What do you know about Land Rovers? (Updated with a pic of new ride)

sigp220.45

sigp220.45

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My beloved Chevy Uplander died a premature death last Thursday, T-boned by a rusty Nissan Pathfinder. My bride got a ride to the hospital, a CAT scan, some X-rays, and was sent home with a concussion and severe whiplash.

The other driver, miracle of miracles, was actually insured. This is truly a rare event in my corner of New Mexico. The last time my little van was rammed I was driving it and the ramming party, some swarthy lads in a lowered Maxima with a cool spoiler, managed to rattle away from the scene leaving me reflect upon the value of uninsured motorist coverage.

So now we need a new ride. I'm considering a 2006 Land Rover - I don't know why, other than my wife likes it. That may be the painkillers talking, though. I've never even been inside one (the dealership was closed today, so we were just looking through the windows). Anybody here have any experience with these vehicles? This one is an LR3 SE with about 30K miles.
 
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Which model are you looking at?

I have a 2000 Land Rover Discovery II, I love it, I use it for work year round and general driving in the winter. I'm off road all the time, these things are incredibly rugged, very comfortable and will go anywhere. The Range Rovers are very luxurious. Gas mileage isn't great, I get 15-17 or so in mine, it'd be better but they're very heavy and full-time AWD. They can be expensive to repair, especially if you can't do any of your own work. Mine has about 105k on it and it runs great. I expect to get at least 200k out of it but whenever it finally wears out I won't hesitate to get another one.
 
Good riding vehicles. Stable and effortless cruise above 70mph.

They are heavy, and the gas mileage suffers because of it and their brick like shape.

THey are highly computerized like everything else these days. And you can't even bleed the brakes without the dealer computerized brake serbice machine (you really can, but results vary).

THe seating is comfortable, and visability is good.

Parts are a little difficult to find, but mine hasn't needed any in the last 3 years. Always use Wix oil filters.

From other forums on the net, it appears the transmission is a weak link if you want to do heavy towing, I have a pickup for that, so not an issue for me.
 
Not with Land Rovers, per se, but every other British-branded vehicle that's ever come into my orbit has been an undependable,expensive to repair, piece of junk, often with ostentatious wood and leather trim, but still unreliable junk. There's a local dealership or two, and they're not uncommonly seen, although never at the end of a rough four wheel drive road at some hidden hunting hotspot --- typically seen in the parking lots of fancy retail outlets and expensive restaurants, never, of course, with a single brush scratch or dent, dust or mud or residual snow, or any other evidence of having been off the pavement. Never seen one carrying a canoe or kayak, skis, bikes, or any accoutrements of outdoor recreation. South African friends tell me that Toyotas dominant the rough riding market there, and it's my impression that that's also the case in Australia. Given the alternatives, I'd look closely at them....
 
jkc said:
Not with Land Rovers, per se, but every other British-branded vehicle that's ever come into my orbit has been an undependable,expensive to repair, piece of junk, often with ostentatious wood and leather trim, but still unreliable junk. There's a local dealership or two, and they're not uncommonly seen, although never at the end of a rough four wheel drive road at some hidden hunting hotspot --- typically seen in the parking lots of fancy retail outlets and expensive restaurants, never, of course, with a single brush scratch or dent, dust or mud or residual snow, or any other evidence of having been off the pavement. Never seen one carrying a canoe or kayak, skis, bikes, or any accoutrements of outdoor recreation. South African friends tell me that Toyotas dominant the rough riding market there, and it's my impression that that's also the case in Australia. Given the alternatives, I'd look closely at them....
Click to expand...

That was constructive. Nothing like the voice of experience weighing in to advance the discussion.
 
One problem on mine, the cruise control isn't set properly. It surges constantly. Having set these up on other makes, I know it is only a trim adjustment, but I do not have a clue as to how to acess the hardware to adjust it, it may all be digital and needs reprogramming for all I know.

As to comparing this to other British Lelands, I have owned a bunch of Brittish cars made in the 70s and earlier. My Rover actually starts when I hit the key, the lights and wipers actually work in the rain!
 
LR3's are nice, they are the next generation of the Discovery after mine. They're more luxurious and less utilitarian than the earlier versions but still very capable off-road, I know guy that has one nd he's very happy with it. If you google it you'll find numerous road tests and comparisons that have a ton of info.

I checked the LR website for the dealer here and they have similar vehicles in the $28-$30K range so work them hard on the price.
 
We had a couple of ex-MOD (Ministry of Defence) Series IIs down at our place in the Grenadines back in the late 60s. LRs were just about the only vehicles on the island back in those days. I've always had a soft spot in my heart for them. My only recent experience with British vehicles is the '03 Jaguar X-type I bought my wife for an anniversary present. (Actually, I bought it because it was on my 'bucket list' and I absolutely love it!) I'd have bought her a Disco' or a RR if I'd have been able to find one...I'm still hoping to own at least one more LR.
 
Definitely not in the same league as an LR3, but my SIII is beyond reliable. Though about a D90? They can be had in that range. The best 4x4xfar for a reason.

I've heard a lot less reliability complaints about Porsche Cayennes over LR3's and 04-05 models can be found all over between 25-30k.
 
I've got a 1999 Disco (Discovery) II with approx. 119,000 miles on her.

I'm 2nd owner, I bought her w/ approx. 30,000 miles. She's been a great ride both on-road or off. I've done long distance road-trips to Glacier Park and have used her to commute. She's also a deluxe ride w/ all the goodies - cruise, Harmon-Kardon sound system, down-hill/tilt control, towing package & more stuff.
Maintenance wise, I've done the headgaskets at approx. 80,000 miles, alternator, and some minor stuff (she needs new shocks). 17 MPG on the free-way (all wheel drive all the time) is about avg.
Maint. & parts are a bit more expensive but, for what you get, well worth it.
Have it checked by a certified Land Rover mechanic - I'd recommend one.

Bruce
 
My next door neighbor had one. (Discovery 2006) He spend more time UNDER this truck to fix all kind of stuff than anything else.
He owns a Honda Pilot now and is very happy.
 
I bought a Range rover in 92 almost sight unseen from my bank. It had 17K on it and extended RR warranty. It was in trust and very few around, in my neck of the woods in 92. I had a power steering problem right away but it was fixed at no charge including the towing to St. Louis dealer. I put 147K on it with only regular maintenance scheduled work. Therein lays the problem, cost are high for maintenance and gas mileage was not good. At 147K the darned Lucas electrics started to go. Windows, moon roof, locks, etc. I might add that never did I have a problem with the actually running of the thing. Rust was non-existent (Aluminum body) and that thing was the only thing running trough the massive snows of 93. Bad side was no dealer in Central Mo. so a trip to St.L every time you needed anything electrical. I bought it less than one year old for 24K So how could I really complain. I thought it was tough as nails and had a transfer case that never gave up...I don't even know who actually makes them now or maybe who owns them. You see a few Range Rovers around here now and a lot more Land Rover Discovery models, mine had initial price tag of 56K w/extended warranty. Bank just wanted to get rid of it. Their loss my gain. At the time you could sign up (for a price) for a four day driving school in Aspen and you got a shirt to go with it. I got the shirt and read about the school in Off Road mag....All in all a good experience due to my cost. Never had one doubt that engine, and transmission wouldn't go at least 200k I can't afford one now so at least I had my touch of off road luxury. I forgot you got included a very British picnic basket, plaid blanket and a folding camp chair included....I say Old Chap tee with or with out!
 
....might consider a Mercedes Land Gewagen whilst you're in the 'Just Looking' phase.....
 
Sig: I have a 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport. Love it!

One feels rather stately driving it; it cannot be beat as a foul weather road trip vehicle. In town mileage hovers around 16 mpg; highway use gets it up to the 19-20 mpg mark.

Unless you need the extra seating afforded by the LR3, I suggest the Range Rover Sport which can be had for the same bucks you're contemplating spending. The full size Ranger Rover is a bit more, or course.

Get the lux/cold weather and dynamic response packages if you can. The former has heated seats and a refrigerator in the console among other niceties; the latter adds Brembo brakes.

Be aware that maximum tire wear is about 30K miles. Replaced my Continentals at 31K with Michelin Latitudes. Contis were standard in 2006; 2010 models use the Michelin Latitudes.

Be safe.
 
I would locate a repair shop to use before purchasing, not every shop can (or should) repair them. A Toyota Landcruiser that is not outfitted for luxury, is just as capable off-road. Where I live your hunting trip will be ruined by a very long and expensive flatbed ride if you break down. They attract the wrong kind of attention unless you're an NBA star, and they generally drive newer ones.
 
While having my "bulletproof" Toyota repaired, I looked at a similar LR3, 2006, for $26k. That was about two months ago. I was back by the dealership to get a couple of oil filters, and it was still there. Too bad I've already used up my car allowance for a couple of years, I'd buy it.

I thought it looked great, the interior is very luxurious, but tough at the same time from what I saw. I didn't want to drive it...I might have traded the 4Runner for it if I did!
 
Land Rover, like Jaguar, were part of the British Leyland group that finished up as the Rover group after Ford bought LR and Jag. The British motor industry was a mess with bad management and lousy industrial relations and a lousy workforce in general. Land Rover have been in just about every part of the world, and are probably the best of the British. Ford finally sold them (and Jaguar) to the Tata company of India, which is the world's fourth largest truck manufacturer, and the world's second largest bus manufacturer, as well as being a significant producer of cars.

They have had financial problems over the last year or so, but who hasn't.

I drive an older Discovery. Not up to the standard you guys might want, but it gets me around.
 
It has a reputation for ruggedness, but at that price......I wouldn't take it near thewoods!!! I drive light off-road out on woodsroads and farm field roads.....all year long. Snow and ice in winter,mud in spring, dusty in summer, wet and muddy in fall. (That means fairly rough dirt roads, but by no means heavy duty!) I have had mostly American (Ford and Chevy) 2WD pick-ups, plus one Toyota 4x4 Tacoma. One thing to remember. If you take it off road, you will damage it. Bumps, dings, broken tail lights, scatches from brush, etc..... The cost of parts is a serious consideration, as well as availablility.

The Land Rover is expensive for parts (when you can get them) and service. It may require shipment from England. (which may take months) Finding competent service will be difficult. (Joe down the street, hasn't got a clue)

Remember....an exclusive car requires exclusive parts and service. Buying it is one thing......Affording to own it....... can be more expensive in the long run. If you've got the bucks......by all means, get one.

Even though I have a comfortable existence, I don't kid myself into thinking that....I'm sumpthin' special. That's why I stick with the more common Ford or Chevy. (The Toyota didn't work out so well.) Bob
 
sigp220.45-
Don't be scared off by the naysayers. Parts are readily avaiable, as is service, you're looking at an '06, not a '66. In addition to your dealer, there are numerous LR parts houses that have been around for years and have comprehensive web sites with every part you can imagine available here in the states. I have yet to order anything from England for my 2000. Besides, an '06 with under 30k on it should have a good chunk of factory warranty left on it.

I'm off road with mine every day. Sure the paint has suffered, but that's how I use my vehicles. I've had no other problems than scratched paint for all of the time in the woods and on the shore.

Drive the car, give it a good look over, take to the local LR dealer to have it checked if there's one nearby, and buy it if you like it. They're great vehicles and the majority of LR owners will tell you so. However, it's apparent that people that have never owned one have plenty of issues with them, you should take their advice with a grain of salt.
 
Land rovers dont look like, handle like, nor get outta the way like Mustangs ... so I dont like em :p
 
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I had to drive a 500 mile round trip this past weekend, I took Rover because it has the best road manners, visability, room for stuff, and seating comfort of all my vehicles (don't ask, I am a car guy). And, I saw 2 late model mustangs getting the blue light special on the side of the road. Guess they "never saw it coming".

They handle better than most folks can believe, if you haven't driven one (tires MUST be inflated to specs) you gotta try one.
 
Get it. Don't be afraid to put some BFG All-Terrain TA's on it and take it off-road.

If you don't use it it will go bad. This is not a safe queen. Just like a gun, it was meant to be used off-road.
 
I love my SIII (license WRMBEER), though that is not the topic of discussion here. My kids learned to drive on it and how to do some car repairs. Unfortunately it now needs a clutch, a major surgical procedure that I have not yet faced. Have had some very memorable trips w/ the Land Rover club, but you need to be pretty self-sufficient and prepared to make repairs on the Series models. All parts are available. The curious might want to visit the Atlantic British website. Good luck. My friends w/ LR3s have been happy w/ them.
 
For 2 years in a row, several years ago, JD Powers & Assoc. listed the Land Rover as the WORST vehicle in America in initial quality.

You have to work really hard at producing a bad car/truck to achieve that rating.

Consumer's Reports list them as used vehicles to avoid, and the 2005 and 2006 are listed as 'much worse than average' in reliability.

Areas that were worse than average, or much worse than average, in 2005 and 2006 are: drive system, fuel system, climate system, suspension, brakes, engine cooling, paint/trim, body integrity, body hardware, power equipment, and audio system.

Wow: looks like they are real TROUBLE.

With so many SUV's on the market, you can do MUCH BETTER for the same amount of money.

ANYTHING made or engineered in Japan will be VASTLY superior in reliability.
 
goldenlight said:
For 2 years in a row, several years ago, JD Powers & Assoc. listed the Land Rover as the WORST vehicle in America in initial quality.

You have to work really hard at producing a bad car/truck to achieve that rating.

Consumer's Reports list them as used vehicles to avoid, and the 2005 and 2006 are listed as 'much worse than average' in reliability.

Areas that were worse than average, or much worse than average, in 2005 and 2006 are: drive system, fuel system, climate system, suspension, brakes, engine cooling, paint/trim, body integrity, body hardware, power equipment, and audio system.

Wow: looks like they are real TROUBLE.

With so many SUV's on the market, you can do MUCH BETTER for the same amount of money.

ANYTHING made or engineered in Japan will be VASTLY superior in reliability.
Click to expand...


What year model LR do you own? What specific problems have you experienced?
 
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