To Buy Or Not To Buy - Help, Please!

[cupcrazy66]

Hi there everyone!

As you can tell, this is my first post - and I'm in need of some help.

After having my 2001 Ford Escape totally self-destruct on me at 82,000 miles, I'm in the market for a new car. Cabin noise is important to me, as well as other features, such as space (I load up my car with framed artwork).

I recently visited a dealer and LOVED the LR3. I found a 2008 SE model, fully loaded with all features (lighting package, tech package, cold climate - everything but the HSE Lux pack). Its brand new - not pre-owned. Dealer wants $40,000 for the car.

My question is this - with all of the reliability issues and costs talked about on this forum (high repair costs, $160 oil changes, etc.) - is it worth it?

Do people buy Land Rovers or are they typically always leased? Any help or advice you may have would be GREATLY appreciated.

If I take it, I have to pick up the car tomorrow, so time is of the essence!

Thanks,

Dan

 

[bgsntth]

I'll warn you that you will be asked to search..... however;

I've owned Lexus, Mercedes, Porsche Jeep SUV's. Our LR3 is second in reliability to the Lexus. Combined with the dealer being on my commute route and their ability to always put me in either a Land Rover or Jag as a loaner makes reliability a non-issue. Our 2008 Range Rover has not had a single issue, problem in almost a year. It is phenomenally well built.

Dealer is asking too much, a non-SE 2008 should be about $35-$38K - tops (IMO). 2008's come with four year maintenance, so that's not an issue. Brake, alignment and OE tire wear issues will cost you, however, though I believe the 2008's seem to be better on the alignment.

Leases absolutely stink on LR3's, just buy it. If you want to lease, I would look at an RRS; which is partly subsidized by LRNA. If you are using your LR3 for business, look at S179 to depreciate it.

 

[Houm_WA]

My advice is always the same and that is if you do not intend to take it offroad then maybe a different rig is for you. There are a lot of nice cross-overs out there that may be more reliable and easier on fuel...and possibly more cargo space. The LR3 is great, but in my opinion the thing that really separates it from the pack is its offroad ability.

 

[PaulLR3]

We traded a 2007 Audi Q7 for our 2008 LR3 HSE. We love the LR3. Not a single problem in 14 months so far. I did get rid of the OE Wrangler tires and put on Pirelli ATR tires which are far better in the rain and improve handling. In comparison, the Q7 drives like a big A4 and the 4.2 is really fun. The LR3 is slower and less nimble, but we needed better offroad ability on a drive-on beach and the LR3 has been awesome in sand. If you need usable third row seating, the LR3 is best in class. Plus, you can put down the second row seats separately. With one second row seat up and one third row seat up you can drive with your wife, 2 kids and 60 2x4's. Compared to your old Escape, it is so much more solid, quiet and stable, especially when driving on the highway at higher speeds. Don't be afraid to buy it, the build quality on 2008's seems to be very good. However, as noted above I would try to get it for a little less money.

 

[cupcrazy66]

Thanks for the replies so far!

I have thought about that - but the fact that other cars, ranging from the Toyota 4Runner to the GMC Acadia, and even the Mercedes M-Class, are now in the same price range due to the discount, I don't know if I can or should pass up this deal!

You are correct - I won't be off-roading much, if at all, so I concur that those fuctions are pointless. However, the car will be mixed use. Some for business, and some for personal. My commute to work is only 3 miles (NY), but sometimes requires road trips (DC, Boston, Pittsburgh) where I'll load up the car with framed artwork - which as you can imagine does get rather large in size.

That's why I'm torn and have turned to this forum. I've certainly heard horror stories of people with these cars for extended periods of time, but then it seems that everyone also enjoys them. I have concluded I need an extended warranty from threads, but I'm hoping the people on this forum can weigh in with their two cents. The best way to learn about a car is from the people who own and use it!

Thanks,

Dan

 

[cupcrazy66]

Also thought I'd add that the vehicle has a sticker of $54,750 - they were already being a pain about discounting it $14,000!!

 

[Houm_WA]

I'm not sure why an SE model would sticker for $54k.

I hear what you're saying about how compelling it is to get an LR3 at the price-point that now compares well with those others. Maybe you should get it...but do yourself a favor if you do; just take it off-road once or twice. The bug may bite you.

I still think that you should write down your real needs/requirements, prioritize them and see if this 5600 lb gas-guzzler is still the rig that best meets them.

 

[cupcrazy66]

Base is $48,525. $1,300 for cold climate, $750 for lighting and front PDC, and $3,500 for tech package. Plus $775 transport comes to $54,850.

Am I getting ripped off? haha.

Also, it's black with black interior. I prefer a lighter color, but due to the heavy use, I figure the black leather is better.

 

[Houm_WA]

I have a black-on-black rig and I'm glad. It may get soiled but stains don't show. I think $54k would be a rip-off, yes....but $40k isn't bad.

 

[mustbeaudi]

It's worth $31000 (edited down from $34000 based on LR3Virgin's post below!) when you drive it off the lot, but only $20,000 in 3 years time if gas prices are not $4 to $5 then (fat chance no, then all bets are off), so that's a good head start on depreciation savings. Sucks gas, but luxurious and iconoclastic. (I have a nice HSE for $23900 in classifieds.)