Later this summer I will be in the money for a new(er) car. My wife is somewhat disabled and has to use a wheelchair. I currently drive a Suburu Forester which I love, but it dosnt have the space to store the wheelchair and my wife needs more room/comfort. So I am actually thinking of going bigger rather than smaller with my next car. Research so far suggests an LR3 with about 70k miles would be what I am looking at. My concern is maintainance. I can buy the car but can I afford to keep it on the road. The nearest dealer/servicing is 100 miles away too. Any advice would be appreciated.
Maintainance COsts
- Thread starter Skittles
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Houm_WA
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If maintenace is a big concern, I think there are better vehicles out there for you.
To start, you need to see if you can find a qualified Rover shop, not the dealer, simple things get out of hand price wise.
70k miles is coming up on some of the more major services and maintenance items. None of them too bad alone, and don't all need to be done right away, but they add up quick. So if you plan it out, and have an idea of what you're looking at in the near future, you should be ok. If you just change the oil for the next 20k miles, and then need it all done at once, it's a hefty bill.
At that mileage, you need to change out the differential and transfer case fluids. The suspension, both mechanical and air are suspect, and fixing either is usually around 800-1000, but it'll be fine for a long time once fixed, and may have already been fixed.
Coming up to around 90-100k you're looking at a major tune up, and a few other goodies to keep it running strong for another 100k.
That mileage could be great and already had a bunch of stuff taken care of, or could be needing a lot of attention in the near future. Have it checked out by someone that knows the trucks well before buying it.
70k miles is coming up on some of the more major services and maintenance items. None of them too bad alone, and don't all need to be done right away, but they add up quick. So if you plan it out, and have an idea of what you're looking at in the near future, you should be ok. If you just change the oil for the next 20k miles, and then need it all done at once, it's a hefty bill.
At that mileage, you need to change out the differential and transfer case fluids. The suspension, both mechanical and air are suspect, and fixing either is usually around 800-1000, but it'll be fine for a long time once fixed, and may have already been fixed.
Coming up to around 90-100k you're looking at a major tune up, and a few other goodies to keep it running strong for another 100k.
That mileage could be great and already had a bunch of stuff taken care of, or could be needing a lot of attention in the near future. Have it checked out by someone that knows the trucks well before buying it.
Houm_WA
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....if it's at 70k miles and the diff oil has not been changed yet, there is a good chance that either diff is ready to go T.U. anyway. That's a big cost, so you'll want to drive it and listen for a groaning noise particularly when accelerating between 30 and 50 mph.
No.
The differentials do fail, but generally not due to 'worn' out fluid at this kind of mileage. A blocked up vent tube, or a leak will cause failure early, but not a lack of changing the fluid 70k miles.
I disagree with Land Rover's recommendation of front diff fluid change at 150k, and I recommend a driveline service (front and rear diffs, and transfer case) at 75k miles.
