Reliability Improvements '05 to '06

[raleigh_bronco]

Hi. I'm sorry about the signature size...still working out the kinks. Anyway I'm seriously interested in the LR3 and have read a ton of info from two LR specific forums. Everything on the '05 points to a series of manufacturing defects and overlooks that have mostly been addressed by the factory or individual dealerships either willingly or unwillingly. I am interested in hearing or reading some longevity (sp?) reports on the 06 LR3 and specifically wanted to know if the vast majority of the tweaks, glitches and bugs have been ironed out by now as this will be a DD and I don't have time to drive to the dealer every few thousand miles for another fix, as I've learned from some of the horror posts on these boards. I appreciate your feedback and look forward to any info you can share. Thank you.

[nwoods]

I know of two people who have over 70,000 miles on them now, and still going strong.

You are absolutely correct that the 05's and early 06's had a number of issues. To my knowledge, they have all been worked out. Just make sure whatever you buy, take it to a dealer (if it's a private sale) and run the VIN on the computer to find out what patches have been installed, and what TSB items still need to be done.

Once you are "current", you are looking at a very nice and reliable vehicle.

HOWEVER, there are some items you should know:
1. wiper blades are $30 from the dealer
2. The stock Goodyear tires are terrible and plan on replacing tires more often than you might expect. ( I plan on replacing my Nitto's at 40k)
3. Brakes and rotors are expensive and wear quickly. I have 22,000 miles on mine and my mechanic thinks I'm due fairly soon. Rotors and pads, not just pads. Also, they replace the brake sensors at the same time, so it's pricey.
4. Gas mileage is not great. Average of about 15 mpg seems normal
5. You will love this truck more than you ever expect to.

That's about it. Also check out www.disco3.co.uk for more help

[raleigh_bronco]

Ok, that makes me feel better about making an educated decision. I appreciate all of the useful information and that's strange they go through brakes&rotors so quickly. Sounds like they are undersized for the vehicle weight. What is the dealer charge on this service? I'll take a look at the disco link since it is one site I have yet to surf. Thanks a bunch.

[nwoods]

I'm not sure what the cost is going to be. I won't be having the dealer do the brakes though. I can get the parts from Atlantic British and either do it myself or have a local Rover shop do it much cheaper.

The brakes are pretty large, not undersized. Can't fit anything smaller than an 18" rim (Oh yeah, that's a 6th thing, not many Mud Tires out there yet!). Remember, this thing is near 6,000 lbs and holds 7 people and a lot of cargo comfortably. Though they drive nimbly and park super easy, they are not a small vehicle.

[Rovin4life]

if you want a better vehicle go for a 07, less trouble.

rule of thiumb is always buy the third model year. they have a better chance of getting a good car.

except for a freelander. they never changed the parts in them and didnt have money to reengineer the bad parts.



The LR3 has had all the bugs worked out via updates and the like.

we just update the vehicle and send it on the way.

as for the brakes it depends on the customers, some stop quick others dont stop much at all.

depends on the traffic conditions.