I Am looking to buy a used (circa 2005) LR 3 in the cheaper end of the scale (4-6k depending on condition). Several of these vehicles that I have test driven have had the air suspension converted and now have coil springs. What do you think about that?
I do not need to take this vejicle off-road.

Do you have pros/cons for the two kinds of suspension?

Any help/info very much appreciated.
Thanks!

 

I own 1 of each LR3 coil sprung and air sprung. Both are great.

The Air sprung LR3 rides better period end statement. It is smoother down the road and feels better around the corners. Off road the air suspension just works so well. If you load 5 people luggage and a trailer behind it the LR3 still rides the same and level.

Downside is repairs can be super expensive especially if you don't do your own work. Trouble shooting it requires a tool like the GAP IID tool which is more money. The system is robust and reliable if maintained.

Coil sprung rides good, it handles good as well. It does well off road as long as you have a proper conversion that keeps the terrain response system intact. Nothing really to break. No faults no issues just reliable old coil springs.

No increased load handling, through a winch bumper or a trailer on it and use loose height on the suspension. 5 people and luggage it will be squatting down just a fact of coil springs.

In the end owning and driving both, the air suspension is superior both on and off road. Is there anything wrong with the coil sprung, not at all it's just not as good.

 

Thank you for that run down. Veey helpful!

Additional question: If you dont do your own work and the suspension fails, either airbag or coil.
Do you have a rough ballpark estimate of price for parts+labour to fix it?

i have seen numbers ranging from less than 1k to 7k(airbag) and it seems like a faulty suspension is one of the biggest/mist common risks when buying a used LR3. Almost all I have test drives has had more or less of a faultt suspension.

Thanks.

 

labor rates will depend based on you location and if you go to a dealer to independent.

pair of front air struts

https://www.lucky8llc.com/collection...t-shock-set-x2

new compressor

https://www.lucky8llc.com/collection...air-compressor

there are more bits like the valve block etc but those are the 2 major items


If you are not mechanically inclined or new to Rovers I would recommend a pre-purchase inspection by reputable shop or dealer.

 

Okay. I am in NY which is probably on the expensive side when it come to labour.

Would you say labour is same as the parts?
(Realize its a bit of guess work but ust looking for ballpark estimate as to not get surprised)

thanks again!

 

No idea on the labor rates, where at in NY? If you are near Buffalo you are in lucky as Lucky8 is there and they have great prices and do good work on these as well

 

 

Thanks abran, thats amount of labour hours?