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Comments
D'oh!
Thanks
M
I got the rubber mat set (from my dealer for $121) and went ahead and inserted the towers into the carpet to hold them down. The holes are small (I doubt if you would see them when you remove the towers) and it is nice not having the mats slide around, which they did a bit.
I also got the loadspace protector for the back... VERY nice if you plan on carrying dirty items back there.
http://www.caranddriver.com/article.asp?section_id=3&article_- id=9025&page_number=1
And brief preview of upcoming Range Rover Sport (based on LR3 platform)
http://www.caranddriver.com/article.asp?section_id=29&article- _id=9044&page_number=1
After all that, watch it be out of service, LOL.
Steve, Host
In spite of the relatively negative comments on its weight and on-road manners, I am extremely pleased with how my LR3 handles both off-road and on-road.
While I'm posting, just a couple other notes/questions:(1) my door lock cover was broken (they are replacing it Sat., but won't give me any extras) -- boy is it a cheap piece of plastic; (2) the rubber mats (free) don't move in any unpleasant way even without my drilling holes (including the third row mat); (3) i'm getting the mudflaps put on Sat. too -- anyone have a problem with them?; (4) i have that little kick from behind (at least it feels that way) when slowing to a crawl for crosswalks and re-accelerating -- I assume nothing is breaking when that happens; (5) the provided cargo net is less-than-useless, anyone suggest a better device using only the four attachments (or am I missing another good location to attach the net?) for numerous smallish items such as groceries with the third row down?; (6) the load protector is great with its curved sides to catch soil/small amounts of liquid, but it's a pain to remove and store (and leaving it in appears to funk up the carpet a bit); (7) anyone get the sill plates; how much for installation? i'm kinda ticked that such a basic amenity (esp. in a vehicle where the sill actually gets stepped on) is an after-purchase accessory.
All-in-all a fantastic truck!
I do too - you can baby it so it dopes not happen but it is a nuisance. Software upgrade?
I'm a BMW car owner too and have grown accustom to their level of performance and handling dynamics. After test driving all of the various SUV's in the segment, only the LR3 comes close. Yes, the X5 4.4i is there too (and would have been our next purchase), but just too small inside for our needs.
Still planning to order an HSE as soon as factory PTI is available.
The car has stalled twice when coming to a stop, so felt we had to call the dealer for an appointment. What an eye-opener!
They cannot take the car for 11 days. They Will not provide a loaner. And they only offer shuttle service for 10 miles (we live about 20 from the dealer).
I was preparing to show off the LR3 to freinds this weekend and tell them what a great vehicle this is. I guess my story will be a little different now. We're coming out of a ML320 which was terrible, but at least the service dept was willing to provide a loaner whenever there was an obvious problem that could cause customer disatisfaction.
I guess 2 stalls in 10 days doesn't merit that kind of consideration from LR.
My advice to all here - it seems like a great SUV - but I'd avise all to wait. The concern about vehicle reliability seems to be turning into a reality. The lack of any level of "customer service" is even more disheartening.
I just did (week ago) a roundtrip to Florida from Maine. Approximately 2600 miles.
Car showed an average of 20.46 mpg.
Calculating actual I was getting 22.85 mpg.
Average speed was 47 mph.
Car is approaching 6,300 miles and it's on Castrol Syntech which I like.
I'm closely monitoring it now but 22.85 mpg highway is not bad methinks!
Used cruise alot & stayed either at or below speed limits. Crappy weather until I got into SC. Very light traffic & I dont have a lead foot on throttle or brakes.
I agree, gw, and we have withdrawn our deposit and will wait til next year. We asked our LA dealer if he could in all honesty assure us that the vehicle would be reliable (we're 5 hrs away and in the extremely snowy Sierra mtns), and he quite honestly said no. They appear to be disgruntled about reliability and lack of help from LR also. Thanks to all you owners who have been upfront about your experiences and helped us opt out (for now, at least). My Denali isn't a LR, but it's never been to the shop in 3 yrs, and accepts the best snow tires and goes anywhere off-road and over several feet of snow. Hopefully, 2006 LR3 will run right, get 12-way seats (these should no longer be considered a luxury w/ multiple drivers), power-fold mirrors (also a necessity, not a luxury), satellite and bluetooth ready, a lot less cheap plastic (a possibility w/ new turbo-charged RR next year reducing worries that an appropriate-for-price sufficiently elegant LR3 would cannibalize RR sales?) and basic things like protective side moulding and floor mats included, not "accessories" you pay thru the nose to have installed--all on 18 in. wheels that can accept a decent snow or all-terrain tire (remember that the tire is 50% of traction and ruggedness capability)--and built in a sober factory where they tighten the hoses on a regular basis. A lot to hope for; we'll see if any of it happens.
In the old days, I would just adjust the throttle at idle speed which I suspect would take care of it. The dealer said he didn't have a clue and since it was so new they would see what they could figure out.
I guess the good news is that I live in CA which has a lemon law. Four trips to the dealer without them fixing the problem and I pursue getting my money back! Maybe that will help them understand that getting a loaner for a car less than 2 weeks out of the dealer is something to be expected, not the reponse received - "that's not our policy"!
We've never done a long highway-only trip, so we've never gotten close to 23 MPG. That would require a relaxed drive, too. Never.
how does the body side molding attach? Did you have the dealership do it?
mte
I have been researching SUV's in this category like yourself for months. Was just about to order a LR3 until I read so many replys on this website talking about stalling, oil lights etc. Did you look at the Volvo XC90? If so, how did you compare it to the LR3. I am so worried about the reliability, but I love the LR3's look and conveniences. People, please let me know if your having alot of engine problems.
Try calling Land Rover's corporate office (800) 346-3493 and make a stink there. After waiting 4 days for a new driver's-side window glass (someone broke into my car) and being told I would need to drive around Los Angeles for another 3 weeks without a window I called and raised a little hell.
I love my LR3 but I'm not happy with the realibility or the dealers' abilities to get problems solved.
Hope you don't mind if I jump in.
I looked at the XC90 very seriously and truly intended to purchase it. It seems to be reliable -- all my neighbors have them (hmmm. . . that is kinda surreal, actually) and have had no significant complaints that they have shared. I do note, however, that I have a Volvo S40 in addition to my LR3 and it is reliable enough for me; although I have had to deal with (in 2 years): a broken hazard switch, a faulty pump rendering cruise control inoperable, mediocre fit and finish, and a broken support underneath the driver's seat (in fact, I had to diagnose the three problems myself, because the dealership had no clue; and they thanked me for doing so). I state this about the S40 not as evidence that Volvo is any more unreliable than other cars. It is just that--in my opinion--most cars, especially European cars, are going to have the odd thing or two break in them. I happen to not mind putting up with my two European cars because I think the cars are long-lasting and are somewhat more rare than Japanese and American vehicles on most U.S. roads.
Anyway, enough about my hangups. . . I test drove the XC90 repeatedly, in all models except the 8 cylinder version. All in all, I thought the 6 cylinder was plenty powerful for my needs [which BTW, gets essentially the same gas mileage as the LR3]. It was a dream to drive: responsive, comfortable, CHEAPER THAN THE LR3, etc. The problem for me was the third row. Living in NJ, kids have to be in car sets until they go to college (or something like that) and I have two already. But getting into the third row of the XC90 is a feat of Olympic proportions; and, once you get there, you can't figure out why you went through that ridiculous effort (only people under 5'10" can sit there for any extended period of time).
I am having no engine problems at all with my LR3; although I admit that a few of these posts have worried me a bit. But I have 1000 miles in, and I think the serious problems that have been described here should have shaken out already [obviously, as indicated above, I expect generally small things to break from time to time in the future].
In sum, the LR3 suits my needs, primarily because it is interesting looking, powerful, and spacious. I can't imagine that reliability would send you to a Volvo, especially if interior size is an issue, but that's your call. If reliability is your primary concern, though, I might suggest a look in Lexus' direction [or any other Japanese vehicle]. I believe that there is at least one poster here who would love to fill you in on how great Lexus vehicles are, so I will spare you the details. [BTW, I did drive the Acura MDX a lot; and found it both less responsive and spacious than the XC90.]
No such problems here - nothing major. I think you may find that boards like this over-represent people with issues, The 99 happy owners are not as likely to be here to say anything because they have less to say.
I agree LR and dealers should pay attention to glitches. If they do not, call LR and be very assertive.
Amyway: I have an LR3 and no major issues at all, see http://www.mvw.net/lr3/roadtest.php - I love every time I drive it.
And I too expect minor things to break, and then to be fixed. No problem. A Boeing 747 has maintenance done to it every day. SO what?
M
I know tires will make a difference.
BTW. I sold back my GX470 to Lexus becuase of vibration problems which became pronounced on the very same Florida trip I do regulary. The LR3 was 10 times better & more comfortable!
Try putting customers in the 3rd row to go out for lunch!
3 were related to my questions on the LR3.
3 were answers to other people's questions.
1 was a comment on dealer pricing (A-plan).
3 were praises of the LR3 features and design.
3 were related to my latest stalling problem.
So by my count, I've posted as many praises of the vehicle as I've posted concerns. I thought part of the reason for this forum was to share thoughts (good and bad) on the LR3.
I just shelled out about $60k for an SUV. I think the dealer should make an attempt at empathy. And since someone else had reported a stalling problem, I'd thought I'd share my stalling problem as well. If this is an endemic problem with the LR3s, then the quicker LR knows about it, the quicker they can alert all dealers on how to fix the problem.
Personally, I love the drive. I too expect stuff to falter (or rattle or whatever). When it stalls, it becomes a little sluggish to steer as there is no power. And since my family have been the ones in the car when this happens and not me, I get a little concerned about their safety. I guess I just expected LR to act like they cared about this even a little.
I don't own an LR3 (only test drives), so I can't vouch for the truck first-hand, although I have every confidence that it is the best 4WD available. My point is that for those few of us who live in areas subject to frequent chain restrictions, real snow tires are an absolute necessity. Typical restrictions (enforced by Highway Patrol and local police) require either 4WD with snow tires on all 4 tires, or chain-up. The restrictions aren't overkill; for the past several days we have had 1-2 feet of snow fall nightly. From long mountain experience I can say that quality of the snow tire is about equal in importance to quality of vehicle 4WD to ensure traction and safety (as I believe one of the forum hosts pointed out earlier). Summer rock-crawling (or in our case, wading loose deep volcanic pumice, hiding sharp lava ) similarly requires a serious all-terrain tire, although here the vehicle's contribution is much greater in proportion. If you aren't encountering these conditions (and under 4" of snow on the road is typically no problem for stock equipment on my 2WD BMW 740, much less LR3) then you should have no concern.
My complaint is that there is a need for a real off-road/extreme conditions quality family 6-7 seat vehicle--but it is such a small niche that, in order to sell vehicles, LR has focused on city commuters who want to ride high. That area is covered (much better IMHO) by the Japanese, Cadillac and BMW. That was the point of the quite accurate Car and Driver review. Motor Trend's review was for an off-road vehicle, hence the much higher estimation. If LR cared about its original niche and purpose, then such issues as tire compatibility, satellite radio readiness, and absolute initial quality reliability would be paramount, wouldn't they?
Incidentally, synthetic ATF works wonders in preserving automatics. Not sure though if LR recommends this.
These accounts of stalling are curious (and disturbing), considering the following report from a Washington Post journalist: (see: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A29379-2004Sep17.ht- ml )
"Downside: Computer glitch on tested pre-production models led to several brief engine stalls on steep hill climbs. Land Rover engineers said the matter will be corrected with new sensors in production models."
This little gliche sounds horrific. Don't want 1/2 and 1/2 coming at me.
It's now 3 stalls and all in the same spot, coming down an hill and with the foot only on the brake. I'll take the article with me to the dealer next week. BTW - Less than 250 miles on it.
I can assure everyone that the stalling issue which has been an issue in a very small number of vehicles is a top priority for Land Rover to resolve. Unfortunately this issue is not leaving any problem codes and is intermittent in nature. If anyone does have this issue, please try to communicate the exact circumstances to the retailer's service advisor. Finding a pattern will be very helpful in resolving this problem. Do not be offended if anyone asks if your car has gas, they are gathering information and not trying to insult you. I do know from 20 years working in Auto dealerships that people do have their vehicles towed for stalling or no start problems that have empty gas tanks.
On a different note, dealer just installed sidesteps, side moldings( btw, they are glued on)front fogs and window wind deflectors. Total price including installation , $2970. There seems to be increased wind noise with the deflectors. I am already thinking of removing them.
Overall, this is a great truck. 2500 miles and I'm loving it. MAYBE, when Lexus learns to style the GX 470 differently, I'll consider another truck. Until then, there is not another truck out there that I'd rather own and this is my first LR.I get tons of stares and thumbs up. One guy in a Disco II spent close to 10 minutes checking out the LR3 while I was having it washed. Happy motoring!!!
My issue really isn't with the stalling (at least not yet). It's the way the dealer is treating this problem. I understand that loaners are a dealer's choice. But when I fork over almost $60k and the vehicle stops 3 times in less than 2 weeks of ownership I expect better treatment. I got better treatment from Infiniti years ago on an I30 and I get way much better treatment from Lexus (even Mercedes was way better treatment - terrible product but great customer service).
I do not know how the computer controls the idle, but I will ask the dealer if there is any way they can just increase the idle. Years ago, you just adjusted a screw on the carburator and this problem went away. Where's the screw when you need it?
Steve, Host
> If this is an endemic problem with the LR3s, then
> the quicker LR knows about it, the quicker they
> can alert all dealers on how to fix the problem.
Agreed.
Many people, myself included, love this LR3, take pride in owning one and would like the brand to be successful. Attentions to the car and to this site are, to me, a reflection of people desire to share the pride and to work with each other and with LR on issues. A boost in LR focus on customer relation and shift in LR dealers mentality would really foster better reception by public.
A few LR3's were built with an incorrect fuel pump. They mistakenly got built with the diesel fuel pump. That was causing fuel starvation problems around 1/4 tank or less when the car was parked on an incline. They changed out a couple of hundred I heard. The UK LR3 version has a diesel engine so they probably got the wrong pump from that!
The next thing to consider could be fuel vaporization. Can be caused if a line is badly routed or kinked. Or air is getting in the fuel line somewhere between tank and engine via a loose hose or clip.
There's no harm asking the service manager to check the possibilities.
I opened the bonnet and tried in vain to fina the place to hook up a jump lead. An passing Acura did the job.
This certainly sounds like a fuel pump/supply line related problem. I think this info you provided:
"coming down an hill and with the foot only on the brake"
should be enough for a competent repair staff to solve the problem.
i wonder what "sensors" LR was going to add to those stalling pre-production vehicles. . .