Troy, that's good info for anyone looking to buy.
On our 2006 LR3 HSE, which had 93K+ miles on it in 2010 (my wife's vehicle when I first met her on our first date!), the expenses were relatively minor; the usual stuff like brakes, tires, washer reservoir, and a hub.
Then, at about 122K miles (2014), things like thermostat, belt tensioners, front control arm, re-configuring modules, etc. enter the picture. This is where a few 1000s of $$ are spent. No problem, right?
By the time we hit 139K (2015), little things like ignition coils, A-pillar drain tube, tires are addressed.
At 153K miles (2016), we got off easy with oil changes and struts for the rear tailgate hatch. And, let's not forget dealing with the surprising tailgate lock motor!
)
By 162K miles (2017), air suspension compressor (this wrong one was installed by an indie shop that I no longer use) and 2 more tires.
By 171K miles (2018), two front struts were replaced, all brakes were replaced, radiator hose replaced, water pump replaced, primary belt drive replaced, tie rod ends replaced, AC system evacuated/recharged, misc..
In that year (2018) several thousands have been spent, and we're kinda scratching our heads, because we're really starting to put some $$$$ into it.
Now to date (2019), 185K miles, we have replaced:
three ignition coils, 3 tires, rear hubs, rear driveshaft, rear main seal, purge valve, PCV VALVE, rear differential motor, heater core assembly+thermostat+bleeding the system, and 2 outer tie rods. I also replaced the compressor that wrongly placed with the right one.
Then...to really test my resolve, I had to get the transmission rebuilt!!
So...2019 has been a relatively expensive year, which has far exceeded what I thought I would be spending on this Rover. I probably don't need to discuss the numbers, but it should be easy to see that at some point during accumulation of mileage, you could make a case for a tipping point, at which you would go shopping around for another vehicle. But, as they say, hindsight is always crystal clear.
Should it be a new vehicle? No, the numbers aren't close.
For anyone shopping around, and if my vehicle is representative of how expensive these Rovers can get once they get into high mileage, it would be prudent to do some careful shopping around to get all the features one would want and be very mindful of the mileage, the previous owner(s) and the environments in which they were driven.
Looking back at the history of this vehicle before my wife bought it, there were already 90+K miles on it in 4 years time, and it spent it's early life in Wisconsin, probably in a salty environment. It might be questioned whether that plays a part.
In my case, I have gradually become more familiar and fond of the LR3, especially after I took it off-road! I just liked the vehicle, and I could see maintaining it for many years to come. Maybe that's a type of confirmation bias, due to all the $$$$$ I kept spending on it!!!
At this point, I've replaced most of the major things, and I have a pretty solid Rover, but I know that things like controls arms, etc., will always need to be addressed.
It's hard to get all the details or predict everything, but patience in finding the right vehicle can really pay off.
Just my 2 cents, but I hope it helps someone...
