When researching prior to buying my D2, I found that certain years had certain problems. Especially the 2003 and 2004 with the 4.6. There were also little things like the 99 still having the bits to connect the lock for the transfer case. All in all, it became evident that the best DII was going to be one that was very well maintained and cared for, regardless of year. I ended up with a very nice 99 for that reason. With DII's, the newer the years the better the truck isn't true at all.


Is this also true with the LR3? Or, do the latter model years outperform the earlier years all else being equal? Are there particular quirks with the different model years similar to the DII's?


Tks.

 

Didn't the '04 D2 get a different power plant? Also didn't it bring back the CDL? How is that not better than a 2000.5-2003 model, if you are gonna wheel it?

I digress. I think the only real issues with the '05s and maybe some 06s are the diffs. Other than that, all nuances are the same.

 

Earlier LR3's had some diff problems, and water leak issues (not counting TCM), but 90% of that stuff was taken care of under warranty usually. As the years went by more TSB's were applied at the factory so "technically" later models won't have as many little issues. You'll still have to check the cowling, TCM connections, lower control arms, and the usual LR3 stuff.

IMHO the reason the D2's got lower quality in 03/04 was LR was already about to bring the LR3 out and they were done with the D2 so the quality went down. I prefer 99-02 D2's without SAI myself (my 02 Kalahari had the CDL nipple). Biggest thing I do not like about 03/04 are the 4.6L without a factory oil cooler (Big Mistake if you ask me), and SAI. 04's truly special thing was the cable linkage for the CDL (UK has aftermarket ones available now). 99-02 D2's (early 02's) should have all had the CDL nipple on the transfer case. I have an 02 Kalahari and it's got the exact same setup as the 04 minus the 4.6L V8. Just bolted on the CDL Linkage, swapped out the SLABS unit with an 04 unit and I was good to go.

 

Most of the changes were cosmetic/convenience things over the years. Earlier years might have the V6 or lack 3rd row seating. 2008+ has the luxury package and 2009 has painted trim. It seems they gradually updated finishes and made some content standard as it aged to try to keep it more relevant. A 2009 looks very similar to a LR4 on the outside.

If you care about additional features/looks, no reason not to go for the later years, but if you find a well maintained 2005 or 2006, no reason to discount it.

My 2008 came with full dealer records and it reads like a checklist of commonly reported issues with all LR3s (hood latch needing replacement for example).

 

Concur. One side note, the 2005 did come with a third row. I don't have one, but that's because I ordered it that way.