I’ve always wanted to own a vehicle from the Range Rover/Land Rover line-up. 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 go off-roading in: the LR3 was the one for the job.

As soon as 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 tailor fit it to you. The quality of the material is also very respectible; it was better than I thought it would be, if you take into consideration the fact that it’s a dedicated off-roader. Leather seats, dash, steering wheel, and door panels. There is plastic, but it doesn’t feel like cost-cutting plastic.

The ride quality was excellent. The air suspension makes you feel like you’re hovering above the ground. The only drawback is 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 was impressed by the raw power produced by this engine. I have no doubt, that the Land Rover could tow a Boeing 747 without going over 3000rpm.
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 it because you can fit a queen-size mattress in there. It’s a tight fit, but after the appropriate use of the F-word, it’s in! You can now lie down, look out of one of the 3 sunroofs, and stare at the clouds.

One of the biggest complaints about these land Rovers is the air suspension. The purists will say it’s the greatest set-up ever, while the people who didn’t know what they were buying will say it’s a money pit and the worst system on earth. Look, the LR3 I owned was pushing 13 years of age and was all original. Yes, I did have some problems with the suspension, but it lasted 13 years before failing. How is that not reliable? It is going to cost quite a bit of money to fix, indeed , but then you’re good to go for an additional 13 years. Not too bad. And if you’re really worried about the air 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 plan 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 a few black magic tricks and multiple frustrating hours of work, 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 mileage version and try to get the maintenance history. Save some cash 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.

Max,