LR3 or LR4?

Hi, some months ago I was on a similar dilemma. I have a LR3 V6 4.0 2007 (HSE Version) and a Discovery 1. With my wife we was looking for a most newer discovery to use daily, but, with some conditions (2013 on, low mileage, good conditions), so the answer was D4 / LR4. I ussually buy cars and fix them (I have 6 in total), but in this case we take the dessicion to look for something in good conditions.

Ablout the LR3 V6 4.0, is a very good car, we use it for overland, so it have a lot of accessories that don't let you use it in all city (parking builds are not too high for a roof rack, all the equipment call to many attention from others and some bad guys could be tempted).

What happened on the "look for process". Amost every of the discos we visit and test was in good conditions, but, we was looking for a V8 5.0, because the SDV6 (3.0 V6 diesel biturbo) presents some issues with turbos when them have lot mileages. On all the search, we take time to learn about the cars and find information about each car we test (maintenances list, failures presented, etc). Obviusly one of the best checks, is when you test it and looks it. What to check on V8 5.0:

- Coolant level
- Errors on dashboard (obviusly)
- Radiator (if it have spots)
- oil level and color
- if you have a scanner, please use it
- Oil changes

If it have the service book, check it, is very important to understand important maintenances.

About this engine, there was a lot of them sold on USA, so I don't think you will have problems to find parts if you need.

In my case, my wife fall in love with a cousin of Land Rover and we finally bought a Jaguar XF 2013 with 40.000 miles.

rjowenusa said:

... 2011-2013 LR4 V8 territory BUT these models seem to have a couple of frequent catastrophic failure points (like coolant crossovers, timing chains etc.)

Click to expand...

1) Drive a couple of LR4 models for comparison. I think the extra power makes a huge difference. Others may not care. I never even considered the LR3 as I felt 300hp/315tq was not adequate for the base 5600+lbs, let alone towing anything heavy.

2) I'm not sure I'd consider the items mentioned above as "frequent catastrophic failure points". The timing chain may never be an issue if the oil was changed frequently using proper-spec fluids. And the coolant pipes / water pump can be changed proactively based on miles. Ounce of prevention / pound of cure / etc.

A bit off topic, but my wife has a 15 LR4 with the SCV6. I was concerned picking the 6 over the 8 for her, but after driving this (when I get the chance) I think the SCV6 is totally fine on power due to the way the Trans is geared. She also has the HD, so she has Locking Diff and Low Range (Sadly it will never be used). But from a Power perspective I've never wanted more power when driving this, and this is coming from a guy with a 400+HP 930 and E46 M3 for track.

So, if you decide on the LR4, I would definitely consider the SCV6 as well, IMHO.

SCV6 would be ok with a new pulley and a tune. Still not as smooth as the 8 though.

Since you asked, if it were me, I would sell the V6 and put some of that money into the add on's you dream of for the V8. I have the, 007 LR3 V8 SE for ten years and it has been, reliably awesome, just some routine maintenance of course. I kept a LR4 for a bit from a local dealer when I thought I wanted to trade, I didn't like the new interior layout for the driver controls, moving them forward of the gear selector wasn't as convenient to me as to where they are on the LR3, plus losing the little storage area there as well. It drove well but, so did my LR3, it has all I need as to power, it's a off road'r, not a street racer. The LR3 was paid for and I didn't want to pay an extra $7k to switch. All in all, go with what you think makes you happy, the history you have with an acquainted vehicle and knowing what service/maintenance it has had goes a long way in the "peace of mind" department too.

I've had both a 2005 LR3 SEL and a 2010 LR4 HSE LUX. I'd personally go with the LR4 for the power and maneuverability. Plus the ride is more comfortable. The LR4 is a beast should you go off road too.

Thanks a lot to all who help me. Unfortunately my wife fall in love with a Jaguar XF 2.0 2013 with 63.000 kms (like 39146 miles). Car is working well, but turbo failed some weeks ago (sadly, is not a cheap spare).

Here a pic of the fleet