I need some opinions on purchasing my next Rover. I had a 2003 Discovery that I loved and parted with last summer because of my commute (50 miles round trip) and gas prices, my wife couldn't drive it to work (she's only 5 miles from work) because it wouldn't fit in her parking garage. Anyway, we miss it and are looking a getting another Rover and can't decide which is the better option/deal. I'm fairly mechanically inclined and have had British cars all my life, I've restored 2 Triumph Spitfires. So I'm not afraid to try to tackle some of the maintenance and repairs that will pop-up and I'm well aware that parts are extremely expensive.

First up is a 2004 Range Rover HSE with 43,000 miles which is in great shape for $26,900. That's the best price we could get them down to. It was sold to the 2nd owner as a certified pre-owned, that warranty expires 10/15/09.

The second option is a 2005 LR3 SE-7 fully loaded with touch-screen NAV, the only thing it doesn't have is the DVD. It has 35,000 miles on it and is Land Rover Certified and has a 12,000 mile/12 month warranty, the asking price for this is $26,300.

We're torn between these two. From what I've read, the LR3's are more reliable and this one comes with a year of warranty coverage. However, we really like the RR HSE but it will be without warranty.

 

Well, the navigation and technology on the LR3 is going to be better on the LR3 than the RR. I personally love the MKIII range rover, but I also love the LR3. I have been debating about getting an LR3 or a newer RR in a year or so. I have driven an LR3, and they are very comfortable and very nimble. I think 26k for an LR3 is a bit steep, but for a dealership that is normal. You could get one for 20 to 21k else where. The Lr3 has the jaguar engine with 300hp and the RR has a 282hp BMW engine, that is used on the X5. I personally like the jaguar v8 over the bmw v8. However, they are both good engines. Although, in my opinion the jag engine is more reliable and does not experience some of the idiosyncratic repairs of the bmw engine, such as head gaskets, sleeves etc. Another thought, I do not think a rave service manual is available for the LR3.

The Lr3 will probably get better fuel economy than the RR because the engine is more efficient and newer. The 04 RRs also had a differential recall, make sure that has been done before purchasing. I believe the Lr3 also has a similar issue with their differentials, check up on that.

I really like both vehciles and would not know what to do in this situation either. The LR3 will offer more reliability and less quirkyness, but I do love the refined luxury on the RR. So I would be torn too!

Anyway, good luck to ya, what ever you decide!