Purchasing LR3
 

Hello,

I am very interested in buying an LR3. I am not really interested in all the upgrades in the HSE model, so just looking for an SE. However, if I find an HSE at the right price I will go for it. The main feature I must have is the 3rd row seat. So I am looking for a one owner vehicle that has been well maintained, low miles, with 3rd row.

So from a reliability standpoint, my question is which model year should I look for and are there certain years I should completely stay away from? I plan to have the car checked out by a local Land Rover mechanic before buying anything. Any other things to check for or ask to rule out certain vehicles.

Thanks

The indy or dealer pre purchase inspection is good. No specific years to avoid. Here is the factory service schedule. IMHO you would be wise to follow the arduous service schedule. Also note that differentials and transmissions are very high miles drain interval, you'll want to do those as well. The LR3 weighs more than a D1, has more HP than a D1, and has a front differential that holds about 1/3 of the fluid.

Do you feel the 05/06 models are just as good as the 07-09? This is a sincere question, not looking to start a debate b/c I do not know.

05/06 are just as good, as long as they've been maintained....and that is the rub.

I have found a 2006 LR3 HSE with about 69,000 miles for sell by a private party. One owner and seems to be maintained well. Interior and exterior seems to be in excellent shape, garage kept. All service up until 45,000 was done at the Land Rover dealership. After the owner has had work done by other shops.

I have listed the summary of maintenance records below.
What do you think? Does it seems like a good vehicle?
What should I watch out for now?
What can I expect I would need to have done very soon if I was to purchase it?

Date Mileage Service Comments
11/13/06 996 Tailgate lock/latch replaced rattle from tailgate
1/26/07 2913 Navigation module reprogram/wires replaced GPS issues
3/7/07 4112 Replace anti-rattle tape on speakers rear cargo door noise
4/19/07 5483 Tighten bolts and placed foam around sunroof and clips sunroof squeaking
4/19/07 5483 Replaced upper tailgate wedges squeaking noise from rear cargo area
4/19/07 5483 7500 mile service
7/5/07 8763 Wipers replaced
10/4/07 11044 Four wheel alignment and balance
10/4/07 11044 Arm rest cover replaced arm rest cover loose
10/4/07 11044 A/C knob replaced and exterior light bulb
10/4/07 11044 Not fixed whistling noise coming from a/c vents
10/4/07 11044 Software update to tranny module vibration when driving uphill
10/4/07 11044 15000 mile service
4/17/08 17268 Front and rear pads, rotors with sensors replaced
4/17/08 17268 Replaced leaking O Ring to rail cap Low coolant
4/17/08 17268 Replaced blend door arm a/c making noise when turning on/off
9/8/08 19995 Repositioned headliner Headliner loose
9/8/08 19995 Replaced windshield washer reservoir Windshield washer reservoir leaking
9/8/08 19995 22500 mile service
9/8/08 19995 Rotary coupler wiring fracture recall
9/8/08 19995 Replaced left jump seat latch and handle seat handle came apart
9/8/08 19995 Replaced coolant reservior Coolant reservior leaking
9/19/08 20307 Installed new interstate battery Electrical failure, had to jumpstart
11/12/08 22474 Reprogram keys Car will not start
6/26/09 29511 Replaced leaking O Ring Low coolant
6/26/09 29511 Replaced latch spring 3rd row will not secure to floor
6/26/09 29511 Replaced steering wheel air bag steering wheel cover is peeling
6/26/09 29511 30000 mile service
7/2/09 29639 Four wheel alignment
7/2/09 29639 Four new tires - Wrangler HP ALL
7/22/09 29902 Bad tire replaced - unable to balance Shaking in steering wheel
1/18/10 35252 Replace coolant line from t-body to lower intake Low coolant
1/18/10 35252 37500 mile service
1/18/10 35252 Front and rear pads, rotors with sensors replaced Brakes squeaking
1/18/10 35252 Adjust tailgate striker Cargo door rattling
1/25/10 35454 Hatch wedges replaced Rear tailgate rattling
4/23/10 38243 Replaced dryer and delivery valve kit, tune download Air suspension fault
4/23/10 38243 Adjusted hatch Rear hatch rattling
6/25/10 39826 No leak found, top off coolant Low coolant
6/25/10 39826 Key replaced Key will not open door
6/25/10 39826 Replaced A pillar trim Squeaking noise from steering column
9/30/10 41968 Rotate and balance tires
9/30/10 41968 Rear end alignment
9/30/10 41968 Replaced all 4 control arm bushings and both inner tie rod steering wheel vibration, bushings collapsed
9/30/10 41968 Fuel door clip replaced fuel door will not closed
9/30/10 41968 45000 mile service
5/31/11 49152 Front and rear pads, rotors with sensors replaced
9/14/11 53603 Four new tires - Wrangler HP ALL
2/6/12 57625 Battery
10/31/12 65625 Body Repair $1983 ???
11/30/12 66701 Oil change / fluid check
12/4/12 66790 Front and rear pads, rotors with sensors replaced
1/10/13 67406 Remove and replace pan, basket, filter, passthru connector

run a car fax on it to find out what area to look at for body damage

I found out actually. Contacted the body shop. Rear bumper was replaced. Someone rear ended the car, other insurance company paid. Bumper replaced.

Maybe it fixed all those squeaking rear tailgate issues :) I will have to drive it some more to verify this part. Seems she had lots of problems with this.

What else do you think? Any other things to check or expect in short term?

Here's the maint schedule. Be proactive and do the fluids at 50% or less of factory advice. 150,000 on diff fluid is not real smart when a new front differential is about $2200 at the dealer, and only holds less than two soda cans of fluid.