LR 4 Retired

My 2 cents seeing we just had a near engine death experience (see my thread about the weird/nasty engine noise).
As stated above, there is NOTHING on the market that matches this vehicle. We are fortunate to be able to get just about anything 50-80k and even if you go higher there is still nothing. Maybe if they stretched a Gwagen? And even that doesn't feel like the LR4.

As for costs, you have to do the math. Which I just did since it looked like our ride was done. Even adding up the fairly bad maintenance costs we are still much better off on a monthly average basis than the down payment and monthly payments on anything in the 40-60k range new or CPO... and we wouldn't be as happy! I was actually looking at 2013 LR4's with 50k miles on them. You can get pretty decent deals on them even if you know what to expect monthly average maintenance wise.

This thread has me questioning my desire to put some money into my ‘12 LR4 with 80k for more dedicated offroad work - it’s no longer a daily driver.

It’s already got the 18” wheels and a RTT but I’m keen on a Tactical 4x4 rear bumper and tire carrier and then there’s the front bumper and winch eventually [emoji57]

It’s just been such a great vehicle. Did a leisurely rt from Denver to Joshua Tree in SoCal last summer - could have not been more enjoyable camping and driving - motorcycle hanging off the back.

My 2 cents is that if you like the vehicle, then take as good of care of it as possible and just deal with any issues as they arise.

Honestly, what is the ultimate life limiter on a vehicle? Metal fatigue or corrosion of the frame would be my guess. Since there are still functional vehicles running around that are 50 years old, I don't think that really figures into the calculus.

If you have a paid for LR4 that requires a re-engine/transmission at 20ishK, you are still ahead of buying a replacement vehicle for 70K and starting the cycle again.

JMHO, of course.

Very much appreciate the $0.02, that’s what a person can profit from on this forum - especially from people who have the real world experience.

I’m pretty committed to moving forward with the upgrade plan as this is just a great vehicle for exploring and camping out of. I can see another $6k of additions possible, in two phases, rear and front, and I suppose many of these upgrades could be resold separately down the road and the unimaginable situation where the LR4 is sold or traded in.

80k trouble free mikes is really just getting started, especially for a special use, non-daily driver.

avslash said:

My 2 cents is that if you like the vehicle, then take as good of care of it as possible and just deal with any issues as they arise.

Honestly, what is the ultimate life limiter on a vehicle? Metal fatigue or corrosion of the frame would be my guess. Since there are still functional vehicles running around that are 50 years old, I don't think that really figures into the calculus.

If you have a paid for LR4 that requires a re-engine/transmission at 20ishK, you are still ahead of buying a replacement vehicle for 70K and starting the cycle again.

JMHO, of course.

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avslash said:

Honestly, what is the ultimate life limiter on a vehicle? Metal fatigue or corrosion of the frame would be my guess.

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^This will happen, depending on where you live. But there is a fix...Just saw an LR3 with 30K miles from Nantucket Island getting a frame transplant. So now the new frame should last another 15 years or so.

goblue95 said:

Traded it in for a new Ford Expedition Platinum, which is a bit different in many respects but somewhat luxurious, elevated ride height (we didn’t like the other 3-row SUVs that sit lower), massive inside and super comfy for road trips

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I have had two Expeditions over the years, one of the early models that was more rounded, and then the refreshed version that was more angular in stance. I must agree-- the interior space is enormous and the cargo space is vast. Road trips in the Expy are a nice comfy floating treat. I even got used to removing the 3rd row "couch" when I had a load to transport. They probably have a premium fold-down feature now.

Anyway, sorry to lose you from the LR fold but good luck and who knows, you may be drawn back someday...

cperez said:

They probably have a premium fold-down feature now.

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The Explorer has had it for a few years now, so I expect the Expedition to have it for sure.

It’s been years since I posted anything, but I was one of those original LR4 folks and maybe still have some stickies on this forum? As a guy who made the switch, I can say I miss my 2013 LR4, but I had to goto something different to suit my needs. I have a 2018 Toyota Land Cruiser. As I’ve heard it said, I loved my LR4, but I respect the Land Cruiser. I have so much information in my head about the LR4, it’s been interesting switching platforms. I welcome any questions! Good luck, guys!

Finlayforprez said:

It’s been years since I posted anything, but I was one of those original LR4 folks and maybe still have some stickies on this forum? As a guy who made the switch, I can say I miss my 2013 LR4, but I had to goto something different to suit my needs. I have a 2018 Toyota Land Cruiser. As I’ve heard it said, I loved my LR4, but I respect the Land Cruiser. I have so much information in my head about the LR4, it’s been interesting switching platforms. I welcome any questions! Good luck, guys!

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I learned a ton from your awesome posts here and elsewhere. Great to see you post again!!!


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Honestly like they said a couple of post ago if you treat the car right it’ll treat you right. Even tho the my LR4 is 10 years old, has 110k on the clock and has its fare number of use on it, its developed a special place in my heart where it’s more then a car, it’s a mate. It’s like a healthy old dog that is loyal to you and you love it and really All you need to do to keep it alive is give it some food and an occasional visit to the vet. If you stay on top of the LR4 and just don’t let it get run down it shouldn’t be too hard to maintain apart from the things that are bound to happen like timing chain and air suspension. Like I said mine has 110k on the clock and I still plan on dumping about 3k of mods on it from a 500w sub into the back all the way to 18’ wheels with 31’ tires and sliders and lift rods on it and maybe even the tactical 4x4 back bumper with the wheel rack on the back. Not only will the car now have a personality with a place in my heart but it’ll also be uniquely personalized to what I like and need. And that’s what truly makes a car special.