slipping in lower gears then slamming into gear.

I bought a solenoid kit, anti-slip fluid and the Atlantic British BMW oil pan conversion and service kit.

I drained the oil, pulled the pan and filter, then dropped the valve body out the bottom of the trans. I replaced the solenoids, reinstalled everything and topped up the oil.
Takes about 4 hours from start to finish, and costs about $500 for the parts. No special tools needed, and the trans does not need to be removed. I watched a youtube DIY video by a guy doing the same job on the same transmission (but fitted to a BMW 7 series).
 

Lr3tx

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My 2006 LR3 has 130,000 miles so far. Only major issue was the crankshaft pulley I replaced after much encouragement from this group. Still runs great, my gas sensors are dead as well but I use mileage numbers to keep from running out of fuel.
Suspension has a fault and wont raise or drop but I really don't really use the air suspension. No off road needed.
I hate car payments so I am continuing to fix and drive. Suggest you keep...
 

Houm_WA

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Hahaha @Lr3tx I do find it amusing that you say the "only" major issue is X....then go on to rattle off a bunch more issues. How can you drive around without EAS; are you stuck in Normal height then?
 

Houm_WA

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Yep...sure did, and that is indeed a nice accomplishment....hahahahaha....sorry man, I don't mean to laugh, but I must point out that living with or overlooking certain issues does not go with the territory (necessarily) of having the car's title in your filing cabinet. I'm glad you have been fiscally responsible and own your Rover outright, now fix that fuel issue and get yourself a new compressor!

Also, you should off-road it. You'll be introduced into a whole new world and for the first time ever you'll really understand what's in your garage/driveway.
 

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