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Used 2009 Land Rover LR3 Consumer Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
26 reviews

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We have a limited number of reviews for the 2009 LR3, so we've included reviews for other years of the LR3 since its last redesign.

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Pros
Cons
5 out of 5 stars

Best SUV

fallout79, 05/24/2014
updated 05/24/2017
2008 Land Rover LR3 V8 SE 4dr SUV 4WD (4.4L 8cyl 6A)
41 of 43 people found this review helpful

I had always considered a Land Rover but been scared of the reliabilty. I finally went for a test drive and realized just how good this vehicle is. In terms of design, comfort, style, and capability there simply is not another vehicle that comes close. I bought an 08 with 70k on it and got an awesome deal. It had a full service history and was in mint condition. I drive it all day for business in the week and get around 18mpg. At the weekend I can load it up for weekend trips to the mountains and go on offroad trails that are extremely challenging. Othertimes I tow our 25' boat with ease. I'm at 90k with no problems. I have it regularly serviced by the LR dealer who are great. Best SUV! Edmunds asked for an update so here it is: Now at 124k miles with no problems. Great car. Still looks awesome even though it's 8 years old. Hauls, tows, goes offroad anywhere you want to go. Found another place to service it closer than the LR dealer. Haven't had any issues - everything works great as it should. I have no complaints about this vehicle. It has been awesome. Another update: 145k on the clock - no issues at all. Still love this car. Want a new one because they are shiny but can't justify it with this still looking and running great. It is a great ride on the highway, and does anything you ever want to do offroad. Also tows our camper and boat anywhere, anytime. I strongly recommend this vehicle. I keep waiting for something to go wrong, but nothing has. Even the seats still look brand new which is pretty amazing with 145k!

Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
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4.75 out of 5 stars

Not your average SUV

maddog72, 06/27/2012
2008 Land Rover LR3 V8 HSE 4dr SUV 4WD (4.4L 8cyl 6A)
20 of 21 people found this review helpful

This is my second LR3 have over 150,000 miles of driving in both. Present 2008 has 63,000 miles. I have extensive driving experiance in all types of vehicles from H1 Hummers to Toyota Prius. Land Rover LR3 is not for everyone, if trips to the mall or shopping is all you do get a mini van. My LR3 is used 60/40 60 % on road 40% off road. It is the only vehicle that you can drive down the interstate at 70 mph and then go off-road and back on the interstate and do so with the easiest driver input. This is a truck, it is big, heavy to get good gas mileage you have to drive it like you want good gas mileage. I average 18 mpg with highs of 21 mpg on trips in flat country. Off road this is a tool

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4.25 out of 5 stars

Saved My life

Peterkin, 10/10/2008
2008 Land Rover LR3 V8 SE 4dr SUV 4WD (4.4L 8cyl 6A)
8 of 8 people found this review helpful

I was driving my brand new Land Rover Discovery last week when the car next to was hit by another car and hit me. I was pushed off the road and hit a group of large trees at about 40 MPH. I did not even have time to hit the brakes. The car did everything right- all airbags deployed engine shut off etc. I walked away -the car totalled. You know all the other features are great but safety is number one. I am picking up my new Discovery soon!

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5 out of 5 stars

Sexiest Road Beast with a Soul

Rocky Mountain Roving, 07/17/2015
2008 Land Rover LR3 V8 SE 4dr SUV 4WD (4.4L 8cyl 6A)
30 of 35 people found this review helpful

This is not just a soccer parent/mall tripping machine. It's not for lead foots who increase speed heading into a turn. This is an adventure hungry, behemoth of a truck, with the DNA to clean up seamlessly for a refined night on the town. The LR3 is heavy...heavier than the average family adventure car on the road. It's 2.5 tons of highly engineered assemblies fitting and working together, with sensors to monitor every lean, pull, push, and bump, all fitting into a sturdy, tank-like structure. There are about 3 miles of wire linking sensors to computer. And if the factory has a computer update, it's best to plug in at the shop and get the system updgraded. An upgrade might reboot sensors to communicate more accurately for better driving experience. This is not the kind of car for the kind of owner who takes maintenance lightly. If you've ever let your car tell YOU when it needs its maintenance service, then this may not be a good match. Once you've gone that far, there may (or may not) be other related issues effected. Driving it is fun, responsible ownership is keeps the apprehension for reliability down. Because she's an overly engineered wonder, diagnostics, repair, and maintenance are an involved commitment; read...$$$. But these can be a minor issue if you look at the big picture: You're an ordinary Joe who can reach EXTRAordinary locations with a stock Rover. And stock means leather seats, great sound system, amazing all-terain-response capabilities for height adjustment, clearance, big windows for easy viewing, and an option for 3rd row that capably seats adults. You can have an all-adult, off-roading excursion. The cabin is quiet enough for civilized conversations. And the views and experience are only as limited as your fear of the unknown. And she can cross a body of water to a depth of the top of the doors with a snorkel...holy bagumba!!! Did you know you can mod a tent to the top of your Rover? I can head down the highway on a road trip at a comfortable 70 mph, turn onto a rough road for a harrowing climb over a pass, and then ease myself down back to pavement without ever having to worry about ability. (Note: always try to travel the rougher passes with friends; they can hop out and spot you through your next move if the road is full of questionable obstacles or too narrow). If you need to clean up for a special event, you're in luck: the Rover exudes an elegance that no other 4x4 has. Easily transform her into your personal, high-end private car for a night on the town, or even executive-toting, car-pooling daily driver. No trip is too big or too small. The key is to play up the variety. Being able to drive a new Rover off the lot has built-in peace of mind with the extensive warranties. Buying a used on will require a great deal of leg work to make sure the truck you want has been lovingly cared for. Don't let the city/hwy mileage scare you. Always know that it's a combination of factors: type of tire, breaking and speeding habits, city vs. hwy driving, etc.

Performance
5 out of 5 stars
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4.88 out of 5 stars

Favorite vehicle to date!

Barry, 04/05/2009
2008 Land Rover LR3 V8 HSE 4dr SUV 4WD (4.4L 8cyl 6A)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful

This is the first vehicle I've owned that I actually like the more I drive it. I use it for every-day driving, hunting in EXTREME off-road conditions and even towing my 22' ski boat every now and then. I own many vehicles including off-road 4x4 trucks and I've found the capabilities of the LR3 are MUCH better than the pickups for hunting - and way more comfortable! Driving horizontally on steep hillsides is unbelievably comfortable due to the air-suspension self- levelling system. This is my first Land Rover product but I think I'm going to ditch the '08 Lexus and replace it with the '09 Range Rover for the "family" vehicle.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

supercool

paganviking, 08/06/2009
2009 Land Rover LR3 V8 4dr SUV 4WD (4.4L 8cyl 6A)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful

love the all-conditions suspension control and full-time AWD. a solid truck worthy of the land rover brand. safety, comfort, and reliability are excellent. definitely worth the price. i look forward to many years of land rover ownership.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

This is what a proper suv should be

discovery3, 04/08/2015
2008 Land Rover LR3 V8 SE 4dr SUV 4WD (4.4L 8cyl 6A)
8 of 9 people found this review helpful

Where to start??? I have 2008 discovery3/lr3 with the luxury, cold weather, and heavy duty package with front parking sensors And rear entertainment center. Best car I have ever owned!!! And I have owned alot, 15+ since I was 18. This one is staying around for a while. There is nothing it can't do.. well everything except gas mileage. It is quite thirsty guzzling down premium petrol.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Fun to drive plus much more

kdflyer, 06/17/2009
2008 Land Rover LR3 V8 SE 4dr SUV 4WD (4.4L 8cyl 6A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful

Great vehicle, went from a fully loaded Toyota 4runner to LR3 and after way to many years in a Toyota found something more fun, limited owner group and great dealer support. I recommend changing tires to standard SUV tires and watch fuel economy go up by 1 - 2 miles per gallons and better ride and longer life. Put 2 extra pounds of pressure in tire and she really sails down the interstate. 3rd row is awesome design compared to everything else in this class. Looking forward to the LR4. Trade off from the Toyota is better space, better visibility and after changing tires better fuel economy. Drawbacks is number of dealers but quality has been great.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Land Rover for me

upstate ny lr3, 05/19/2010
2008 Land Rover LR3 V8 HSE 4dr SUV 4WD (4.4L 8cyl 6A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Have 2008 Lr3 HSE, only problems are a seatbelt in the back seat and the refrig, replaced and working fine. Live where the snow flies 5-6 months of the year, Lr3 is a beast in the snow. Love to embarrass my two buds with hummers, not even in the same class. This SUV is not to drive to the mall or g-store. Love to drive this car, went on trip to florida with two kids.....great. The gas mileage was expected averaged 21mpg on highway. The car makes me walk funny, built like a tank.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

LR3 Best of the Best

David , 09/26/2007
2008 Land Rover LR3 V8 SE 4dr SUV 4WD (4.4L 8cyl 6A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Incredible vehicle, with brand exclusiveness and Ford reliability. Solid and quiet from vault like construction. Handling is precise with insulated road feedback and excelleent pot-hole dampening. The LR3 is underrated and is a great value for the money. This is our second vehicle and enjoy the comfort it provides in all driving conditions. Our last LR3 was involved in a highway accident and the truck provided adequate safety and protection for the family while absorbing some tremendous forces.

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2.88 out of 5 stars

LR3

richard, 05/19/2008
2008 Land Rover LR3 V8 SE 4dr SUV 4WD (4.4L 8cyl 6A)
6 of 8 people found this review helpful

Horrible gas mileage. Truly horrible gas usage. Uncomfortable front seating. Clunky. Great interior. Good looks. Massive depreciation. Wouldn't recommend.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

Amazing Vehicle that keeps giving!

socalrover1, 09/25/2008
2008 Land Rover LR3 V8 HSE 4dr SUV 4WD (4.4L 8cyl 6A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

The LR3 is the most versatile vehicle I've ever owned. We have two kids & a dog & we've had our LR3 for 6 months. Interior space is very ample. This truck drives like a car in the city. It's easy to park. Snow or mountains, the LR3 has blown me away at it's capabilities. It can do far more than I'll ever have the guts to push it to do. The LR3 is built like a tank. I feel so comfortable with my wife and kids driving around in it. I get about 17 MPG city & 20 on long trips. Painful with prices where they are now, but not bad considering the size and weight of these vehicles. We looked at Mercedes, Volvo, Lexus, Acura, and BMW. No regrets! The family loves the LR3 more each day!

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5 out of 5 stars

Zero Defects

Underated in reviews, 05/26/2009
2008 Land Rover LR3 V8 HSE 4dr SUV 4WD (4.4L 8cyl 6A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

This is my 2nd LR3 and the best vehicle I've had. I've had absolutely zero defects on this vehicle. I leased it, but am about to buy off the lease, it's that good. One thing I cannot understand is how the reviews always comment on quality. The quality of these vehicles is awesome.

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5 out of 5 stars

Great SUV

Wolfey, 04/02/2008
2008 Land Rover LR3 V8 HSE 4dr SUV 4WD (4.4L 8cyl 6A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Bought my LR3 HSE a little over a month ago. Traded in an H2. I absolutely love this truck! It surpasses the Hummer in every way. I'm getting over 18 MPG. The build quality is excellant. The ride is great and the handling better. Slap the selector into sport mode and this puppy hauls like a sports car. And I love that 550 watt stereo.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Design Flaw

Vincent, 12/07/2008
2008 Land Rover LR3 V8 SE 4dr SUV 4WD (4.4L 8cyl 6A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful

Love it! Contrary to some reviews, I like the lumbering feeling in the LR3. Very roomy, very safe. My wife drives my 2 kids around and about, and I am at ease knowing they are in such a solid and safe vehicle. Here is the flaw. After a severe fall rain storm, my wife opened the door of our LR3 and water poured out of the front passenger seat. The dealer told me that leaves clog the soffet for the moon roof drainage system. The H20 has no where to go, so it falls inside the car. She said it is a design flaw for all 3 models. She knew exactly what it was when I called it in. If you garage your LR3, then don't sweat it. If you have a garage that is too low for the LR3. Heads up!

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Second LR3-Loved the First Also

Finman, 12/31/2007
2008 Land Rover LR3 V8 HSE 4dr SUV 4WD (4.4L 8cyl 6A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Traded 2005 LR3 as it was running out of warranty. 2008: prem lthr much nicer although I didn't mind getting the other lthr messy. Piano-black wood...so nice but hard to really see it...so black. Ride is smoother, rock solid, no clunks, flatter in curves, less body roll (likely all due to 'newer'). Much less wind noise, virtually eliminated!!! 550W H-K sounds much better but likely due to less wind and road noise. 1st gear lurch is gone, likely transmission programming improvement. Plenty of power...doesn't need any more...it's no race car. Love this truck. Suggest leasing...resale value stinks...surprise

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Bold and Beautiful

Gautam Gupya, 04/13/2010
2008 Land Rover LR3 V8 SE 4dr SUV 4WD (4.4L 8cyl 6A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Fun to drive, very comfortable ride. I have test driven BMW's an Audi but of no match. Shift it to manual and then feel the difference if you want to.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

The Best Ever

Marko, 10/22/2007
2008 Land Rover LR3 V8 HSE 4dr SUV 4WD (4.4L 8cyl 6A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

This is absolutely the smoothest car I've ever driven. Its comfort and ride are second to none. The LR3 inspires confidence and its capabilities are far beyond those of its competition. Ours is outfitted with every possible option. We just love it. Some complain about its weight, but that's one of my favorite features. This car is strong and sound, and you can feel it. I highly recommend this car.

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3 out of 5 stars

EXCELLENT FOR A WHILE

HALANA RICHARDSON, 01/13/2022
2008 Land Rover LR3 V8 SE 4dr SUV 4WD (4.4L 8cyl 6A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I had a fantastic tank, after 140,000, miles the vehicle started to leak, the suspension needed to be repaired, It was a gas guzzler. I felt safe in the vehicle; I was rear ended, it did not effect the car just broken red lights, I was hit on the side by a bus the vehicle kept me safe. I have not had a vehicle that has the same drive and height, that I like. I was tired of paying and needing a separate account for repairs for the vehicle....I do not like the newer models but love the way it drives and the gas saved. The parts are expensive. Repair shops wants to make money off of you all the time. I was in court suing them left to right. Their Land Rover service department is the best, that I miss, no one compares to the service...I miss my Land Rover...There is no vehicle like it...I had room in the front and back seats. I hauled furniture/people. I never felt stuffed in the vehicle, it was a roomy vehicle. Easy to park and find parking for. Great design.

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
3 out of 5 stars
Value
2 out of 5 stars
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4.13 out of 5 stars

So Far So Good

maxgold114, 06/25/2009
2009 Land Rover LR3 V8 4dr SUV 4WD (4.4L 8cyl 6A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

New owner of a 2009 LR3. Put about 1000 miles on in first month. Truck has great features, and while not great on gas, it's not significantly different than its competition. Car works well and has been solid so far. Definitely happy with purchase so far.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

LR3 for me.............

2 Timer Land Rover, 09/22/2009
2009 Land Rover LR3 V8 4dr SUV 4WD (4.4L 8cyl 6A)
2 of 5 people found this review helpful

After evaluating many mid-sized suv's, I decided on the '09 LR3 HSE. White/Blk. I just like the solid feel of these suv's. I drove the new LR4, I kinda like the utilitarian interior of the LR3.....plus about $14,000 less. My wife has an '07 LRRR, 50,000 miles and not one problem. Because of our experience with the RR, I felt good about the LR3 purchase. Gas mileage on the larger RR is 16 city & 21 hwy, I assume the LR3 will be the same. I hunt/fish so I will use the off-road ability this suv. Dealer came off $10,000 off sticker. Full maint. on the '09 not on the LR4. Look forward to happy miles like we have had with the Range Rover.

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5 out of 5 stars

Excellent Car

Hash, 02/10/2009
2009 Land Rover LR3 V8 4dr SUV 4WD (4.4L 8cyl 6A)
1 of 4 people found this review helpful

Great Car, good Drive, Powerful Engine and Car for difficult missions. Safe for Family, Luxury and conformable.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Love It!

Andrew, 10/31/2007
2008 Land Rover LR3 V8 HSE 4dr SUV 4WD (4.4L 8cyl 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This is a great vehicle! My wife is the daily driver and I am thankful that she is able to have such a safe and competent vehicle for her and our family. This is our second LR3 and the interior seats are very similar to the Range Rover Sport leather.

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4 out of 5 stars

It's a European SUV

Nate, 06/25/2019
2008 Land Rover LR3 V8 SE 4dr SUV 4WD (4.4L 8cyl 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Up front: European vehicles have different strengths/weaknesses. This is my second LR3, my first being an '06 SE. As The motor and interior are fabulous. The high-revving jag 4.4 is eager to please and the air suspension modes find good positions in both regular and sport modes. Seating height, visibility, and cabin space are delightful. Plastic-y materials on the doors and console make for a cheaper feel but the ergonomics and design easily make up for it. Exterior design has aged well. The LR3 is an easily pleasing vehicle to drive and own, when it doesn't have common issues arising on a regular basis. Mechanically, there are some items to be aware of: chassis and drivetrain components seem to wear quickly as well as a couple of common electrical quirks (Tire pressure sensors finnicky, CD changer issues, rear hatch latch). Any forum search will show the common issues. In both my LR3's I've had to replace some common items that are pretty spendy. Between tires and mechanical repairs I spend about $2500/year in repairs (I get about 3 years out of tires). Granted I've purchased both of them at about 50k miles and all these parts seem to need replacement over the next 50k. I have 115k on my '08 but I still love it.

Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
3 out of 5 stars
Value
4 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

2008 Land Rover LR3 V8 HSE 4dr SUV 4WD (4.4L 8cyl

Hortencia Maria Crosby, 10/12/2024
2008 Land Rover LR3 V8 SE 4dr SUV 4WD (4.4L 8cyl 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I love my Land Rover, I've had it for 21 years, of course there are things that slow down, but you have to fix them to keep the car running. It's like when you get sick and have to go to the doctor for medicine. Once you have the car running, you have to fix it every time something goes wrong. It's expensive, but it's worth it, because once the car is paid for, you can keep fixing it and everything will be fine. Not to forget this car are Royar style car, the Monarch is known for having this type of car as part of their own vehicle for lifetimes. This is the reason why I buy this car. I believe you can put around 400,000 thousand miles on it before changing the engine unless your accident. Right now, my land rover has 200,000 and runs like new because it is a v8 engine. If you maintain it all the time it will do fine. I have a lady that was running and she so that i was parking in park. She stopped and said to me you have a beautiful land rover, and she says how old is it so, I told her it is 21 years old, and she couldn't believe this car still look like new.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
4 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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4.88 out of 5 stars

2009 LR3

2009 HSE LR3 , 03/04/2009
2009 Land Rover LR3 V8 4dr SUV 4WD (4.4L 8cyl 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I just took delivery on a 2009 LR3, my 2006 lease ended and definately wanted to stay with the LR3. Very pleased with all aspects of the 2006, and hoping to have as good of an experience with the 2009. We don't rock crawl but we do make use of all it's off road capabilities in our travels. For the money I don't think you can beat the performance or styling, with it's updated exterior it's a real head turner. Very pleased with the updated interior as well, the seats are higher quality and much more comfortable. It handles great and has plenty of power. I put 62K miles on in 30 months and the only service related issue on the '06 was a leaky gasket around the thermostat, not bad.

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