LR4 Buying Advice - Perplexed!
 

Currently have a 2006 LR3 at 225K miles, still chugging along; but, getting ready to replace soon. I tend to buy used in the 80-100K mile range and drive until end of life. Looking at LR3, LR4, and 4Runner (I know blasphemy!). We have loved our LR3 when it's functioning properly; but, not sure if there is enough room here to list all of the items that have failed and that I have fixed over the years. My first instinct tells me to just buy a Toyota and move on; but, in the used market the LR's are priced much better than the 4runners, so I'm still weighing my decision. Since I know the LR3 inside and out, have a big questions about the LR4 specifically:

I am terrified by the "timing chain" problem. From what I understand $5-8K repair, at first thought to be limited to 10-12 models; but, I see a class action on 12-14 models going on AND was told by a service advisor at LR dealer to avoid the 5.0 engine entirely. It's easy to say "find a well maintained vehicle with service records"; but, I'm finding these to be very hard to find relative to the more numerous listings at used dealerships who have nothing more to offer than Carfax. So, do you have to assume that any LR4 on the market from this era with no service records will ultimately need this pricey repair? And, if I assume this, then none of the vehicles, as priced, seem very appealing. I'm seeing 2010-11 models in the 80-100K mileage range priced around $15k, which I think is a fair price; but, if I have to add in this type of repair on top I'm probably more inclined toward the Toyota.

I sum, I'd love to hear any advice or input others here may have short of paying for some number of $200 inspections until a gem is uncovered?

Thanks in advance!

It's a common issue, but from what I have seen, not 100%. Thats just my opinion.

But, I would definitey budget that into your buying decision.

I bought a 2013 LR4 about 6 months ago from a land rover dealership for 26k with 48,000 miles on it. So far it has been a great truck.

Thanks Tyler,

I'm still looking; but, the reality I've found is that the LRx vehicles can be had on the used market for highly depreciated prices and live up to their reputation as high maintenance and high cost vehicles to operate. Each buyer needs to make the decision for themselves...I love the functionality of our LR3 when it's working properly and if it were as reliable as a Toyota I'd never buy or drive anything else. Seems like a market opportunity exists; but, also seems that the masses want to drive high MPG hybrids/plug ins, egg shaped crossovers, or pick ups.