Opinions on 05+ Land Rovers?

[Team Jeff]

I'm thinking of swapping my daily driver, a late model Toyota Tacoma, for a previously enjoyed LR3. I was shocked to see that the value of these two vehicles is very close... looking at the local market, it looks like the Tacoma will bring more $$.

I have no serious complaints about the Tacoma, but for the same money I could have a much nicer vehicle & carry my family with more convenience.


My concerns with the LR3;

1). This vehicle has dropped $40k in three years, is the rapid deprecation period over? Am I wise to wait till the 2010 model is released (more deprecation pre-purchase)?

2). Reliability- warranty or not, I don't want to worry about getting stranded somewhere that I'd need a K-max to get me out.

From some research I have found that there have been many ecu updates for the suspension but the final version is supposed to be rock solid. Anyone have an opinion or words of advise?

Thanks :cheers

 

[B O N Y]

Buy American!
Now nore important than ever before...
Please!

 

[Team Jeff]

Thanks Bony- somehow I saw that coming! :biggrin

So, a Jeep Liberty then?

 

[Team Jeff]

Speaking of American, how much did Ford have to do with the development of the current Land Rover line up? The ceiling vents and side mirror adjusting switch are right out of an Expedition.

 

[B O N Y]

Getting closer

 

[Team Jeff]

Oooh,

Crown Victoria!

Did I win? :lol

 

[FB GT40]

Lr-3

Team Jeff -

One of my daily drivers is an '07 LR-3. I really enjoy the car. I replaced an '05 with a newer one. I have no complaints - other than one has to remember this is not a car and the handling is SUV like - which is what you would expect. It's a very competent tow vehicle as well. I like the quality, but it could do with a few more horses! The nav system is not up to par - so a Nuvi or similar is the way to go. The sound system is superb. It's been very reliable and I've never had a problem. Nothing but regular service. As for depreciation - it's horrible. But if you can run it through a business - you'll score there, as I did.

Sadly 99% of the folks driving these will never experience the truly amazing off road performance of these vehicles. I was in South Africa last year in my Defender 110 with a few LR-3's and the sand driving and rock climbing ability has to be seen to be believed. Truly amazing. There is no other SUV that will even come close. (Sorry Toyota Land Cruiser owners). With used prices being so low right now - I'd say it's a great buy.

 

[B O N Y]

Sorry CHarlie !
Starkist says the correct answer is TT Flex

 

[Team Jeff]

I like the Flex... alot, I plan to replace my wife's Expedition with one when the time is right. Unfortunately for me, the Flex does not have the "flex" I need off highway. :frown

 

[Team Jeff]

Thanks for your comments Gordo, I'm glad to hear you've enjoyed both of yours! Most of the negative comments I hear about LR's pertains to pre 05 cars but tend to bleed over the brand as a whole.

My dad has an Sport (in attendance at Rally III) and for the most part I think he's happy with it, some squeaks and misalignment issues with the hatch, but all were corrected under warranty. He would echo Gordos comment on the uselessness of the nav... I dont even use a garmin anymore - google maps on the blackberry works fantastic, and is always up to date!

 

[nota4re]

There is no other SUV that will even come close.

While not as luxurious on-road, I'll take all comers with the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. Dana 44's at both ends, lockers at both ends, low-ratio crawl x-fer case, coils sprung on all 4 corners - all factory.

Here's my mildly modified '03. I don't see too many LR's in Moab.

 

[Team Jeff]

The Rubicons are truly amazing off road! But I've done the Jeep thing and wouldn't be happy driving one daily.

 

[Team Jeff]

This one's kinda cool too...

Years ago,

 

[SYCO GT]

I think the LR3's are a solid value used. I bought my 2005 a couple years ago. It had been garaged and never off road when I bought it from a soccer mom.

It's very well designed, solid, and rides nice. It handles predictably, like the huge overweight offroad SUV it is. The LR3 is the workhorse of the Range Rover brand, and I would buy nothing else in the line.

It can carry 7 comfortably, the rear seats are all relatively spacious for a mid size SUV. Plenty of storage compartments inside.

Before purchasing, I read all the repairs and work orders, and the various early recalls had all been done. I talked to many owners and none had any fears that the LR3 could get them where they wanted to go.

Over the two years I've had it, a power steering pump failed and was easily replaced under warranty, but other than that it's been fine.

Surprisingly, I get a lot of compliments on it.

I was fortunate to crawl out of this slick clay bath...

Nightmare Gulch with a friend, and a bunch of other LR3's.

 

[SYCO GT]

I have a friend with a Range Rover Sport, and he hates it. Lots of problems. I've heard that specifically about the Range Rover Sports, which are built on the LR3 chassis.

I think less problems with a LR3, significantly more practical, and cheaper.

I had a 2006 Jeep Commander 5.7L Hemi, that I lifted. I bought it thinking it was the cheaper alternative to the LR3, but it was the worst vehicle I have ever owned in terms of squeaks, rattles, and interior design. I was frequently tracking down noises and tightening interior and exterior fasteners and parts.

The LR3 is a much better vehicle on many aspects than the Commander. Better fuel efficiency, better comfort, more interior passenger and cargo space, no squeaks and rattles, etc.

Here are some pictures of my Jeep:

 

[SYCO GT]

As for Wranglers, they are in a class of their own. I was blown away by the ease and effortless nature that the Wrangler navigated around, on, and in obstacles that we had to work hard at. And when we got stuck on a hard part, the Jeep was there to get each of us over. Amazing!

 

[SYCO GT]

The LR3 terrain response and adjustable suspension is a lot of fun.

 

[B O N Y]

as always great pictures... compliments to all the photogs on this thread.

 

[RALPHIE]

Looka like Red Rock Canyon, northeast of Mojave...

As for Wranglers, they are in a class of their own. I was blown away by the ease and effortless nature that the Wrangler navigated around, on, and in obstacles that we had to work hard at. And when we got stuck on a hard part, the Jeep was there to get each of us over. Amazing!

 

[Neilda]

I have a Range Rover Vogue Supercharged - I bought it new about 3 years ago and I love it. It's been problem free and is as well engineered as a Bentley - with the added advantage of being able to drive through rivers and over muddy fields.

Given the current economic climate, I would say that anyone in the US after a new car should buy American - in the same way that we should all support our local towns and villages rather than going to the big out of town malls.

That aside, if you're buying a used Range Rover from a dealer - then you're supporting the dealer as he'll make a Dollar or two on the deal.

In terms of depreciation, all cars are sliding - my Range Rover (which cost me close to $150,000 new) is now worth roughly the equivalent of a McDonalds Happy Meal. So used examples are definitely a bargain.

I'm hanging on to mine.... :biggrin