Buying advice

[Ezaldi]

Hey guys, I am very interested in buying a lr3 and need some of your advice. I am aware of some of the problems that come with this truck but I still can't resist. I have a budget of around 17k and after a bit of research have narrowed it down to the following:

2005 miles in the 50's
2006 miles in the 60's
2007 miles in the 70's

I'm still undecided about warranty, debating if It's worth the cost or am I better of paying for repairs. Also if I do decide to get warranty I will need to add about 10k miles to trucks I have been seeing, to offset additional cost. I'm located in south Florida so there are plenty of mechanics. I guess this decision depends on what car I decide on. Also, can you guys help me on what I should be looking for or asking when buying this truck. Thank you ahead of time, I appreciate all replies. Lastly I only plan on having truck for around 3 yrs

 

[CMGRover]

I'd go with the 06's. Best compromise...not the first year issues nor the higher miles of the 07's.

 

[jjvd21]

Depends on what each individual LR3 has had replaced. If an '05 has had a lot of warranty work and many components replaced that may be a better option than the 2007. Mainly the items that fail are bushings in the front lower control arms. Also the anti roll bar spacers wear out. Aside from those, I would look at the entire service history and see what has been done. I would recommend a warranty and purchasing from an LR dealer.

 

[Houm_WA]

I'd look for something else...

 

[Ezaldi]

Thanks for input, I am leaning towards an 06 with lowest possible miles with a 3 yr warranty from ford(if it's reasonably priced). Should I look at a extensive service record as a good thing or as a problematic car. At what mileage are owners replacing there front bushings and spacers. Also can you help me out with compressor issue, as I think this is one of the more expensive repairs. How long are they lasting?

Houm why something else?

 

[Houm_WA]

Ezaldi....owning a Land Rover is a commitment. Also, one really doesn't get the full value of it unless they off-road it. Those are my opinions of course. My perception is that you're "limping in" to ownership and the combination of age and mileage that you're looking at might not really yield you what you want. Why only 3 years? Can you save up for 6 more months or even a year and get one with less miles? I'd DEFINITELY get a warranty and when you look at the service history I would not think of the car as being problematic if the issues fixed are the common ones like bushings or EPB or rear latch or brakes, etc.

What "compressor issue" are you talking about? I've been through a few compressors but this last one has been pretty good and lasted about 4 years so far (knock on wood).

 

[Ezaldi]

2006 is the year for me, I believe it can be enjoyed without off roading. Don't understand the concerns about mileage I've seen many owners on this forum with high mileage lr3. Will definitely get the warranty just in case

 

[Houm_WA]

Mileage concerns are the same as for any automobile. You can certainly enjoy it without off-roading, but you'll enjoy it 500% MORE if you do off-road it. 2006 is not much different than 2005 so make sure that all the issues have been addressed.

 

[Ezaldi]

Houm I appreciate your replies, can you help me out in what to look for you seem well informed.

 

[Houm_WA]

First look at the history and see if the following have been addressed:

Bushings
Differentials (replaced? fluid replaced?)
EPB Actuator (ever replaced?)
Rear hatch (ever replaced?)
Brake pedal switch
Thermostat
MAF Sensor
Throttle Body
Battery age
Nut on upper tailgate strut (passenger side); is it tight?
EAS compressor
Sunroof drains
Windshield cowling

If these have been updated/replaced/serviced recently then that's a good thing. If not, you can expect to have to do any of the items above that haven't been done, between 40k miles and 75k miles (depending on the service item, of course).

For a quick test of bushing state-of-repair, drive over light speedbumps with your foot not on the brake and see if you hear/feel a knock. Also try idling along and sharply snapping the brake pedal and again listen/feel for a knock.

That's a pretty good start...