Hi; thinking of buying a 2001-2004 LLBean or VDC wagon with 3.0 engine. Any particular year to avoid? Any significant changes during that period? TIA.

I can respond to a very narrow part of your question. I had an 04 wagon with the 3.0 engine but it was not the vdc nor the ll bean. The engine aspect is what i will stick to relating. It was strong, dependable and got about 25mph in town. I did have a persistent unresolveable problem with the throttle position sensor, at least that is what they thought it was, but SOA got involved and solved the problem indirectly. I have on 06 wagon now with the 3.0 and it is very much the same mileage in town and on the highway at interstate speeds, that is 25mph. the oil is easy to change.

the quality of the car is very high.

There is a lot of info about the vdc here, i don't have any experience with it.

good luck in your hunt.