The 2005 Land Rover LR3, also known as the Discovery 3 in some markets, marked a significant departure from its predecessors. This mid-size SUV features a boxy, functional design. Model years ran from 2005-2009. Key trims included the SE, HSE, and occasionally limited editions. Pricing new ranged from approximately $45,000 to $55,000. Its off-road prowess, combined with a relatively comfortable interior and advanced Terrain Response system, made it a popular choice for adventure-seekers.
The Good
The 2005 Land Rover LR3 offers impressive off-road performance due to its Terrain Response system. Its spacious interior provides decent comfort. The robust design appeals to those seeking adventure, while its practical utility makes it suitable for families. However, be aware of reliability concerns and fuel inefficiency. The value proposition lies in its capability, if maintained well.
The Bad
The 2005 Land Rover LR3 is notorious for its potential reliability issues. Common problems include air suspension failures, electrical gremlins, and issues with the electronic parking brake. Watch out for coolant leaks and transmission problems. Regular maintenance is crucial to mitigating these risks. Rust can also be a problem, especially in areas with salted roads.
2005 Land Rover LR3: Quick Overview
- Engine Options: 4.4L V8
- Horsepower: 300 hp
- Fuel Economy: Approximately 14 mpg city / 18 mpg highway (can vary significantly)
- 0-60 Times: Around 8.0 - 8.5 seconds
- Towing Capacity: Up to 7,700 lbs (when properly equipped)
- Trim-Level Features:
- SE: Standard features include leather seats, dual-zone climate control, and a CD player. Terrain Response system for various off-road modes.
- HSE: Adds features like premium audio system (Harman Kardon), navigation system, sunroof, and upgraded interior trim. Includes enhanced exterior styling elements.
- Optional Features: Available across trims: Rear-seat entertainment system, adaptive cruise control, adjustable air suspension, heated seats (front and rear), and third-row seating which increases passenger capacity to seven. Heavy-duty package for enhanced off-road capability.
- Drivetrain: Full-time four-wheel drive with low-range gearing.
- Transmission: 6-speed automatic.
- Suspension: Independent air suspension (optional on some trims) provided adjustable ride height and improved off-road articulation. Standard coil spring suspension on base models.
2005 Land Rover LR3 Specifications
Vehicle Information
| Year | 2005 |
| Make | Land Rover |
| Model | LR3 |
| Trim | - |
| Style | V-6 |
| Type | Sport Utility Vehicle |
| Category | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle |
Manufacturing Details
| Made In | United Kingdom |
| Manufacturing City | SOLIHULL |
Dimensions
| Doors | 4-Door |
| Curb Weight | 5426 pounds |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating | 7121 pounds |
| Overall Height | - |
| Overall Length | - |
| Overall Width | - |
| Wheelbase Length | - |
| Standard Seating | 7 |
Engine & Performance
| Engine | 4 V-6 |
| Engine Size | 4L |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 |
| Transmission | 6-Speed Automatic |
| Transmission Type | Automatic |
| Transmission Speeds | 6-Speed |
| Drivetrain | Four-Wheel Drive |
Additional Features
| Anti-Brake System | - |
| Steering Type | - |
Pricing
| Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) | $38,285 |
| Invoice Price | $34,839 |
| Delivery Charges | $665 |
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What Problems Does the 2005 Land Rover LR3 Have?
The 2005 Land Rover LR3 is known for several frequently reported problems. The air suspension system is a major concern, often failing due to leaks or compressor issues, leading to ride height problems and costly repairs. Electrical problems are also common, ranging from malfunctioning sensors to issues with the infotainment system and power windows. Coolant leaks can occur, potentially leading to overheating and engine damage. The electronic parking brake (EPB) is another weak point, prone to failure and requiring replacement.
Recalls for the 2005 LR3 have included issues related to the fuel filter assembly and potential brake line corrosion. Long-term reliability is a significant concern, as these vehicles tend to require more frequent and expensive repairs as they age. Models from 2005-2006 seem to exhibit these problems more frequently compared to later years (2007-2009), potentially due to initial design or manufacturing hiccups. Transmission issues, although less common than air suspension and electrical problems, can also arise with high mileage. It's crucial to thoroughly inspect any potential LR3 purchase and obtain a pre-purchase inspection from a qualified mechanic familiar with Land Rover vehicles.
Recalls for the 2005 LR3 have included issues related to the fuel filter assembly and potential brake line corrosion. Long-term reliability is a significant concern, as these vehicles tend to require more frequent and expensive repairs as they age. Models from 2005-2006 seem to exhibit these problems more frequently compared to later years (2007-2009), potentially due to initial design or manufacturing hiccups. Transmission issues, although less common than air suspension and electrical problems, can also arise with high mileage. It's crucial to thoroughly inspect any potential LR3 purchase and obtain a pre-purchase inspection from a qualified mechanic familiar with Land Rover vehicles.
How long will the 2005 Land Rover LR3 last?
Given their age, most 2005 Land Rover LR3s will have accumulated significant mileage. Expect to see examples ranging from 150,000 to 250,000 miles or more. Years of service are obviously 15+ years. Long-term durability is highly dependent on maintenance. Neglecting regular maintenance will drastically shorten the lifespan. Weaknesses become more pronounced over time. Air suspension systems, electrical components, and cooling systems are particularly vulnerable. Regular oil changes, fluid checks, and timely repairs are crucial for maximizing longevity. With diligent care, an LR3 can potentially reach 200,000+ miles, but be prepared for ongoing maintenance and repairs.
What Technology & Safety Features are Included?
The 2005 Land Rover LR3 offered a reasonable suite of tech and safety features for its time. Standard features included a CD player, dual-zone climate control, and power windows and locks. The HSE trim added a premium Harman Kardon audio system and a navigation system.
Driver-assistance features were limited compared to modern standards. Hill Descent Control was standard, aiding in controlled descent on steep slopes. Optional features included rear parking sensors. Adaptive cruise control was available, but not standard. The Terrain Response system, a key feature, allowed drivers to select different modes to optimize performance for various terrains (e.g., snow, mud, sand).
Safety features included anti-lock brakes (ABS), traction control, and stability control. Front and side airbags were standard. Third-row seats (if equipped) also had side curtain airbags.
Crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were decent for the time, but not exceptional. It's important to remember that safety technology has significantly advanced since 2005. Euro NCAP ratings are available, which may provide additional insight. While not overflowing with cutting-edge technology, the LR3 provided a functional and safe experience for its era.
Driver-assistance features were limited compared to modern standards. Hill Descent Control was standard, aiding in controlled descent on steep slopes. Optional features included rear parking sensors. Adaptive cruise control was available, but not standard. The Terrain Response system, a key feature, allowed drivers to select different modes to optimize performance for various terrains (e.g., snow, mud, sand).
Safety features included anti-lock brakes (ABS), traction control, and stability control. Front and side airbags were standard. Third-row seats (if equipped) also had side curtain airbags.
Crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were decent for the time, but not exceptional. It's important to remember that safety technology has significantly advanced since 2005. Euro NCAP ratings are available, which may provide additional insight. While not overflowing with cutting-edge technology, the LR3 provided a functional and safe experience for its era.
What Colors Options are Available?
Exterior Colors
Aspen White
Bonatti Grey
Bournville
Chawton White
Java Black
Adriatic Blue
Gobi Sand
Interior Colors
Alpaca Beige
Ebony Black
Stone
2005 Land Rover LR3 Prices and Market Value
The 2005 Land Rover LR3 had a starting MSRP of around $45,000, with higher trims reaching over $55,000. Current used market prices vary greatly based on condition, mileage, and location. Expect to find them ranging from $5,000 to $15,000, possibly even lower for examples needing significant repairs. The LR3 has experienced substantial depreciation due to its age and reputation for reliability issues. Factors affecting resale value include maintenance history, overall condition, and the presence of desirable options (e.g., air suspension in good working order, premium audio). High mileage and deferred maintenance significantly reduce resale value.
2005 Land Rover LR3 Cost of Ownership
Owning a 2005 Land Rover LR3 is generally considered costly. Insurance premiums can be higher than average due to the vehicle's value and repair costs. Fuel economy is poor, leading to significant fuel expenses. Maintenance and repairs are where the LR3 truly becomes expensive. Parts are often pricey, and labor costs can be high, especially for specialized Land Rover mechanics. Long-term ownership requires a proactive approach to maintenance to mitigate potential problems. This is not an economical vehicle to own.
2005 Land Rover LR3 Fuel Efficiency
Fuel Type
Gasoline (Required)
Fuel Capacity
22.8 gallons
City Mileage
13 miles/gallon
Highway Mileage
18 miles/gallon
2005 Land Rover LR3 Safety Rating
NHTSA
IIHS
2005 Land Rover LR3 Recalls & Defects
Equipment
Recall date
2007-07-03
Recall no.
07e047000
Source
NHTSA
Summary
Certain Aftermarket Thule Hitch Style Bicycle Racks With Fold Down Style Bike Arms. A Pinch Bolt Exists Between THE Bike ARM Bracket and THE Upright Assembly OF THE Hitch Style Bicycle Rack.
Consequence
When Moving THE Bike ARM Bracket TO ITS Down Position, This Pinch Point HAS TO Potential OF Causing A Severe Laceration or Amputation TO THE User's Fingertips or Hand.
Remedy
Thule Will Notify Owners and Provide A Repair KIT and Instructions Free OF Charge. THE Recall Began ON June 20, 2007. Owners CAN Contact Thule AT 800-Thule91 (800-848-5391). Notes: Land Rover Purchased Some OF These Bike Racks FOR USE ON Their LR3 and Range Rover Sport Vehicles, Part NO. Lrnapbr4. L. L. Bean Also Sells Some OF These Bike Racks Under THE Model Name OF Hitching Post PRO (Wd75, Wd76, Wd77, Wd78, Yl05, Bbg9, Bbh1, Bbh2, Bbh4), Expressway (wd72, Wd73, Bbh5, Bbh6), or Trailblazer (wd31, Bbh7). REI HAS Also Purchased Some OF These Bike Racks Under Model Names: Hitching Post PRO (934, 934xt, 935, 935xt, 936, 936xt, 937, 937xt, 951, 951xt), Expressway (995, 995xt, 996, 996xt), and Trailblazer (998, 998xt).
Notes
Customers MAY Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Vehicle Safety Hotline AT 1-888-327-4236 (Tty: 1-800-424-9153); or GO TO Http://Www.safercar.gov.
Fuel System, Gasoline:storage
Recall date
2007-01-17
Recall no.
07v011000
Source
NHTSA
Summary
Some Sport Utility Vehicles MAY Have Fuel Tanks That Contain AN Internal Breather Pipe That WAS NOT Made TO Specification. This Could Result IN Excessive Swelling and Cracking OF A Grommet and Subsequent Detachment OF THE Breather Pipe From A Connector Tube. When THE Fuel Level IN THE Tank IS Above THE Level OF THE Detached Joint, Fuel MAY Then Enter THE Breather Pipe and Excess Fuel MAY BE Discharged Onto THE Ground.
Consequence
Fuel Leakage IN THE Presence OF AN Ignition Source Could Result IN A Fire.
Remedy
Dealers Will Replace THE Fuel Tanks. THE Recall Began ON March 12, 2007. Owners MAY Contact Land Rover AT 1-800-637-6837.
Notes
Land Rover Recall NO P001.customers MAY Also Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Vehicle Safety Hotline AT 1-888-327-4236 (Tty 1-800-424-9153), or GO TO Http://Www.safercar.gov.
Electrical System:ignition:switch
Recall date
2006-04-20
Recall no.
06v131000
Source
NHTSA
Summary
Certain Vehicles Fail TO Comply With THE Requirements OF Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard NO. 114, 'theft Protection.' When THE Ignition IS Switched Off, After A Period OF Time, IT IS Possible TO Remove THE Ignition KEY When THE Transmission Shift Lever IS NOT IN Park.
Consequence
This Condition Increases THE Risk OF A Crash Resulting From THE Unintended Movement OF Parked Vehicles.
Remedy
Dealers Will Reprogram THE Driveline Control Transfer BOX Electronic Control Unit (Ecu) With Revised Software. THE Recall Began ON June 30, 2006. Owners MAY Contact Land Rover AT 1-201-818-8500.
Notes
Land Rover Recall NO. B037.customers MAY Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Vehicle Safety Hotline AT 1-888-327-4236 (Tty: 1-800-424-9153); or GO TO Http://Www.safercar.gov.
Fuel System, Gasoline:storage
Recall date
2005-08-29
Recall no.
05v376000
Source
NHTSA
Summary
Some Sport Utility Vehicles MAY Have Fuel Tanks That Contain AN Internal Breather Pipe That WAS NOT Made TO Specification. This Could Result IN Excessive Swelling and Cracking OF A Grommet and Subsequent Detachment OF THE Breather Pipe From A Connector Tube. When THE Fuel Level IN THE Tank IS Above THE Level OF THE Detached Joint, Fuel MAY Then Enter THE Breather Pipe.
Consequence
THE Driver MAY Notice Fuel Odor, Drivability Concerns Such AS Hesitation, Misfire, Stalling, Rough Running, or Difficulty IN Starting and THE 'check Engine' Light MAY BE Illuminated. IF THE Amount OF Fuel Flowing Into THE Breather Pipe Reaches THE Vapor Canister and Exceeds ITS Capacity, THE Excess Fuel MAY BE Discharged Onto THE Ground. Fuel Leakage IN THE Presence OF AN Ignition Source Could Result IN A Fire.
Remedy
Dealers Will Replace THE Fuel Tanks. THE Recall Began ON October 24, 2005. Owners MAY Contact Land Rover AT 1-800-637-6837.
Notes
Land Rover Recall NO. B016.customers MAY Also Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Vehicle Safety Hotline AT 1-888-327-4236 (Tty 1-800-424-9153), or GO TO Http://Www.safercar.gov.
Steering:column
Recall date
2008-06-04
Recall no.
08v248000
Source
NHTSA
Summary
Land Rover IS Recalling 37,142 MY 2005-2006 LR3 and Range Rover Sport Vehicles. Relative Motion Between THE Steering Wheel HUB And/Or THE Steering Column Cowl With THE Clockspring, Which Includes THE Driver Side AIR BAG Circuitry, Could Result IN Fracturing OF THE AIR BAG Wiring Connection. IF AN AIR BAG Wire Fractures, THE SRS Warning Light Will Illuminate ON THE Instrument Cluster. THE SRS Warning Light Indicates TO THE Driver That There IS A Concern With THE SRS System IN THE Vehicle and That Immediate Repair IS Necessary.
Consequence
IF THE SRS Warning Light IS Ignored and A Vehicle Crash OF Sufficient Severity TO Command Deployment OF THE Driver's AIR BAG Occurs, THE AIR BAG Module MAY NOT Deploy IN THE Intended Manner. THE Condition MAY Result IN THE Deployment OF Only ONE Stage OF THE Dual Stage Driver's AIR BAG or THE AIR BAG MAY NOT Deploy AT All Increasing THE Risk OF Serious Injuries TO THE Driver.
Remedy
Dealers Will Insert 1MM Spacers Between THE Lower Left Hand Side OF THE Column Switch Mounting Point and THE Column Lock TO Improve THE Alignment OF THE Column Switch. Two Foam Pads Will Also BE Fitted TO THE Top OF THE Steering Column Switch Gear TO Provide Assured Clearance Between THE Cowl and THE Clockspring Face. THE Recall Began ON July 30, 2008. Owners MAY Contact Land Rover AT 1-800-637-6837.
Notes
Land Rover Recall NO. P045.customers MAY Also Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Vehicle Safety Hotline AT 1-888-327-4236 (Tty 1-800-424-9153), or GO TO Http://Www.safercar.gov.
2005 Land Rover LR3 Insurance
Insurance for a 2005 Land Rover LR3 is moderately priced, reflecting its status as a Sport Utility Vehicle with strong safety ratings and
reasonable repair costs.
reasonable repair costs.
How Does the 2005 Land Rover LR3 Compare to Other Sport Utility Vehicle?
Key rivals to the 2005 Land Rover LR3 included the Toyota 4Runner, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and BMW X5. In terms of off-road performance, the LR3 and 4Runner were superior to the X5 and comparable to the Grand Cherokee, especially when equipped with the Terrain Response system. However, the 4Runner and Grand Cherokee generally offer better reliability records. The BMW X5 provided a more luxurious interior and sportier on-road handling, but lacked the LR3's off-road capability.
In terms of features, the LR3 offered a competitive set for its time, but some rivals provided more advanced technology or a more user-friendly interface. Price-wise, the LR3 was typically positioned higher than the 4Runner and Grand Cherokee but lower than a similarly equipped X5.
For those prioritizing reliability, a Toyota 4Runner is a better alternative. If luxury and on-road performance are paramount, a BMW X5 (although potentially expensive to maintain) might be considered. The Jeep Grand Cherokee offers a blend of off-road capability and comfort at a more affordable price point, with arguably better reliability than the LR3. Ultimately, the LR3 excels in off-road ability but sacrifices some reliability compared to its competitors.
In terms of features, the LR3 offered a competitive set for its time, but some rivals provided more advanced technology or a more user-friendly interface. Price-wise, the LR3 was typically positioned higher than the 4Runner and Grand Cherokee but lower than a similarly equipped X5.
For those prioritizing reliability, a Toyota 4Runner is a better alternative. If luxury and on-road performance are paramount, a BMW X5 (although potentially expensive to maintain) might be considered. The Jeep Grand Cherokee offers a blend of off-road capability and comfort at a more affordable price point, with arguably better reliability than the LR3. Ultimately, the LR3 excels in off-road ability but sacrifices some reliability compared to its competitors.
Ranks #1739 SUV
| 1 | 2023 Toyota 4Runner | (5.0★) |
| 2 | 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid | (5.0★) |
| 3 | 2023 Lexus GX | (0.0★) |
| 4 | 2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV | (0.0★) |
| 5 | 2024 Subaru Crosstrek | (5.0★) |
| 6 | 2024 BMW iX | (0.0★) |
| 7 | 2023 Ford Bronco Sport | (5.0★) |
| 8 | 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQB | (0.0★) |
| 9 | 2024 Chevrolet Trax | (5.0★) |
| 10 | 2023 Audi A4 allroad | (0.0★) |
| 11 | 2023 Hyundai Kona N | (0.0★) |
| 12 | 2023 Nissan ARIYA | (5.0★) |
| 1739 | 2005 Land Rover LR3 | (0.0★) |
Final Verdict: Is the 2005 Land Rover LR3 a Good Sport Utility Vehicle?
The 2005 Land Rover LR3 is ideal for adventurous individuals who prioritize off-road capability and are prepared to invest in maintenance. It's worth buying only under specific conditions: a thorough pre-purchase inspection by a Land Rover specialist is essential. Look for examples with well-documented maintenance history and no signs of air suspension, electrical, or cooling system issues. Lower mileage examples are preferable, and later model years (2007-2009) might be slightly more reliable. Be prepared for ongoing maintenance costs. If reliability is your primary concern, consider alternatives like the Toyota 4Runner. Buying an LR3 is a commitment, not just a purchase.
Simon A
Simon is a contributor to VinCheck, where he provides articles and reviews on various automotive topics. His work focuses on delivering accurate and up-to-date information about used cars, helping readers make informed decisions.