Worth upgrade LR3 to LR4?

Good info....I've heard about the shorter oil change intervals helping with the timing chain guide issue, but first I've heard that they are metal.

Houm_WA said:

Good info....I've heard about the shorter oil change intervals helping with the timing chain guide issue, but first I've heard that they are metal.

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I believe the original TCG's are aluminum and the new units are still made with aluminum with hardened steel where the contact points are.

I had an '05 LR3 and loved it. Some issues/gremlins. Then I drove the LR4 (2012 V8), bought it and never looked back. Not once. No tears shed. I find the LR4 to be the best balance between luxury and capability. I currently have 125K on it. Zero issues. Zero. Thankfully.

I have three sets of tires/wheels. All 19s:

Summer: Contis
Winter: Nokian Hakkas
All Terrain: Duratracs

LR4 is super capable and quiet on the highway and fantastic off road.

I've wheeled the San Juan Mountains in Colorado, all over Utah and the PNW and it never skipped a beat.

I've considered the 2020 Defender very seriously, but that swing out rear door is a deal breaker. I live in the city and like the Lexus GX, you can't fully open the door when parallel parked on the street without hitting the car behind you. And, if you happen to have enough room for the door to open, you can't get past the door with a load without closing the door to get to the curb. Stupid. It's definitely designed for the RHD markets.

Plus, the Defender is smaller.

I just moved a loveseat for a friend last night. Doors closed and all. The loading dock guys were impressed with the size of the LR4's interior with the seats folded. Funny.

At 125K, I was considering a newer one, but I'm not a fan of the 6 in the 2014-2016s, or the shifter, but I do love the headlights. Plus, it's nearly impossible to find one with the HD package.

So, at this point, I think I'm keeping the '12 and getting something newer to supplement it. Maybe a RR Td6. I'm seeing '16s at $50K, which is crazy for a $105K MSRP.

I’ve got 3 young kids and a young fiancé so I needed an LR4 for the third row of seating. Before I bought this first LR I test drive a bunch of other 3rd row seaters. The LR was quicker, smoother, nimbler than other SUVs, plus the off-road capability. I’d have gotten a 3 or D if it weren’t for those nosy kids!

Mdurwin said:

I’ve got 3 young kids and a young fiancé so I needed an LR4 for the third row of seating. Before I bought this first LR I test drive a bunch of other 3rd row seaters. The LR was quicker, smoother, nimbler than other SUVs, plus the off-road capability. I’d have gotten a 3 or D if it weren’t for those nosy kids!

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3? My LR3 has seven seats...

So.. passed on the LR4 upgrade. Sticking with the ‘08 LR3 HSE.

Anybody want some 3rd row seats?
(Black leather) - LOL

PSA - I replaced my O2 sensors and my 150K mile LR3 is peppy again. I though the sluggishness was from all the armor and 33" wheels, but a bigger part was it was poor fuel ratio.

morrisdl said:

PSA - I replaced my O2 sensors and my 150K mile LR3 is peppy again. I though the sluggishness was from all the armor and 33" wheels, but a bigger part was it was poor fuel ratio.

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We have a 2006 LR3 SE with 172k currently and a 2015 LR4 HSE LUX with 65k.

Recently I decided to do a small overhaul to the LR3 and did all the O2 sensors (oem), fixed some exhaust leaks and replaced the entire cooling system (genuine hoses/pump/pulleys/etc) at 165k along with all new upper and lower control arms and then had the wheels powder coated black and threw on some new 275/65/18 BFG AT2's. I ditched the worn air suspension a couple of years ago in favor of some HD lift coilovers from British Atlantic Runs and drives like a champ - I think mostly from the O2 sensors change.

Personally, I actually prefer the seats/dash sitting position in the LR3 better. I also think the 4.4L V8 is a better motor than the 3.0 SC V6 - more reliable, easier to work on and less crap to go wrong.