I see a lot of engine failures with LR’s here in the USA (mainly LR4) yet others are driving them across deserts & into blizzards.

Are these reliable? Are they not?

Would I be an idiot to trade a 2019 TRD Sequoia for one?

FYI this will be DD & family hauler for a year or so until my new D110 comes in. Then it’ll be a weekend warrior / EXPO build.

 

They're as reliable as the owner.

Which is to say if you keep up on the maintenance and don't treat it like garbage it'll run forever.

I've had a Discovery 2 which lasted me to 155k before I sold it with only 1 non routine repair, head gaskets at 95k.

My LR3 is at 134k with the only non routine repair being my choice. I converted it from airbags to springs and swapped in the upgraded metal transmission pan. I drove it across the country, around New England snow, down to the bottom of Death Valley in summer (125* that day) and it never left me stranded.

The LR4 is a little different because of the 5.0 V8. It's just as reliable but you will need to replace the timing chain guides. Those wear out and grenade the motor. But it's a fix it and forget it thing.

Personally, especially as just a place holder I'd cash in on the crazy Toyota used prices.

 

I have 3 LR3's 176k, 196k 219k

 

I have two LR3s, one at 132k and the other at 221k. I've seen reports of people putting close to 400k on them. The 4.4L is terrific, just needs maintenance like any other engine. There are a few key things one can do to ensure that, one is replacing the plastic bleeder valve with a brass one, the other....well maybe there is just one! I guess the idler pulley upgrade is a good one, too.

I love the EAS. Sure, it needs maintenance, but it's not that difficult to diagnose and mostly cheap to maintain unless in needs a compressor or new airsprings. Those are not cheap parts but they last quite a while so it's not as if you have to spend $$ all that often.

I didn't think the LR4's timing chain guide issues were "fix 'n forget." I thought the replacement parts were the same, no? I know people have been changing oil more frequently to keep those guides more pliant. Or is it the tensioners themselves that have been uprated? I guess I don't really know since I don't have an LR4.

....but yeah, they are reliable if maintained. They'll be better on trails than a Sequoia, too.

 

I bought mine 6yr ago at 116k miles, now at almost 170k miles.
I am religious with routine maintenance and the expected fixes.

The last 3yr were reliably uneventful except for a new AC compressor (and new radiator to fix a slow leak "while in there".)
I have a GAP tool. I have never been worried, and nothing has left us stranded or required a tow. Yet.

 

LR3 with the Jaguar 4.4 = Good. No known issues, that is common faults that require some major mechanical investment. Basic maintenance, they run forever.

LR4 with the 5.0 = yuk... even with some rebuilt they can still fail. Personally I will be avoiding the LR4 entirely. Not to mention the LR4 can be less equip than an LR3. For example the low range transfer box is an option, not standard like an LR3.
https://www.carcomplaints.com/news/2...oxMRr6qIWOFZ4I

With that said, going from a 2019 seems like a backwards move. But if you are buying a project vehicle and do your own work they are quite remarkable machines. Keep in mind you will be putting some money into it. My LR3 is at about 180k miles. I do cross country trips and beat it up pretty good on the trails. I have replaced the entire suspension system, that is the control arms, etc. But I am still running the original air springs, which I plan to replace this year - one is leaking. Beyond basic engine work (new plugs, MAF and PCV valve) I have done a trans fluid/filter change as well as differential fluids. Nothing else has really gone into it. Oh, I did replace my rear driveshaft cause the center bearing support rubber was going, that was more out of caution than anything.

 

I would add - stay (no run) away from the Supercharged 3.0 V6 in the LR4. Between the supercharger pulley bearing, the coolant system cross tubes (under the intake/supercharger), and the high pressure fuel pumps on the side of the block, and a few other weird stuff, it has been by far the most expensive of our LR's to keep on the road.


Just my 2 cents worth. (Actually it is more like $6,000 dollars worth.)

 

Appreciate the thoughtful responses here.