Hi,
any thoughts on the LR3?(2005/2006) I am assuming it takes premium? I have a 2000 Discovery with 164K, just put a couple of grand into it to keep it running as our third (hunting, for my husband) car. Torn between that and a Volvo xc90. Thinking I might not need so much room. I am also assuming it costs just as much to fix as the Discovery. I live in a rural area and am limited on mechanics and my husband is clueless as to fixing our own cars. Any thoughts/quirks/advice much appreciated. Thanks!

 

My wife and I just purchased a 2006 LR3 to replace our totaled XC90. She loved the Volvo but we thought it would be good to get something different to add a little spice to our lives.

The dimensions of the two vehicles are not that different. The LR3 seems much bigger inside than the Volvo. My wife says that the LR3 feels much bigger overall compared to the Volvo. She is hesitant parking in small spaces, but I think with time she'll get used to the car. Coming from a Disco you will be much more accustomed to the size and feel of a Land Rover.

I think that the Volvo is much more reliable as long as you stay away from the T6. The transmissions in the T6's are horrible and will fail eventually. The 5 cyclinder volvo will get better gas mileage and has a super reliable 5 speed transmission in it. I can't speak for the V8 XC90 as I haven't driven one. The Volvo can run well on regular gas. The LR3 takes premium.

The land rover will dominate in off-road but the Volvo can handle some rural roads.

If you were making this decision based on economics I think that the Volvo would win out. Much more reliable and cheaper extended warranties from the dealer. Problem is once you drive the LR3 you are going to want one. I never asked my wife to drive the XC90, but now I find myself begging to drive the LR3.

Aaron

P.S. My two year old twins call the LR3 a Land Volvo, best of both worlds in their minds.

 

ok...you have thoroughly confused me. I love my LR, and can't imagine "downgrading", but my Discovery is just costing too much. Both of my kids are in school all day now, so I am not trucking them around as much. What is a girl to do? will test drive the volvo in the next couple of days, and I may try to stay away from the LR3, as I will probably buy one. Just concerned down the road with upkeep and the $$$! Put 2300 into the Discovery this week, although that's all I have had to do since buying it with 58k and now it has 164K...

 

We looked at both the Volvo and Lr3 we live over 3hrs from a daler for the lr and 1 hr for the volvo we both loved the LR3 a ton more
It is alot nicer in my opinion I get 20mpg on the hwy

 

Just make sure you get an LR3 that is Certified and carries an extended warranty. Be prepared to pay high prices for maintenance such as brakes (about $1100 at the dealer), tires (about $300 each), etc.

 

who would let the dealer do a brake job or put on new tires? I wouldnt do that even if I had a Chevy

 

My tires cost me 150 each. A new set of brake pads is only about $180 and almost anyone with limited mechanical knowledge can change their own. If not, there are many certified brake shops that can do it outside the dealer for a fraction of dealer cost. They do use Premium fuel but real MPG numbers seem higher than the sticker sugests as I am also getting 20-21 with my silent armour tires. Do get an extended warranty. Ford ESP will cover it bumper to bumper minus normal wear and tear like brake pads and such for around 2k for 100k miles as long as it is under 36k miles. As far as which vehicle to buy, Volvos are nice but there's just no comparison, IMHO.