Hey guys, sorry if this has been addressed elsewhere here, but I couldn't find a clear answer.

I'm wanting to join the LR3 club (moving up from a Honda Element), and with the gas prices the way they are, I thought sourcing out a 2007 V6 model would be my best bet for a little better gas mileage.

I found a couple dealer loaners (V6 SE) around 5,000 miles each, both priced around $35,000. Sound reasonable?

My question is, besides the obvious power loss, is there anything major that would make you NOT get the V6 over the V8 model? Are there any reliability issues with the V6 (it concerns me they dropped the model for 2008)?

Thanks in advance.

 

First of, notice that the V6 only gives you "ONE" more MPG than the V8, both in city and in Hwy. So, as I have always stated, the V6 was never intended as a "better gas milage" choice over the V8. It was only available as a "cheaper" option, entry level LR3.The difference in price for a new V6 was substantial compared to the V8. However, as the LR3 ages, the prices for the used V6 get ever closer to the V8 and if there are no savings in price and only one more MPG to be gained, I'm going with the V8 every time. So the V6 not only looses a ton of horse power and torque over the V8, it also looses marketability as a used vehicle. Which I am guessing is in part why it's not even available anymore.

With 265/60/18 Silent Armors on mine at the proper air pressure, I am getting over 20 MPG on highway from my V8. If you are not looking at new models, then I recommend you look at a used 2006 HSE V8 with low miles. I believe I have seen some as low as mid to high 20's. But even if you'd rather buy a newer '07 model, I'd still pay a little extra for the V8 myself.

 

Jantiz, thanks for the insight. I guess I didn't realize the MPG estimates were that close.

If you're getting 20 MPG on the highway, do you think it's possible the V6 gets not only 21, but even more in the real-world?

So basically, everyone who buys a V6 is only doing so for the cheaper price? Is maintenance typically the same between a V6 and a V8?

 

I have not heard of maintence problems that are different between the 2 but the lr3 is heavy and that 6 will have to work harder
and it may be more prone to problems latter on but im not a mechanic.
I did drive both in the city and did not notice as much as a difference as i thought i would i stop n go traffic.

 

the engine is strong, in build that is... its a proven engine that ford has been using for years. ive seen far less issues with the 6 banger over the 8, but yes, milage is no gain, and it is under powered for this heavy of a car

 

The only way LR could put a V6 on a 7k lbs SUV and make it strong enough so it doesn't feel like it's draggin, was to make it very thirsty, which is why there's no real MPG gain from V6 to V8. I have never driven the V6 on highway but I would assume it would spend a lot more time downshifting to 5th or even 4th on some slight hills that the V8 does. It is a hard working engine but it does have to work much harder to move that heavy monster around, which may result in shorter engine life in the long run; but that is yet to be seen as the LR3 is only 3 years old.

I still say buy the V8. But that is just my very personal opinion.

 

Hi Angell, I just wanted to know how your experience had been since you planned in purchasing a pre-owned LR a couple of years back. I bought a pre-owned LR3 a couple of months back and I had similar concerns. I purchased a V6 and I have to agree that the engine is built well. I also agree that power is at the low end but it does serves my purpose. At that time, my concern was to spend the least money for an LR with the least mileage and the V6 is probably the better option. I put in some money though for an extended warranty since I am buying a pre-owned and I just don't want to worry much. The V8s were still considerably pricier or with higher miles so I end up with the V6. I am loving it but I agree that the V8 would be a more appropriate engine in terms of power. I have been driving a relative's Range Rover Sport and the difference in power is more evident. Overall, I have to say that the V6 is not a bad option if saving a couple of thousands will be helpful.

 

we are starting to see some problems with the V6 engines but kinda regular maintenance stuff like bad spark plugs or bad injectors and even that is rare. Not that alot of V6 were sold. Still the V8 has mostly gas issues and injector issues.

 

It is my understanding that the V6 is the EXACT same engine that was used in the Ford Explorer.

Also double check the owners manual but the V6 uses regular grade gas while the V8 requires premium.

 

Rovin4life and Spike555, thanks for your inputs. It's good to know that there isn't any known major issues with the V6. I am not sure if it is exactly the same V6 used in the explorer. It maybe for the most part with some minor mods from rover that increased the engine's torque by a bit. I have owned a 135k mile explorer V6 and the only thing I liked about it is the engine (quiet as new) which is a plus if they used the same engine for the LR. So, would you guys advise to just use an 89 octane gas for the V6? I use 92 on my LR but I recall that my Ford V6 runs great or better on 89s. I wouldn't mind spending 10cents more per gallon if it will do the engine much good in the long run but that may not be the case.