Which to buy? Low vs High Mileage

[RoverDon'tCare]

Hi everyone!

I'm trying to decide between two LR3s - I really like them both, but can't decide which would be the better buy.

Rover #1:
105,000 miles on it.
One owner, all maintenance/services performed on time by the dealership.
Excellent shape - clean CarFax and AutoCheck reports.
Is my fave color combination.
$18,500 price, dealership will warranty it for a hefty $3500 for 2 years (factory level warranty)

Rover #2:
67,000 miles on it.
Several owners.
Maintenance and services not performed meticulously - had several failed inspections which got repaired and later passed inspections.
CarFax and AutoCheck reflect the several failed (and later passed) inspections.
Steering wheel has a slight shimmy at 50 mph - perhaps need tires balanced.
My second fave color combination.
$18,877. Dealership or my bank will warranty it for $2400 for 2 years (factory level warranty.)

I have never owned a Rover, but have owned several older model, high end cars (BMW Z3, Porsche Boxster), so I am familiar with the typical cost for parts and labor.

Please let me know which one you all think would be the better vehicle to get.

Thanks!

 

[merrion13]

What years for each option?

 

[RoverDon'tCare]

year model

Both are 2005 LR3 with same equipment, except the one with 67,000 mi has a towing hitch attached (not a feature I care about)

 

[toddjb122]

Tough call...

I'd get the warranty either way and would lean towards lower mileage. Or haggle the warranty down some more. The LR3 can probably stand up to not having regular service performed by some of the owners, but I'd be more interested in the failed tests.

I have 105K on my 2005, I've been the owner, and the only thing that would make me feel better about it (short of buying a 2011) would be to have another 2 years of warranty! Its running fine, I just don't know what the life is on the high dollar parts (tranny, air suspension, etc.)

Read the fine print on that warranty. $2-$3K doesn't sound too bad for covering a car with over $100K on it. See what isn't covered and what mileage it goes to.

Hope that helps...

 

[kwlr3]

67,000 miles with indifferent maintenance is much worse than 105,000 miles driven with care. There are a lot of early LR3's coming off lease and via trade ins that were owned by people not versed in the finer points of Land Rover care. Case in point, there is an LR3 in my neighborhood owned by a soccer mom that was driven at least six months with what I suspect was a failed air suspension pump. She bought it used and I'm sure with the next big repair bill, will trade it in. Regardless of the miles, that vehicle would have to be really cheap to be worth the risk. IMHO, go with the vehicle you feel you know the most about. If I see a five year old car with two or more owners, I would be suspicious.

 

[RoverDon'tCare]

Hi everyone,

Thanks soooo much for your advice! Being new to Rover Land, I really need the perspective of experienced owners. Your advice is very appreciated.

I think I will therefore go with the pristinely cared-for Rover with the 105K miles on it.

I'll send pics as soon as I pick her up!

 

[EGRIZZLE]

22k total for an 6 year old LR3 with 105k is a lot of cheddar.

 

[EGRIZZLE]

The higher mileage rover with warranty included for $18k might be an ok deal, otherwise for the same price and extended warranty I think you have to go with the one with 38000 miles less.

 

[merrion13]

Agree with EGrizzle. I just picked up my '06 SE for slightly more than either of your options and it only has 50K miles and all service documented.

 

[toddjb122]

22k total for an 6 year old LR3 with 105k is a lot of cheddar.

shhhhhhhhh! when I go to sell my 2005 i'm going to point to these valuations.