My husband says that Land Rovers are unreliable. Can someone who owns a LR3 give me their opinion of the car.

Question

Consumer Reports and Edmunds have given unfavorable reviews. There are so many on the streets I don't know why people buy them if they are bad cars.

Answer 1

Traditionally Land Rover's have been unreliable because of former manufacturer's that owned them. Now being Ford bought them, their recent vehicles have been rated higher in reliability, particularly the electrical which has been replaced from previous BMW units where were a nightmare.

So far, all the vehicles now are 100% Ford designed (including the next Freelander), and it'll be 3 years after, till the ratings incease because thats how JDPower measures there "Vehicle Dependability Survey", so the jury is still out on that front.

So far from the reviews I've read online, they have been nearly flawless, so things are definately looking up. But like any vehicle, take it for a test-spin and see if it works for you. The 2 people I know that have an LR3, and a Range Rover haven't had any issues and love their vehicle...it's truely a very luxurious SUV for what it is.

Answer 2

Land Rover is LEGENDARY, for two things:

Capability

Unreliability.

People buy them for the name, which was developed because of their ability. They buy them either not knowing what they're getting into, or they buy them knowing it and willing to accept it:

http://carsurvey.org/model_Land+Rover_Discovery.html

Check it out. You'll see evidence of this. People give them positive reviews, while still listing problem after problem after problem.

Apparently they're a labor of love, like AWD Turbo DSMs, VWs, and RX-7s.

Answer 3

It's a status symbol. If you want a decent suv, go with a Lexus RX400h. It's not nearly expensive, parts are more readily available, and it's much more reliable. Your insurance will most likely be cheaper as well. The Lexus will hold its value longer.

p.s. Your husband is one SMART guy. He knows what he's talking about! (we skipped the Land Rover and went with a Lexus...no regrets!)

Answer 4

These are purchased by people who want the name in the driveway of an english SUV. Why I don't know.
I agree they have a list of problems as long as my arm.

If you can afford one then buy it. But remember that to afford one you have to be able to afford the time it is in the shop as well as the cost after it is out of warranty. How many 4 year old ones do you see......

Answer 5

For the same reason they buy a VW which also is getting bad reviews. They have a choice.

Answer 6

http://www.epinions.com/pr-Cars-2005_Land_Rover_LR3/display_~reviews