Shopping 06-08 LR3s...what are the common issues
- Thread starter DennisC
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There was an old thread in this forum about "issues" at certain mileage points. Find that and you'll get a gist of it. From my experience, if you buy a used LR3, you'd best prepared to start spending. At the very least, the brakes and tires will only get 20k-30k before needing to be replaced. Other frequently addressed problems include compressors, tie-rod arms, bushings, batteries and the such. The only good news is the powertrain seems very stable and you don't hear much about the transmissions.
Edit: Here's an old thread that I started about issues with my old 05 LR3. This is not the norm, but it's a pretty good list of the items that can an will commonly go wrong on this vehicle.
http://www.landroverworld.org/forums/showthread.php?t=15962
Edit: Here's an old thread that I started about issues with my old 05 LR3. This is not the norm, but it's a pretty good list of the items that can an will commonly go wrong on this vehicle.
http://www.landroverworld.org/forums/showthread.php?t=15962
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stmcknig
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As with most car buying 101, get the service history and see if it's been a LR that spends more time in the shop than with its owner. A PPI by a good LR independent is worth spending money on up front (about $200 my local charges) so you know what you might be in for. As far as powertrain, worth spending a little money changing out the differential and transfer box oils more often than LR suggest.
The most common seems to be:
Front lower control arm bushings go bad early. Bushings are not that expensive, but the labor can add up.
Front differential bearings on early years. Seems to be related to a coating that LR appied to the inside of the case flaking off. Some say that most trucks have been through this already and the problem is slowly going away.
Sunroof drain leaks and wet floorboards from them.
Rear lower tailgate release mechanism fails.
Transmission computer can get wet and corrode the terminals if not cared for after a river fording or engine wash. Some say this can also happen if you use a non-correct battery and don't reconnect the battery vent.
Various ECUs randomly spitting codes. This is the result of a low/failing battery or alternator. The concensus is that a LR3 needs a new battery every 3 years regardless of the warrenty on them.
Air compressor. Some say the main reason they fail is because the dryer/disecant never gets replaced so it plugs making the compressor work harder to push air and eventually fail.
Other than that, alot of the 'bad rep' is the trouble in reading and clearing codes/errors. Invest in an appropriate tool (Faultmate/IIDtool) to clear codes yourself, and I'm sure the overall experiance will be no worse than any other truck.
Front lower control arm bushings go bad early. Bushings are not that expensive, but the labor can add up.
Front differential bearings on early years. Seems to be related to a coating that LR appied to the inside of the case flaking off. Some say that most trucks have been through this already and the problem is slowly going away.
Sunroof drain leaks and wet floorboards from them.
Rear lower tailgate release mechanism fails.
Transmission computer can get wet and corrode the terminals if not cared for after a river fording or engine wash. Some say this can also happen if you use a non-correct battery and don't reconnect the battery vent.
Various ECUs randomly spitting codes. This is the result of a low/failing battery or alternator. The concensus is that a LR3 needs a new battery every 3 years regardless of the warrenty on them.
Air compressor. Some say the main reason they fail is because the dryer/disecant never gets replaced so it plugs making the compressor work harder to push air and eventually fail.
Other than that, alot of the 'bad rep' is the trouble in reading and clearing codes/errors. Invest in an appropriate tool (Faultmate/IIDtool) to clear codes yourself, and I'm sure the overall experiance will be no worse than any other truck.
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