Always wanted a Land Rover, yet cost has kept me away. However, now that I seem to be heading back north, I am looking at LR3 options.

I found a 2006 LR3 V6 with 136,000 miles. Good maintenance records. Brand new tires, brakes, and compressor (brand new, not rebuilt). Was the guy's daughter's vehicle. I can buy it for $5500 (took a bit of talking down). After driving, all seems good... put it through the suspension paces and all operate as they should... as well as the high and low ranges.. parking brake works. Engine runs quiet, transmission is smooth, no fluid spots underneath the vehicle at all, before or after driving it awhile, and sitting. Only issue was a faint coolant smell IF I stuck my head in the engine bay after driving it. The radiator and thermostat were replaced last year, so I suspect there is a hose clamp that needs tightening somewhere.

Interior looks almost new, and everything works... AC, heated seats, heater, moonroofs, etc.. No leaks inside either.

I start a new job up north(ish.. Virginia) and would be nice to have 4x4.... plus I will be in the Appalachian Mountains, and do enjoy off-road quite a bit. Before my current Prius (yeah, I know... no jokes), I owned a 2003 Wrangler Rubicon, and before that, a 4Runner that was completely bulletproof on and off the road. The Rubicon, not so much.

Is the LR3 worth gambling $5500 on?

 

If you can afford to save $1-2k in a maintenance fund, sure. The control arm bushings are about $1-2k to replace for example. I would still see if you can take it to get a pre-purchase inspection from someone who knows Land Rovers.

 

What is it with the V6 trucks lately?

Wonder if you two are after the same truck...

 

Maybe I should wait to find a V8?

My dream vehicle is a Defender. Those are completely out of my price range... at least for one that can be a daily driver. The LR3 V6 seemed to be the quickest way into a Land Rover. Perhaps I should just wait, and dream.

 

EVERYONE's dream vehicle is a Defender!

I think for the most part the V8 is more well-received that the V6 but that doesn't mean the V6 isn't any good. The price you state sounds attractive.

 

Haha. It is not the same one, but his cost less.

 

quick ****** it out from under him!


Kidding

 

Haha.

 

Make sure the timing chains and guides have been changed. My V6 motor was destroyed at 136k due to prior owner ignoring his mechanic’s advice. 2500 for a used motor and a fair number of hours to do the swap.
Honestly, spend the money for a v8. You’ll get the money back if/when you sell it.

 

Thanks for the advice guys. After further research (I've spent the better part of a week), I have decided to wait and find a V8 HSE in my price range. May take awhile, yet I could get lucky.

In the meantime, if you know anyone who could use a prior NASA scientist, systems engineer, UAS flight manager, project manager, and computer guru who has a sense of adventure, please spread the word.

Chris
https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherwthornton/