LR3 value

[AdamSanta85]

I have been toying with the idea of replacing my 2010 Xterra with an LR3. Nothing wrong with the Xterra just bored after owning it for 7 years. The Defender gets used for anything off road now. The LR3 seems like it would make a much nicer daily. I have heard the they are pretty dependable compared to say a Disco 2, although they are still Rovers. I don't really want to spend more then $15k on the truck.

Supposedly the 2008+ are better?

Anything in particular to look out for with these?

Something like this is looking really good to me. Install AT tires and a roof basket and it is good to go. KBB says it is worth about $12-$14k.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2008-Land-R...Sw4DJYi7tf&item=142259848672&autorefresh=true

 

[Ray_G]

Personal opinion is the LR3 is one of the best trucks LR has ever made in terms of reliability/functionality. Coupled with the reality that depreciation based off LR's stellar reputation saw these things plummet, you end up getting a lot of truck for your $. A whole lot of truck.

They are, however, still Rovers and like any Rover they require attention in the form of $, time, or both. The D3 in particular likes to consume brakes, tires, and bushings. Given how heavy it is this isn't surprising.

There is always the comment that the 08-09 is better b/c 'the bugs were worked out' or what have you; in practice, there are few differences that are really worth noting. The instrument cluster display is difference, but that can be rectified with an IID tool (which you should get regardless of MY you purchase).

With any truck service records are key. In particular, depending on mileage, you'll want to see a few things:
-Dif fluids changed.
-Transmission serviced
-EAS compressor rebuilt or upgraded to the AMK
-Lower Control Arms replaced

I would note the link you posted is illustrative of when many owners get out of their trucks, i.e. a few years ago when I grabbed my 06 it was right at 80k. Shortly after getting her I had the opportunity to replace the lower windshield cowl b/c water was coming in. About a year later the compressor died (call it the 9 year/100k mark). I opted to go with coils, there is a thread here as to why it made sense in my context. If you get an 08/09 and these things haven't happend, they will-plan on it.

A strong argument could be made for you to save $5k and get an 06-07 that is at 120k miles and has already experienced those problems-but that's just my logic speaking and may not be how you want to go after it.

I'd also suggest looking for one that has the features you want from the get-go; adding things on after the fact is a bit of a PITA (i.e. the bulk of NAS trucks have the HK stereo system which is decent but if your truck doesn't come with bluetooth, ipod integration adding it after the fact can be a pain in the ass). Get the HID package & cold wx packages. Look for a truck with 18" wheels.

Overall I'd suggest driving one; I love my D1 but the 3 is a totally different world in terms of DD which goes back to my comment about how you get a lot of vehicle for your money, it probably is one of the best kept secrets in the used car market. The drivetrain is superb and, get this, doesn't leak!

I'm sure there is a lot more people will add to the discussion but I don't think you are off base going from an Xterra to an LR3. Where within MY's you fall...that's up to you.

r-
Ray

 

[stu454]

I went through this last year when I decided to go from a D1 to an LR3. I've driven Xterras at work and they pale in comparison to the comforts of an LR3.

I picked up my '07 HSE from LR Ft Lauderdale after hunting online for several weeks. It's a good truck. Paid about $15k for it with 98k miles. So much more comfortable than the D1; better mpg, twice the hp, quieter, much more cargo room. The rear seats fold flat and there is enough room to sleep back there.

Issues:

-They eat brakes and lower control arm bushings. It's a heavy truck.
-The t-stat housing is plastic and will develop a leak. It's a tedious job but if I can do it, you can.
-There's a small coolant hose that runs across the top of the block. Inline with that is a little, plastic vent tee. This tee will crumble from age and the truck will start peeing coolant. Replace that with a brass 3/8" to 3/8" barbed coupler from Ace Hardware. As in, have it in your pocket and get them to swap it in before you sign the papers.
-Make sure the heat blows nice and hot from the lower front vents. Issues here point to a bad heater core.
-The dash likes to crack. This may be less of an issue in CO or NY, but my south Florida truck has a new one as part of the dealer pre-purchase refresh.
-That CO truck is coming up on the 90k and 105K services, which are pretty thorough. AB has a more aggressive service schedule than LR; I use the former. The trans service is pricey. $800 or so and it should be done every 90k. The diffs and t-cases like fresh fluid every 30k.
-It has more computers than a spacecraft, so it needs a good battery. Random codes and other strange electrickery often point to a bad battery or alternator.

All in all, they are very good trucks. I miss my D2 and D1, but this is so much nicer and, so far, the difference in reliability is staggering.

That's about all I can think of right now. Let me know if I can help.

Edit: Ha! Ray beat me to it while I was pondering what's what.

 

[Ray_G]

Pretty funny to see how much overlap. Solid catch on the coolant tee replacement; I carry extras now in both trucks for the inevitable stop on the trail to replace someone elses.

Also worth keeping a spare brake switch (Ford, specifically the Fusion from 06-09 I believe with the part #SWG572) & brake light bulbs-as noted the battery will cause havoc and right behind that would be these two items. Ironically the more dings/dongs and such it seems the more likely it is something minor.
r-
Ray

 

[stu454]

I forgot about the brake switch and the bulbs.

Here's a link to the AB maintenance schedule.

http://www.roverparts.com/myaccount/maintenance-schedules/ABPLIT1050.pdf

And I almost forgot: check the carpet up front for moisture and/or a moldy smell. The sunroof drains can clog up. It's not too hard to get to them at the sunroof tray. The DS one on mine leaked a bit. Turns out it was just crud clogging it. Blew it out, reattached to the sunroof tray and it's been fine.

 

[AdamSanta85]

Thanks for the well thought out reply guys. It made me want to buy the truck more. I will start looking, not rush for the "right" car. If anyone sees something good feel free to pass it my way.

Is there a good LR3 forum?

 

[SARTech]

Thanks for starting this thread, I also have been interested in a LR3.

 

[Ray_G]

Thanks for the well thought out reply guys. It made me want to buy the truck more. I will start looking, not rush for the "right" car. If anyone sees something good feel free to pass it my way.

Is there a good LR3 forum?

So I only go to a few forums. Here, the other place (less frequently now), my home Dweb, and Expedition Portal. I can't stand LRO, LRR, LRF (I can't even actually name them). In terms of LR3 content the basics are well covered in ExpO to be honest; it isn't as raw as here or Dweb will be on things-a far happier place so to speak.

The other place worth bookmarking once you have a truck is d3.uk; a good place to search through for things.

Truthfully there aren't but so many issues you will encounter and folks here or Dweb can likely sort out most issues.

Good luck on the hunt!
r-
Ray