Former LR3 owner considering LR4... school me!

[churious]

Alright gents. Im a former 05 LR3 owner. Had the LR3 for 5 years and loved it. Went back to a BMW X5 and just can't stand the pavement pounder.

Considering an LR4 and looking for feedback on what year etc to get.

Id like an HSE and loaded. Id like some creature comforts like the Bluetooth phone connection, heated wheel, the best stereo available... maybe the DVD package for my kids and HD package for the weekends! Considering 2011 models.

Any feedback is appreciated. Also... any tips to look for while driving or inspecting.

 

[umbertob]

I went from a 2006 Sport to a 2013 LR4, so I can definitely relate (I lost a bit of *** appeal and gained a ton of space in the process of course, which won't apply to you...) Two things will be obvious: The interiors of the LR4 are on a whole different level compared to the LR3 and pre-2010 Sport. Fit and finish of the LR4's consoles, dash and instrumentation scream Range Rover-like luxury compared to the LR3's utilitarian and, some would say, fairly downmarket switchgear in this price range. It's a classy cabin. The other thing is the engine: the 5-liter V8 of the 2010-13 model will pull like a freight train compared to the "old" 4.4V8 of the LR3. It is really a spectacular engine mated to a buttery smooth transmission, every bit as good a combination as the 4.4 of the LR3 was, but much more powerful in every situation, and it isn't any more thirsty despite the power gains.

Bluetooth integration is better than it was in the 2005 model of course, but not much else is improved in the "toys and infotainment" department. The satnav is still adequate, but not the improvement you'd expect after 6-8 years. The sound system (the better one, HK Logic7) sounds pretty much the same as it did in 2005: Good but not spectacular. There may be a few new toys if you opt for the fully loaded HSE Luxury version, but nothing that will knock your socks off.

Everything else, from driving dynamics to capabilities on and off road, will feel very familiar if you are coming from an LR3, which is a good thing. And reliability overall seems to have improved with the LR4, as it should have since it is still virtually the same car and platform it was in 2005. You will love it.

 

[churious]

I went from a 2006 Sport to a 2013 LR4, so I can definitely relate (I lost a bit of *** appeal and gained a ton of space in the process of course, which won't apply to you...) Two things will be obvious: The interiors of the LR4 are on a whole different level compared to the LR3 and pre-2010 Sport. Fit and finish of the LR4's consoles, dash and instrumentation scream Range Rover-like luxury compared to the LR3's utilitarian and, some would say, fairly downmarket switchgear in this price range. It's a classy cabin. The other thing is the engine: the 5-liter V8 of the 2010-13 model will pull like a freight train compared to the "old" 4.4V8 of the LR3. It is really a spectacular engine mated to a buttery smooth transmission, every bit as good a combination as the 4.4 of the LR3 was, but much more powerful in every situation, and it isn't any more thirsty despite the power gains.

Bluetooth integration is better than it was in the 2005 model of course, but not much else is improved in the "toys and infotainment" department. The satnav is still adequate, but not the improvement you'd expect after 6-8 years. The sound system (the better one, HK Logic7) sounds pretty much the same as it did in 2005: Good but not spectacular. There may be a few new toys if you opt for the fully loaded HSE Luxury version, but nothing that will knock your socks off.

Everything else, from driving dynamics to capabilities on and off road, will feel very familiar if you are coming from an LR3, which is a good thing. And reliability overall seems to have improved with the LR4, as it should have since it is still virtually the same car and platform it was in 2005. You will love it.

Pretty much what I was thinking! Going to go test drive my first LR4 this weekend. At this point Ill probably do my best to find one super loaded with HD package and all the creature comforts.

 

[PaulLR3]

Exactly what umbertob said. Go with a 2011 to 2013, you will be very happy with the 5.0 V8 & nicer interior. For the features you noted, look for an HSE-LUX model. That will get you the heated steering wheel, 875 watt radio, etc. The hard part will be finding one with the HD package.

We still like our LR3 but love the LR4.

 

[jptruck]

Exactly what umbertob said. Go with a 2011 to 2013, you will be very happy with the 5.0 V8 & nicer interior. For the features you noted, look for an HSE-LUX model. That will get you the heated steering wheel, 875 watt radio, etc. The hard part will be finding one with the HD package.

We still like our LR3 but love the LR4.

Agreed. Not sure I'd buy a 2014. A) They seem to have some bugs, and B) there seems to be a low inventory of them in the US.

I"m a former owner of a 05 LR3 HSE, and I have the 12 LR4 HSE. They are two different vehicles performance-, comfort- and reliability-wise.

 

[danrhiggins]

I'll add my agreement with everything Umberto said. (Well, maybe not the *** appeal thing. What? You don't drive your LR4 down the Strip trying to pick up women?) Seriously, the 2014's are too new to get a used one (unless it was a lemon that someone dumped) and too hard to find new (if they even exist anymore). And since you don't have a penchant for new (as I did - I have a 2014 which I love) you will get the V8 and won't need to sweat the changes they made in the 2014. (Those were mostly minor but they are changes, which some people don't like and which have the risk of introducing issues though, again, I have had none with mine.)

 

[umbertob]

I'll add my agreement with everything Umberto said. (Well, maybe not the *** appeal thing. What? You don't drive your LR4 down the Strip trying to pick up women?)

Sure, I pick up women sometimes. 3 at a time. Not from the Strip, from school.

 

[churious]

Keep it coming! I think a 2011 is my goal for budget and needs. Test driving a 2011 HSE this weekend! Will report back after!

 

[ivan gonzalez]

2011 HSE I do wish I got one with the HD pkg I guess if I do want lockers I'll have to settle for ARB front

 

[ivan gonzalez]

Is that Umberto?