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Land Rover LR3 : Used

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Justin Pritchard
Given the higher-than-average maintenance costs, a pre-purchase inspection of an LR3 is a great investment that could potentially save thousands.

Note any strange or unwelcomed noises from the rear differential. Numerous reports of failed differentials have surfaced in owner forums, and an out-of-warranty replacement will be pricey.

Check that all interior electronics work as expected as well. Bulbs, too – inside and out.

Have the air suspension system checked for proper operation as well. Typically, this complicated system will eventually wear down and fail, again causing a costly repair bill. Air suspension compressor failures aren’t uncommon in owner forums, either.

2009 Land Rover LR3 interior
2009 Land Rover LR3 (Photo: Rob Rothwell/Auto123.com)

Neither are transmission issues. Some owners advise potential used LR3 shoppers to remove the transmission pan and change the fluid ahead of purchase to check for signs of metallic pieces that indicate excessive transmission wear. In some cases though, transmission issues are traced to the computer that controls it, and could be remedied with a software update.

The LR3 appears to become more reliable as it progresses, so opt for as new a model as your budget allows, if you’re set on one. Note that other standard 4x4 checks for rust, moisture, underbelly damage and signs of abuse should be considered mandatory, too.

The Verdict Of A Used Land Rover LR3: Your safest best in an LR3 is a dealer-serviced model with as much extra warranty protection as possible. Expect high running costs and below average reliability in exchange for world-class driving dynamics, capability and style. If you’re looking for a cheap-to-run family SUV, skip this one.
Justin Pritchard
Justin Pritchard
Automotive expert
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