Hi there LR folks. I am brand new to this forum and I apologize if I have put this thread in the wrong location. Moderator, please move it to the correct location if i am in error.

So, I just test drove my first "new to me" 2006 LR3 and fell in love with the vehicle. Love the 3 sky lights in the roof and all the other bells and whistles. I have been familiarizing myself with some of the quirks and issues to expect. I fully expect to have to replace all the air bags and what ever failing parts in those systems shortly after I make the purchase.

My scenario is: I have my eye on 3 different LR3's and trying to make a decision.
1) 2006 with the 4.0, high miles 160k - $8400 -dealer
2) 2005 with the 4.4 v8, low miles, 35K $7800.-private owner - (Owner just had the transmission rebuilt-$4800)
3) 2006 with 4.0, avg miles 123K, $8400 -dealer

The 2005 has some major rust in the rear from the owner launching his boat into salt water. He says it is eating away at the rear frame. I have not actually seen the vehicle yet. I will on Saturday.

Reliability is more important to me than how fast i can get from 0-60mph.

Which engine is more reliable in the 2006 years? 4.0 v6 or 4.4 v8?

Thank you guys so much for reading my question and helping me make this decision.

 

The 4.4L V8 is a jaguar engine, it has a great reputation if you take care of it. That's the engine I have and it has enough power for the lr3 (I couldn't imagine a v6 in the lr3 having a lot of power). With that being said the 4.0L V6 is a ford engine I'm not really familiar with that engine so I can't speak for reliability.

 

I would be a little wary of how a tranny blew in 35,000 miles! Also the rusting thing would put me off. I think the V6 is decent. If these are the only choices I'd go #3, only after looking over all available service records. Or...hold out for a V8 that doesn't have red flags.

 

Guys, Thank you so much for your input.
Just wanted to do an update.
3) 2006 with 4.4, avg miles 123K, $8400 -dealer ( I was wrong on the 4.0, its a 4.4)
Just came back from looking at it. It is white with black trim. The engine is actually the 4.4 v8.The dealer has not detailed it yet and is still going through their shop. But they were nice enough to pull it and let me look it over.
Though it has less miles, the interior has taken a bit of a beeting. Not terrible, but driver's seat has a hole in the side, one of the vent blades in the back is busted out, tear in the back of one of the rear seats. Probably from hauling kids around. Wife is making a big deal about it. Carfax shows 3 owners. Service record is perfect until the 3rd owner. 3rd owner never took it to the Land Rover dealer for service. Prior two owners did. Air suspension system seems to be working perfectly, engine sounds smooth. It is missing the spare tire. The cowling that goes between the spare tire and the rear differential is not secured down. Kind of dangling there. Exterior of vehicle is perfect.
Choice 3, has lower miles.. but seems like Choice 1 with higher miles was better maintained.
Choice 2, I have not looked at yet. The owner is a doctor and is the original owner. Hope to go and see it tomorrow morning.
Is there any major differences between 2005 & 2006 years? Interior features the same? Engine same?

 

Not much changed to my knowledge between 05-06. The first changes came with 07 and they were fairly minor. I prefer the 4.0 engine. It's not a performance engine. It's built for reliability. That engine is the platform for millions of ford cars and trucks. Parts should be a lot cheaper and more plentiful. The 4.4 engine the AJ-V8 had been around for a while before going into the LR3. Most of the bugs have been worked out, but the timing system is a mess, and expect to at least replace the guides and tensioners on it. But it does move when you put your foot down

 

@Volkov
That's good to know about the 4.0 vs 4.4. I've also read that the 4.4 is more particular about fuel quality, premium vs regular. I went and took a look at the 2005(Choice 2) yesterday. Runs strong, but the vehicle just has too many issues because of owner neglect. Only 35k miles, but the bumper is rusted so bad the metal is separating. underneath theres a lot of rust. The rust problem, if that was the only issue, is fixable. Could stop the rust and apply an undercoat though the transmission is still having issues. He did get a warranty from where he had the transmission rebuilt but it warranty isnt transferable. Also the check engine light is on. Owner said it has been on for a while but he has never had it looked at. Said.. oh it runs just fine with the check engine light on.. so, negectful owner. Anyway.. i offered him 5000, realizing would take at least 3k to get it perfect. On the other hand.. im not looking to take on any new project vehicles.
So.. the search continues. I am looking at another on Ebay, from the Chicago area. Only has 58k miles.. from the pics, it looks mint, just have to contact the seller and get an idea of what the under carriage looks like.

What about tow ratings for v6 vs v8? I would assume the v6 would be rated a few hundred pounds less?

 

Update. I am now the proud owner of a 2006 LR3 SE! I did not buy either of the 3 that I posted here about. I was able to find another one with 109k miles at a dealer, 150 miles from me. It is very clean and appears to have been garage kept. Only issue it has is the large glass, "alpha" is cracked up pretty good. Everything else is perfect. No rust, no dings no issues of any kind.
Dealer just had the power steering pump replaced. The air suspension system operates very good, better than any of the 5 I have already looked at. Im thinking it has been serviced too.

Some items I will have to spend some money on pretty soon however are:
1) Need an extra key made for my wife
2) Floor mats
3) Will need tires. Maybe about 10k miles left on the current set.
4) Top glass needs replacing.

The dealer gave me good money for my 06 Jeep Liberty diesel..$6000 for trade in.
$9000 for the LR3. I put the balance of $3400+ on my credit card and drove it home.

This morning, I've already gone 4 wheelin with it in my front yard. Drove cady corner over my ditch. The Jeep had to be in 4wd to go over it w/o spinning, being only 2 tires would be actually touching.

 

congradulation, good luck with it

 

Well, technically, your Rover was in 4WD too. It's Permanent 4WD; however, if you were in General Terrain Response Mode, you (very very) likely did not have your center diff locked. Congrats on your new ride!

 

good luck. Fluids and filters my friend. Fluids and filters