Thanks for the update. I was excited to hear another update. Based on your pictures and your state, I assume we are neighbors and we have a limited number of dealers in our area.
I do love this LR3 and am very serious about purchasing one (if they can ever get a HSE instock) I had only hoped that the VW would be a more reliable car because it is also so nice.
If I go with the LR3 I will just blame it on having the extra seats!!
I have a two-year old ML500 and am VERY seriously considering trading in for a new HSE LR3.
Opinions? Am I crazy? I like a new car every year or so and I think the ML will suffer now that the new one is about to be announce. I need an SUV for off-road snow at my cottage. LIke the LR3's drive: more comfortable than the ML.
My wife & I have been tring to like disco's since series 1, and the LR3 seems to be right on the money. We don't care about 3rd. row seats, and yes, it will leave the pavement frequesntly as does our LX470.
Local dealer has no HSE's, nor any available in our color/option setup until end of 05' or 06'.
Any other purchasing methods we can go through or large dealerships with inventory?
Any other suggestions?
On another note: we noticed that even when the vehicle is locked, access to the gas cap remains unlocked? Can this be programmed at the dealer to lock when the vehicle is locked, or was somebody at LR corporate not thinkin'?
I went out and took another look at the LR3 after reading all the morning posts. My wife and I took an SE out for a test and it was wonderful. I must admit that it drives almost as smoothly as my LS430. A little more road noise at 60 MPH, but you are going to expect that on any 4wd.
I am in the obvious rut that everyone is now in. We can't get our hands on HSE for 6 months at least. I can load up the SE, but am all I going to be missing is the seat mem, better radio and larger wheels??? Should I wait or go for it.
I just found the SE I want (fully loaded) except no NAV. (java Blk/Alp)
I'm concerned this could be too big of 'settling', especially given I've got the towing package and wouldn't get all the cool info (especially the breadcrumbs when off-road). I'd be interested in others thoughts WRT using their NAV vs. third party systems. comments?
I just traded - as I mentioned above - my two-year old ML500 Benz for an HSE that comes in in 10 days. I am abivalent to some extent: the Benz was a great car and it had style but it lacked the extras such as heated windscreen (standard in Canada), GPS, and especially of course the rugged off-road performance that I do actually use (think all-winter cottage). Also the LR3 is much more comfortable, without being too soft.
I drove the old Discovery last year and hated it. Every fast corner it would threaten to roll over, and it was tiny. The LR3 otoh is a fantastic car: one of the best I have driven.
I eventually got $1000 off and a few hats but still paid C$79,000 including all delivery/admin charges plus all taxes. This is in Oakville, Ontario.
If anyone has any good LR3 resources to point me to, then please do. In return of course in a few weeks I will post a detailed report - we are driving the new car to Dallas fron Ontario (a 2-day trip each way) so I will have lots to report on.
I have been working with my local dealer in Wilmington, NC on getting an HSE under A plan pricing in Silver with black hides. They offered me one in adriatic blue which I declined.
I emailed a dealer in the Raleigh area and he has a silver HSE coming in on 12/16 with all options less bluetooth. I instantly put a $500 deposit on the vehicle and drove up there to see what kind of money I could get on my Honda Pilot. They offered me a fair trade on my Honda.
The bottom line is HSE's can be found if your willing to do a little leg work in your region or beyond.
I have a deposit down on a LR3 HSE that was supposed to arrive at the dealer on 11/29. When it did not arrive I was told it would be in the "week" of the 29th.
I then spoke to my salesman on 12/3 and he said, "well I called the port (San Pedro, CA) and your truck is there but the teamsters have not released it yet" He then went on to say, "it should be any day now."
When pressed about the fact that I don't care about the union I just want to know when my truck is going to be in he replied, "well I don't control the mob."
If it wasn't so hard to find an HSE with the color and options I wanted as well as the tax issue needing to put the car in service prior to 12/31 I would have taken my deposit back and business elsewhere the day he opened up his mouth.
Nonetheless, I am wondering if anyone has had a similar experience and can provide any insight on this issue.
That is, how can I purchase a $25 ebay item and track the item from Maine to California and know the day it will arrive at my doorstep, but, a Land Rover retailer that purchases several thousand dollars in vehicles doesn't know when and where their investment is at all times and when it should arrive at their doorstep?
Since, I am driving 300 miles to get my LR3 it does take a bit of planning and with only 48 hours to pick up the SUV before it is put on the lot for sale it is proving to be quite a stressful experience.
You can get an after market NAV with backup camera for about the same cost as the factory one. The backup camera can be very handy when you try to hook up with what you tow.
Also the after market NAV systems most likely will play DVD movies and some has TV reception as well.
I had similar experience. Now I am told that the HSE I deposited for should be at the port and should be at the detailer by Thursday the 9th; however, but they could not produce a VIN.
Anyone has an opinion about the Adriatic blue with beige interior? Ugly or acceptable? Have not seen one yet.
The last word from my dealer(Atlanta) was late February to early March for delivery of an HSE, minus Bluetooth. I was given that delivery time frame last week.
Delivery at end of '05 or '06 sounds a bit off mark.
How does the integration of an aftermarket overhead DVD (Sony Dream System, etc) compared to the dealer installed overhead system? I am seriously considering the aftermarket system, the dealer quoted a price of close to $2k installed.
I had similar experience. Now I am told that the HSE I deposited for should be at the port and should be at the detailer by Thursday the 9th; however, but they could not produce a VIN.
Anyone has an opinion about the Adriatic blue with beige interior? Ugly or acceptable? Have not seen one yet.
Adriatic blue is a very nice color - it was on our shortlist, but the wife got the veto. She didn't want me to be off washing it every weekend (we're in the Northeast, it is a very dark blue)
Local dealers around here are full of SE's. All colors available, except haven't seen the dark grey or the gold.
Now, HSE's are another story. Only saw 1. Silly that the lots are full of vehicles here, but we have to wait weeks/months to get seat memory and a few other items. Poor planning by LR USA if you ask me.
I have had my HSE for 1100 miles, now, most time spent in-town driving, with about 800 freeway miles. Mileage has improved, now 11-13 mpg about town ( pretty hilly here ) and solid 17.5-18 mpg on the freeway. Still getting lots of compliments. Have spotted only one other HSE and one other SE in SF and Monterey bay areas. Really happy with silver--still looks clean--and I think black is a good choice for me for interior, as the carpet is going to get stained and dirty slower than my old RR's tan/gold. No problems so far....love the sound system ( occasional odd feedback with my ipod plugged into auxiliary jack--anyone else? ) and third-row seats are excellent. Everyone who has ridden in it or driven it loved it. Still no serious offroading or snow travel. For my part, I am happy w/o wood trim, but maybe I will add it sometime when I am bored. Will likely add some kind of DVD player ( LR vs. other? ) and would like a backup camera--bet they add that to next year's model.
I have owned a silver lr3 se for about two weeks now...so far its been great...looks great..smooth ride, powerful...and can car pool kids..eats gas ...but knew that going in..in short realley enjoy driving it...question..trying to listen to my i-pod on the auxilliary doesnt seem to be working...tried to connect by putting a single prong jack in the earphone slot and the other end single prong into aux slot correct, but nothing came out of car speakers...did I hook it up correctly ?or is there a special aux jack on the HSE that is for i-pods but not SE?.. apologies for what is probably a simple question. Audio system works fine...so i believe it is that I am not hooking up correctly.
Sounds like you did it right...one jack to the ipod output ( the headphone out ) and the other into the aux input ( to the right side of the face of the rear part of the center console ). the volume on my ipod needs to be at max, and rover stereo volume cranked to level "25" ish--sound is slightly compromised ( at some times more than others ) by what sounds to be some electrical noise or feedback in the system. But all in all more satisfying than casette adapter. I need to find a more elegant way to mount the ipod, but it works.
oops.. sorry, had not finished reading all the posts when I mentioned the iPod.
Aside from interior features, is there any difference in the exterior that I will notice. Suddenly my local dealer got really motivated to move an SE today. I am still calling around trying to find a HSE.
One other question... will a dealer be any less likely to track down a HSE for me if they know that I am an X-plan buyer. Does that bother the dealer on a HOT new car???
I'm beginning to question the delivery dates or the availability dates on ANY of the HSE's to be quite honest. I also live in Atlanta, and was lured into into putting down my $500 deposit back at the end of Sept.
I was also told that my HSE specs would be submitted in one of the earliest production orders, so I could expect a delivery date of mid-to-late November. When I called mid November, for an update I was told to look for it sometime in December.
With the first week in December now behind us, and still not one call or message being left for me from the dealership since I called last month,.... I realize that I am beginning to develop a sour taste towards LR customer service before I have ever even had the chance to own one? I love the LR3 and have been counting down it's U.S. launch date since early summer. I just wish that I felt that same professionalism and customer care that I did with my Audi, and am wondering if this is what I should start preparing myself to expect to see from LR in the future?
The vehicle may be awesome, but the 3 Atlanta dealerships (all under the same management company, of course) sure could use a refresher course on how to develop relationships with a new customer. If I could go elsewhere, without losing my HSE's "place in line".... I assure you I would.
Yes, I have. The blue with tan was my first choice. My wife convinced me along with the salesguide to get black on black SE loaded. It does look sharp but needs to have the wood trim. I have seen the silver with black and that would be another choice. Good luck.
sta2 wrote: "we noticed that even when the vehicle is locked, access to the gas cap remains unlocked? Can this be programmed at the dealer to lock when the vehicle is locked, or was somebody at LR corporate not thinkin'?"
I posted this earler... in my mini-review. The LR3 does not have a locking fuel filler door in the US. I have no idea why it was decontented for North America. The door is designed to lock, but the mechanism is missing here. The UK market models have it; it locks with the normal doors.
"The vehicle may be awesome, but the 3 Atlanta dealerships (all under the same management company, of course) sure could use a refresher course on how to develop relationships with a new customer. If I could go elsewhere, without losing my HSE's "place in line".... I assure you I would. "
Why are you limiting yourself to the Atlanta dealers if your not happy. A little over a week ago I sent an email to the dealer in Raleigh, NC area and they got back to me the next day with a fully loaded HSE in silver with black hides.
Poor service should not be rewarded with your business. Expand your search in your region as I did when my Wilmington dealer could not get me the color combo I was looking for in an HSE.
behind the armrest..if you are looking from the backseat....look just below the drivers armrest and there is a power source and a single prong opening with aux labled..the single prong goes from where you plug in earphones to the aux..i picked up a cable at comp usa...
My experience has been approx the same, and I used to be an Audi owner too. I put down my deposit on an HSE in May and I was told I would get one of the first HSE's to de delivered in the SFO Bay area. First I was told delivery around Thanksgiving, then 2nd week in December, latest is early Jan.05. (But I did get an LR3 baseball cap... woopppeeee)
I've had no contact from Land Rover directly, and all my contact with the dealer is because I have contacted them for periodic updates.
My conclusions are; - I'm buying a Land Rover because I really want one, not for the buying experience. I can't decide if the problem rests with the local dealer or with Land Rover USA. - Land Rover USA should go check out Audi & Lexus to compare the buying & ownership experience. My local Lexus dealer offered the free use of a GX470 until they could get one with my spec's in stock, and at the same time they would take my current SUV as a trade. - Finally, there are too many inaccuracies on the official LR3 web pages. At one time the mis-info was excusable, not any more.
If anyone from Land Rover is reading this, I'm less than impressed with the experience so far.
I was told by the dealer they wouldn't sell the hse on the x-plan until they are near clearing out the backlog. So i got the se with nav, 3rd row, lighting, etc. get it ~ 20 dec.
I am coming from a 2001 bmw x5 which is a great driver but terrible in the snow.
I have previously owned a 1995 disco series 1 (which was great) & a 1998 rangie hse - which was terrible. hopefully i go to my previous experience...
I will put my deposit down in the next couple of weeks for a loaded HSE Silver/Black, decided the wait for Bluetooth PTI is not worth it. My mobile has Bluetooth and I use a variety of Bluetooth headsets, no big deal.
But, I am concerned with buying from the Atlanta dealer. The thought of buying from another dealer in the region is not really an option.
When I was trasnferred from Chicago to Atlanta in 1998, 3 months after I purchased a new Disco, I was told loaners were only for people that purchased from that dealer. Which, is probably BS. I would assume that loaner/rentals should be charged back to LRNA (correct me if I am wrong).
I have a similar problem with the auxiliary jack on my new SE when i-pod plugged in...... heavy static is only in the left speakers, both front and back....if I rebalance sound system to all right speakers the "crackle" goes away....however all sound is lost in left speakers...... please let me know if this is just my car or if others have same problem.
Has anyone seen an accessory brochure for the LR3? I called Land Rover to get one and they sent me 5 different LR3 brochures, but none on accessories, and told me the dealer should have them. The dealer tells me they have never gotten any.
Like several of you, I am debating the wait for an HSE vs an SE now. Looking sometime in Feb/March, though I am about to start calling other dealers.
Accessory brochures should be arriving at the retailers soon. Your retailer should be able to print you a temporary copy from the corporate website. There is a Vehicle Kit Bulletin that has a .pdf file with the brochure
Loaners/Rentals are provided by the retailers at their expense. These are not covered under the warranty, so Land Rover does not pay the cost for providing them. Land Rover does have a program to help defray some of this expense, but the retailer still has to foot most of this expense. If you were in his shoes would you want to spend this money on customers who bought their vehicles elsewhere? As your situation is different since you moved to the area, possibly talking with the Center Manager and explaining you are looking to purchase an LR3 as soon as they can get the exact vehicle you want could get them to make an exception to their policy. I'm sure they are trying their best to get you the vehicle you want as soon as they can. Land Rover Buckhead was one of the first Land Rover Centers and along with North Point and Gwinette have excellent SSI and CSI scores.
It appears you have one of two options. Be content waiting for an HSE based on the loaner vehicle factor in your area or search elsewhere and cross the loaner vehicle bridge if needed.
I purchased a Volvo in a different location than my current servicing dealer. My wife had changed jobs and we moved to a new area. The Volvo dealer never questioned why I did not purchase the vehicle from them and provided me with a loaner. Great dealers treat all customers coming in for service with the same respect.
If the Atlanta dealers are so good and know HSE availability is tight and you want one now rather than wait until late 05 they should not hold you hostage based on a loaner vehicle. That attitude alone is enough to make me shop elsewhere.
I want an LR3, and will buy one. Regardless of the dealer.
If I were in his shoes, I would provide a loaner to someone that purchased elsewhere. Reason being would be future sales from that customer.
I am pretty sure that there is a new Service Manager at Buckhead now. My Disco is now serviced by an independent up the road.
My main concern is the lack of information regarding options and availability. Most of my info is from this forum and another, including many posts by grommet.
We picked up our HSE 12/1 and love it. Tonga with Alpaca. Smooth trip back and forth to Boston last weekend. Lacking however seem to be the hold-downs for the floor mats. The holes are there in the mats but not in the floor. Does anyone know if this is a dealer installed item?
Also, shouldn't there be a manual for the tow package/leveler?
Floormats are a dealer installed item and any retaining hooks should have been included in the package with the mats and installed by the retailer. Instructions for the removable towing housing are covered in pages 219-223 of the owners manual. Instructions to program the key remote to adjust the air suspension to aid in hooking up a trailer are in pages 37-38 of the manual.
Picked up our SE7 on Saturday and here are the early thoughts:
Engine and tranny - Simply fantastic! The engine and 6 speed are buttery with ample power. Sports car like acceleration from a 5,800 lbs rig.
Interior & Exterior - Excellent. Fit and finish are very well done and the cockpit is amongst the best I've ever seen. This is replacing a Sienna and earlier, a Land Cruiser. Rear space is adequate but not impressive.
Complaints - For $49,000 I cannot believe automatic headlights are only part of an optional package. Huge mistake. Things like that and floor mats should be included.
Still, we love the way this SUV drives and looks. More info as we gain more time with the car.
I purchased a Silver/Black interior SE last week. It was a demo with 3500 miles for and I think I got a fair deal here in New Orleans for $4400 off MSRP.
It is loaded: Cold Climate Package, Prar Seat, Heavy-Duty package, Tow package, Navigation, Lighting package, rear parking assist, and rear climate control. rubber floor mats thrown in. I was surprised to find out that the wiring for the tow package doesn't come with the tow package, had to add that.
Wife has a 04 Taureg and she loves it, but it has been in the shop 4 or 5 times for electrical problems. The LR3 and Taureg are not comparable in my opinion. the LR3 has the look and feel of a real SUV, and much roomier. The finishing on the inside are not as good a the Taureg however.
My overall impression so far is very positive, and my relationship with the New Orleans dealership was very satifying. They do provide courtesy car if your Land Rover is in for maintenance.
I picked the Accessory brochure yesterday, so they are out there now.
I bought a SE and have had it for 3 weeks. I had a Range Rover and missed the wood trim. I just bought a wood kit on ebay for about $210.00 and what a difference it makes! Installation was a snap and the interior looks 1000% better. Save your bucks and buy the SE now. I have had Navi in many cars and seldom find the need to use it. besides, the stuffy english accent drove me nuts. The smaller wheels look fine too.
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Comments
I do love this LR3 and am very serious about purchasing one (if they can ever get a HSE instock) I had only hoped that the VW would be a more reliable car because it is also so nice.
If I go with the LR3 I will just blame it on having the extra seats!!
Opinions? Am I crazy? I like a new car every year or so and I think the ML will suffer now that the new one is about to be announce. I need an SUV for off-road snow at my cottage. LIke the LR3's drive: more comfortable than the ML.
Michael
Local dealer has no HSE's, nor any available in our color/option setup until end of 05' or 06'.
Any other purchasing methods we can go through or large dealerships with inventory?
Any other suggestions?
On another note: we noticed that even when the vehicle is locked, access to the gas cap remains unlocked? Can this be programmed at the dealer to lock when the vehicle is locked, or was somebody at LR corporate not thinkin'?
Thanks for the help.
I am in the obvious rut that everyone is now in. We can't get our hands on HSE for 6 months at least. I can load up the SE, but am all I going to be missing is the seat mem, better radio and larger wheels??? Should I wait or go for it.
I'm concerned this could be too big of 'settling', especially given I've got the towing package and wouldn't get all the cool info (especially the breadcrumbs when off-road).
I'd be interested in others thoughts WRT using their NAV vs. third party systems. comments?
I just traded - as I mentioned above - my two-year old ML500 Benz for an HSE that comes in in 10 days. I am abivalent to some extent: the Benz was a great car and it had style but it lacked the extras such as heated windscreen (standard in Canada), GPS, and especially of course the rugged off-road performance that I do actually use (think all-winter cottage). Also the LR3 is much more comfortable, without being too soft.
I drove the old Discovery last year and hated it. Every fast corner it would threaten to roll over, and it was tiny. The LR3 otoh is a fantastic car: one of the best I have driven.
I eventually got $1000 off and a few hats but still paid C$79,000 including all delivery/admin charges plus all taxes. This is in Oakville, Ontario.
If anyone has any good LR3 resources to point me to, then please do. In return of course in a few weeks I will post a detailed report - we are driving the new car to Dallas fron Ontario (a 2-day trip each way) so I will have lots to report on.
I emailed a dealer in the Raleigh area and he has a silver HSE coming in on 12/16 with all options less bluetooth. I instantly put a $500 deposit on the vehicle and drove up there to see what kind of money I could get on my Honda Pilot. They offered me a fair trade on my Honda.
The bottom line is HSE's can be found if your willing to do a little leg work in your region or beyond.
I then spoke to my salesman on 12/3 and he said, "well I called the port (San Pedro, CA) and your truck is there but the teamsters have not released it yet" He then went on to say, "it should be any day now."
When pressed about the fact that I don't care about the union I just want to know when my truck is going to be in he replied, "well I don't control the mob."
If it wasn't so hard to find an HSE with the color and options I wanted as well as the tax issue needing to put the car in service prior to 12/31 I would have taken my deposit back and business elsewhere the day he opened up his mouth.
Nonetheless, I am wondering if anyone has had a similar experience and can provide any insight on this issue.
That is, how can I purchase a $25 ebay item and track the item from Maine to California and know the day it will arrive at my doorstep, but, a Land Rover retailer that purchases several thousand dollars in vehicles doesn't know when and where their investment is at all times and when it should arrive at their doorstep?
Since, I am driving 300 miles to get my LR3 it does take a bit of planning and with only 48 hours to pick up the SUV before it is put on the lot for sale it is proving to be quite a stressful experience.
Also the after market NAV systems most likely will play DVD movies and some has TV reception as well.
Anyone has an opinion about the Adriatic blue with beige interior? Ugly or acceptable? Have not seen one yet.
The last word from my dealer(Atlanta) was late February to early March for delivery of an HSE, minus Bluetooth. I was given that delivery time frame last week.
Delivery at end of '05 or '06 sounds a bit off mark.
Anyone has an opinion about the Adriatic blue with beige interior? Ugly or acceptable? Have not seen one yet.
I think it looks great.
Local dealers around here are full of SE's. All colors available, except haven't seen the dark grey or the gold.
Now, HSE's are another story. Only saw 1. Silly that the lots are full of vehicles here, but we have to wait weeks/months to get seat memory and a few other items. Poor planning by LR USA if you ask me.
Still getting lots of compliments. Have spotted only one other HSE and one other SE in SF and Monterey bay areas.
Really happy with silver--still looks clean--and I think black is a good choice for me for interior, as the carpet is going to get stained and dirty slower than my old RR's tan/gold.
No problems so far....love the sound system ( occasional odd feedback with my ipod plugged into auxiliary jack--anyone else? ) and third-row seats are excellent. Everyone who has ridden in it or driven it loved it. Still no serious offroading or snow travel. For my part, I am happy w/o wood trim, but maybe I will add it sometime when I am bored. Will likely add some kind of DVD player ( LR vs. other? ) and would like a backup camera--bet they add that to next year's model.
the volume on my ipod needs to be at max, and rover stereo volume cranked to level "25" ish--sound is slightly compromised ( at some times more than others ) by what sounds to be some electrical noise or feedback in the system. But all in all more satisfying than casette adapter.
I need to find a more elegant way to mount the ipod, but it works.
am still in the process of convincing myself if an LR3 is worth it. planning to trade in my MDX...
short clips of LR3 in action http://www.uae4x4.com/vids/lr3.htm
anatomy of the LR3...great pics...
http://www.expeditionexchange.com/lr3/
pics of another proud owner...
http://homepage.mac.com/ndjedinak/PhotoAlbum26.html
Aside from interior features, is there any difference in the exterior that I will notice. Suddenly my local dealer got really motivated to move an SE today. I am still calling around trying to find a HSE.
One other question... will a dealer be any less likely to track down a HSE for me if they know that I am an X-plan buyer. Does that bother the dealer on a HOT new car???
I was also told that my HSE specs would be submitted in one of the earliest production orders, so I could expect a delivery date of mid-to-late November. When I called mid November, for an update I was told to look for it sometime in December.
With the first week in December now behind us, and still not one call or message being left for me from the dealership since I called last month,.... I realize that I am beginning to develop a sour taste towards LR customer service before I have ever even had the chance to own one? I love the LR3 and have been counting down it's U.S. launch date since early summer. I just wish that I felt that same professionalism and customer care that I did with my Audi, and am wondering if this is what I should start preparing myself to expect to see from LR in the future?
The vehicle may be awesome, but the 3 Atlanta dealerships (all under the same management company, of course) sure could use a refresher course on how to develop relationships with a new customer. If I could go elsewhere, without losing my HSE's "place in line".... I assure you I would.
Good luck.
I posted this earler... in my mini-review. The LR3 does not have a locking fuel filler door in the US. I have no idea why it was decontented for North America. The door is designed to lock, but the mechanism is missing here. The UK market models have it; it locks with the normal doors.
Why are you limiting yourself to the Atlanta dealers if your not happy. A little over a week ago I sent an email to the dealer in Raleigh, NC area and they got back to me the next day with a fully loaded HSE in silver with black hides.
Poor service should not be rewarded with your business. Expand your search in your region as I did when my Wilmington dealer could not get me the color combo I was looking for in an HSE.
I put down my deposit on an HSE in May and I was told I would get one of the first HSE's to de delivered in the SFO Bay area. First I was told delivery around Thanksgiving, then 2nd week in December, latest is early Jan.05.
(But I did get an LR3 baseball cap... woopppeeee)
I've had no contact from Land Rover directly, and all my contact with the dealer is because I have contacted them for periodic updates.
My conclusions are;
- I'm buying a Land Rover because I really want one, not for the buying experience. I can't decide if the problem rests with the local dealer or with Land Rover USA.
- Land Rover USA should go check out Audi & Lexus to compare the buying & ownership experience.
My local Lexus dealer offered the free use of a GX470 until they could get one with my spec's in stock, and at the same time they would take my current SUV as a trade.
- Finally, there are too many inaccuracies on the official LR3 web pages. At one time the mis-info was excusable, not any more.
If anyone from Land Rover is reading this, I'm less than impressed with the experience so far.
I've seen an SE in those colors and I like it. Almost the same as the Range Rover so if you like that, you'll probably like it on the LR3.
I was told by the dealer they wouldn't sell the hse on the x-plan until they are near clearing out the backlog. So i got the se with nav, 3rd row, lighting, etc. get it ~ 20 dec.
I am coming from a 2001 bmw x5 which is a great driver but terrible in the snow.
I have previously owned a 1995 disco series 1 (which was great) & a 1998 rangie hse - which was terrible. hopefully i go to my previous experience...
/iii
But, I am concerned with buying from the Atlanta dealer. The thought of buying from another dealer in the region is not really an option.
When I was trasnferred from Chicago to Atlanta in 1998, 3 months after I purchased a new Disco, I was told loaners were only for people that purchased from that dealer. Which, is probably BS. I would assume that loaner/rentals should be charged back to LRNA (correct me if I am wrong).
please let me know if this is just my car or if others have same problem.
Like several of you, I am debating the wait for an HSE vs an SE now. Looking sometime in Feb/March, though I am about to start calling other dealers.
You should see Land Rover Canada web page! It does not even mention the LR3, and "events" mentions "upcoming" events in 2003! What ARE they thinking!!
I purchased a Volvo in a different location than my current servicing dealer. My wife had changed jobs and we moved to a new area. The Volvo dealer never questioned why I did not purchase the vehicle from them and provided me with a loaner. Great dealers treat all customers coming in for service with the same respect.
If the Atlanta dealers are so good and know HSE availability is tight and you want one now rather than wait until late 05 they should not hold you hostage based on a loaner vehicle. That attitude alone is enough to make me shop elsewhere.
I want an LR3, and will buy one. Regardless of the dealer.
If I were in his shoes, I would provide a loaner to someone that purchased elsewhere. Reason being would be future sales from that customer.
I am pretty sure that there is a new Service Manager at Buckhead now. My Disco is now serviced by an independent up the road.
My main concern is the lack of information regarding options and availability. Most of my info is from this forum and another, including many posts by grommet.
Lacking however seem to be the hold-downs for the floor mats. The holes are there in the mats but not in the floor.
Does anyone know if this is a dealer installed item?
Also, shouldn't there be a manual for the tow package/leveler?
Engine and tranny - Simply fantastic! The engine and 6 speed are buttery with ample power. Sports car like acceleration from a 5,800 lbs rig.
Interior & Exterior - Excellent. Fit and finish are very well done and the cockpit is amongst the best I've ever seen. This is replacing a Sienna and earlier, a Land Cruiser. Rear space is adequate but not impressive.
Complaints - For $49,000 I cannot believe automatic headlights are only part of an optional package. Huge mistake. Things like that and floor mats should be included.
Still, we love the way this SUV drives and looks. More info as we gain more time with the car.
It is loaded: Cold Climate Package, Prar Seat, Heavy-Duty package, Tow package, Navigation, Lighting package, rear parking assist, and rear climate control. rubber floor mats thrown in.
I was surprised to find out that the wiring for the tow package doesn't come with the tow package, had to add that.
Wife has a 04 Taureg and she loves it, but it has been in the shop 4 or 5 times for electrical problems. The LR3 and Taureg are not comparable in my opinion. the LR3 has the look and feel of a real SUV, and much roomier. The finishing on the inside are not as good a the Taureg however.
My overall impression so far is very positive, and my relationship with the New Orleans dealership was very satifying. They do provide courtesy car if your Land Rover is in for maintenance.
I picked the Accessory brochure yesterday, so they are out there now.
what a difference it makes! Installation was a snap and the interior looks 1000% better. Save your bucks and buy the SE now. I have had Navi
in many cars and seldom find the need to use it. besides, the stuffy english accent drove me nuts. The smaller wheels look fine too.
Gas mileage is up to 13.3 so far
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