Howdy LR3'rs...

[Mr.BigsLR3]

Thought I would post a hello in here.

I am looking to get into a 2006< LR3 sometime in the near future. A friend has a Disco and invited me to check it out. Unfortunately, I am 6'-6" tall and did not fit comfortably behind the wheel.

However, I went over to the local Land Rover Dealer and checked out a pre-owned '06 LR3 it was fantastic. I like the roominess, power, and general comfort. I am really looking forward to getting one. At the moment, I have an '08 VW GTi that will be going away (business lease) in June of next year if not sooner.

Anybody have any tidbits to consider when looking into LR3's? I have researched the heck out of these and the obvious one is to stay away from the '05's. Anything else to consider?

Thanks!
Big

 

[Team Jeff]

Big,

Welcome!

I just wanted to comment about model years, I don't believe there are any substantial differences between 05 and 06. There was the compressor upgrade from the original 2005 model and the fuel tank recall, but most if not all 05's are probably updated.

I know people say to stay away from the first model year, but I have a hard time buying that... its the same hardware. For me it didn't justify the extra cash.

Fyi, I bought a 05 HSE about three months ago with 47k on the clock and the 70k extended warranty for $20k! Couldn't pass it up! I have used the warranty quite a bit though, mostly nit-picky stuff & things that the first owner probably never noticed. I'm sure you'll enjoy the truck, I went back and forth about selling my Tacoma for the LR3, but I honestly haven't missed the Tacoma at all.

Good luck on your hunt for a LR3! Keep us posted on your decision!

 

[Mr.BigsLR3]

Big,

Welcome!

I just wanted to comment about model years, I don't believe there are any substantial differences between 05 and 06. There was the compressor upgrade from the original 2005 model and the fuel tank recall, but most if not all 05's are probably updated.

I know people say to stay away from the first model year, but I have a hard time buying that... its the same hardware. For me it didn't justify the extra cash.

Fyi, I bought a 05 HSE about three months ago with 47k on the clock and the 70k extended warranty for $20k! Couldn't pass it up! I have used the warranty quite a bit though, mostly nit-picky stuff & things that the first owner probably never noticed. I'm sure you'll enjoy the truck, I went back and forth about selling my Tacoma for the LR3, but I honestly haven't missed the Tacoma at all.

Good luck on your hunt for a LR3! Keep us posted on your decision!

Thanks Jeff! Wow...$20K is a deal. Nicely done. Had an Fj Cruiser before. We sold it because getting the munchkin out of the back with the suicide doors....well....sucked.

I am really looking forward to the LR3. Thanks for the info.

 

[jimbiram]

Big,

I have an '05 HSE with 88k miles now. I think the important thing is regular service. Most everything up to 50k was covered by warranty, and they did work through a lot of things. Gas Tanks, Air pumps (although mine lasted 75k miles), Coolant Tanks, Transmission Programs, Stereo programs, ignition/transmission program, Control Arm Bushings, Tail Gate lift bolts, etc...

But that being said, if your itention is to use your vehicle offroad, you are looking at the right one. Just be sure you (a) spend the money on the extended warranty....Mine has paid for itself 3 or 4 times over, (b) be sure you have a good reliable dealer that works with extended warranties...sometimes they don't wrestle with the warranty company over certain items, especially if you have oversize tires, (c) get regular service...don't scrimp, as it will come back to bite you. The technology is a two edge sword...it gives the vehicle incredible offroad comfort and capability, but it costs a lot to maintain when it does bread down.

Good luck....I love mine...going to Colorado next week to do Great Divide Challenge IV, then the National Rally in Leadville.

 

[nwoods]

Mr. Bigs, at 6'-6" I still look down on you
I modified my LR3 for more kneeroom/legroom this way:
http://blog.nextstepdesigns.com/?p=13

I did a brief write-up on LR3 things to consider when buying a used one:
http://blog.nextstepdesigns.com/?p=78

I have a friend who was one of the FJ Trail Team guys, we did a few joint trail runs together. The FJ is a capable platform from the fender line down, but once you get above the rockers, it has its issues. You are really going to like the LR3. It can do everything the Fj did, and more, and do it in far more comfort and style, and you can see out the windows!

Cheers,

NWoods

 

[Team Jeff]

I think I read Nathan's blog 20 times while researching LR3's! Great resource!

 

[Mr.BigsLR3]

Awesome. Thanks Nathan.

-Big

 

[LR3CO]

Mr Bigs,
My last rig was also an FJ Cruiser, sold for many of the same reasons I'm sure. I now have an 05 LR3 SE and remain very impressed. Buy it, you'll love it. It is MORE capable on the trails, quiet, comfortable, roomy and actually has highway manners- a no brainer!