Good thing my last vehicle was an Audi allroad

[PaulLR3]

Before the LR3, I owned a 2002 then 2004 Audi allroad. Amazing vehicles but they needed constant repairs. Spending $3000 or more per year in repairs was normal.

So I wasn't surprised when the LR dealer called yesterday to say my LR3 needed $2500 in repairs. I knew both lower control arm bushings were leaking and there was a loud howling noise like it was running on monster truck tires.

The needed repairs include both front hubs with worn-out bearings (that was the howling noise), control arms with ball joints, tie rod ends, sway bar bushings and an alignment. I think the average Accord/Camry owner would be shocked if they needed all this at 65K miles. But then again, they are driving a boring transportation appliance.

Just like the allroad, I like the LR3 enough to "invest" this money into it, keep it in good shape and drive it for at least another 65K miles.

 

[Bostonian]

My landy is getting the control arms done today. I did the rear sway bar bushings last fall, and I can't wait to see how it drives with a mostly updated suspension. Today's investment will be pricey.

 

[PaulLR3]

For what I'm spending today it should handle like an Audi. Is yours at Land Rover Hanover along with mine?

 

[CMGRover]

I agree...the extra cost for these is totally worth it!

 

[Bostonian]

Not today. Today I used Overlander, in Southie. I had LR Hanover quote me on the same work and got a good price at Overlander. It's no frills, and if you can look past that and happen to be in Boston for the day, it's worth a little inconvenience.

 

[PaulLR3]

Bostonian, have you had good luck with Overlander? I called them to get an estimate on replacing the lower control arms. When I mentioned the rear bushings were leaking, that said that was impossible because they are just rubber. That scared me away because I knew the rear bushings were liquid filled and could see them leaking on my garage floor. If they work on Land Rovers all day I figured they should know about the bushings which are a common failure.

Land Rover Hanover has always done perfect work for me. They were also very generous to cover rodent chewing damage on our LR4 as warranty work. So it only seemed fair to give them the LR3 repair business.

 

[Bostonian]

Paul - Check your PM. No arguments at all about LR Hanover, they're excellent, skilled and very professional. They've gone out of their way a few times for me already.

I'm told the Overlander mechanics are master LR techs. Maybe the new shop manager, who might not be an expert, was the one who didn't know what he was talking about when you called them. So far they've done my EPB last spring, and then yesterday my lower control arms and the tie rod. They did a good job in both cases. I'd recommend them, but with the understanding that you're going to a city shop that's probably been there 100 years. It's the kind of place where you don't really want to see how the 'sausage is made' when talking about fixing your cherished LR.