Help!!! Which one to buy! 2 LR3's - need to choose - advice MIUCH appreicated!

Morning,

So I have found myself in a bit of a situation! I am upgrading to an LR3 from my existing shameful car - with the aim of mainly using it as family car - but also towing - and will need the full 3.5t capability! However I have found 2 cars which have plenty of good / bad things but cant decide! REALLY need help!!

Both cars are the TDV6 Auto models.

On one hand there is an HSE. Pros are it has the upgraded TV Media pack in the back. So TV's in the headrests. Everything works as it should, full LR Service History, belts changed recently, 12 months mot, suspension strut changed (not compressor), very good condition, has all the HSE refinements like the sunroofs and extra aircon at back etc. Its a 2008, and has done 105k.

Negatives are the susp compressor hasn't been changed, no tow bar, and the person selling has not much knowledge and has only owned for 1 year. Also only 1 hour from me so no shipping.

On the other hand is a 2009 SE with the additional sat nav upgrade and fridge thingy. Positives are its £600 cheaper, newer, and less miles at 96k. Looks in fantastic condition in and out apart from one very small dent. The chap selling seems very genuine and is later on in life. It has tow bar fitted and its had a recall done on it. Has been serviced regularly at dealers and no expense spared. LAst 3 years has had new compressor, new turbo, new tyres and a few other bits.

Negative is it hasn't had the belts changed yet, and is a lower spec. Its also a bit away so shipping would run me £150.

What do I do?? Im stuck in the middle on this! Can you buy the TV head rests as an add on off the shelf? My son has his heart set on those - no way to make up your mind where the money goes though!

Any help really would be MUCH appreciated!

Hse for me all day long. Plus it's saved you a grand by having belts done, a lot of people recommend changing the oil pump whilst doing belts although it's not part of the service schedule

agree , especially from 2007 there had been a problem with oil pump casings of them breaking and destroying the engine

when i looked round for different models i asked myself if i really did need the extras that hse provided, for me personally i didn't want try extra electronics , also it's the cost of them when they go wrong

main factor for me was the higher u go up the model range the more expensive the insurance becomes ,

as mentioned to have the belts and oil pump done u have to allow a grand

compressor will be around £500 , if u fit it urself

depends also if u can do the work urself, a decent diagnostic reader is a must

i've done a buyers guide , at least will let u k ow what to look for

https://www.landyzone.co.uk/land-rover/buyers-guide.312800/

main things are service history , hpi check, mot history check, these can become serious money pits it they are not looked after

hope that helps

johnlad said:

Hse for me all day long. Plus it's saved you a grand by having belts done, a lot of people recommend changing the oil pump whilst doing belts although it's not part of the service schedule

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The other thing I forgot to mention is the chap selling the SE has had it now for 4 years and it was bought from a dealer before that. Whereas the HSE has 4 owners and been only been owned for a year by the current owner. I know what you mean with the HSE though. It also seems that when it comes to reselling - you get a good 10/20% more just for those key letters on the end!