by "MylesD" (mylesd)
Published 01/30/2017 at 12:17
by "MylesD" (mylesd)
Published 01/30/2017 at 12:17
No Tags
STARS: 1
I recently moved and I’m now working from home full time. Why does this matter? Well, my beloved ‘12 GTI Autobahn sits on the streets of Seattle and I’m not driving it nearly as much as I used to/should be.
Instead of daily trips, my driving now consists of fewer (but longer) trips to go hiking, skiing, exploring, etc.
This has me thinking I’d like to get the GTI off the streets where I don’t have to worry about it as much and move towards an older SUV (plus, it should be enjoyed!) Looking for something that’s around $12-16k, taller and more durable bumpers for when it is in the city, and something just generally bigger to throw my crap & dog into, go camping, whatever. I also expect to be chauffeuring visiting friends and family around the PNW.
I’ve always
loved
the look of the Discovery/LR3/LR4 and I’m seeing that LR3's with sub 100k mileage might be an option - up to 2008 model year. Do I have fears about reliability and maintenance? Oh Hellz yes. The way I see it...I’m good with upkeep and it’s not going to be heavy on daily city driving, but I’m still torn.
Please tell me why this is a great or terrible idea.
"RyanFrew" (ryanfrew)
01/30/2017 at 12:19, STARS: 1
Totally crazy.
Do it.
"For Sweden" (rallybeetle)
01/30/2017 at 12:20, STARS: 2
Do you hate 4Runners or something?
"LeadfootYT" (leadfootyt)
01/30/2017 at 12:21, STARS: 0
As long as all your hiking and skiing destinations have cell service, are easily accessible by AAA, and are within 100 towing miles of a Land Rover facility, I’m sure it’ll prove at least as dependable as a 1980s Jaguar.
They’re awesome, but I wouldn’t depend on one to go much of anywhere. Land Cruiser would be the best bet for that.
"Ash78, voting early and often" (ash78)
01/30/2017 at 12:22, STARS: 1
Or every other vehicle ever made that isn’t a Land Rover?
"For Sweden" (rallybeetle)
01/30/2017 at 12:23, STARS: 1
Anglo-nationalism is a debilitating condition
"MylesD" (mylesd)
01/30/2017 at 12:25, STARS: 0
Honestly, the price premiums on used Toyota’s that I’m seeing(especially in the PNW) is freaking gross. It’s an option for sure, but I’d rather just go for something that I actually want and not settle.
Landcruiser is an option because...yeah, of course. Mileage at purchase would be higher, though reliability would be less of a concern. Also seeing older LX470's might be the sleeper deal if going this route - tad better value than actual LC’s
"adamftw" (adamftw)
01/30/2017 at 12:25, STARS: 1
It’s a great idea. You don’t need the truck to get to work, so if something weird happens you aren’t SOL. The aftermarket and community for these is growing more and more everyday as they become more affordable for cheap ass enthusiasts who are into cheap Rovers.
Buy the air suspension computer tool thing... Gap tool or something? Check out discoweb.org
"Nothing" (nothingatalluseful)
01/30/2017 at 12:25, STARS: 3
From this article, the LR3 is pretty sorted out. http://overland.kinja.com/the-land-rover-discovery-1791477154
On a personal note, we were just over at one of my son’s classmates house, and the kid’s mom has an LR3. She tried to give it to her 16 year old daughter, but the daughter said it was too ‘mommy-mobile’ for her. It has 230k miles on it and they’ve had no issues. I might buy it from them, when she decides to replace it.
"Ash78, voting early and often" (ash78)
01/30/2017 at 12:26, STARS: 3
The Japanese invented the Miata to cure people of Lotusitis and MG Syndrome. If only there were something for this, like an “Experimental Drug #GX470"
"MylesD" (mylesd)
01/30/2017 at 12:29, STARS: 0
Feeling inspired by your recent purchase (though polar opposites)
"MylesD" (mylesd)
01/30/2017 at 12:31, STARS: 0
230k and no issues? Good to hear! Mom mobile? Meh. Maybe, but V-8 and off road cred ftw.
"TheBloody, Oppositelock lives on in our shitposts." (thebloody)
01/30/2017 at 12:31, STARS: 1
The 08/09 LR3 has the Jag V8 which is turning out to actually be somewhat reliable engine, my buddy owns a shop and he’s seeing 08/09 LR3's with 150k+ miles coming in just for fluid changes.
Look for one with comprehensive maintenance records, that way you’re not going to have to catch up on missed maintenance the PO neglected.
"Textured Soy Protein" (texturedsoyprotein)
01/30/2017 at 12:33, STARS: 0
I’d much rather have a Lexus GX if you want something properly truck-based.
That being said, any number of crossovers would probably suit your needs fine, with better back seat room, on-road handling, and fuel economy.
"Textured Soy Protein" (texturedsoyprotein)
01/30/2017 at 12:35, STARS: 0
The 4th gen 4Runner gets a lot of love but I’m not a fan. The seats are on the floor and the windshield is a gun slit. The 5th gen fixes that by being way taller, but it dropped AWD on all trims but the Limited for part-time shift-on-the-fly 4wd.
"MylesD" (mylesd)
01/30/2017 at 12:35, STARS: 0
doesn’t the emotional part of me get a say!
"MylesD" (mylesd)
01/30/2017 at 12:36, STARS: 0
I hear you - GX has been researched as well. I’m going big on this though, no cross overs or the like. I want a big ole’ girl.
"adamftw" (adamftw)
01/30/2017 at 12:36, STARS: 0
I bought a cheap Toyota because everyone said to get one. Well, it’s just about rusted in half.
If you’re in a place that doesn’t rust, sure, Toyotas are cool I guess.
"El Rocko" (elrocko)
01/30/2017 at 12:40, STARS: 0
Do It! I drive a ‘10 LR4 and it is fantastic. Second row leg room is tight.
"Nothing" (nothingatalluseful)
01/30/2017 at 12:40, STARS: 1
I have a feeling they’ll let it go quite cheap, too. She didn’t say when she is going to get a new vehicle, but I’ve put the bug in my wife’s ear to let them know I’d be interested in it. Instead of the Land Rover, they bought their daughter a 2012-ish BMW 328i x.
"MylesD" (mylesd)
01/30/2017 at 12:40, STARS: 1
I feel like we’ve reached peak ‘yota. The prices that they’re grabbing are insane.
I just can’t stomach paying $16995 for an ‘07 4Runner w/ literally 163k on the odometer (local Toyota dealer). GTFO.
"Land_Yacht_225" (nadenator)
01/30/2017 at 12:41, STARS: 0
Friends of ours used to have an LR4 that was a nightmare for them. Had a lot of electrical gremlins and it was in the dealer constantly. Of course, their real problem was that they kept going TO THE DEALER. I think they got quoted $650 to open the bumper up and fit the trailer hitch.
I don’t know about the LR3 though. We’ve got 2 mid 2000s Jaguars and they’re doing alright...
"RyanFrew" (ryanfrew)
01/30/2017 at 12:49, STARS: 0
Haha polar opposites for sure. I recklessly bought a car with the sport suspension, which means it sits 20mm lower than a regular Boxster S. It
barely
clears my steep driveway if I approach it just right, super slow. Hope you enjoy Seattle! I’m out there quite a bit for work. Great city.
"190octane" (admiralcb)
01/30/2017 at 12:50, STARS: 0
Concur, you will have a ton of adventures in a Land Rover. Granted, most of them will be because of it breaking down, but reliability is boring and boring is no fun.
"adamftw" (adamftw)
01/30/2017 at 12:55, STARS: 0
Yup. Prices are $7-10k for 1st gen Tundras with 175-200k on em by me. Get real.
"WiscoProud" (wiscoproud)
01/30/2017 at 12:59, STARS: 0
I had a 2006 LR3 with the 4.0L V6. Despite all the maintenance and issues it gave me, I loved that truck. From what I’ve read, the later model LR3s are much better than the earlier models, especially when it came to the suspension parts. The final straw was needing to replace pretty much every bushing in my suspension at a little over 100k miles. Oh and the front diff seal breaking that made me have to buy a new diff, because they didn’t sell the seal at that time.
For a 2008, I think you would be pretty good maintenance wise. I don’t think they eat bushings anymore, and you can now buy a diff seal. At this point most all of the issues have been well documented and fixes are known. If you’re paranoid, see if you can get an aftermarket warranty or something for the expensive items.
"Textured Soy Protein" (texturedsoyprotein)
01/30/2017 at 13:06, STARS: 0
Fair enough. One other option to look at is the R50 Pathfinder Limited and QX4, the later ‘01-’04 years with the VQ35. I prefer these over the 4th gen 4Runner, because the 4Runner you sit on the floor and have to look way up over the dash to see out in front of you. Since you’re doing a fair amount of on-road driving I’d make sure to get the AWD option which came only on the Limited or QX4 and not the lower Pathfinder trims.
"iSureWilll" (isurewilll)
01/30/2017 at 13:08, STARS: 0
For what it’s worth, I just picked up an ‘04 4runner with 160k for around $8400 OTD w/ the v6 in north Jersey.
"MylesD" (mylesd)
01/30/2017 at 13:08, STARS: 0
This is good feedback. +1
"MylesD" (mylesd)
01/30/2017 at 13:11, STARS: 0
Yes, much more reasonable. I’m a Jersey native most recently from Philly - that’s more in line with the prices I’d expect.
"iSureWilll" (isurewilll)
01/30/2017 at 13:16, STARS: 0
You’ll have to buy one here and ship it back :)
"MylesD" (mylesd)
01/30/2017 at 13:17, STARS: 0
I’m hearing/reading similar things. 08' and up - some based in evidence like ^ and other claims just anecdotal.
"MylesD" (mylesd)
01/30/2017 at 13:20, STARS: 0
I did the cross-country drive out here and absolutely loved it. I can’t say I haven’t thought about a repeat!
"TheBloody, Oppositelock lives on in our shitposts." (thebloody)
01/30/2017 at 13:22, STARS: 0
DO IT! Buy it, put a Johnson Rods lift and 18" steelies with knobby tires. - Winning.
"HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles" (hondasfordsvolvo)
01/30/2017 at 13:22, STARS: 0
I don’t know much about them but I’ve always loved the look of the LR3.
"Textured Soy Protein" (texturedsoyprotein)
01/30/2017 at 13:27, STARS: 0
Oops, got my trim levels mixed up. Limited is the nice 4Runner trim, the Pathfinder is the LE. They’d be way below your budget but at the same time finding a low-mileage one would be a bit of a challenge.
But for example, something like this , even after you pay for some proper tires to slap on it and catch up on any maintenance it might need, would be way cheap.
(The VQ motor has a timing chain so in theory you at least wouldn’t need to worry about that part.)
"Nothing" (nothingatalluseful)
01/30/2017 at 13:30, STARS: 0
My wife is on board with it. She’s going to let the mom know. I’m not quite sure what I’d do with one, but it’d be hard to turn down a great deal if there’s one to be had!
"TheBloody, Oppositelock lives on in our shitposts." (thebloody)
01/30/2017 at 13:34, STARS: 0
I have a few ideas...
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"Ash78, voting early and often" (ash78)
01/30/2017 at 14:01, STARS: 0
Of course it does! Just mod the Lexus and be one of the only modded offroad Lexi around. :D
"The World of Vee" (theworldofvee)
01/30/2017 at 15:02, STARS: 0
LR3 is a good choice, as are some of the other things listed here. What about FJ100 based LC/LX or my personal pick of an Excursion or similar vintage Expedition? Hell even a Z71 GMT800 could be a good fit.
But definitely get an excursion, if I had fuck you money even living in the city I’d own an excursion with knobbys and a lift and brush guards because that thing is just so absurd.
"JR1" (type35bugatti)
01/30/2017 at 15:15, STARS: 0
Not the worst Land Rover to buy. But after Saturday I must say I am impressed and in love with the GX470.
It is essentially a Land Crusier Prado with the 4.7 V8. Haven’t had it long but I bought it because it was reliable, luxurious, capable off road, and could seat 8.
If you are looking at a LR you owe it to your self to at least research one of these.
"brianbrannon" (brianbrannon)
01/31/2017 at 08:58, STARS: 0
Timing chains wear out and cost more to replace. It’s similar to the German car reliability myth
"Textured Soy Protein" (texturedsoyprotein)
01/31/2017 at 10:59, STARS: 0
I know German cars aren’t reliable, I drive a BMW haha. Timing chains have longer service intervals than timing belts and if they’re properly maintained can last a long time. But yes, there are some duds out there like certain VW/Audi products where you have to basically disassemble the whole front half of the car to service the chain.
"brianbrannon" (brianbrannon)
01/31/2017 at 23:42, STARS: 0
Timing chains last about a 100k, about the same as a belt
"Textured Soy Protein" (texturedsoyprotein)
02/01/2017 at 00:58, STARS: 0
That is very much an over-generalization.
If you look at a typical maintenance schedule for a timing belt-equipped car, it’ll probably say to change the timing belt every 90k miles.
The typical maintenance schedule for a timing chain-equipped car most certainly does not carry the same recommendation. For example, this random Nissan maintenance schedule I found doesn’t even have the word “timing” in it.
That doesn’t mean they don’t require service, but the whole reason they’ve become more popular is because they’re lower maintenance than timing belts.
"brianbrannon" (brianbrannon)
02/01/2017 at 10:31, STARS: 0
My point exactly. You think that because a belt has a set schedule to change it will cost more but the chain or guides will fail and cost more than the belt service. It doesn’t matter what’s written on the paper only what happens in reality. They can say it cost less to maintain a chain, they also say you never have to change transmission fluids. These are marketing tricks