Land Rover LR3

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Comments

  • hung3hung3 Member Posts: 28
    Hi All,

    Unfortunately same problem happened again last week, I can't even remember how many times this has happened, may be 5-6 times and the car has been in the shop for 3 times already going to be the forth. The issue isn't serious but very annoying for a $60K car, every time the fault lights come on, the suspension drops to access mode and then once we restart the engine everything goes back to normal.

    I questioned the service manager just now about this repetitive issue and he informed that he has yet to see any other LR3 with the same problem and basically ask me to bring in the car again. At this point, I don't even know I should bring the car back for service, as they had never fix it apparently.

    Both service manager and customer service at my LR dealer are avoiding offers or suggestions for a replacement even after we bring up possible lemon enforcement.

    Appreciate any suggestions you can provide?
  • tzotzo Member Posts: 95
    Hung, did you try calling LR corporate??? If so, what was the outcome of that... I can't believe they want Lemon Law action after all the investment they made in this vehicle.
  • therealjohntherealjohn Member Posts: 7
    I have had so many problems with my 2004 Infiniti QX56 that I've chosen to leave it at the dealership and never visit it again.

    I'm now in the market for a replacement vehicle. (I still can't believe that I have to buy a new vehicle after less then a year of getting the QX but I have no choice. If you would like to know why, see the QX56 forum for other owner’s problems.)

    Anywho, the reason I'm here is because I feel that the only vehicle that will meet my off road demands and do it with the luxury, style, and space that I demand will be the LR3. The problem is that while I know the LR3 is a first year vehicle and they usually have problems, I just don't want to get myself into new issues with another new vehicle. (Side note: I've almost been killed because of the QX56 losing power to all but three wheels and it sliding 100 feet down a dirt road and stopping 1 foot from a 50 foot drop!)

    I just can't get myself into another "christine-esque" (for the Steven King fans) vehicle.

    I need a decent amount of people to tell me that this vehicle is ok and will be worth trusting myself and passengers to it.

    I've been told by the dealer that there are several cold weather startup problems that they have recently fixed with a software upgrade but he claims that there haven't been any serious problems that have come into the dealership or any that he knows about. I have to assume that he is giving me typical car salesmen lies as some of you are still writing about these problems.

    I would like readers of this forum to convince me that this vehicle is going to be ok. And if you have had problems I would like to compile a list of issues you all have had and see if any of these issues will repeat themselves with my vehicle (I will ask the dealer and other higher up's if there have been any mods and such). I think that I am going to make random stop-ins at the dealership to see how many LR3's are being repaired and see if I can be told what for (even if it requires a bribe, hehe).

    Ok, yes, I'm paranoid, but after the horrific experiences that I've had with the QX56 I just can't put myself or passengers through that again, ever!

    Thank you ever so much for your time. Your input means a lot to me and I trust your opinion's to be fair and honest.

    John
  • mitchelljdmitchelljd Member Posts: 4
    I have my car in for a minor tweak on the factory dvd kit. and while there they are installing new software which they said will fix the stalling problem many LR3 have been having.

    I only stalled 2x, but in 1 1/2 month, not cool. on the plus side, no more full gas tank removal and such. just a software fix.

    I will report on whether in a month i ever stall again. which wasnt very noticable before.

    best,

    Mitch
  • gwellandgwelland Member Posts: 23
    My LR3 only exhibited the stall/power drop once and since the software update it has happened again. My other electrical gremlins appear to have been a battery connection issue that the dealer fixed under warranty.

    Since then, no issues. :-)

    Graham
  • grommetgrommet Member Posts: 445
    IRVINE, Calif., April 12 -- Land Rover is expanding its existing LR3 model line, giving consumers a greater range of trim level choices for its award-winning SUV. Heading the enhancements is the introduction of a 4.0-liter V6 engine which will be offered in addition to the existing 4.4-liter 300hp V8.

    All V6 models come highly equipped with a long list of four-wheel drive technologies including the innovative Terrain Response(TM) system, four-corner electronic air suspension, electronically controlled infinitely variable locking center differential and 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels as standard.

    Powered by a 4.0-liter V6 engine, the new powertrain produces 216 hp and 269 lb.-ft torque @ 3,000 RPM. It can tow up to 7,700 lbs., negotiate the toughest off-road trails and cruise at speeds up to 112 MPH. EPA mileage is 14 MPG city, 19 highway.

    As with the current V8, the V6 engine is mated to a six-speed "intelligent shift" electronically controlled ZF automatic transmission. Its "sport" mode delivers more performance-oriented throttle response and gear shifts, and features Land Rover's Command Shift operation -- giving the driver full manual control of gear changing.

    "LR3 is enjoying record popularity in a highly competitive SUV market," says Richard Beattie, executive vice president, marketing and sales, Land Rover North America. "The addition of this new engine derivative broadens its appeal and ensures our customers are getting the widest selection of choice when ordering their LR3."

    In addition to the list of impressive features standard on the V6-equipped vehicles, the optional premium package adds the following:

    -- Leather trimmed seating surfaces, shift knob, and front folding armrests
    -- 240-watt harman/kardon AM/FM/6-disc CD changer + 9 speakers and remote audio controls on the steering wheel
    -- Power tilt and slide front sunroof with a fixed Alpine roof over the second and third rows
    -- Second row auxiliary audio port (behind center console)
    -- "SE" Badge at rear tailgate

    PRICING AND AVAILABILITY

    A limited number of 2005 Land Rover LR3 units equipped with the V6 engine will be available in North America beginning in July. The V6 units will be available with a base MSRP of $38,950 and the optional premium package for an additional $3,000. The MSRP includes destination, delivery, and complimentary scheduled maintenance.

    Land Rover North America is part of Aston Martin Jaguar Land Rover with headquarters in Irvine, California. Land Rover established operations in the U.S. in 1986, and now imports and distributes Range Rover, LR3 and Freelander vehicles manufactured by Land Rover in Solihull, England. Land Rover's worldwide operations are wholly owned by Ford Motor Company, Dearborn, Michigan. For information about the Land Rover retailer nearest you, call 800-FIND-4WD or log on to http://www.LandRoverusa.com

    Vehicle specifications and features are subject to change.
  • cstaats33cstaats33 Member Posts: 2
    Hung3,

    I would seriously consider proceeding with the lemon law at this point. Some thoughts:

    Are you asking for a detailed description of what they are doing each time you bring it in? I'd be curious what the troubleshooting process is. They can't just "reset" a few things and give it back to you. I know going without the LR is tough but I would play a little hardball with the service folks there.

    1) Don't act or say (as you did in #2037) that this is not serious. The service dept. is obviously perplexed and if they think that you will eventually live with the problem or it will simply go away then they aren't thinking hard on the issue. In many analogous professions it is tempting to dismiss issues that 1) have never been seen before and 2) are hard to reproduce on demand. You seem to have both. Be adamant and almost furious about the issue. You can play nice on the first trip in but visit #4 would have me in fits.

    2) When you get it back. Look at the detailed steps that they took to try and solve the issue. Be wary of continuous attempts to reproduce the issue. They may never repro it. At this point it is unimportant. You have a clear description of the problem for them by now. If it's not in the diagnostics when you bring it in - it won’t be when they repro the problem.

    3) Use basic logic to determine if they actually IDENTIFIED the problem. This is key - trial and error time is over. This is your 4th visit. They must identify the problem then take direct steps to solve that particular issue. Tell them up front that you will be expecting this type of information when you return. If they haven't done this then leave the car there, keep your loaner on their dime, and start the lemon law process.

    4) You SHOULD keep bringing it back. As you say in your post you are unsure you should even bring it back in b/c you know they won’t fix it. This is ideal for them. No lemon law - no more hard work. Bring it back to satisfy all the lemon law requirements.

    5) In addition to the management, talk directly to the tech that performed the service when you return. Ask him directly to list all of the possible things he or LR knows of that could cause the problem (parts, computer, wiring, etc.). Take that list down. Then ask him to describe in detail what he has done to test for each possible cause. You will be surprised how much he hasn’t done when it’s a mystery problem such as this. If they don’t want to replace every part on the list – then they can give you a new truck – their choice.

    I know this is a lot to do but sometimes you have to really dig in and demand results. Good luck.

    -cstaats33
  • lr3maybelr3maybe Member Posts: 134
    I looked up some more robust off-road capable tires that might fit the 18 inch LR3's. There are a few choices, but the Michelin Cross Terrain SUV looked like a good compromise between quietness and off-road capability. It comes in a P265/70R18 size that would be 32 inch diameter instead of the normal 30 inch diameter P265/60R18. I know this would alter the speedo and gearing about 7 percent. It would also add 1 inch of ground clearance. Has anybody done this yet?
    Would a 2 inch bigger diameter tire still fit in the spare tire carrier?
  • rea9390rea9390 Member Posts: 19
    I am a LR3 Owner with a fully equipped SE model. I have just 2500 miles with zero problems so far. Driving has been highway, city, Death Valley, 282 ft below sea level to 5-6000 feet above sea level. I have run about 80-200 miles of wash board in gravel mode and tried out all other off-road modes. So far it's the best of the best! :)
  • freeflytimfreeflytim Member Posts: 20
    overspeed alarm? I have mine set to ding at 95mph... which is all too often. heh heh heh.
  • njpaguynjpaguy Member Posts: 55
    They offer everything you're looking for in a vehicle. And...they don't break. My 01 after 117000 miles had one issue - a squeaky bearing in the tension pulley for the serpentine drive belt. Otherwise, bulletproof.

    The reason I'm on this board is we're looking for a AWD/4WD vehicle for my wife. The LR3 is very impressive. I, too, am watching the "issues" for a first year vehicle and how well Land Rover is solving and handling these issues.
  • therealjohntherealjohn Member Posts: 7
    I test drove the Lexus LX470 and wasn't impressed. I found it to be very blah and too out dated for it to even be a consideration. I do like the fact that it is the most reliable but, after much consideration, I just won't be happy with the vehicle. I think that if I were to get the LX it would spend more time in my garage then my QX56 did in the Infiniti dealers garage.
  • 3rdgin3rdgin Member Posts: 22
    Don't know what to do. The LR3 suits my family's needs the best but there is no local dealer and with some of the problems that I have read really concerns me. I don't want a car that will be in the shop especially when the shop is 1 hour away. (I know that I am not getting a true indication by reading the boards as far as the ratio of success and failure). I also don't like paying MSRP so I have decided to wait until supply catches up with demand. Because of being patient, I have continued to investigate my options on alternative vehicles. There appears to be a new player, the Jeep Commander.

    Has anyone seen the new Jeep Commander and if so, how does it compare? Both vehicles are legendary in there off road ability. As a matter a fact, thanks to Jeep, Land Rover was born from it. Anyway, I look forward to hearing any thooughts or comments.
  • norbnnorbn Member Posts: 70
    No one has "seen" the commander, its not out yet! Anyway, I think that size wise, the new Dodge Nitro is more like the LR3, which is based on the Jeep Liberty, and has styling ques from the LR3 (check out the side vents!). You're in a tough situation, but having been a Land Rover owner before, the LR3 just suites my needs. I'd test drive one for sure.
  • mrstacymrstacy Member Posts: 34
    Autospies.com has a picture of the commander. Looks pretty bland like the Grand Cherokee. They called it a "real stinker" of the auto show. It looks practical though as it seats 7. If it has a diesel version, that might help sales.

    Go to home page and do a search on commander.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    All-New 2006 Jeep Commander Debuts (Inside Line)

    Not much buzz about it on the forums yet:

    teds1, "Jeep Commander" #1, 24 Mar 2005 12:18 pm

    Back to the LR3!

    Steve, Host
  • mrstacymrstacy Member Posts: 34
    Resale of the current SE 8 cylinders will be even worse with the V-6 option. They even will put SE on the 6 cylinder which will dilute the cache of the current ones.

    Also, doesn't LR know that almost everyone will opt for the premium package for only $3k. Expect another run on V-6 with the premium package just like there is on HSEs. That may be their intent to make the impression that LR3s (at least certain ones) are rare.
  • mrstacymrstacy Member Posts: 34
    Is there any way to have the lock doors button on the remote make the LR3 honk. Otherwise, you have to look at the vehicle to confirm it is locked.

    Thanks in advance.
  • sltbosssltboss Member Posts: 2
    I'm in the same boat with 3rdgin.

    I've done as much research as I can and I've all but decided to blow off the 2005 LR3 and reluctantly "settle" for a Toyota Sequoia. That's a shame because I was ready to give LR a chance and try something new. The LR3 quickly became my emotional favorite but reading this forum has left me with the impression that there are quite a few bugs to be worked out (as is typical of anything brand new). I'm sure that in the long run this particular model will be fine, but I'm not ready to be a beta-tester or a guinea pig for a vehicle manufactured by a company with rock-bottom historical reliability ratings. I haven't totally ruled it out, but I'm not sure I want to take the chance of stalling on the freeway with my baby daughter or wife in tow. I also don't like the idea of the new LR3 sitting in the service shop while I drive around in a crappy loaner Freelander for weeks at a time. Maybe I can try to hold out for the '06 model? :confuse:
  • jackmacjackmac Member Posts: 26
    The Commander was at the New York 2005 Auto show last month. You can do a web search for the auto show to find pics. Also shown on the corporate Jeep homepage. Yes, you can get a Hemi. As for how it looks, she has a nice personality!
  • mick51mick51 Member Posts: 1
    I don't know where you're located but my dealer is an hour & 15 minutes away. They offer valet service that goes above & beyond. I owned a 1999 Discovery & just bought an LR3. Whenever I need service, scheduled or otherwise, they come get my vehicle and leave me with a "brand new" loaner. I've never had a vehicle with more than 1500 miles on it and it's always the model I own.
  • norbnnorbn Member Posts: 70
    I don't know how you guys pick a car to buy, but personally I don't rely on pictures on the web as teh sole source of my decision making. So if you want to go with the Commander based on what you see on the web, more power to you.
  • 3rdgin3rdgin Member Posts: 22
    mick,

    Yes, they do offer the valet service and that is what has kept the LR3 on top of my buy list plus the fact my wife loved it. To me, the interior is too utilitarian with no pop. Heck, the Commander has nice burl wood and other nice appointments that you would expect from the LR3. And I am sorry to say but the burl wood kit that you can buy from LR, just looks cheap. However, the drive was nice. I test drove one a couple months ago and it was impressive. I guess I am one confused dude. My 03 Expedition is in fine shape so I am in no hurry. I do think by the end of the year, you will be able to deal on a LR3. Demand will definitely die down. :surprise:
  • njpaguynjpaguy Member Posts: 55
    What is your definition of "too outdated"?
  • njpaguynjpaguy Member Posts: 55
    After reading the announcement about the new V6 option, I went to the Land Rover USA website to learn more. Nothing yet posted.

    So...I visited the main Land Rover website and went to their UK link. While no V6 was listed there either, it did include the option of a V6 turbo diesel. More interesting, though, were the fuel consumption figures for both the V8 and the V6 TD.

    V8/Automatic: 13.5 City 24.4 Highway 18.8 Combined
    V6 TD/Manual: 24.6 City 34.5 Highway 30.1 Combined
    V6 TD/Automatic: 21.4 City 32.5 Highway 27.2 Combined

    I'm most surprised to see the highway fuel figure for the V8 (24.4). Why don't we have the same numbers over here in the US?

    The just-announced V6 gas engine for the US is rated 13/19. It may cost less to purchase, but the loss in HP and torque combined with no real fuel savings make the purchase a very questionable option.

    Clearly we need the diesel option once the new cleaner diesel fuel regs kick in. While the LR3 will be slower off the line (11.5 sec w/TD vs 8.6 w/V8) its peak torque surpasses that of the V8 @ 1900 RPM! (vs 4000 RPM for the V8).

    Obviously from the posts, everyone wants to love this truck. Let's hope LR sorts out the few (mostly electronic) issues in the near term.
  • johnmajorjohnmajor Member Posts: 94
    One answer would be the British Imperial Gallon is about 20% (approx) larger than the US Gallon.
    Currently the British use a larger gallon than either of the American gallons. The Imperial Weights and Measures Act of 1824 established a new unit for all volumes, liquid or dry, replacing all the other gallons in previous use in Britain. The imperial gallon, designed to contain exactly 10 pounds of distilled water under precisely defined conditions, holds exactly 4.546 09 liters or approximately 277.4194 cubic inches. The imperial gallon equals 1.20095 U.S. liquid gallons
  • reichowjrreichowjr Member Posts: 86
    Is the measure kilometers per gallon vs. miles per gallon? My HSE is fully loaded and gets 11 to 12 in the city and 16 to 18 on the highway in real world driving. I do have somewhat of a heavy foot and a need for speed on the freeway.
  • trm2trm2 Member Posts: 42
    I don't think you can do that. The problem is that the car already honks when you press the lock button and there is an open door.
  • hung3hung3 Member Posts: 28
    car is going back in the shop this saturday (forth time for the same problem). with the help of this gentleman at the LR corp customer relation, we hope for the best that this issue can be solved once and for all.

    not sure what they will do differently this time, but was advised LR will get regional tech reps involved in this case.

    as a back up plan, I had carefully read the booklet provided by the dealer regarding lemon and BBB autoline. wonder if any of you can provide suggestions as to how to pursue lemon? according to the booklet/CA law, I should contact BBB and have them do an arbitration first before going forward with lemon is that right?
    I am just curious how protected am I as a consumer with the BBB arrangements.

    Thanks in advance for your suggestions.
  • toddetodde Member Posts: 10
    Therealjohn,
    I've had my LR3 since Oct 30 and now have 8800 miles. No problems. :)
  • grommetgrommet Member Posts: 445
    Most lemon issues are resolved in arbitration... even before it's complete. If it's clearly in the guidelines of the law, it isn't much work at all. (At least in California.)

    :lemon:

    6000 miles so far, no problem.
  • therealjohntherealjohn Member Posts: 7
    After much thought and research I leased my LR3 HSE today. I don't know why some people in the US are having a hard time finding them but I just walked into Land Rover Parsippany, NJ and they had the exact truck that I wanted with every single option sans the beverage cooler (and hitch/wiring harness). The dealer is having the hitch and trailer wiring harness installed for free. I have to pay nothing for parts and labor. So he actually did give me a price break since it would have cost about $500+/-. I guess since I'm leasing this time and for only 2 years he might be making a higher commission? Don't know.

    The real question now is... Would anyone want to buy a green Infiniti QX56 paperweight for $45,000? It does nothing real well guys! That is one thing that can be promised with that piece of crap!
  • cstaats33cstaats33 Member Posts: 2
    Good luck hung3. Please let us know what happens - keep after them. As far as the lemon law - i know a few people who have done this in WA state (not for a LR). I will get some details from them in case you go that route i will summarize for you.

    -Cstaats33
  • flownerflowner Member Posts: 42
    Today I got a suspension failure message. I'll contact the dealer in Clearwater, FL. tomorrow. I'll let you know how they handle the problem. So far the car still drive okay even with the message. Special programs are off.

    This is my first problem with 8k.
  • michaelwillemsmichaelwillems Member Posts: 151
    Got my LR3 back.. LR found a faulty height sensor (left rear) that had been affected by moisture. This is after replacing the entire wiring loom there... you wonder how often this is going to happen, since there are exposed wires and connectors clearly visible by the rear wheels:

    http://www.mvw.net/lr3/connector.jpg

    And of course "visible to me" also means "visible to snow, salt and rain"...

    I no longer post here but thought I'd update you all.

    Michael
  • teldocteldoc Member Posts: 49
    I don't check this forum regularly but wanted to report in.....

    Our LR3 has been in service for 5 months and has 5,000 miles. The car has operated perfectly to date and hasn't been back to the dealer once yet.

    We love how it looks, how it drives and are very pleased with the fit and finish.

    In our neck of the woods (St. Louis) it's still a fairly rare SUV and you can go days without seeing another one. That was part of the appeal. Good luck with your decision.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Thanks Teldoc, it's always good to read reports from owner's whose rigs are running right.

    Steve, Host
  • flownerflowner Member Posts: 42
    So far so good with the dealer...They read the codes. Suspensions raising too slow, compress overheating. They have ordered a new compressor and sensor(tech does not beleive it is overheating). The parts should be in in two weeks. In the mean while I won't lower and raise the suspension. It drives fine otherwise

    My logic tells me there's a leak someplace and the compress is working too hard....my wife says they have been dealing with air suspension for a long time so go with them on it for now).

    They Promised me a loaner when the work is to being done. .
  • frankrifrankri Member Posts: 3
    I suggest you buy the LR3, Like you I reviewed all forums, I found most people like to complain about anything, I suspect many of the problems are listed by the competition. I purchased my LR3 (HSE) three weeks ago, 1800 miles and no issues. It's a great SUV. :)
  • kevinlkevinl Member Posts: 3
    Hey,

    I think I met you the night you were negotiating your deal. My Tonga Green LR3 had just arrived. You were meeting with Bill? He was a pretty excellent salesman. I picked up my LR3 on Saturday and I am very happy so far.
  • sltbosssltboss Member Posts: 2
    I really WANT to but I still haven't sufficiently overcome my concerns about reliability, and the gentleman's picture of the wires didn't help ;)
  • nbarconbarco Member Posts: 14
    I purchased the LR3 about two weeks ago.... The vehicle is awesome....Every vehicle you look at has exposed wiring somewhere...My suggestion is buy CorrosionX and spray thes areas. It works great in saltwater applications. You can spray anything electrical and it preserves it incredibly.
  • trm2trm2 Member Posts: 42
    I got such a message at about 2500 miles. And, I got it right when I pulled out of the driveway. I kind of turned it on and gunned it immediately. I was by myself and didn't wait til the kids and wife got situated. And I didn't hesitate while I adjusted the temperature.

    I just ignored the message. But I do not gun it immediately now.

    I'm now at 5000 miles and haven't had another one.

    And I love the car. No problems at all (other than some paint dings from highway travel).

    I'd like to hear what your dealer tells you it is; for myself, I suspect it was not waiting for sensors to reset.
  • lr3_magiclr3_magic Member Posts: 18
    Just got word that my HSE order that I placed in December and was, until just recently, told a May delivery date has now been pushed back to July. Dealer has no word on why all his HSE orders have been delayed until July. He is waiting on word from Land Rover on why the delay. Anyone have any more information on why HSE orders are slow to be filled?
  • grommetgrommet Member Posts: 445
    The dealers that I've talked to around here haven't been able to order a LR3 "to specification" in months... not just HSE. But they do still get new LR3s in, somewhat at the mercy of LRNA.

    Land Rover has plenty going on... Discovery 3 (LR3) launches in numerous rest-of-world markets, Range Rover Sport launch... we can only guess on why there are continued delays. All come from the same manufacturing line.
  • lr3_magiclr3_magic Member Posts: 18
    Dealer told me after placing my order in December that he was able to place an order call for my HSE in January and he gave me the order number he received from Land Rover. When he placed the order he was told to expect a May delivery. Now he says all the orders he had placed earlier in the year have been moved back and he hasn't gotten a reply from Land Rover as to why the delay. Any update as to when the 2006 model year production will start? As this is to be my first Land Rover, the lack of "quality information" pertaining to my inquires on build and delivery dates for my HSE from Land Rover is starting to make me think twice about this vehicle. After owing 3 Audis, I'm leaving that family because of lack of attention to customer concerns. Was hoping Land Rover was going to be different, but now not so sure!
  • grommetgrommet Member Posts: 445
    lr3_magic, don't expect free flowing correct infromation from Land Rover. They are the masters of miscommunication. (Just look through this thread, or the Land Rover Chronicle site.)

    I know I'd sometimes rather have them lie or do a tap dance instead of saying "I don't know." :)
  • tdo123tdo123 Member Posts: 102
    Just for fun...has anyone heard what the 2006 LR3 will have updated? I suppose the Bluetooth will be available!! Of course nothing major..but year 2 is always a bunch of fixes.
  • therealjohntherealjohn Member Posts: 7
    The vehicle just can't compete with what is out there on the market now. The LX470 Lexus is an 8 year old model and is being discontinued next year for that very reason.
  • therealjohntherealjohn Member Posts: 7
    When I first saw the Jeep Commander, I thought "WOW, the Edsel has an older looking and uglier sister"! Good luck with resale values for that wicked nasty ugly will be retired before 4 full years beast. (try to say that ten times fast as you run out of the Jeep dealership)
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