Couple of pics i snapped real quick when i was there today.

 

This is true BUT it is peanuts compared to some of the repair costs that can be avoided this way. I inspected one and found huge issues... helped me talk them down several thousand on price and I ended up walking away anyway. Inspected #2 and fell in love. It had a few minor things but the peace of mind was worth every penny. Honestly if you're getting into these vehicles, the inspection price is small compared to the budget unless like a few guys here you're an ex-LR tech that has tools and a lift at home...

Nice pictures. I bought almost the exact same truck but with 18" wheels. I think its one of the best years and the paint color is great hiding scratches.

 

I didn't have my LR3 looked over by LR and besides one crazy issue it's been a great vehicle. I would have someone check to make sure the TCM isn't a ticking time bomb. In my case my TCM was barely corroded and I was able to clean it before it got bad and killed the TCM, but it can be an easy 1k repair right off the bat if the TCM takes a crap.

My LR3 is an 06 HSE in Tonga Green, with the Ebony interior, it had 94k on it, and I paid 10.9k for it. I did all my own inspecting, and when I changed the oil it still had a LR filter on it so chances are it was being serviced at the local LR Dealership.

Things I had to do to my 06 LR3:

New Brakes all around
Repair Front Valve Block
Clean TCM Connections & Seal
Replace Alternator
Oil Change & Fluids
Replace Brake Switch

After all of that stuff it's been great and I was able to sell my H3 Alpha for 16.1K and make a nice profit. With any used car you should always plan for dumping 1K into it to get the small glitches/issues fixed. With a LR3 I'd say 1-2k range. So far I've been able to stay under 500.00, but I have some $$$ in reserve in case something does pop up in the future.

LR3's are great vehicles once you know their weak points and address them.

Since that's an HSE crawl under the rear and look to see if it has a full size spare. If it does chances are you have the HD Package with the rear locker. My HSE has every option including the HD Package, but strangely it doesn't have the cooler in the center console (looking to add one).

 

It was back in 2006 when i had the chance to briefly drive one of these and fell in love completely, but no way i could afford one then, never again i sat in one until yesterday, and i felt just as excited as i was 10 years ago, when i cranked it up the sound of that V8 gave me chills lol, i have a V6 explorer currently so it felt night and day difference.

I really want this vehicle, but if there was any major repair at this time i simply cannot afford for now, i hope a good inspection reveals nothing major, as I'm afraid i won't find another one as nice as this one in my area.

 

One more question, on average how much does insurance cost for this vehicle? Thought I get a better idea of all the expenses increase (if any) before I make a trip back to sit and talk.

 

That's one thing that sticks out about these vehicles and really sets them apart from any other option out there in my opinion. With even basic maintenance, they essentially drive like they did when they were new. It's almost guaranteed that most vehicles develop considerable slop in almost every component, even if you hit the big things like tie rods, control arms, ball joints etc - they still never feel "solid" or anywhere near new.

I think many parts of the integrated-body-frame (IBF as they call it) Land Rovers (LR3, Disco 3, LR4 Disco 4, RRS 1st gen) are dramatically over-engineered, minus the ball joints but maybe that was done intentionally to ensure that everything else remained intact.


As for your next question, insurance on all of the LR's has been good for me. I think I pay $135/mo for full coverage on my disco II and LR3 with state farm?

 

Insurance will vary widely with your location, coverage, and driving history. I'm currently in a fight with my insurance company because my premium on the LR3 is set to go up nearly $500 next year because of "regular annual rate increases." Meanwhile, my Volvo S60R is significantly cheaper to insure, despite the fact that it is apt to get me in much more trouble.

 

I remember saying to my wife when we first took the Landy for a test drive that it felt tighter and more solid than some new cars.... this was with bad tires, bad tie rods, two broken rear sway bar links and a leaking steering rack.


I would agree that the double frame is the secret for it's tank like feel...

 

I would not be suspicious at all. Have you shopped an LR3 lately?

I recently saw a fully built LR3 with 120,000 miles sell for 9,000 on expedition portal and I paid $7,500 for mine a year ago.

I agree with you though the difference in purchase price is negligible when it comes to getting a clean one vs one that needs work.

If you're handy then drain the fluids, check the bushings periodically and keep things maintained.. She will run a LONG time.

If you don't have time to wrench or aren't handy then i'd seriously consider putting a GOOD aftermarket warranty on it. I have tons of tools and can fix just about anything and looking back I would have bought one.

Check for rust.. Often overlooked problem but since these vehicles need attention to the undercarriage rust will cause all kinds of problems down the road.

 

I talked to the local LR dealership and they charge $155 for a pre-purchase inspection, I'll try to talk to the little dealer that has the LR to see if he let's me take it for an inspection or if he can take care of that cost maybe?