Should I buy 2012 LR4 or ram 1500

[Stormtooper]

Hi all, new to the forum and might be new to land rover. The question is, should I buy? I found a 2012 lr4 at a local dealer with 67k miles. Hse, white with almond interior. Looks to be in perfect condition. Some old woman traded up. What kind of potential problems could be hiding in it? I've seen a bit about maintenance being expensive and more often than a ram. Someone will ask what I'm wanting and all but either one would make me extremely happy. I want to lean towards the LR but am not sure about getting in over my head. I can afford the truck but don't want to be playing around with too much money for a while after purchase. Thanks

 

[mbw]

Sounds like you basically understand what might be involved. Search the forum a bit, you can read about common maintenance issues around that milage. check the suspension well and just look for warn bushings and such.

The LR has more soul, more comfort, more character, but if you would be equally as happy with a domestic that would be the safe choice.

As LR owners, we usually have a few codes that always show up on our brain-ECU's. EXCESSIVE PASSION FOR VEHICLE DRIVER SIDE. That sort of thing.

 

[jwest]

Not 1500 but Cummins with a 6 spd. I really enjoyed the 3500 short bed I test drove for a couple hours.

 

[amneme1]

Two vastly differed vehicles. I was a pickup owner for 14 years and sold it for the LR. I hunted more and went through more back roads and two tracks then. If you want a luxury SUV, this is it. You can also see many rave reviews online and YouTube. I have 50K on our LR and had to replace tires and a water pump, brakes were done just prior to purchasing so I'm good for several thousand more. Repairs are typical of a European auto as far as pricing, some you can do yourself depending on knowledge base. I think towing capacity is around 65K (someone correct if I'm wrong, it may be 85K). Off road capabilities are the best in it's class and can keep up with Rubis. Gas mileage for the V8 is dismal but typical of a heavy suv with a v8. I did months of research and I am very satisfied overall with our decision.

 

[jwest]

I think towing capacity is around 65K (someone correct if I'm wrong, it may be 85K). .

"k" = "thousand" so those numbers are very wrong It's 7700, not 77,000

 

[amneme1]

Woops, yes 7K(7000) I was drunk texting again..my bad

 

[jwest]

Off road capabilities are the best in it's class and can keep up with Rubis. .

Not really true. In regard to 4x4 capability, the Jeep Rubicon is not in the same class nor can the LR4 "keep up" with it in the crux situations. Not in stock forms, not fully built. To me "keep up" means 100% of the time, not just most of the time.

It comes down to basic physics and geometry. The LR4 traction software and cross linked suspension simply cannot negate the approach, departure and breakover angles in addition to it's maximum height and tire size limitations.

 

[LR4TQ]

well, since you are on the LR forum...I think the answer is LR!

 

[amneme1]

I did not intend its in the same class, MB, Lexus, BMW is in its class. It does have a superior traction control system that makes it every bit as road worthy. All the places I have read where they put one against the other, it took more work for the LR4 to navigate over several obstacles but made it through the same tough course. Now, if you disconnect the sway bars..etc...etc...etc...and give the Rubi an even larger advantage then I would admit your correct. Either way, the guy can't lose.

 

[Stormtooper]

Thanks for all the responses. Unfortunately, I will not be buying a Cummins. I just sold a 7.3L diesel. Been there, done that. Would definitely do it again, but I'm looking closer to the ground and a little smaller, more versatile. I miss trails. I think this would be a great vehicle. How many miles do they typically go before death? I know most people don't use them as mileage counters but I'm curious. How long can I expect to drive an LR4?