In that case go 2005 and put $ into it up front.

 

I'm not sure how often you will be going off-road, but I thoroughly recommend the HD version, which has a locking rear diff and a full sized spare tire. There is not a name-plate or any other indication that you have an HD version however. So, either checkout the original window sticker, to see if it was included as a factory option, or drive it in a way that would force the rear diff to automatically 'lock' and the small padlock icon on the nav screen will change from 'open' to 'closed', and will also turn red. I picked up an 08 HSE, but would certainly be happy with an earlier model, as long as the service records are good. Be aware however that the earlier models did have a few more issues, as is the case with most new models of most makes of car - On later model years, there is a greater chance that the earlier bugs and kinks have been fixed.

 

True. That's why I suggest putting $5k or so into an older one. I think Nevill's point is that although any and all issues experienced on the older LR3s are perfectly fixable, your odds are better at getting a later-year unit that "came fixed" rather than hoping that the previous owner(s) went through the time/money/effort to do so.

As for the HD Package. You will certainly want to do as Nevill said to ensure that that particular LR3 has the locker (if it's something you want) but one thing you can easily do to rule a vehicle out is to look at the spare. If it's not a full-sized spare you can be sure it doesn't have the HD Package....unless the prior owner is a complete buffoon and swapped a full-sized rim and tire for a donut. In which case you probably don't want to buy his/her former LR3.

 

Yes...run, don't walk. You don't want any of that truck's possible surprises