OT: Let's talk Land Rover LR3, LR4, and L322 Range Rovers...

[ChainNoise]

Anyone here have one of the above? L322 is 2004 - 2012 Range Rovers I believe. I'd much prefer an LR3 or LR4 but I can't turn away from that 5.0SC. I used to work at a LR dealer back in 06 when I was 17/18 years old and really liked them. I don't remember hearing anything about their reliability since the LR3 and L322 were still pretty new at the time. Anyways, my family will need a bigger vehicle soon and these are the only SUVs I'd consider.

Reliability? I'd likely only consider a 5.0sc L322, did they have the steering column issue resolved by 2010? When did your timing chains start making noise in the 5.0? Are Land Rovers easy to work on? I'm not intimidated by doing things on my own, but it'd be nice to know if I need 5 minutes or 10 hours for a spark plug change. Are parts readily available? Gas milage aside, do they make decent daily drivers?

[dsimon]

Well Im no expert but i have had a 2001 Discovery, and a 2010 or 2011 cant remember LR3. they are like tanks Horrible on Gas mileage but will go anywhere. I love Land Rovers but they are my unicorn of cars. they are expensive to maintain Albeit less expensive than the older Disco's and if you can get a newer one that has the Jag engine they have less issues. If its my .02 cents I would get an LR4.


Ooops forgot I also had the V8 and would only get a V8 I have read the V6 had some issues....

[JasonF]

Here's my '11 full-size RR in its natural habitat: on the back of a flatbed.

That *$%# POS left me stranded four times, including ruining the last day of a family vacation as we waited for yet another tow.

Gave up and traded it in for a Volvo for my daughter.

[dsimon]

Thats why there my unicorn they look amazing but never work Im on my 7th Volvo and my wide and daughter both drive Volvo'

[cinema]

ok heres the down low
the v8 LR4 was the best car we ever had EVER. we had it for 100k miles with zero issues except it chewed through brakes.
the early ones have a problem with the timing chain guides. do not buy. i think 2013 or 2014+ this issue is resolved but make sure check forums online
the later ones are awesome. not sure post 100k how they do. but ours has gone all over the state of california with ZERO issues when we sold it. the 5.0 was a dream to drive, just not to fill up at 12-15mpg

we sold it because it got expensive to drive that kind of MPG and because of reliability concerns on a luxury vehicle after 100k.

[JasonF]

Doug Demuro (famously) bought a RR with an aftermarket Carmax warranty...the warranty cost $4k and Carmax paid out over $21k in claims. Good luck getting any warranty for remotely that cost that will cover anything.

https://youtu.be/JU5_CzHGsWg?t=199

[Robot870]

I've owned a car shop in the past - might want to stay away from those things........IMO - massive headaches!:bike:

[mtechnica]

They are notoriously unreliable. Do you feel lucky?

[R3awak3n]

We had a 2004 Land Rover Discovery. Actually was my wifes. I love to hate on that thing, I mean imo it drove like crap but maybe thats how all thos big suvs drive. Not my thing. She bought it before we started dating because she thought it was cool. It was a decent car until it wasnt. When stuff started breaking oh man, it just fell apart. Repairs were not cheap. Eventually hit a deer with it and then a few months later it started having major problems. We don’t have a specialist around here so I just sold it for $1500. They are cool cars and part of me wish we had kept it but needed thousands of dollars of work.


Reason I mention specialist. There was a problem with it, this is when I was in brooklyn full time. The damn thing would throw a CEL, to get it inspected in ny you need the car to drive 50 miles without throwing any errors. The garage I used to take it to couls not figure it out. We would drive it for a few miles and CEL. Finally had it and took it to a specialist, these dudes werent cheap, they told me, we will find the problem but it will cost you. They werent bs me, took the whole thing apart and found the problem, was a short or something I dont remember.

Anyways personally I would stay away. There is probably a reason why they have such bad reputation

[Tickdoc]

Oh this is going to be fun.

Former 06 lr3 owner here. I remember being polarized by the new redesign and the glowing reviews....gas was cheap the economy was rocking. I ignored the prevailing “don’t buy one of those” wisdom and dove in.

I had my accountant negotiate an over list fully optioned lr3 for my wife. Loved it. Awesome road trip car. (So long as the 17mph best of mpg didn’t bother you)

Drove all across the land, over mountains and through streams. Hauled a ton of soccer players in it. Life was good.

Then the economy tanked, the write-off percentage dropped, and the transfer case went out.

Granted, it was at 55k miles, which is apparently a record for one of those.

My dealer said that the transfer case warranty only lasted til 50k miles, and being all time four wheel drive, the car would not run without it. $6k was my quote for replacement. Even if I bought it here new, paid over list, and will curse the dealer and the brand til the day I die? Yep, $6k.

So I found a used transfer case for $350.00, paid my cousin $100.00 to swap it, and traded it in.

Never again.

[rnhood]

Range Rovers and now Teslas lead the pack in unreliability. They seem to be a button hole short of junk.

Saw this article (https://www.wsj.com/articles/tesla-quality-falls-short-in-j-d-power-car-survey-11593014428?mod=searchresults&page=1&pos=5) today about Tesla. And Range Rovers are nice looking but have long populated the bottom ranks in reliability.

There are many good choices in reliable vehicles out there. Don't let looks deceive you.

[merckxman]

I have an English friend that always sells his before the warranty expires.

[peanutgallery]

The old adage about about Rovers

Your first one is usually your last one

[slowpoke]

Range Rovers and now Teslas lead the pack in unreliability. They seem to be a button hole short of junk.

Seems like the unreliablity aspect is why rich people would drive Land Rovers.

It's a display of luxury to take time off to bring your car to the shop on a regular basis. Most of us would get reprimanded by our bosses if we had to do it as often as a Land Rover owner.

[Imaking20]

I've lusted hard for an LR4 for years. Last fall was finally time to do some shopping and we were super disappointed with how easily the interiors were looking worn out in every used one we drove. The drive was pretty nice (top heavy for sure) and good power, but also some surprisingly lacking amenities (I think one of them didn't even have heated seats!)

We ended up with a Grand Cherokee Trailhawk... adjustable air suspension, electronic locking diff, terrain modes, nav, heated (and cooled!) seats... but still doesn't look quite as baller. I'm not even mad.

[cinema]

I've lusted hard for an LR4 for years. Last fall was finally time to do some shopping and we were super disappointed with how easily the interiors were looking worn out in every used one we drove. The drive was pretty nice (top heavy for sure) and good power, but also some surprisingly lacking amenities (I think one of them didn't even have heated seats!)

We ended up with a Grand Cherokee Trailhawk... adjustable air suspension, electronic locking diff, terrain modes, nav, heated (and cooled!) seats... but still doesn't look quite as baller. I'm not even mad.

funny our LR was great. interior looked brand new when we sold it close to 100k miles. 2013. i think the engine is the ford 5.0 dont remember exactly. definitely had heated seats and even a heated windshield but it was a package. we ended up trading it in for a new rav 4 so my wife could get better mileage and bought a 96 xj with the couple grand left over (that is our camp truck now.) if money was no object for me i would take the 3.0 diesel discovery over anything other than a 200 series lc

[IJWS]

If it's special, you should maintain it--cars don't run on hot air (except Volvo's apparently). I'm surprised that the type of people that frequent this forum would be so offended by something unique that takes effort to take care of...that said, their hands may already be full.

I have a 2012 L322 HSE. My mechanic loves it but he keeps calling it a truck I think just to remind me that that is what it is. We don't talk much but as part of my research I found an independent JLR mechanic to vet some "trucks" with.

The reliability is a myth. Here's what isn't:

1) no carplay, not ever going to be an option
2) $80-100/tank @ 12 mpg--no way around it. That is a car payment in Gas every month.
3) Heavy cars (5,000 lbs) eat brakes and the brakes hate it the whole time. Brembo brakes are not going to blow you away.
4)Heavy cars are slow even with Superchargers. The SC models are cool but the 5.0 engines all run with high compression before the boost. No additional strengthening for the SC engines, just more compression. I have learned to drive slow. It's made me a better person. More Zen...driving this car is relaxing not exhilarating.

If it's for your family, then find a 4Runner and don't worry about it. If it's for fun, get that Rover. Anything after Ford took over the brand (2006+) is light years ahead of the BMW days. The Tata (2013+) models are an evolution in terms of service intervals but they are aluminum framed and look like cars...but the seats massage you and the panoramic sunroofs make the truck feel bigger.

I would do some Land Rover specific research on the respective forums. Yes, most of the people on there are drinking the kool-aid, but there are also things like buyers guides and known issues that you can find that come from actual owners.

I am normally impressed by the depth of knowledge that paceliners present on OT subjects...this one is a little disappointing. Definitely go drive one. You will know immediately whether it is your thing or not. If you are handy with a wrench, there are terrabytes of information and guides online on how to fix almost every issue imaginable--because people freaking love these trucks!!! It has been a while since the L322's were new $100,000 cars. They are now trucks and the aftermarket parts are about as good as the OEM parts--just check the forums first.

[Andy sti]

Of course people love them, they look awesome. Just look at my Land Cruiser thread and see the differences though. Look at the price difference between a 2007-2013 land cruiser compared to any LR or RR. A Cruiser with over 150,000 miles will still hold more value than an LR with 60,000. Yes, enthusiasts will be enthusiasts but the facts are Out there.

[pasadena]

Range Rovers are gorgeous. Love the interiors.
You know what I never see out on the trails? Range Rovers, LR3's and LR4's.

Jeeps and more Jeeps, Big 3 pu's, Toyota pu's, Tacos, 4Runners and Cruisers.

Range Rovers have the hot chick appeal. You know you're going to hate every minute with it, will definitely fail you, and empty your wallet. But it's so pretty, it's still tempting.

[Sparshall]

I posted briefly on the Land Cruiser post, but I just picked up an ‘07 LR3 for CHEAP. My eyes are wide open...this thing could crap out tomorrow or last several more years. Everyone is different, but this totally made sense for me right now. I’m working from home for the foreseeable future, so if it doesn’t start one morning I’m fine. My wife has a nice reliable SUV that fits our 3 kids easily. My boys (7 and 4) absolutely LOVE the LR3. They want to go on “adventures” in it everyday...which usually ends up with ice cream. Life is good...enjoy it!

[sg8357]

I've owned a car shop in the past - might want to stay away from those things........IMO - massive headaches!:bike:


Ye olde shoppe handbill....

[R3awak3n]

If it's special, you should maintain it--cars don't run on hot air (except Volvo's apparently). I'm surprised that the type of people that frequent this forum would be so offended by something unique that takes effort to take care of...that said, their hands may already be full.

I have a 2012 L322 HSE. My mechanic loves it but he keeps calling it a truck I think just to remind me that that is what it is. We don't talk much but as part of my research I found an independent JLR mechanic to vet some "trucks" with.

The reliability is a myth. Here's what isn't:

1) no carplay, not ever going to be an option
2) $80-100/tank @ 12 mpg--no way around it. That is a car payment in Gas every month.
3) Heavy cars (5,000 lbs) eat brakes and the brakes hate it the whole time. Brembo brakes are not going to blow you away.
4)Heavy cars are slow even with Superchargers. The SC models are cool but the 5.0 engines all run with high compression before the boost. No additional strengthening for the SC engines, just more compression. I have learned to drive slow. It's made me a better person. More Zen...driving this car is relaxing not exhilarating.

If it's for your family, then find a 4Runner and don't worry about it. If it's for fun, get that Rover. Anything after Ford took over the brand (2006+) is light years ahead of the BMW days. The Tata (2013+) models are an evolution in terms of service intervals but they are aluminum framed and look like cars...but the seats massage you and the panoramic sunroofs make the truck feel bigger.

I would do some Land Rover specific research on the respective forums. Yes, most of the people on there are drinking the kool-aid, but there are also things like buyers guides and known issues that you can find that come from actual owners.

I am normally impressed by the depth of knowledge that paceliners present on OT subjects...this one is a little disappointing. Definitely go drive one. You will know immediately whether it is your thing or not. If you are handy with a wrench, there are terrabytes of information and guides online on how to fix almost every issue imaginable--because people freaking love these trucks!!! It has been a while since the L322's were new $100,000 cars. They are now trucks and the aftermarket parts are about as good as the OEM parts--just check the forums first.


You are not wrong. They are cool cars (not a fan of post 2005 but I like the pre 2005 stuff, they look very cool) and with any old car its gonna need care and work.

I would not recommend as a daily car which is what ours was but I think it would be a cool 2nd car if you are into that. I think if you know what you are doing and can fix some things then its even better.

I want a vanagon and very known how unreliable those things are. I still want it.

[b33]

If it's special, you should maintain it--cars don't run on hot air (except Volvo's apparently). I'm surprised that the type of people that frequent this forum would be so offended by something unique that takes effort to take care of...that said, their hands may already be full.



I'm with IJWS. We have an '11 L322 V8 with 90k miles on it. About to the get the airsuspension compressor replaced and the front control and bearings. $2300 total at an indy with an oil change. Outside of brakes, tires and oil that is the ONLY thing the car has needed.

Here is the upside of the car:

1. An '11 looks like a '20 - 90% of people can not tell the difference.
2. The V8 is very well tuned, no turbo and it doesn't need it - goes plenty fast for such a heavy car.
3. The interior.
4. I've owned, BMWs, Mercedes, Volvo and SAAB. Everyone comments on the Range Rover. No one comments on the other cars (well, they do on the S class when they get inside).

Here is the downside:

1. The interior infotainment system is an absolute joke, it doesn't even have AUX or bluetooth audio (it does have bluetooth phone, though it doesn't sound great).
2. We test drove some '17 and 18 models and the infotainment while better still blows really hard. Once you get CarPlay it's hard to go back.

[Ozz]

Land Rovers make me think of "The Antichrist (https://www.imcdb.org/v008169.html)" from the movie "The gods must be crazy"

[KarlC]

If it's special, you should maintain it--cars don't run on hot air (except Volvo's apparently). I'm surprised that the type of people that frequent this forum would be so offended by something unique that takes effort to take care of...that said, their hands may already be full.

I have a 2012 L322 HSE. My mechanic loves it but he keeps calling it a truck I think just to remind me that that is what it is. We don't talk much but as part of my research I found an independent JLR mechanic to vet some "trucks" with.

The reliability is a myth. Here's what isn't:

1) no carplay, not ever going to be an option
2) $80-100/tank @ 12 mpg--no way around it. That is a car payment in Gas every month.
3) Heavy cars (5,000 lbs) eat brakes and the brakes hate it the whole time. Brembo brakes are not going to blow you away.
4)Heavy cars are slow even with Superchargers. The SC models are cool but the 5.0 engines all run with high compression before the boost. No additional strengthening for the SC engines, just more compression. I have learned to drive slow. It's made me a better person. More Zen...driving this car is relaxing not exhilarating.

If it's for your family, then find a 4Runner and don't worry about it. If it's for fun, get that Rover. Anything after Ford took over the brand (2006+) is light years ahead of the BMW days. The Tata (2013+) models are an evolution in terms of service intervals but they are aluminum framed and look like cars...but the seats massage you and the panoramic sunroofs make the truck feel bigger.

I would do some Land Rover specific research on the respective forums. Yes, most of the people on there are drinking the kool-aid, but there are also things like buyers guides and known issues that you can find that come from actual owners.

I am normally impressed by the depth of knowledge that paceliners present on OT subjects...this one is a little disappointing. Definitely go drive one. You will know immediately whether it is your thing or not. If you are handy with a wrench, there are terrabytes of information and guides online on how to fix almost every issue imaginable--because people freaking love these trucks!!! It has been a while since the L322's were new $100,000 cars. They are now trucks and the aftermarket parts are about as good as the OEM parts--just check the forums first.

I dont have much time to go into it right now but Im on my 2nd L322 and the only issues I have ever had was, on the 1st one I had to replace the water pump, on the current one I had to replace 1 air bag.

These things are just so classy .....

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50046730573_e40f65fe90_b.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50046726348_95d1e4f8d0_o.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50047288301_e94549d486_o.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50046726748_318518c880_o.jpg

[KarlC]

I'm with IJWS. We have an '11 L322 V8 with 90k miles on it. About to the get the airsuspension compressor replaced and the front control and bearings. $2300 total at an indy with an oil change. Outside of brakes, tires and oil that is the ONLY thing the car has needed.

Here is the upside of the car:

1. An '11 looks like a '20 - 90% of people can not tell the difference.
2. The V8 is very well tuned, no turbo and it doesn't need it - goes plenty fast for such a heavy car.
3. The interior.
4. I've owned, BMWs, Mercedes, Volvo and SAAB. Everyone comments on the Range Rover. No one comments on the other cars (well, they do on the S class when they get inside).

Here is the downside:

1. The interior infotainment system is an absolute joke, it doesn't even have AUX or bluetooth audio (it does have bluetooth phone, though it doesn't sound great).
2. We test drove some '17 and 18 models and the infotainment while better still blows really hard. Once you get CarPlay it's hard to go back.

That airsuspension compressor issue is likely just an O ring that needs replaced, its a common issue as over time they dry out. Look into it, you will save $$$ if you do it yourself.

.

[gdw]

[QUOTE You know what I never see out on the trails? Range Rovers, LR3's and LR4's.

Jeeps and more Jeeps, Big 3 pu's, Toyota pu's, Tacos, 4Runners and Cruisers[/QUOTE]

+1. I don't think I've ever seen a Land Rover or Range Rover in the backcountry. To me that says a great deal about their reliability or lack there of.

[mtechnica]

No need to bash on rovers about their off road capability, nobody buys them for that.

[peanutgallery]

I think its appropriate that what looks to be your wallet is lolling open in the 3rd pic:)

They are beautiful vehicles, somehow have managed to resist the urge

I dont have much time to go into it right now but Im on my 2nd L322 and the only issues I have ever had was, on the 1st one I had to replace the water pump, on the current one I had to replace 1 air bag.

These things are just so classy .....

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50046730573_e40f65fe90_b.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50046726348_95d1e4f8d0_o.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50047288301_e94549d486_o.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50046726748_318518c880_o.jpg

[William]

This is about as close as I would go myself...





W.

[KarlC]

I think its appropriate that what looks to be your wallet is lolling open in the 3rd pic:)

They are beautiful vehicles, somehow have managed to resist the urge

I always think its funny when people worry about the few $1k extra they may need to spend on maintenance or repairs on a luxury vehicle like this, but they are happy to spend $40K-$50K on a new / newish whatever else only to sell it a few years latter at a $20K+ loss


.

[AngryScientist]

Threads like this show what a diverse bunch we are here.

[azrider]

A famous Australian said it perfectly:

"If you want to go into the bush......take a Land Rover. If you want to come back......take a Land Cruiser"

:p:p:p:p

[Ozz]

This is about as close as I would go myself...

W.

yeah...even comes with A/C!

(the horizontal vents right below the windshield!)

[Tz779]

reliability? ahahahah!

[bigreen505]

Before you buy a Land Rover, find a good independent tech. Even if you are going to do most of the work yourself, you can't do everything without the Land Rover computer. If you are considering a Range Rover, ask your questions on rangerovers.net. The L322 is not a single model and there are significant changes year to year based on who owned Land Rover when and what was being developed. The LR3 is a bit of a different beast. I think it was consistent through the whole run and I think they are all Jaguar.

Whether you find them easy to work on or not depends on how well you know how to work on them. I know that sounds contrived or condescending, but it isn't. The Disco 1 and RRC are fancy erector sets. The D2 is about half and half. The LR3 and LR4 are their own thing with their own little tricks. The center console fascia pops right off if you grab and tug in the right spot. Don't know the spot? It's not coming off. The LR3 is pretty mechanically solid, but electronically complex. It is, IMO, one of the best thought-out vehicles ever made. It is big, heavy, slow and thirsty, but I love them. The LR4 is all that but the electronics are pretty robust and they aren't slow. The LR4 is mostly just a better LR3, but I have practically zero seat time there, so do your own research. If you plan to drive off-pavement, you can put smaller wheels on a LR3, but not LR4. For reasons I can neither articulate nor defend, the LR3 is my favorite Land Rover. It is the perfect blend of a modern vehicle and a Land Rover. They are insanely capable off-pavement with factory locking differentials, comfortable on the highway, and capable cargo haulers. Everything you read about them is true -- the good and the bad. If you just want a nice daily driver, the LR4 is better in every way.

http://www.dashboard-light.com/reports/Land_Rover.html tells the truth about reliability. Good luck.

[Walter]

RR/LR is now owned by Tata, an Indian truck company.

A buddy bought a very high dollar RR and it sat at the dealer for months waiting for electric seat parts.

Run...don't walk...in the other direction.

When you see the lovely films of Land Rovers in Africa, just out of the photo are the following Toyotas carrying the mechanics and spare parts.

[William]

... The LR3 is a bit of a different beast. I think it was consistent through the whole run and I think they are all Jaguar.

... The LR3 is pretty mechanically solid, but electronically complex. It is, IMO, one of the best thought-out vehicles ever made. It is big, heavy, slow and thirsty, but I love them. The LR4 is all that but the electronics are pretty robust and they aren't slow. The LR4 is mostly just a better LR3, but I have practically zero seat time there, so do your own research. If you plan to drive off-pavement, you can put smaller wheels on a LR3, but not LR4. For reasons I can neither articulate nor defend, the LR3 is my favorite Land Rover. It is the perfect blend of a modern vehicle and a Land Rover. They are insanely capable off-pavement with factory locking differentials, comfortable on the highway, and capable cargo haulers. Everything you read about them is true -- the good and the bad. If you just want a nice daily driver, the LR4 is better in every way.

http://www.dashboard-light.com/reports/Land_Rover.html tells the truth about reliability. Good luck.


Just saying...

In the end the TFL guys agreed with you so much they hated to see it go. I think the only issue they had the whole time they beat on it was a stuck open original thermostat...


First Dirt! Is the Land Rover LR3 a Stud or a Dud When the Trail Gets Very Steep?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PELyiSrK4f0

The Cold Hard TRUTH About Owning An Old Land Rover LR3
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJuuoBJLwfo

Can We Go Up the Cliffhanger in Two Old Land Rovers Without One Breaking?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HHJgbu340AE


One Of The Hardest Goodbyes: Our Land Rover LR3 Is Off To A New Home!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LeDJ4feK0RE&feature=emb_logo






W.

[Tickdoc]

had to go way back for a pic of mine. One of the bigger snows we had when I owned the LR3. It was fun driving in bad weather for sure! I loved being able to raise it upon inch or two to clear snow drifts. (when the air shocks worked;)
https://hosting.photobucket.com/albums/v234/Handgod/.highres/e863a007.jpg (https://photobucket.com/u/Handgod/p/a8af3576-5971-46a6-8ac4-9d0bb3d5b62c)

[C40_guy]

That airsuspension compressor issue is likely just an O ring that needs replaced, its a common issue as over time they dry out. Look into it, you will save $$$ if you do it yourself.



Quite right.

That compressor is used across a wide variety of platforms - Audi, VW, Porsche, Jaguar, BMW, LR.

Mechanics don't want to rebuild the compressor...because...if they don't get it right, they have to R&R a second time. But the $50 in parts and 2 hours of labor is worth the effort.

And OEM compressors aren't even *that* expensive, unless you're shopping/servicing at a dealer. I think I paid $350 for the one that went into my '04 allroad a couple of years ago.