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Land Rover LR3

4548 messages,  Last post on Nov 18, 2012 at 11:21 AM

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What is this discussion about? Land Rover LR3, SUV

Messages Page 18 of 456

#166 of 4548 Re: played in an LR3 yesterday [davidc1] by toottoot

Nov 15, 2004 (2:30 pm)

Replying to: davidc1 (Nov 15, 2004 1:11 pm)
That is a key point. No track record on any vehicle is a concern, double that when it is on a brand that is known for having quality issues.
 
In the most recent JD Powers reliability study Lexus rated as by far the most reliable with 162 problems per 100 vehicles. On a side note, that is the 10th straight year Lexus has been named the leader in reliability. Land Rover came in last, yes last with 472 problems per 100 vehicles.
 
So, this plays heavily into decision making both for safety as well as convenience. We currently have a 2001 Lexus LX470 and truly wanted to get into the LR3 due to some conveniences (3rd row as a key issue), however we have decided upon a 2005 LX470 as it seesm to be much more refined and the quality concerns not as much an issue.
 
This is not saying that the LR3 will not blow everyone away with being a highly reliable vehicle and I hope it is. Nor is this saying that all Lexus vehicles are problem free, but you need to realistically play the averages.
 
On top of that, we negotiated an unbelievable deal on the LX. Our lease payment is within $10 bucks of the Land Rover HSE. (apples to apples).

#167 of 4548 Stranded at the house. by habitat1

Nov 15, 2004 (2:39 pm)

Replying to: grommet (Nov 15, 2004 12:04 pm)
Talked to one of our neighbors about the LR3. They formerly leased a Discovery SE7. They now own a Toyota Landcruiser.
 
Boy, did I get an earful. They had the Discovery for 42 months and during that time had 13 unscheduled trips or tows to the dealership for mechanical or other problems. They were without the vehicle for over one week on 4 occasions, nearly 4 weeks on one (full transmission and drive train replacement). The reason they could be so specific regarding their experience is that they have a lawsuit pending with Land Rover. The dealership refused to allow them to terminate their lease early. Now, after going to court, Land Rover North America has offered a 50% rebate on their lease payments ($10,000 +/-), plus attorneys fees.
 
Fortunately, they were never stranded in the dark of night in a shady neighborhood. But they ended up renting a minivan for two consecutive years to go to their Hilton Head vacation home while the Discovery was in the shop. Now if that isn't degrading!
 
I still think the LR3 is a very interesting vehicle, but after hearing their experience, I think I'll second the notion of letting the dust settle for a year or so to see how it holds up.
 

#168 of 4548 Land Rover body parts by ypshan

Nov 15, 2004 (8:16 pm)

Not to add to the horror story, I was talking to a friend who's in the high-end body shop business. They repair all kind of luxury cars. E.g. MB, Bentley, Jaguar, BMW, Lexus, Porsche etc.
 
He told me that it's impossible to get body parts for Land Rover. He uses the dealership to order parts but still a very long wait for everything. Many parts have to come from UK and sometimes UK doesn't have them in stock. The top record of how long a car stay in the body shop was a Land Rover that lasted for almost a year!
 
The moral of the story is that you better not get into an accident. Otherwise, the 30-day insurance loaner is not going to be nearly enough.
 
I am wondering if others have talked to their body shops and if the situation with getting parts from Land Rover is universal.

#169 of 4548 Soft suspension by elmorejl

Nov 15, 2004 (9:12 pm)

I currently own a 2004 Toyota 4Runner. It's a great vehicle, but lacks some aminities that I would like. I also trade vehicles frequently.
 I have test driven the LR3 on two occasions and found it to be an interesting vehicle, worthy of consideration. I have walked away from both experiences feeling that the suspension felt very soft. Is it that I am used to something firmer or is it really soft? Also is there any way to adjust it? Neither of the salespeople that I spoke with knew.

#170 of 4548 Re: played in an LR3 yesterday [toottoot] by peeete

Nov 15, 2004 (9:23 pm)

Replying to: toottoot (Nov 15, 2004 11:17 am)
My my I touched a nerve. A good deal of what I said was tounge in cheek. But no, it WAS the lexus mommymobiles that cut me off constantly, and that was when I was driving a sportscar. Lexus makes a fine product, but there is an attitude there that I find offensive. I like my Disco, and so does everyone I meet. Im sure the LR3 will engender the same response. 'nuff said.

#171 of 4548 Re: played in an LR3 yesterday [peeete] by xchicagoan5

Nov 16, 2004 (6:14 am)

Replying to: peeete (Nov 15, 2004 9:23 pm)
I am going to take a chance. I put a deposit on an LR3 SE7 yesterday. The car will arrive today with the remaining items (wood trim, DVD, cross bars) to arrive and be installed by Wednesday. I know the Disco has had a horrible problem with quality in the past. I am a past owner. I also currently own a GX470. I must say it hasn't been a bed of roses either.
 
We had a shaking steering wheel and a drone between 55 and 65 for well over a year until Lexus came out with the fix. For a Lexus vehicle this was unacceptable. It took numerous trips and two different dealers to get it fixed. There were a few other small things, but overall a great experience. If it had a better third row configuration, I'd be a lock to roll into a 2005. But, we really need more flexibility with three kids. The hideaway third row is a must have for us. The dark interior, rubber mats - all pluses when gold fish, juice and candy get in places one can't even figure how it got there in most cases.
 
I am willing to take a chance and believe that Ford has taken the past issues into consideration. They've also invested $1 Billion into the new platform. The PAG has been a loser for Ford for some time mainly due to LR. They have to turn it around at some point. Also, Ford negotiated a new labor contract with the workers at the main LR plant in the UK. It called for wage reductions while increasing productivity and quality control. I recognize that this means little in the real world when you get stranded out in the middle of nowhere. But it is enough for me to take a chance. I took a chance on the GX when it first came out, but it's a Toyota - not much risk there. I will admit there is a good amount of risk with the LR3, but willing to take that chance for more flexibility. Also, GX470s are a dime a dozen in my neighborhood. It will be refreshing to be different, if even for a few months.
 
I'll be the first to tell you if things go south. Stay tuned.

#172 of 4548 Re: played in an LR3 yesterday [xchicagoan5] by grommet

Nov 16, 2004 (9:03 am)

Replying to: xchicagoan5 (Nov 16, 2004 6:14 am)
Congratulations on your decision. LR is betting big on this new platform and vehicle. I also expect far better reliability than history shows... design & build is already far better than the previous vehicle. Let's hope the 4 year warranty is mainly used for maintenace.
 
I have yet to see the "official" Land Rover kit DVD. You'll need to tell us how it integrates -- if at all -- with the stereo head unit. (At the very least, I assume you'll be able to optionally send the audio through the speakers, and -- on the HSE -- the rear headphone jacks/controls. But what button do you press on the head unit?)
 
Did you get any discount?

#173 of 4548 Re: played in an LR3 yesterday [xchicagoan5] by toottoot

Nov 16, 2004 (9:08 am)

Replying to: xchicagoan5 (Nov 16, 2004 6:14 am)
xchicagoan5 I have to agree with your message. I, too, hope that LR does it right this time in terms of quality. I have heard a number of gripes about the GX470 and it seems, to me, that Lexus wanted to get a mid-level lux SUV out there as quickly as possible and did not do all their homework.
 
I wish you great success with the vehicle as I will happily consider a LR3 once they either work out the kinks or prove that their reliability record is greatly improved.
 
Happy Driving!

#174 of 4548 Re: played in an LR3 yesterday [xchicagoan5] by habitat1

Nov 16, 2004 (10:33 am)

Replying to: xchicagoan5 (Nov 16, 2004 6:14 am)
"Also, Ford negotiated a new labor contract with the workers at the main LR plant in the UK. It called for wage reductions while increasing productivity and quality control.'
 
I suspect Ford had good business reasons for negotiating wage reductions, but I don't think I'd put wage reductions in the same sentence as incresing productivity and quality control.
 
I've gone full circle on this and am now leaning towards the $41k MDX. The $45k Lexus was a sleeper to drive and is dysfunctional with respect to the third row. The LR3 would be a nice $45k vehicle, but at $55k the way I would want it equiped, it's value is questionable. The $47k (OSD) XC90 V8 is an unknown quantity, but it's third row is not much better than the Lexus. And nothing by BMW, Mercedes, Porsche or Infiniti meets our "utility" needs as well as the Acura.
 
Another round of test drives is in order, and any suggestions or comments would be appreciated. I know the Acura can't hold a candle to the LR3 in off-road ability, but we haven't taken our Trooper through any streams in 5 years+. Snow, rain and dirt roads are real considerations, logging trails probably aren't.

#175 of 4548 Re: played in an LR3 yesterday [habitat1] by grommet

Nov 16, 2004 (12:43 pm)

Replying to: habitat1 (Nov 16, 2004 10:33 am)
The Acura MDX is a decent value if you don't need more than kids in 3rd row, don't want real off-road ability and don't need to tow massive trailers. It's a little dated and bland, but is still competitive; Acura tries to add a few features each year. Neighbor bought a loaded discounted '05 MDX Touring a few weeks ago. It's a safe bet and has plenty of gadgets for the folks that enjoy that. If I was in this market, I'd probably get an Explorer or equivalent for even less money.

Messages Page 18 of 456

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