Land Rover LR3 HE, 1 year ownership

I've always wanted to own a vehicle from the Range Rover/Land Rover brand. So last year when I moved to Park City, Utah, I figured it was the perfect time to get one. I needed a car that could withstand the winter conditions safely, and I wanted something to off-roading in, the LR3 was the one for the job. 

I remember the first time I sat in the car, I was amazed at how comfortable it was. Mainly because of the seating positions, the seat can move in so many different ways that you can just taylor fit the seat to you. The quality of the material is also very good, it was better than I thought it would be if you take in consideration the fact that it's a dedicated off-roader. Leather seats, dash, steering wheel, and door panels, there is some plastic but it doesn't feel like cost-cutting plastic.

The ride quality was excellent, the air suspension really makes you feel like you're hovering above the ground, the only drawback it that it numbs the feedback from the steering wheel. We'll talk some more about the suspension system later.

The LR3 HE is powered by a 4.4L V8. There is no better way to say this : It's a tank. The power train makes you feel like you could move a mountain if you wanted to, especially if you put in in low range. I am so impressed be the raw power produced by this engine. I have no doubt that the Land Rover could tow a plane full of Americans without going over 3000rpm, I'm willing to put money on that. 

It's also a very practical car, it has 3 rows for a total of 7 seats. With the seats folded, there is nothing you can't fit in there. I actually went camping multiple times in that car because you can fit a queen size mattress in there. It's a tight fit, but after an appropriate use of the F-word, it's in !

You can now lay down, look out of one of the 3 sunroofs, and look at the clouds. 

One of the biggest complaints about these land Rover 's is the air suspension. The purists will says it's the greatest set-up ever, and the people who didn't know what they were buying will say it's a money pit and the worst system ever. 

Look, the LR3 I owned was pushing 13 years of age and was all original. Yes, I did have some problem with the suspension, but, it lasted 13 years before failing. How is that's not reliable ? It is going to cost quite a bit of money to fix, sure, but then you're good to go for and additional 13 years or 130,000 miles. Not too bad. 

And if you're really worried about the suspension you can always convert to coilovers for about $1500, and then you'll have nothing to worry about, ever. 

I do recommend having some mechanical skills if you're planning on working on this car by yourself. This thing was engineered by jokers, some of the bolts were deliberately put in places that are physically impossible for a grown man to reach. I don't think I've cursed so much at a car, or anything for that matter, than this LR3. But nothing to worry about, because after the proper use of certain black magic tricks and multiple hours of frustration you have fixed the car.

Besides the complicated DIY jobs, it's a fantastic car. If you're planning on buying one I recommend spending the money to get a low milage version and hopefully get the maintenance history. Save a bit of cash on the side just in case you need to do some repairs. But then, when it's all fixed, you'll have the most comfortable-ist tank to conquer the world with.