Should I keep my '05 LR3 after warranty expires?

[Shoppinggirl.co]

I have about a month before my '05 LR3 is out of warranty. My husband & I are trying to decide on buying another SUV that seats 7, probably another LR3, or keep and pay off the one we have.
We had a lot of problems with our LR3 at first, but other than a trip to the shop for two brake light bulbs, we have been rather lucky.
After shopping around for new models, we always come back to the LR3. We like the size & shape of it. The only down side is the '08 has little to no changes from the one we have! So we feel silly trading in the one we have for a duplicate that comes with extended payments, but a warranty!
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My question is: Has anybody kept their LR3 and made it to 100,000 miles? What can we expect in the way of problems?

Thanks for your input!

 

[richpike]

We have a little over a year before we face the exact same question - and I'm not sure what we'll do. Having said that, in general, it is best to pay it off, and put the extra money you save towards repairs as needed (and then buy the new one when it comes out). But there is something nice about having a new car every few years...

Here is a link to a thread on someone with 105k miles on their 2005:

http://www.landroverworld.org/forums/showthread.php?t=11631&highlight=miles

Good luck.
Rich

 

[colleyt]

i have a warranty till 75k miles and an option till 100k miles for $2500. I love my truck, it runs great and besides minor issues, its bullet proof. I would buy the extended because there are no plans for a new body style anytime soon and thats really when it will take a huge hit in resale value.

 

[nwoods]

I am in the same quandry. I can't decide!

But to answer your question, I know of a few people with high mileage LR3's, one over 100,000 somewhere on this forum (search!), and several others over 80,000. Other than the normal stuff we all have had fun with, they report no new headaches. The basic mechanicals and interiors seem to hold up rather well.

 

[schafari]

Financially of course, it is a no brainer. Any depreciating asset is best left in use as long as possible. Passion, emotion, desire, ****, not withstanding. . . Extended warranty, although relatively pricey, is likely the best financial option if you are worried about "big" repairs.

Keep in mind that although the LR3 is a new vehicle in 2005, it makes use of parts that have been in use for many more years and even decades in key areas such as the engine. The engine have been around for decades. It is the trusted Jag AJ-8 beefed up for LR duty. With proper maintenance, I would not worry about the engine.

Similar, with the transmission. It is a ZF that has been around a while with many other marques using it. (Audi, Porsche, BMW, etc.) Air suspension is sourced from Delphi. . .

My 2005 warranty will bet up in about two years. I am debating buying an extended warranty or not. They seam to be about $3,500-$3,900. Considering my 98' Audi had a $3,800 oil leak. . .I am considering the extended warranty on my LR3. Just not sure however. . .

 

[toddjb122]

I did.

Bought the extended warranty at 48,000 miles and I'm happy to keep the '05. So far, none of the LR3 upgrades I have seen warrant trading it in for a new car. The upgrade I'd want the most would be integrated blue tooth, but that isn't worth several thousands of dollars to me.

 

[JJABKW]

Todd,
What are the terms and the cost of your extended warranty? Did you find that the priice was negotiable?

 

[toddjb122]

I don't recall, but if you search this forum you may find I posted it in the past. I think it was around $2500...seemed to be $1000 or so less than I saw quoted, I honestly think they gave me the wrong price. In any event, it when to 6 years or 100K w/ $100 deductible. It is a LR product warranty purchased through the dealer (not from a third party). The $0 deductable option just doesn't make sense for the amount extra I was quoted. I went with the LR product over others because it seemed to be much more easier to manage through the dealer over time.

 

[dantheman1]

Wow, that was a really good deal todd. I recently purchased the LR extended warranty for my 05 LR3 @ 44k mi at $3100 for 3 yr, 100,000mi. I did not need the extra years because, with the distance that I am driving now, I will reach 100k easily within 3 years. Shoppinggirlco, I suggest that if you enjoy your LR3, you might as well purchase the warranty. The styling of the LR3 will not change any time soon and the newer models do not have that many upgrades compared to the early model (although i really like the bluetooth pti in the newer ones). The deciding factor for me was that, in the 1 year that I have had my LR3, I have had over $15k in repairs done under factory warranty. This is not to say that it has been unreliable, just that I am an extremely picky person and, suffice to say, I am now on a first name basis with the entire LR service staff.