buying LR3, advice?

[vacwm]

Hey guys, i have just joined these forums....

I am buying (or very close to buying) my first LR3 and my first rover ever. I have been more of a bimmer driver. I test drove a 2006 LR3 HSE and really like it. I am just looking for some feedback on things I need to watch for, pros and cons etc...

all advice is appreciate.
thanks

 

[Houm_WA]

It will have some little problems, you want to make sure they've been addressed. It's pretty well covered on this forum. Transmission programming, tire wear and alignment, new compressor design, etc...

...check the tires very carefully first. Best if they are NOT Goodyear Wrangler HPs and if the vehicle can get an alignment before you take ownership. Some LR3s develop water leaks through the sunroof (drains) you might want to ask if that's been rectified (involves trimming out the drain plug).

Finally...take it off-road. That's the best way to keep it happy. At least once every 3 months at a minimum. The LR3 is like a dog...you have to feed it, love it...and WALK it!

EDIT: Almost forgot....expect to replace the bushings every 50k miles or so!

 

[gmfain]

Hello, I recently bought a 05 LR3 SE. My research mostly revealed the control arm bushing might need changing. Of course, depending on mileage, brakes, tune up, the normal wear and tear stuff.

I ended up changing my control arm bushings myself. It was quite a job. Dealer wants $ 800-$1000 for the job. I posted a "how to" . http://www.dixieformplates.com/LR3BushingProcedure09.pdf

I have been really happy with the truck. I owned a 00 Disco 2. I also installed new tires. Cooper Zeon LTZ 285×60x18. I love em!

Also alot of good info at Nathen's web site: http://blog.nextstepdesigns.com/

cheers,
Mitchell

 

[goinsurfin]

I have an 06 HSE and love it. like the posts before me, get all issues cleared up and the truck will run solid. Recently, I had my control arm bushings replaced under warranty...so this might be an option too for you... If you decide to keep the 19" tires, consider the Pirelli Scorpion ATRs. i have over 20k and they look and sound great and wear very slowly...just keep the wheels aligned... if not, there are plenty of 18" options out there to consider..

 

[zulu]

I have an 05 HSE and loving every minute of it. Heck, I even have a model of it sitting on my desk. I bought it in Feb 09 with 60,000 kms on it. Only prob was the drain tubes that Houm WA talked about. A quick cleaning of the drain tubes and everything is fine..

 

[vacwm]

thanks guy, i am finalizing the deal today.
i am going to look to all of you for advice. I have never off roaded... so I am going to need help.

 

[bcaese]

check engine light may come on and the truck may run fine, still trying to figure that one out myself.

 

[bcaese]

What are the symtoms to replace the control arm bushing??

 

[jesus_man]

thanks guy, i am finalizing the deal today.
i am going to look to all of you for advice. I have never off roaded... so I am going to need help.

Great! Post some pics of the new rig!! We have had ours for a few days now and are loving it as well!!

For off-road, your best bet is to go with a group and LISTEN to those helping you. Your dealer is likely to have some trips planned and it is better to watch very similar vehicles do the obstacles so you know what to expect. Start off easy and learn your rig. I have seen the bad results of people having more rig capability than driver skill and it's not good. When I first started, it was hard for me to listen to my spotters because I figured I knew better. WRONG! Took me a while to figure that out. If you start out easy, you learn your rig and then proceed to harder stuff by little steps. If you are not comfortable doing something, don't give in to peer pressure or pride.

Finally, before you get into the pretty serious wheeling, protect your vehicle with the likes of sliders and bumpers. I don't ever want to find out, but I am sure that body work on these rigs is expensive!! Protect it before it's too late.

J.D.

 

[vacwm]

nice.... congrats on your new LR3 JD. awesome.

i closed the deal with the dealership yesterday yeeeeehaaaaaaaaaaaa.
i should be picking mine up early next week (tuesday probably).
I cannot wait. thanks for the tips as well. trust me i will take my time before going off roading. off road is not the number reason i bought this SUV. i bought for family convenience, it is big, powerful, tons of options etc... the kids will love it.