I thought i was done with Rovers forever. I wrecked my teenage daughter's '07 LR3 and the insurance co. promptly totaled it. DONE WITH THAT! Well I bought her an infiniti FX35 thinking she would really like it and she's been complaining about missing her Rover that DAD WRECKED for two months now.

So now I'm secretly behind her back wanting to make it right and get her another Rover.

I've found a 08 LR3 with 135K miles that has had a new water pump, conversion to coil springs, bushings, tie rods, thermostat, and other stuff. Good tires. The hood needs fixing from hail, and the back door window doesn't go down. $8K out the door. I'm figuring another $1K for rehab.

I've also found a slick black '11 LR4 with 135K miles at a dealer that looks super sharp. $11,750.

Which is the better car? Do I buy the one with the coil suspension conversion? Am I asking for trouble with an LR4 that still has the air suspension?

PLEASE HELP!!! Thank you!!!

 

The lr4 is a great rig. The 5.0 direct injection engine has a ton of power. The dash won’t crack all over and the sound system is terrific. The air suspension is a big plus. Down side on the lr4 is that some engines develop timing chain guide problems. The repair is pricey. Water pump will need to be watched like a hawk. They don’t like to get hot.

For the same same money I would opt for the lr4. Newer vehicle. Newer technology. Get a ppi. Phil

 

I’ve had both. Happy in a 2013 LR4 now. Faster, nicer, more expensive! Fuel mileage is about the same.
The 4.4 motor is solid. LR3 won’t ride the same with coils, she may notice the difference.
If you get an LR4, I would take it for a thorough PPI. They need to listen for timing chain wear. It may need 3-5k for chains and tensioner, but some don’t. May be related to oil change frequency.
On the LR4, assuming these haven’t been done, consider changing all of the plastic coolant lines, reservoir and pump at that mileage. These are known to split and you may not catch it before it overheads (BAD). Consider a transmission service. If it needs control arms too, you’re at $4K, but it will be solid for a few years!

I wouldn’t go back to an LR3, but they’re not hugely different. 11500 is a pretty good price if it checks out. 8k seems fair too. That’s almost the bottom for these.
Remember, there’s no such thing as a cheap Land Rover!

 

Well I may have struck an even better LR. A 2009 LR3 HSE with "only" 100K miles that's been well maintained. $9K. I think I'm going to go with that one.

The timing chain/overheating/watch like a hawk thing scares me on the LR4. The car fax on it indicates some oil change intervals at 15K miles. i don't like that at all.

With these cars, it's a lot about comfort level. I don't like being nervous about my car.

 

Agreed! Good luck and I hope you get absolution!