YACT: New Land Rover LR3 - I want

[SouthPaW1227]

So I'm looking to buy a new SUV within the next year ('bout to get married, family in the future, and I have no truck/SUV at all). I'm too used to hauling things to not have a truck/SUV in the family. Enviro-freaks please stay at bay or create a strong, non-fuel-needing engine and get back with me.

First, the only SUVs my future-wife and I like are:
Lexus RX-series
Hummer H3 (no H2)
VW Tourag
Land Rover LR3

Now, first off the LR3 actually has 3rd-row seating (pretty important) and it's ROOMY back there! So that esentially nixes the similiarly priced VW Tourag. However, it's expensive. I want the V8 HSE (gotta have the 19"s, upgraded audio, and NAV system & park distance control) but add 3rd row seating, rear A/C, Tow Package, and Cooler Box. I'm looking at near ~$54k MSRP. I have the X-Plan so maybe like ~$50-51k.

I went to my dealer & test drove one yesterday, and all I can say is I completely understand how it won SUV of the Year. Real-time air suspension that adjusts to exact wheel levels? Oh yes. Driving horizontally across a 45 degree rock slant? Flawlessly. Handle the mud, snow, beaches, and downpours here in NC? Without a problem.
All of this off-road ability AND it drives on-road like a freakin' high-end CAR! Handled like a dream, turning radius was unreal, comfortable and sturdy throughout, acceleration was awesome (300hp) and quiet...honestly as hard as I tried I couldn't find something I didn't like except the high price tag.


SO, are they worth it? Any actual owners here? Experiences? Thanks

BTW, here's an example of which one I want: http://www.autobase.com/photos/large/01742496.jpg

 

[iamwiz82]

It's ugly. I didn't think they could make the Disco. replacement uglier, but they certainly succeeded like only LR can.

 

[SouthPaW1227]

Originally posted by: iamwiz82
It's ugly. I didn't think they could make the Disco. replacement uglier, but they certainly succeeded like only LR can.

Let's first consider that I don't think they're ugly. Next!

 

[iamwiz82]

OK, they really don't have any offroad capability, no matter how much they try to sell them as such? That doesn't matter though, since it's more an extention of a part of your body rather than an offroading toy. You can't brag to your friends that it has 4 wheel independant suspension for climbing over those parking blocks at the mall.

 

[meltdown75]

i know you think it's nice, but... chalk up another vote for fugly.

 

[SouthPaW1227]

Originally posted by: iamwiz82
OK, they really don't have any offroad capability, no matter how much they try to sell them as such? That doesn't matter though, since it's more an extention of a part of your body rather than an offroading toy. You can't brag to your friends that it has 4 wheel independant suspension for climbing over those parking blocks at the mall.

Honestly I have used my English comprehension skills to the max and cannot understand what you are saying.

 

[freebee]

This is one of my top choices for an SUV as well. However, the reasoning is quite the opposite from the previous posts. IMO its the best looking SUV on the road. Black on black. Very elegant.

It drives somewhat like a car. Good Jag v8, decent power, and handled fairly well. It never lets you forget you are driving a massive, heavy vehicle...but there is minimal body roll. Seats were comfortable and very versatile. Interior on the land rovers have always felt a bit plasticky with too many buttons. I drove an early production model of the LR3, and kept worrying all those things would break.

The problem with this vehicle (and most other Land Rovers) has always been about the balance. It sacrifices so much performance (and probably reliability) for off-road ability. The various terrain computers, diffferentials and the heavy frame means this car has far too much off-road ability than most people will ever use. And the fuel economy is horrible and a direct result of it weighing 5000+ lbs.

And even though I am under A-plan, this car costs way too much. In fact, many dealers initially didn't sell under a or x plans when they first came out. I was looking for a base model for the family, but couldn't get it under 40k. New LR2 is coming for 2006, so I may wait for that one.

 

[SouthPaW1227]

New LR2 is coming for 2006, so I may wait for that one.

I agree w/ most of what you said, however I was really impressed with on-road performance. And I'll use it in sand (NC beaches), snow (PA ski trips), and water (rains so much). I'll also take it camping to make use of the off-road abilities.

And it gets 14/18 MPG, is that honestly *THAT* bad? Considering the completely lame I5 in the Hummer H3 has 3 less cylinders and 80 less HP, and it only gets 20MPG on highway driving. What vehicle can do everything the LR3 can (including a great mix of on and off road performance) at 18mpg w/ 300HP? I can't think of any but I'd love other options if there are any.

And if you're talking about the "Range Rover Sport" coming out in 2006, meh. It STARTS at like $56k and it's way smaller than the LR3 (again, smaller isn't good for families).

 

[mercanucaribe]

With the new fully independent suspension, no they don't have much off road ability, at least not any more than a Subaru Forester. Go to Africa and unlike the Disco, you won't see one outside of Johannesburg. The bling and terrible ground clearance doesn't help either.

 

[freebee]

LR2 I was mentioning is the US freelander replacement, also similar to the xc50 from volvo. They are part of the new crop of upscale mini suvs for next year.

Give your budget, the Volvo XC90 (now with v8 available) could be a good choice. Not too much off road ability, but extremely roomy on the inside. It has more passive safety features and is a lot cheaper than an LR3. However, its not styled very well, looks like a station wagon.

For an older (but proven) model, the Toyota Land Cruiser blends the luxury and off-road ability that you are looking for plus its by far more reliable. Its on the higher end of your budget, but you might want to give it a test drive also.

edit-also notable consideration, the lexus gx470 (4runner based) or the new M-class (ML350/500) from Mercedes both within the specified budget.

 

[SouthPaW1227]

^ Ahhh, I wasn't aware of the L2! My bad!

I love the Volvo on paper, but gosh I hate the looks of it. Just couldn't bare to get in one everyday.
The Land Cruiser is just too....bulky, or something. Again, the looks of it kills it for me.
The GX470 is alright...a bit bulky too, but it's the most probably alternative. I *hate* the MB SUV lineup altogether.

I'm strangely picky...but I guess most people who dig these SUVs hate the looks of the LR3...

 

[SouthPaW1227]

bump to see if anyone owns one!

 

[CRXican]

Originally posted by: iamwiz82
It's ugly. I didn't think they could make the Disco. replacement uglier, but they certainly succeeded like only LR can.

nuff said

 

[Ns1]

you can rent it from hertz and try it out for a few days

 

[Doggiedog]

My friend has a GX470. The third row is pretty poorly designed. It doesn't disappear into the ground like some of the others. The interior isn't too roomy either. The interior is nice though.

 

[alien42]

land rovers are built like crap and are overpriced. i laugh at all of the geniuses who drive them.

what jd power has to say.

*still laughing at the morons who drive them*

 

[brigden]

We bought a Range Rover about seven months ago. It's been a dream from day one. PM me if you want specific information.

 

[alien42]

Originally posted by: brigden
We bought a Range Rover about seven months ago. It's been a dream from day one. PM me if you want specific information.

this just proves my point.

 

[imported_Phil]

Originally posted by: mercanucaribe
With the new fully independent suspension, no they don't have much off road ability, at least not any more than a Subaru Forester. Go to Africa and unlike the Disco, you won't see one outside of Johannesburg. The bling and terrible ground clearance doesn't help either.

And yet, Jeremy Clarkson took it to the top of a mountain in Scotland :roll:

 

[Turkish]

I know you said you hate the MB SUV lineup but are you talking about the past M-series? The new M-series is gorgeous. Looking at it on internet doesn't do justice! Check it out at your dealership, its beautiful.

 

[brigden]

Originally posted by: alien42

Originally posted by: brigden
We bought a Range Rover about seven months ago. It's been a dream from day one. PM me if you want specific information.

this just proves my point.

If the repairs on a Range Rover are too expensive, perhaps one shouldn't be driving one in the first place...

 

[Ns1]

Originally posted by: alien42

Originally posted by: brigden
We bought a Range Rover about seven months ago. It's been a dream from day one. PM me if you want specific information.

this just proves my point.

which is...

 

[alien42]

Originally posted by: brigden

Originally posted by: alien42

Originally posted by: brigden
We bought a Range Rover about seven months ago. It's been a dream from day one. PM me if you want specific information.

this just proves my point.

If the repairs on a Range Rover are too expensive, perhaps one shouldn't be driving one in the first place...

proves my point again. when a premium price is paid, premium quality is expected.

 

[Ns1]

Originally posted by: The Boss
I know you said you hate the MB SUV lineup but are you talking about the past M-series? The new M-series is gorgeous. Looking at it on internet doesn't do justice! Check it out at your dealership, its beautiful.

Not as beautiful as a G55

 

[SouthPaW1227]

Originally posted by: alien42
land rovers are built like crap and are overpriced. i laugh at all of the geniuses who drive them.

what jd power has to say.

*still laughing at the morons who drive them*

Disco II's were horrible as far as JD Power was concerned. You *DO* realize this is a differet vehicle from the group up, right? Totally different.

I hated the Disco's (I and II) but these just do it for me. And yes, the new M-series IMO is worse than the last, unfortunately. Although I'd pimp a G-Wagon if I had the $$$!!

I can't even get a Touareg, similiarly equipped, anywhere near the ~$51k neighborhood, and IMO that's my largest alternative, so I don't see how it's overpriced.

It'll go on beach trips, camping trips, snow-skiing trips, and survive dourpours with ease. It'll get 14-18MPG, it's got power to spare on the highway, it's quiet, it'll pull my camper and jetskis, it'll fit 7 adults comfortably, and it's got the most high-tech off-roading system/NAV setup I've ever seen. The Touareg can't match the specs, let alone the price. I just can't find a better value, can anyone?