130K mile LR3- To high?

twdefender

New member
First post here. Happy to see another forum option. :)

So I have been looking around at LR3's as of late and most seem to have around 120K miles or so. The prices are not bad but would you buy one with that kind of mileage? How far can one expect to push these trucks mileage wise?
 

roverrange

Well-known member
lr3 mileage

Keep up on maintenance and they can be reliable. I wouldnt consider financing one since instead of payments put money aside for typical things like air suspension compressor, control arms, etc. Have probably close to 150k on ours and going strong. Great truck.
 

RBBailey

NAS-ROW Addict
Callsign: KF7KFZ
I've looked into them here and there, and I've driven a few of them. I'm pretty sure you want to avoid the 2005/06 models. But the later models, and the LR4's are getting good reviews.

You would really want to make sure it has good records, and make sure there is NOTHING wrong with it. That is, that all the electrical works properly.

My 1995 Range Rover has 311k miles on it. It leaks, and individual bits keep acting up, or going bad, but really, it runs and drives very well. My first impression of the LR3's was always that they seemed to be made well. But you want to make sure and hunt down one from a good batch.
 

jymmiejamz

Founding Member
Callsign: KN4JHI
I'm pretty sure you want to avoid the 2005/06 models.



I don't know who started that rumor, but that is not true. There are very few differences mechanically between them. That being said, I think it is '05 that the front of the driver's seat cushion is not adjustable, so that is a deal breaker for me. I can't get comfortable in them.
 

roverrange

Well-known member
Have an 05. We purchased it with a transmission error. Before buying I did little research and felt confident it was the brake pedal switch. Replaced the switch after purchasing and all good.
 

LR Max

Well-known member
If it has the maintenance history, hasn't been destroyed by a 17 year old, nor destroyed by normal means, then yeah. Go for it. Pre-purchase inspection is king.

Common issues are well documented. You could probably have a shop go through and sort all of them out for a couple grand.
 

DiscoDavis

Well-known member
06 models are great

mileage is not an issue. Should have records to show it got 75k service (diffs, t case, probably LCA bushings). ZF says it also should have gotten new trans filter/pan, LR says 'lifetime', most dealers I ask say 150k.

Service records king, #1 on these cars. I walk from anything over wholesaler prices if there are no records. Few people have been getting $3-4k trucks and fixing them up to be good.

I have seen more than a few NAS models push 250k easy. UK diesels have gone 500k+, that one guy on the british d3 forums has 600xxx and counting (new motor after 500).
 

1of40

Well-known member
Drove one recently with 175K and was impressed with how solid it felt. All electronics worked, interior is holding up, so overall I was impressed. My wife's is a new 2016 with under 10K and smells newer but drives very very similar.
 

eliatodd

New member
I have 2 2005 lr3's and both are great. I see plenty of them over 200K mi and they are great rigs. at 130 K, make sure it has the AMK suspension compressor with software update, and it should have newer control arms and tie rod ends at that point. check for transmission leaks which aren't a big deal, but would need the trans filter service before the typical 150k timeframe. protect the trans, diff, and tcase through regular fluid exchanges and they will last a long time. the rear diff lock actuator can cause issues on some of the hd models, but if addressed quickly and/or exercised regularly isn't a real concern.

I don't see any more issues with 05-06 models, other than they usually are farther along in mileage. the wiring tray under the passenger seat sometimes needs wiring splices resoldered/sealed. but that is not an expensive repair and rarely comes up.

plan on thermostat assembly and potentially water pump replacement at some point in your ownership. rear liftgate actuator may come up at some point. starter or alternator at some point. usual stuff. this may already have been done at 130K, which is why I recommend them over 120K. the 80-110 k ownership timeframe tends to be the most costly time of ownership, which is sometimes why people dump them right after they do those repairs.

Good luck.
 

Wolf Fabrication

Founding Member
I've been driving an '08 for about 6 months now. 107k miles. I love it.

I've fixed some of the usual issues, but so far I'm impressed.
 

DiscoDavis

Well-known member
FWIW I had an 11 year old hitachi compressor on mine that worked fine.

Alternator not hard to change, thermostat Ok to change. Cooling system not hard to service. Diffs made by dana, t case made by magna steyr. good units.

Very easy routine maintenance. Lot of exposed glass though.
 

WeBeCinYa

Well-known member
On our 2nd '06 model. Solid trucks. Currently sitting at 78K, replaced compressor, control arms, and rear diff (prior owner did this). Put Johnson rods on it, larger tires and it sits nicely. Will run it until it's done or give to one of my kids.
 

twdefender

New member
Thanks for all the info. I have never actually driven one but have always liked the look and heard good things. This thread supports that. :)

We shall see what happens. THanks!
 

mgreenspan

Founding Member
What's the best route for finding a used LR3? Craigslist, non-denominational dealer, LR dealer, eBay, other auction, etc.
 

stu454

Well-known member
Callsign: KN4CBB
What's the best route for finding a used LR3? Craigslist, non-denominational dealer, LR dealer, eBay, other auction, etc.

I got mine from LR Fort Lauderdale. I don't think there's one best place to find these; just look, look, look and eventually you'll find a good one.
 
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