Hey guys, just saying hi, and looking to get some input on ownership experience from some LR owners.

Little about me, I currently have a 2004 Cadillac CTS-V, 57K miles on the odo, CPO warranty still under effect... I'm looking to trade it in on a LR.

The car has been a mixed bag. It's plenty fast, handles great, and turns plenty of heads (I have electronic exhaust cutouts just behind the cats, so when they're open it's very loud with an awesome rumble) and the car has been pretty good with fuel mileage (about 20 mpg mixed, 25mpg highway only).

The problem is that I live in rural northeast PA. My commute is about 20 miles one way over back roads that rarely are plowed when it snows. There is also a very big and expanding natural gas industry locally, there's natural gas wells popping up everywhere, and due to the heavy truck traffic the roads are disintegrating rapidly.

Here's the downside of the Caddy, it sits low, is worthless on our roads in the snow with snow tires, and the ride is very harsh. I know it's a Cadillac and everyone assumes it rides like butter, but you never forget you're in a sports car. The car has also been very unreliable and in 2 years and 25K miles of ownership I've had a clutch, radiator, computer software update, 2 tire pressure sensors, water pump, rear diff bushing, and a control arm replaced. All on separate trips to the dealer (which has been great to me). The car also recently bottomed out BAD on a section of tore up roads and dented the exhaust badly, causing it to make loud banging against the frame, and tearing off some plastic tray under the engine.

I've always owned cars (1997 ZX2, 2001 Neon R/T(junk), 2005 WRX, 2004 CTS-V) and now looking for an SUV. I dont mind turning wrench a little, MPG isn't terribly important, and I'd like a capable off roader. I'm loooking for an LR3 or Range Rover but undecided so far. My budget is around 20-25K so it'd be looking at an 05ish LR3 with 40K miles or an 03-04 Range Rover with 40-60K miles.

Anyone else transition from a sports car to LR? I've read the horror stories of reliability (but the Caddy was no peach). How about some input, any replies are much appreciated. (sorry for the long post)



video of the V's exhaust: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iq1cLLUcVwc

 

Just search the site and you should get all the info you need to make a well informed purchase.Welcome and hope you buy a rover.(btw DII's are the best LR imop)

 

Hi to All, just joined after reading some of the input. Impressed by site and no evidence of flaming those of us out of the kinow. I too am looking for my first LR. I just retired and so have lost my company wheels and CC. Looking for a handy good riding vehicle. After reading most forums I could find there seems a strong concensus the 1995 LR Disco is one of the best and reliable??? With this in mind I've found a 95 with low kilometers 130K, with near pristine body and interior. Have to see it in a week when owner gets back in town. Would really like to know if there are differing opinions here, I've always been a believer that models evolve to a better state, as the models years advance. Looking at Edmunds and other sites though, the 98 Disco is rated the most reliable. Every used vehicle is being sold for a reason- hoe to find one that isn't because of condition. I don't mind wrenching some, electrical doesn't scare me, have done fairly heavy wrenching when a lot younger and far more stupid. Any opinions or informed opinions?? thanx

 

I bought my 05' LR3 a year and a half ago used, it's at over 100,000 now because I drive a lot, but it's been incredibly reliable. No problems yet, and I love it. I went from a small convertible (although I still have it) and I love having both, but I definitely can't go back to just the sports car now. You could get a pretty nice probably 06 or 07 LR3 for your price range.

 

I havent seen any 2007 LR3s under $25k unfortunately