$25k Used SUV Feedback: LR3 V8 vs. XC90 V8

[muttwagon]

With a new baby, the wife and I are looking at a used 3-row-seating SUV family car for under $25k. We looked at a lot of SUVs this past weekend and really liked the XC90 V8 in terms of looks, safety and how it drove. Also, the V8 seems to avoid the transmission problems associated with the T6.

That said, I absolutely love the looks of the LR3 V8 and can't help but feel they're similar in size, price, and luxury. I searched The Car Lounge and found very little on the LR3 to compare.

Thoughts on either?

[emmettlodge]

Xc90 will treAt you better in the long run. But the lr has that lr class. Tough choice.

[AutoUnion32]

Does the V8 XC90 suffer the same transmission issues as the T6?

[Merckx]

i admit i don't begin to understand the Rover...for years, i've heard of nothing but absolutely abymisal stories of their repair histories...yet wealthy people continue to buy them new....

i love the volvo, but prefer the 5 cyl model....great driving qualities...

[bzcat]

1. XC90 better choice
2. You don't need V8
3. What you really need is Acura MDX or Mazda CX-9

[TangoRed]

I'm a huge Land Rover fan, and I'm just going to tell you to avoid the LR3. It's your family vehicle and I you probably don't want to do deal with the minor BS electrical issues that come with owning an LR3. Land Rover switched to a new air suspension system for all of their 2010 vehicles that cured the problems of their old models. Unfortunately, the LR3 will suffer from worn/leaking air bags and small electrical issues. They got most of their issues worked out by 2008, but they're still slow and thirsty. Just get a 3.2 V6 XC90 (or V8 if you can find one) and call it a day.

The LR3 does have a ton of cargo space though and a tough interior. It's not anywhere as luxurious as the LR4. If you can deal with the issues...

EDIT:

3. What you really need is Acura MDX or Mazda CX-9

The least amount of BS would be provided by these 2 models.

[grbora]

1. XC90 better choice
2. You don't need V8
3. What you really need is Acura MDX or Mazda CX-9

From an owner who drove both the LR3, CX-9, it's still a tough choice. We love our X90 V8 Sport and if you can find one I'd highly recommend it. Buy it CPO. I chose the XC90 because of the 6 year 100k warranty and purchased mine one year used for 31k during one of the gas price spikes.

Another factor that I couldn't get past was the MPG on the LR3.

If you're going for value I'd go with the CX-9 but we passed on it because it seemed to bland and the interior wasn't nearly as nice as the Sport (R-Design) and just could never seem to love it.

[grbora]

I forgot they started making the R-Design in the 3.2...

Get this one at Sanderson Volvo of Phoenix, listed for $27.8. It's CPO and you should have 3 years more coverage.

[slomofo.]

I run a shop that works on plenty of both of them. I would own the LR3 over the Volvo any day of the week. I like the V8 XC90, they are a really nice car but for my money, the LR3 is more what I like. I like the ride height adjustable suspension with the multiple off road settings. I like the fact its a real 4x4 and not an XC70 with a lift. The common problems I see with the LR3 are very few. The air suspension may have a bad shock which over time will lend itself to a compressor failure. I get the parts to fix that from Arnott Industries at a significant savings to the dealer. Even had the dealer send us parts they bought from Arnott. Obviously good enough for the dealer. Other than that, nothing major whatsoever. No electrical, engine, or transmission problems to speak of. I just drove a 90k mile LR3 HSE all weekend. loved it.

The XC90 is only good in the V8. The trans in the T6 is garbage. The problem I have with the Volvo is that even though they are nice, they don't drive that great to me. Also, if the sunroof drains are plugged, the amplifier for the audio located under the passenger seat for takes a dump and it controls the keyless and immobilizer as well. This is fairly common. I see many more electrical problems with the XC90. Higher mile XC90's don't seem to hold up as well in the trim department.

When my Wife and I were shopping for an SUV with a third row, the XC90 and LR3 were the only third row Europeans close to my price range. I couldn't get the V8 XC90 in my price range and the T5 was too anemic. The third row in the LR3 is far superior in it's stowage and mechanicals. I've had to have plenty of third row mechanisms repaired in XC's.

In the end, I got an amazing deal on a Navigator that has the best third row, rear dvd, and more room behind the third row. All for about $6k less than the LR3.

I hope this helps you in your pursuit.

A short little blurb on an LR3 I did about 6 months ago

[forewheel]

I forgot they started making the R-Design in the 3.2...

Get this one at Sanderson Volvo of Phoenix, listed for $27.8. It's CPO and you should have 3 years more coverage.

......and it has 12 cup holders.

[Sporin]

Afaik, the modern LR3's are as reliable as their Euro SUV competition.

[MCTB]

I would say neither but lean towards the LR3 (but this ALL depends on the model year, money for fuel and an extended warranty program).

[Tornado2dr]

After initially being crazy for the Volvo, I did more reading, drove several, and ended up with the estrogen egg option from Honda.

I needed safety and reliability - not safety, high maintenance costs, and what appeared to be a penchant for common problems that will ream your wallet when they rear their heads.

I'd look elsewhere unless you find one with a good warranty, but in the 25k pricerange, I think all will be out of warranty unless you buy an extended.

[Sporin]

The Highlander hasn't been mentioned yet but if you are looking at the Pilot, definitely give the Highlander a look as well.

[Fettes Brot]

We are in a similar situation as you, OP. Our third kid is due this spring, & we had to replace my 240 with something with more space. Minivan's were to be avoided at all costs.

We bought an 07 XC90 V8, non-sport, but loaded with everything else, including rear seat entertainment. Granted, I'm partial to the brand, & got a great deal because I'm a tech at the dealership. I passed on the CPO, but it was only an extra $1500. The extra cost wasn't worth it to me since I do all my own work, have employee pricing on parts, & access to all special tools. The LR3 is pretty nice, but I work with guys that have worked for LR before & told me to steering clear of them. That being said, you can get a crap example of either car if the stars aren't aligned in your favour.

Of all the XC90's though, I felt the V8 was the best bet. 06+ V8's don't have the same balance shaft issues the 05's had, & the V8 uses a TF80 transmission, not the 4T65 in the T6, or AW-55 in the 5 cylinder. If you go with a V8, try & find a late 07 or up build, as some early TF80's had some shuddering shift issues & require valve body replacement. My transmission is stamped with the later build code, which is one of the reasons we went with it. The 3.2 I6 engine (07+ cars) will have the same TF80 trasmission. The 3.2 has been pretty reliable, but it's very weak, & very complicated to repair if something were to happen. I would prefer the 2.5T over a 3.2, but 06's (the last year for the 2.5) are starting to fall off CPO.

Our XC90

[curvedinfinity]

Hold the phone. One baby and we don't have the "you don't need 3 rows" police climbing down from helicopters yet?

[Professor Gascan]

Hold the phone. One baby and we don't have the "you don't need 3 rows" police climbing down from helicopters yet?

I'm kind of surprised really. Maybe TCL has been revved up to 3.5?

All I can really offer is we picked up an XC60 T6 when we had our first 18 months ago. I like the size of it, and it's got more than enough cargo space for the full size stroller and luggage for 2 adults plus the little guy. What ever you choose, congrats on the baby.

[50fridge]

My dad had a XC90 T6 and that thing was nice and fairly reliable but got like 12 miles to the gallon. Maybe the V8 gets slightly better mileage. I would still get the XC90 over the LR3 because Land Rovers are unreliable.

[Dr. Woo]

Any reason the Flex isn't on the list? Do you really need offroading capability?

[Sporin]

Hold the phone. One baby and we don't have the "you don't need 3 rows" police climbing down from helicopters yet?

OP is looking at Euro trucks so the TCLNeedPatrol® is giving it a pass.

[Hostile]

With a new baby, the wife and I are looking at a used 3-row-seating SUV family car for under $25k.

I don't understand why the three of you each need your own row?

EDIT:

Hold the phone. One baby and we don't have the "you don't need 3 rows" police climbing down from helicopters yet?

Just sayin'!

FWIW I like the XC90 a lot.

[Dr. Woo]

I don't understand why the three of you each need your own row?

EDIT:

Just sayin'!

FWIW I like the XC90 a lot.

So you can put this all the way in the back:

[Hostile]

So you can put this all the way in the back:

LOL, hands down the best ad campaign ever. I love Mayhem.

Allstate has all of them on youtube - http://www.youtube.com/user/Allstate...F9CD44D25B16B4

[gtboost]

My wife drives a 06 range rover sport which is very close to the lr3 in terms of shared parts.

We are at 167,000 miles so far and the only issue we ever had was the fan clutch went bad at 130k miles. Maybe it's a freak RR but it's to date the most reliable car I've owned and the highest mileage. I think the key is finding one that was well maintained. We are the 2nd owners and the previous owner was pretty much spot on with every suggested service.

Gas mileage is better than expected also. Our recent trip which was 850 miles each way got us 22mpg. I drove 75-85 nearly the entire time on the highway.


The interior on the RR is frankly sub par compared to the Volvo or my Touareg. The seats aren't that comfy either.

[Pinstripe]

Considering the amount of negative first hand experiences for the LR3 in this tread, I'd recommend the Volvo - but then I do own one. I do love the LR3, the looks inside and out, the capability and the pedigree. But since nothing has broken on my XC90 and the only thing that has ever needed changing are the fluids, bulbs and the timing belt (I have the 2.5); i'm quite happy with it.

I run a shop that works on plenty of both of them. I would own the LR3 over the Volvo any day of the week. I like the V8 XC90, they are a really nice car but for my money, the LR3 is more what I like. I like the ride height adjustable suspension with the multiple off road settings. I like the fact its a real 4x4 and not an XC70 with a lift. The common problems I see with the LR3 are very few. The air suspension may have a bad shock which over time will lend itself to a compressor failure. I get the parts to fix that from Arnott Industries at a significant savings to the dealer. Even had the dealer send us parts they bought from Arnott. Obviously good enough for the dealer. Other than that, nothing major whatsoever. No electrical, engine, or transmission problems to speak of. I just drove a 90k mile LR3 HSE all weekend. loved it.

The XC90 is only good in the V8. The trans in the T6 is garbage. The problem I have with the Volvo is that even though they are nice, they don't drive that great to me. Also, if the sunroof drains are plugged, the amplifier for the audio located under the passenger seat for takes a dump and it controls the keyless and immobilizer as well. This is fairly common. I see many more electrical problems with the XC90. Higher mile XC90's don't seem to hold up as well in the trim department.

When my Wife and I were shopping for an SUV with a third row, the XC90 and LR3 were the only third row Europeans close to my price range. I couldn't get the V8 XC90 in my price range and the T5 was too anemic. The third row in the LR3 is far superior in it's stowage and mechanicals. I've had to have plenty of third row mechanisms repaired in XC's.

In the end, I got an amazing deal on a Navigator that has the best third row, rear dvd, and more room behind the third row. All for about $6k less than the LR3.

I hope this helps you in your pursuit.

So are you going to offer the OP the same discount on the parts when they fail on his LR3?

The V8 XC90 and the T6 do not share the same transmission, so why bring it up? Same goes for the sunroof leak, that was a problem with the 03-05 models and was corrected.

[koko12]

Personally I'd stay away from those 2 vehicles. There's a reason depreciation is pretty high on both. Personally I've never driven the V8 XC90, but i've driven the T6 model and other than having a nice interior if felt pretty rough and disconnected. The one I drove had 13k miles on and it felt like a vehicle with 100k miles of abuse. For comparison I drove a Honda Pilot immediately after with about 40K miles and the pilot felt better in every way, more responsive, more connected, better road feel and a much smoother power train, and the Pilot is not exactly know as a driver's vehicle.


Instead of the CX90, I would be looking at the MDX and if you want the off road capability of the LR3, but non of the reliability issues of Land Rover, a Landcruiser or GX470 would be a great alternative.

[cred05]

130K miles on my LR3 and it's never had any major issues. Only now are the suspension bushings worn and that's the only problem it has and it's been used the way a LR is suppose to be used...for off-roading. It's my daily and I love it.

It's pretty thirsty, but gets better MPG (about 15-16mpg) than my old disco 2, but really good for a V8 and for how much it weights.

There are lots of LR haters out there, and it always seems to be a case of "he-said-she-said her granny once had one and it killed her children and raped her dog" kind of thing.

LR3


Clarkson tested the LR3, and even mentions the Volvo.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVpVL...feature=relmfu

[JBGITTY]

3. What you really need is Acura MDX or Mazda CX-9

We sold a used lr3 at my work, and its had nothing but problems.
noisey diffs
air suspension issues
runs rough
leaking trans fluid

And the stories i hear from ex rover techs is scarey.

[mack73]

Land Rover switched to a new air suspension system for all of their 2010 vehicles that cured the problems of their old models. Unfortunately, the LR3 will suffer from worn/leaking air bags and small electrical issues. They got most of their issues worked out by 2008, but they're still slow and thirsty.

No changes to 2010 vehicles regarding air suspension - the LR4 still uses the exact same air suspension as the LR3. Only changes to suspension were the lower control arm geometry to affect roll angle.


Love my LR3. Yes you might have minor electrical gremlins but just get the extended warranty to be sure.

Hands down the LR3 is the best car I have owned.

[slomofo.]

Considering the amount of negative first hand experiences for the LR3 in this tread, I'd recommend the Volvo - but then I do own one. I do love the LR3, the looks inside and out, the capability and the pedigree. But since nothing has broken on my XC90 and the only thing that has ever needed changing are the fluids, bulbs and the timing belt (I have the 2.5); i'm quite happy with it.



So are you going to offer the OP the same discount on the parts when they fail on his LR3?

The V8 XC90 and the T6 do not share the same transmission, so why bring it up? Same goes for the sunroof leak, that was a problem with the 03-05 models and was corrected.

no, I don't offer discounts, just providing him with a name to a supplier who is much less expensive than the dealer. In regard to the T6, we all know the trans used in the older T6 is a GM sourced unit used only on that vehicle, but he may not and I just wanted to reiterate that point to save him from the headache down the road.
Of all the SUV's I deal with daily, the 06 and newer Range Rovers and all V8 LR3's, and Rover Sports seem to be far superior in terms of long term reliability and quality. The Volvo is a solid product with a nicer interior but to me, the driving experience left me feeling a little detached. It looks like it's sporty SUV, but it's really not.

[bdYYZ]

I would go LR for sure of the 2....but I would imagine if you ever looked up reliability rankings these 2 would very close to the bottom.

When it comes to hauling the family go 100% for reliability as in addition to the hazards of being stranded by the side of the road, car repairs are the biggest pain in the ass when you have no time.

[TangoRed]

No changes to 2010 vehicles regarding air suspension - the LR4 still uses the exact same air suspension as the LR3. Only changes to suspension were the lower control arm geometry to affect roll angle.

Oh? I thought they had switched over to a "closed" air suspension system like the JGC that doesn't take in outside air. Did the LR3 always have that?

[muttwagon]

I don't understand why the three of you each need your own row?

We don't need a 3rd row, but I was just trying to convey that we're ready for a full size SUV and not a crossover like an Edge, Tiguan, etc.

We looked at the following this weekend:

Toyota Highlander - Practical, but too bland
Lexus RX350 - Met the requirements, but didn't wow us
Subaru Forester - We loved our 2004 XT, but the new ones felt cheap
Subaru Outback - Not really a fan of the styling, but was an upgrade from the Forester
Acura RDX - Too small
Acura MDX - Met the requirements (and especially love the voice-activated nav), but just felt like an appliance
Ford Explorer - Loved the technology, but I didnt like the way it drove

The Audi Q7 is also nice but more spendy, and we heard to stay away from the ML and X5.

The XC90 really fits the bill, but it's so difficult to find an AWD V8 with nav and bluetooth.

[AutoUnion32]

We don't need a 3rd row, but I was just trying to convey that we're ready for a full size SUV and not a crossover like an Edge, Tiguan, etc.

We looked at the following this weekend:

Toyota Highlander - Practical, but too bland
Lexus RX350 - Met the requirements, but didn't wow us
Subaru Forester - We loved our 2004 XT, but the new ones felt cheap
Subaru Outback - Not really a fan of the styling, but was an upgrade from the Forester
Acura RDX - Too small
Acura MDX - Met the requirements (and especially love the voice-activated nav), but just felt like an appliance
Ford Explorer - Loved the technology, but I didnt like the way it drove

The Audi Q7 is also nice but more spendy, and we heard to stay away from the ML and X5.

The XC90 really fits the bill, but it's so difficult to find an AWD V8 with nav and bluetooth.

If you "heard" to stay away from the ML and X5, you should be avoiding the Rover too. In fact, the Rover is a huge POS. There's a reason why LR is almost always near the bottom of every reliability rating.

The XC90 has been sold for a while (in fact it has competed with EVERY generation of the X5 and ML) and should be solid at this point, except the T6 which eats transmissions

[Golgo-13]

1. XC90 better choice
2. You don't need V8
3. What you really need is Acura MDX or Mazda CX-9

ive been telling mutt that he needs an mdx.