Land Rover LR4 Feedback

[OldSpool87]

Anyone out there have experience with 2013-end of run LR4s? I’m looking for feedback on reliability to check what my gut tells me.

My wife is interested in one as a family hauler.

Any feedback on reliability or experiences is appreciated.

Thanks!

[Deschodt]

Originally Posted by OldSpool87

Anyone out there have experience with 2013-end of run LR4s? I’m looking for feedback on reliability to check what my gut tells me.
My wife is interested in one as a family hauler.
Any feedback on reliability or experiences is appreciated.
Thanks!

You're expecting a "stay away! reliability! fuel hogs" But not from me:
Love those things... They still look better than the new model, they carry everything, everyone (7 seater) everywhere all the time (drove ours thru hurricane flooded streets, in rivers, you name it)...

Land Rover reliability is generally questioned on internet forums, but my wife has had a Disco 2, 2xLR3, and an LR4, and in the past 15 years or so the only time we've had an issue was a cracked coolant tank. one time.. Still drove it to the dealer. Nothing else. Maybe we were lucky, maybe their reputation is ill deserved, but we're speaking from personal ownership, not regurgitating internet posts. As long as you don't stray too far above 100K miles I would think you should have a positive experience. After that things start requiring repairs..

We've had issues with the RR sport though (same engine as LR4). Wish we'd kept the LR4 though.
I understand some model years have issues with chain guides and the repair is not cheap, $3500 or so. We didn't experience it. Water pumps have had a bad run lately, we've experienced that, twice, on the RRS...

Wife bought a Q7 to replace the RRS eventually after a few issues related to mileage (115K), I don't like it near as much as the LR3/4. Too tecchie, I still am confused by the damn gearbox most of the time (buttons) and it took me 2 weeks to find the fast forward button ;-)

[Scott R]

Yes, on average I get about 20k on the lower control arms. I’ve got the procedure down to a few hours then of course you have to get the alignment done. The arms are about 220 a side from Atlantic British. The second issue is the OEM suspension will give up, you can get a better EAS or Hitschi compressor but those require reprogramming. Or just opt for the OEM and avoid the reprogramming. Sometimes the dessicate dryer can be rebuilt for a short term fix.

[onewhippedpuppy]

My wife and I liked and looked at the LR4 during our last family hauler search, ultimately the small and hard 3rd row seat was a disqualifier. I really liked the styling, and the only really big concern that I found was the air suspension issues. Also pretty terrible MPG but that's standard for the class. If the size works for you, they are cool trucks.

[sammyg2]

"stay away! reliability! fuel hogs"

[onewhippedpuppy]

One other note, there are coil spring conversion kits available for the LR4 to convert the problematic air suspension to a conventional coil spring suspension. Seemed to be really commonly done by owners of the LR3 as they age and the air suspension gets expensive to fix, I suspect it will become more common on the LR4 as they get older.

[OldSpool87]

Great feedback all around and very appreciated.

[sammyg2]

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

One other note, there are coil spring conversion kits available for the LR4 to convert the problematic air suspension to a conventional coil spring suspension. Seemed to be really commonly done by owners of the LR3 as they age and the air suspension gets expensive to fix, I suspect it will become more common on the LR4 as they get older.

A friend and neighbor did this to his land rover a few years ago after spending what he described as a fortune on the stock suspension.
Then he sold it.
He seemed very happy to be shed of it too.

[dedbird]

I have a 13 LR4, bought new, with 90k on it now. Never had one problem. Lower control arms will need to be replaced in the next 10k miles or so. Great power, tow the boat with no problem, and unbelievable off road performance. Also a tank in the snow. Change the oil, brakes don't last forever, and put gas in it. That is all.

Also have an 08 lr3, bought new, that now has 170k on it. Also unbelievable reliable but have done maintenance on it over the years. Upgraded the air pump for the suspension to the LR4 model. Lower control arms done twice. Took it off roading this past weekend on the gnarliest trail above my house and the capability and ride quality is unmatched.

Also have an 09 LR3 with 100k on the clock and same drop dead reliability. I did upgrade the air pump when I did a foolish thing and jacked it up on the pump.

LR4 is head and shoulders above the LR3 with power and suspension. Trick with buying a used land rover is to find one where the owner has taken care of it. Deferred maintenance can be an issue.