| Author |
Message |
    
GreggWSmith
| | Posted on Monday, August 19, 2002 - 09:56 pm: | 
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Ok what should I do? I am considering trading in my 97 Discovery for a brand new Freelander SE. ANy opinions? |
Eric Pena (Evalp)
| | Posted on Monday, August 19, 2002 - 09:58 pm: |
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Don't do it if you plan on doing the kind of off roading you can do in your Disco.
It would be a cold day in hell when I do that. |
Axel Haakonsen (Axel)
| | Posted on Monday, August 19, 2002 - 10:00 pm: |
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I have both. They are different animals, so it all depends on what you are using the car for. If you are doing a lot of off roading, keep the Disco. If the car is primarily for on road use, go with the Freelander. It has better roadhandling than the Disco, and gets better gas mileage. It's a fun car to drive, too. |
Gregg Smith
| | Posted on Monday, August 19, 2002 - 10:33 pm: |
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Thanks Axel, I don't go off road much anymore and I drive about 100 miles a day during the week. I figured the Freelander was a good bet but I wanted to be sure. |
tom
| | Posted on Monday, August 19, 2002 - 10:34 pm: |
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NO!!!! That thing is a piece of shit!!!!!!!!
Tom |
Sanderskog
| | Posted on Monday, August 19, 2002 - 10:49 pm: |
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I'm confused Axel. Did you just use the term Freelander and Animal in the same sentence?
Although I wouldn't own one, if you don't off-road and you just need it for slippery road conditions it probably is a better option for the reasons Axel states.
Todd |
Carter Simcoe (Carter)
| | Posted on Monday, August 19, 2002 - 11:06 pm: |
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NO |
Paul D. Morgan (V22guy)
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 20, 2002 - 06:20 am: |
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Gregg,
If I were driving 100 miles a day, I would definately get one. Damn that's a lot of miles man! But you would have a great road car for all weather conditions. I have several friends that have had the oppurtunity to drive the Freelander during service periods and they liked it very much for a road car. I say go for it man.
Paul
2 pennys |
Leslie N. Bright (Leslie)
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 20, 2002 - 07:58 am: |
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It's 45 miles one way from the house to work.... that's why I'm driving the Subaru now instead of the Disco....
A Freelander would be good for a commuter, I think.
FWIW...
-L |
Gregg
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 20, 2002 - 08:07 am: |
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Well I drove the Freelander for a day and liked it. I a gonna miss my Disco though. |
Axel Haakonsen (Axel)
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 20, 2002 - 08:37 am: |
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Tom:
The Freelander is a piece of shit? Can you explain to me why that is?
Gregg:
If you are primarily looking for a commuter car, go with the Freelander. It's a better road car than the Disco. You could of course also keep the Disco and trade the Subaru for a Freelander.....  |
Leslie N. Bright (Leslie)
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 20, 2002 - 08:43 am: |
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LOL, I don't think Gregg has a Subaru, Axel....
For me, the problem with that plan is:
a) Freelander would cost a bit more than the Roo...
b) The Freelander, while better than the Disco, still won't get the gas mileage that the Roo does...
c) The wife would take the Freelander from me, which would be good that I would have the Disco then (! Yea!), but, I'd be halving my gas-mileage again. 
And, the Roo is more fun on the road......
-L |
Sus (Susannah)
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 20, 2002 - 09:08 am: |
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Can anyone tell me what type of gas mileage their Freelander gets? My fiance and I might have to live in between our jobs once we get married which would mean commuting 45 minutes each way, each day as well (opposite directions) and we both own SUVs. I will, of course, keep my Disco, but we have talked about getting another car to share for the travels. Leslie, we were actually thinking about a Subaru wagon b/c of their road manners and car like fuel economy. Would you suggest it? I do like the Freelanders, but of course, they aren't cheap either! |
Sanderskog
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 20, 2002 - 09:17 am: |
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Sus - WRX wagon or sedan. Go for a test drive. You'll fall in love.
Todd |
Leslie N. Bright (Leslie)
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 20, 2002 - 09:42 am: |
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Sus,
I do like Subarus. The WRX was $5k more than my 2.5RS, which is plenty quick enough w/o the turbo. I can say, my one big gripe about the car, is the lack of lumbar support.... the bigger Subarus have, but the Imprezas have not... (But, I'm remedying that now, tho'.... )
A Subaru isn't as fuel-efficient as a Civic or a Saturn, but, it is all-wheel drive, and a lot more fun to drive. I'm getting just under 30mpg, even driving it like a rally car to-n-from work.
One big hit against the Freelander in our book was the lack of warranty servicing nearby... if there had been a dealer in the Tri-Cities, we may very well have gotten one, but, since we'd have to haul butt all the way to Knoxville or Asheville, it wasn't practical here. A Disco, since I fiddle on it myself, is okay, as would be a Defender, or a Series, and not that I couldn't fiddle on the Freelander, but the wife would rather let the dealer deal with it instead of me, so.... since there are Subaru dealers all around, it made more sense for us.
I like my sedan, but, a wagon would be more practical. Check out the Forester, and the Outback. See what you think. (The Outback Sport, BTW, is a gussied-up Impreza wagon, and is thus smaller than the regular Outbacks.... it really is sportier, given that it has the same engine with a good bit less weight).
There's a REALLY good Impreza website, w/ BBS, at http://www.i-club.com if you're interested.... it includes other Subarus the same way D-web here includes other Rovers.
Try 'em, and see what you think.....
-L |
Paul T. Schram (Paulschram)
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 20, 2002 - 09:51 am: |
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I drive a similar distance to/from work every day and have for the past three years (~18 months in a Disco). I'll put up with the gas mileage and constant maintenance (oil changes every three weeks) to drive the best 4X4Xfar!
my $0.02
Paul |
Rob Davison (Pokerob)
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 20, 2002 - 10:11 am: |
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i'd g0 with the subaru t00.
rd |
Axel Haakonsen (Axel)
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 20, 2002 - 10:20 am: |
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Quote:LOL, I don't think Gregg has a Subaru, Axel....
Yeah, you are right, you are the Crocodile Dundee Wannabe.......
Anyway, we have a dealer close by, so that's not an issue for us. Not that we have had any problems to speak of yet. A busted taillight from somebody backing into it at the mall parking lot, which the dealer actually replaced free of charge has been it so far. |
Sus (Susannah)
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 20, 2002 - 10:20 am: |
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I test drove an 01 LLBean edition Outback wagon and LOVED it, although the headroom felt limiting after having driven an Explorer for three years. But the price tag was almost that of an SD Disco, so I waited until I found my 95 D1.
I love my Rover and want her to last FOREVER, so I'm not willing to put the miles on her, but since she's still owned by the bank, we will have to go with something older, used and cheaper. We definitely want something AWD, since the commute will involve mountains and winters in VA. So, we were thinking an older Subie wagon. We'll have to look around...they are hard to find, since they seem to run forever and people keep them, and they aren't as cheap as an old Mercedes Diesel (my personal favorite)...but I've heard they are reliable.
The WRX does look fun...maybe I'll drive one just for the heck of it! |
RVR OVR (Tom)
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 20, 2002 - 10:22 am: |
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100 mile commute? Keep the Disco and buy another car as your daily driver, if possible. This is what I do, frees up the Disco to be worked on by you without urgency, and daily driver for 3-5 grand can get better mileage than any SUV.
Tom (not that other, brash, tom) |
Todd Sanders (Sanderskog)
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 20, 2002 - 10:34 am: |
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I'd agree with Leslie, Sus. The 2.5 RS is a good motor and a heck of a lot cheaper. The low end torque is better but for pure grin factor the WRX can't be beat. I was considering buying one as a commuter but opted to go with the Disco (I have a short commute and miss going off-road).
Do you want to buy new or are you looking and slightly used with a remaining warranty? I have seen Freelanders for $19K in my area that are a year old and the WRX wagon for as little as $18K. IMO the Subaru offers a great drivetrain with OK interior/fit/finish. The Freelander is probably better built.
Another option (boy amd I going to get flamed for this) is a VW Passat 4 motion. I have never had a problem with the newer VWs. Older, yes. Newer (1995+), no. I had a Golf I drove as a commuter for 3 years going 32K per year. The only thing I did was change the oil and brakes. The Passat wagon offers a hell of a lot more room inside for driver/passengers as well as cargo room.
Todd
No matter what you decide. Go drive a WRX for kicks! |
brian friend
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 20, 2002 - 10:36 am: |
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Keep the disco and buy a freelander. I have been very impressed with the FL. It's not as capable as the disco but it is very capable. I would take any other vehicle in it's class off road and I'm sure that the freelander would out do any of them. And it is peppy and fun to drive.
brian friend |
Lawrence Tilly (L_Tilly)
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 20, 2002 - 10:57 am: |
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I know the milage is a killer, but I wouldn't trade my Disco for anything less. I have about 75 mile round-trip 4x / week (I work-at-home about once a week). This means a tank of gas every Monday if I don't drive anywhere on the weekend. We have 96k+ on the Disco and climbing about 300 per week.
With some of the absolute idiots on the road I have a feeling of safety I have never felt in another vehicle I've owned. With our familiy expecting our first munchkin in Feb this alone is reason to keep the Disco. I have also had the oportunity on a few occassions to assist someone that has slid off the New Hampshire roads in the winter (usually because they think 4wd means they can continue to drive like an idiot all year round). I could never do that with a smaller, less capable vehicle.
I have found that if I don't drive w/ a heavy foot my milage is pretty good. The trip between home and work is all posted 55 and I usually go around 60. Doing this I bring in an easy 310 miles per tank. Do I piss off some drivers that feel they need to do 70 in a 55 zone? Yep. Do I care? Not in the slightest. Our other car is a 93 Saturn w/ about 210k miles and still pulls in over 30mpg. I guess it balances out in the end.
L_Tilly [email protected]
96 Disco "Beowulf"
NH, USA |
Leslie N. Bright (Leslie)
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 20, 2002 - 11:15 am: |
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Now Ax,
If I'm feeling Outbackish, that's what the Series is for..... lol.....
Anyway, I've yet to see Mick in a Roo sedan.....
-L |
Chu Son
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 20, 2002 - 12:45 pm: |
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Roos are good machines. I think the Freelander is a 'cooler' looking car, inside and out, but damn those Subarus are reliable. Never did get that 30mpg I was expecting from a 2.2L though. It was more like 25! Must be an AWD thing.
I'm still waiting for that STI WRX to hit the states. Nothing like a butt-ugly quick car!
chu |
p m
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 20, 2002 - 01:29 pm: |
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Gregg,
if you ask yourself this question, the answer is yes.
peter |
Chris (C_M_Sharpe)
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 20, 2002 - 02:12 pm: |
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A landrover (anyone of them) as a commuter car? Thats pretty funny. I have used a freelander a few times while my car is being serviced. ITs a complete piece of crap and not worthy of the badge. Get a cheap used camry, etc if you have to drive 100 miles a day. Or some domestice suv that sucks on the trail but is better on the road. |
Axel Haakonsen (Axel)
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 20, 2002 - 02:18 pm: |
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Quote:ITs a complete piece of crap and not worthy of the badge.
And why is that? What is your reason for making that statement? |
Ho Chung (Ho)
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 20, 2002 - 02:25 pm: |
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ax, we should go a step further, the disco is a complete piece of crap. you want real land rover? get a series...
that better? |
Al Oliveira (Offroaddisco)
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 20, 2002 - 03:40 pm: |
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I have to agree with Chris. I don't think it's total crap but you have to ask yourself why? Why a Freelander? Sure, Ho has a point but even the Disco is trail worthy. Beam axles, trail repairable, low range and more or less a Defender (D100 if they made one) under the body.
The Freelander is an AWD hatchback. There isn't a low range on it, it's IFS/IRS and carries the Land Rover reputation for build quality. So you get a taller vehicle (and not by much) that has AWD plus the Land Rover badge. If that's what you want and you have a good dealer in your area then maybe it's for you. If not then look at the BMW 3 series Xi or Audi A4's or Subaru's for AWD vehicles. Or even the Rav4 and CRV. |
Chris von C
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 20, 2002 - 03:48 pm: |
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I drove a Freelander for 2.5 weeks while my truck was in the shop. I loved the thing. Great gas milage compaired to my hog, handles great, all around a great little rover for daily commuter.
I think when we start seeing used ones showing up, it will be a good daily driver buy.
Chris von C |
Ho Chung (Ho)
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 20, 2002 - 03:59 pm: |
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al, forget trail.
disco got leather and electric windows.
it's all fluff. real land rovers dont' care for that shit. |
Rob Davison (Pokerob)
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 20, 2002 - 04:09 pm: |
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ho i have to agree..
;) |
Axel Haakonsen (Axel)
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 20, 2002 - 05:06 pm: |
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It depends on what the car is for. I would never get a Freelander as a trail rig, but that is not it's intended use, either. It is a road biased car, and if you look at it for what it is, I think Land Rover did a good job with it. I don't think we will see many Freelanders in Pritchett Canyon, but that's ok. Like I said before, for off road trips, I use my Disco. For Road trips, I prefer driving the Freelander with it's IFS and AWD etc. I know it's not the same as being in a series vehicle in 110 degree heat, flies crawling in you ears, bits falling off as you beat yourself to death going 20 mph across corrugations in the road, funnel web spiders entering the vehicle where the door doesn't quite meet the door post, and adding oil every 100 miles.
But you can't have everything! |
Kai Dussling (Kai)
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 20, 2002 - 05:25 pm: |
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moped,......fatgirl,.....Freelander,
They are all fun until your friend sees you with one! |
Rob Davison (Pokerob)
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 20, 2002 - 05:59 pm: |
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yes, you forgot to mention the part where you happen upon a rancid dead horse, hehe
rd |
Al Oliveira (Offroaddisco)
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 20, 2002 - 06:15 pm: |
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I'm not saying that the Freeland is a trail rig. I've seen first hand what it can't do on the trail. All I'm saying is that since it's NOT a trail rig you're getting a brand name and questionable build reputation but get AWD and mileage. For the same money you can get a Subaru or better yet an Audi A4 1.8T Quattro or a BMW 325xi both with AWD and both with much better build quality and still look cooler than riding a moped. I LR sells lots of Freelanders because I don't want them to go out of business but at the same time I don't think it's a wise segment for Land Rover to get into given its history |
Axel Haakonsen (Axel)
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 20, 2002 - 06:33 pm: |
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Sure, there are other alternatives in the same price range as is the case with the Disco and Range Rover for that matter. But that's not really the issue, is it? I see a few posts here that states categorically that the Freelander is crap, without backing those statements up. I would still like to see what Tom (not Pearson), Chris (not von C) and Kai are basing those opinions on, and so far I haven't seen anything from them that would convince me that my purchase of a Freelander back in April was a foolish one. |
Chu Son
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 20, 2002 - 06:40 pm: |
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Al,
I don't think you can compare those cars to a Freelander. Small SUVs have their advantages just as sedans have their's. We can all preach BMW for their dynamics but not everyone is looking for that, plus they're charing a serious premium for it. Build quality? From the bimmers I've had, it's debateable.
Basically, everyone woman has a different taste and different approach on what she wants to drive and be seen in. So now, that's probably where the marketing department's gonna start.
chu |
Al Oliveira (Offroaddisco)
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 20, 2002 - 07:05 pm: |
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Yes Chu, But because of this is the quote, I was suggested the BMW and Audi's as an option...
Thanks Axel, I don't go off road much anymore and I drive about 100 miles a day during the week. I figured the Freelander was a good bet but I wanted to be sure.
So based on wanting a premium brand that's good for 100 miles/day and still has AWD MY choice would be Audi/BMW. As for build quality of BMW's? How many have you owned? I'm going on my direct experience of build quality with both Land Rover and BMW. But with the Freelander you get a higher seating position (if that's important to you), HDC and more cargo room.
Don't get me wrong. I love my Rover but I'm also being realistic. 18 months ago we all have bashed on vehicles like the CRV and RAV4. Just becuase it has HDC and a green oval dosn't make it the best vehicle out there. Even in it's own segment.
But if he keeps his Disco then he'll be all set too |
Gregg Smith
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 20, 2002 - 10:11 pm: |
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Boy First I couldn't get a response for any of my questions and now I start a firestorm. I guess I asked the question because with a 4th kid on the way we have a Suburban. As you know with that and a Disco my fuel consumption is scary. I am one of the lucky ones... I have had no repairs in three years other than oil changes. Now with 75K miles the little things are starting in, fuel pump is acting up and the steering box is leaking. I am scared to even ask how much those are going to cost! I guess I was trying to find away to stay loyal to a brand that has been so good to me. |
Al Oliveira (Offroaddisco)
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 20, 2002 - 11:25 pm: |
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Don't let me scare you Gregg
If you're happy with the brand and have a good dealer in your area, go for it. You're doing the right thing by asking around. It's the first part of shopping for a good deal. |
mattm
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 21, 2002 - 12:14 pm: |
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My wife has a F/lander and I had a Disco (after another now!)
The f/lander is an excellent car to drive - big enough (in the UK) to push other cars out of the way :-) and small enough to be a practical everyday motoring car. It comes out as fairly obvious that Land Rover designed this car primarily with road manners in mind - that's not to say it doesn't have off-road ability - far better than the other SUV's, which are basically just cars on stilts.
I absolutely love the car, and wouldn't hesitate to get another. Admittedly she doesn't do a huge mileage, but we haven't had a single problem with it.
However, as others have said, it is a totally different machine to the Disco. Far better on-road than off-road. It drives much more like a car than the Disco does, and is far more like a car in terms of costs to run.
I guess it just depends what you are going to use it for really, decide that and I think you have your answer.
Good luck with your choice.
Matt. |
Kai Dussling (Kai)
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 21, 2002 - 12:37 pm: |
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Freelander Owners: I never said the Freelander was bad. Just personal preference, I wouldn't want one.
Geeez........ just making a joke.
Sorry,
KD |
Los P
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 21, 2002 - 10:07 pm: |
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Get a Mazda Tribute or a Ford Escape. Its the same ... I mean the exact same thing as a Freelander. And its much cheaper.
But in reality Freelanders suck. Period. |
Axel Haakonsen (Axel)
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 21, 2002 - 11:31 pm: |
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And how can we argue with such an astute observation? I will trade in the Freelander immediately. Probably should get rid of the Disco too, while I am at it. I bow in shame to the superior knowledge displayed in the last post. Moron..... |
James F. Thompson Jaime (Blueboy)
| | Posted on Thursday, August 22, 2002 - 09:21 am: |
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Los P,
My wife has an Escape XLT 4x4 V6 and while it may look very similiar to a Freelander and have similiar specs., it really is pretty far behind it. The Freelander just does it better then the Escape especially having a more solid feel to it. While the Escape has served us well, we are waiting for the 3-door softop to arrive and will probably get that.
Greg, I would though recommend at least looking at the Escape as an alternative as they are pretty good vehicles.
Jaime |
Axel Haakonsen (Axel)
| | Posted on Thursday, August 22, 2002 - 10:37 am: |
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I don't disagree with that. I have had several Fords in the past, and was generally happy with them. Nothing wrong with comparison shopping and looking at an Escape. But to say that they are identical vehicles is stretching things a bit, I think.... |
Dave M.
| | Posted on Thursday, August 22, 2002 - 01:20 pm: |
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For 100 mile per day commuting, a premium price tag, AWD, but no off-road, I think a Freelander is a trerrible idea.
Uner those criteria, I'd be in a WRX or Audi A4 turbo. |
Hate Idiots
| | Posted on Thursday, August 22, 2002 - 01:23 pm: |
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Tom & Carter you are both idiots! Shut your holes, you know nothing! |
Al Oliveira (Offroaddisco)
| | Posted on Thursday, August 22, 2002 - 03:27 pm: |
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Thank you Dave. I thought I was the only one who thought that. |
Mel A. (Krawlrovr)
| | Posted on Thursday, August 22, 2002 - 05:16 pm: |
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Well for the price of a Freelander, I would go for a Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VII. Not legal you say? Look at this:http://www.evolutionimports.net/index.html |
James F. Thompson Jaime (Blueboy)
| | Posted on Thursday, August 22, 2002 - 06:35 pm: |
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Can you say Fast and Furious?? lol. Yeah, they were the "in" street car when we lived in Tokyo. Young kids with pimples usually on speed mostly drove them.
Jaime |
Mel A. (Krawlrovr)
| | Posted on Thursday, August 22, 2002 - 09:56 pm: |
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No no no, RICE is what you are talking about. To make a car RICE you must have the following: A fart-pipe, Altezza rear lights, indigo windshield washer nozzles, shiney chrome wheels, you know, stuff like that. The Mitsu Evo VII has none of those. The design is functional; it is not made for looks. It is meant to be an enthusiast�s car. Like a Porsche 911 or a BMW M3. RICE usually starts off with a Honda Civic or a Acura Integra. Sure, I believe that there are some snot nosed kids who drive these things around (and make them RICE), but that is pretty stereotypical to say it is meant for kids. How do you think all the old Mustang enthusiasts feel when they see kids driving Mustangs for "cool" factor. |
GreggWSmith
| | Posted on Thursday, August 22, 2002 - 10:54 pm: |
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Ok guys! I did it. I got good money for my Disco and I got what I think is a Helluva deal on the Freelander. It is a brand New SE model with leather, heated seats, Premium sound with subwoofer, sunroof and more. It is red with black leather. I got it for $24,200.00 Sticker was $30,345.00 So I figure I got a new Land Rover for Jeep and Ford Money. I did check out the Escape and Liberty and even though I have had 12 Jeeps I chose the the Freelander. Thank you all for all of your advice. Can I still visit this B.B. or am I now banished to the Freelander section with the kids and women? Thanks again,
Gregg |
Axel Haakonsen (Axel)
| | Posted on Thursday, August 22, 2002 - 11:17 pm: |
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Congratulations, and good luck with it! Don't forget to send pictures to Ho for the gallery, too. One of the owners of the site (me) have both a Disco and a Freelander, so don't worry about getting banished.... |
Ho Chung (Ho)
| | Posted on Friday, August 23, 2002 - 01:25 am: |
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in case you miss your disco, remember this:
http://www.discoweb.org/gsmith/ |
GreggWSmith
| | Posted on Friday, August 23, 2002 - 08:14 am: |
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Ho, What is neat is that I am not that Gregg Smith. What is really weird is that we both spell are names the same and we both have or had Discoveries and live in the Dallas area as well as use this site! |
Ho Chung (Ho)
| | Posted on Friday, August 23, 2002 - 11:24 am: |
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oops. LOL |
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