Which Landrover?

[Northern_Landrover]

I recently had a 2000 Landrover Discovery II, and loved it. Did minor stuff 8mm plugs, replace air bags etc. The pretty normal stuff. I am looking into buying another Landrover (used).

The Discovery II, head gaskets were always an issue. But I do not know about the LR3 or Range Rover.

I am looking at 2004+ models...any feedback would be great of course any model or years I should stay away from.

[ANDYD]

Hi,
I believe the LR3 is getting a pretty good reputation for sturdiness and reliability. If you are looking for something 2004 onwards for some kind of off-roading level this is probably your best bet for Land Rover models.
It really depends how far off the beaten track you want to go......

We have a member called John (JC on this website) who has a LR3 and uses it on some pretty rough trails, he can probably give you more info on this subject.

Good luck and happy Rovering.....
Cheers Andy

[JC]

Dear Northern, Well I have always liked the D2 and almost bought one but ended up buying a 2005 LR3. With all the refinements and the new platform it seemed to be the one. As with all first year vehicles I think it had it share of issues, nothing mechanically but as with many new versions the electrical seems to be the biggest issue, maybe that is vintage LR. Now maybe mine was just the one that had its issues but it would on occasion have an electrical "fart" and need to be reset. This was often done by simply shutting her down and restarting. I had this checked a couple times and there was never an registered fault as per the computer so I know it was more of a computer glitch rather than anything real. Other than that the vehicle was absolutely great. At the time there were no off-road tires available for it so stock was the only option, now of course there are many options and that makes at least a 50% improvement to the capabilities of the truck. I have a new 2008 now with a few stock modifications on it and other than the odd electrical "fart" as I call them it has been great, very capable with very little added to it. There were not many changes in the four years since the first one so I can only assume that my first one was an oddity more so than the norm. At first we were the site of ridicule but the LR3 has proven to be a capable vehicle with little or no modification although I have now purchased a lift kit for it at a cost of 150 bucks and so will be trying that for the first time this coming weekend. I can't say enough good things about the truck, it being very heavy is one of it's few negatives. Good luck with it all. JC

[red90]

The LR3 and new RR are both great vehicles and perform well within certain limits, in my experience. They are both heavy and have limits on what can be fitted for tires due to the brakes and wheel clearance. If you are driving on surfaces that require low tire pressures, then you tend to get into trouble.

On hard, higher traction surfaces, they can do amazing things and make the "traditional " Land Rover look inept. But drive onto some soft sand or snow of the right consistency and you can have all 4 wheels buried while a stock Series 2 idles on by.

[PaulC]

Having run LR3's, Range Rover Sports and LR2's all over the Pismo Dunes for many many kilometers for about a month, all those vehicles do exceptionally well in soft soft sand even in the steepest bowls etc, few stock/modified vehicles could keep up with as easy a pace that we put ourselves and journalists through.