Newbie - Thinking about getting an '05 LR3 for family hauler
Total newbie to the brand...test drove an '05 LR3 yesterday. Wife totally loves it. Kids too. I have four kids, one brought along a pal so we had a legit load of 7. Worked out pretty well actually. They were pleased with the leg room in 3-row seating, as compared to the '99 Suburban we have. Fit and finish is fine. Wife likes the tight,heavy feel. The turn radius is outstanding for tedious grocery store lots.
I have few concerns - of course fuel mileage being top-of-mind now.
I have read that the used prices on this brand are constrained a bit because of fuel prices and general anti-SUV sentiments, so I am trying to rationalize that we get a 'premium' vehicle for a discount and that mitigates (somewhat) the price at the pump. ANYWAY..that's just me rationalizing perhaps.
Also another concern is general maintenance. Are the '05 LR3s problematic in any specific area?
We live in the south and we absolutely HAVE to get a vehicle with a VERY good A/C system. Is there any truth to the rumor that this brand has notoriously under-engineered air conditioning systems? (It was about 55 degrees yesterday when we test drove so couldn't determine the effectivness of the A/C.) Even if the A/C is super effective, I am probably not going to buy a vehicle that has a dark exterior OR interior. I can't stress enough how bad it sucks to get into a sun-drenched dark vehicle and have the kids burn their legs on dark interior, then only to remain sweltering because of a poorly design A/C system.
Any words of wisdom are much appreciated in advance.
Thx!!
Bob
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