| Author | Message | ||
     Bill Rogers (Dc_plasterer) Member Username: Dc_plasterer Post Number: 95 Registered: 11-2003 |
I had to load-up the "thread from hell" using dial-up access while on the road, not exactly user friendly, so it seems like a good idea to start fresh. I think everyone would agree that we've beat to death the reasons why "Freelander sales are so poor". So the next logical question is, why buy one? | ||
| Tim '92 RR (Snowman) Senior Member Username: Snowman Post Number: 685 Registered: 12-2002 |
Thanks Bill. | ||
| Ben (Btais) New Member Username: Btais Post Number: 30 Registered: 11-2003 |
I think you should buy one to piss off the Discovery owners. You know every time they see one of them on the road they think its only because they can't make it down the trail. | ||
| Andrew Clelland (08abc) New Member Username: 08abc Post Number: 28 Registered: 02-2004 |
I bought mine because it is NOT a Disco... but still takes me everywhere I want to go.  | ||
| Axel Haakonsen (Axel) Moderator Username: Axel Post Number: 962 Registered: 02-2003 |
I bought mine because I already have a Disco, and I needed a second car for the wife. The Freelander can also go one place my Disco can't, and that is into my garage..... - Axel | ||
| Bill Rogers (Dc_plasterer) Member Username: Dc_plasterer Post Number: 97 Registered: 11-2003 |
LOL, I'm not quite sure that was what I had in mind... My reasons, in no particular order: 1) Priced in the range I was looking for. 2) AWD, ETC and HDC. 3) Small enough to park and garage in limited space, but large enough to carry a modest amount of cargo and passengers. 4) The structural engineering to do moderate off-roading without sacraficing too much of a comfortable or sporty on-road experience. 5) Command-shift (I love this and hope the new DIII will have it). 6) Didn't want a Japanese tin can. 7) I had owned 2 Jeeps and wasn't impressed. 8) I wanted a Land Rover! Which probably explains why some of us Freelander owners may be a little touchy when people from the Land Rover "Community" call our vehicle a CR-V. Like it or not, the Freelander is helping the company and filling the market we were interested in. | ||
| Erik Olson (Jon) Senior Member Username: Jon Post Number: 568 Registered: 02-2002 |
I picked up our 2003 SE yesterday, and we are very happy with the level of refinement for a $20000 car. The fit and finish is much tighter than that of my beloved D1, and the interior feels well thought out ergonomically. I feel the way Axel does -- it's a good car for my wife who wanted an "all-wheel drive" vehicle. When we went to dinner on Friday, we ended up meeting my business partner's wife by chance. She was telling her friend about how much more comfortable she had been during the most recent ice storm for having her Kalahari DII with HDC and ETC. We live in a hilly area, and most homes are up and off the street. Her vehicle, and my D1 were two of very few vehicles that were able to make it up the driveway. I saw plenty of Suburbans and Exploders parked in the street during the storm, and our neighbors who have a Saab had to work from home. Actually, that isn't necessarily a bad thing! The reasons we decided on a Freelander over an AWD sedan: pricepoint, knowledge of Land Rover brand / familiar layout (with stalks and controls just like my D1) and level of trim versus price compared to typical AWD vehicles. I took the Freelander to the store solo last night, and liked the responsiveness in the steering, but found everything else a little to tight - perhaps this is directly tied to the "European touring car" design, or maybe it's not broken in. Naturally, we figured out that the passenger window does not go up and down on the ride home - we've been promised a tire cover and some schwag for our inconvenience. LOL Cheers, e | ||
| Axel Haakonsen (Axel) Moderator Username: Axel Post Number: 964 Registered: 02-2003 |
Our reason for picking the Freelander as a second car was pretty much the same. It was in our pricerange, it has 4wd, traction control and ABS for bad weather, it is not too big, but still has plenty of room to bring the groceries home, it gets decent gas mileage and handles great for it's class, it's a Land Rover, and it's NOT Japanese. I have never owned a Japanese vehicle, and see no reason to start now. That's just my personal preference, others can buy what they want, it's a free country..... We also decided to take the Freelander on a road trip last year. We were on the road for two weeks, and drove from NJ to California and back again. That was the first time ever I have been going 75mph all the way up to Eisenhower tunnel on I70 (12,000 feet elevation) with plenty of power to spare. Nice feeling, indeed........ - Axel | ||
| Kyle Van Tassel (Kyle) Moderator Username: Kyle Post Number: 786 Registered: 11-2002 |
That was a short thread,,,,lol "Blow me" | ||
| D W (Rover_guy) New Member Username: Rover_guy Post Number: 3 Registered: 01-2004 |
I bought one for several reasons. 1. I LOVE my 91 RR and the Land Rover brand. I can't get enough of the personality, and I enjoy the community w/ other land rover owners. 2. I really need a second car, and one my GF could drive as well (she couldn't drive stick, hence she never drove my 01 VW Jetta which I sold). We both have jobs where we have to get to work regardless of the weather, I feel a lot better about her taking the FL vs. her Acura Integra. 3. I liked the idea of a lighter, more fuel efficient, better road driving Land Rover. I still love the truckiness of my Rangie, but when I want that, I just drive the Rangie. 4. I liked the "convertible" SE3. I know it's not a real convertible, but it's a nice compromise. 5. I got a great end of year deal on it (that really only sped up the purchase, it didn't really influence my decision. I would have bought an 04 SE3 in the spring otherwise). 6. If the RR is not working (which happens from time to time), I still have 95% of it's capability in my FL. Sure it can't off-road like the RR, but I'll use the RR for that, and it can't haul as much, but it will easily accomodate my windsurfing and diving gear and everything else I lug around. 7. I love the personality of it. In all honesty, I think of the FL as an excellent secondary Rover. It is very capable off road, in comparison to other cute utes, it's very practical, far more fuel efficient than any Disco or RR, and is a good compromise between a car and a true Range Rover. I'm a rover guy through and through, but I'm also a car guy too. If I had the means, I'd probably have my RR Classic, a new Disco II, and a TT roadster. I can't do that, but the FL SE3 is a great compromise for me right now. | ||
| Kevin Hans (Kmhans) New Member Username: Kmhans Post Number: 25 Registered: 01-2004 |
Here is a pretty good reason...  | ||
| Ho Chung (Thediscoho) Moderator Username: Thediscoho Post Number: 661 Registered: 02-2002 |
LOL i think an answer like "i got a freelander cuz i can" would be better. Ho Chung | ||
| gp (Garrett) Senior Member Username: Garrett Post Number: 2435 Registered: 10-2001 |
oh no not this again. is that a Huffy on top of that FL? looks like it still has the reflectors and plastic spoke guard on the rear cog. hehe | ||
| Andy Maier (Newman) Senior Member Username: Newman Post Number: 590 Registered: 04-2003 |
Hey, don't mock that hardcore wheeling...no Disco or RR could go there, and you're a fool if you don't admit it. | ||
| Kevin Hans (Kmhans) New Member Username: Kmhans Post Number: 27 Registered: 01-2004 |
Oh, my bad....Is this a little more hardcore?  | ||
| Andy Maier (Newman) Senior Member Username: Newman Post Number: 591 Registered: 04-2003 |
Kevin: No. | ||
| Mike Rupp (Mike_rupp) Senior Member Username: Mike_rupp Post Number: 322 Registered: 02-2002 |
"Like it or not, the Freelander is helping the company and filling the market we were interested in." Bill, qualify that statement. How is it helping Land Rover? Is the Freelander a profitable vehicle for the company? What is it doing for the brand identity for LR? Could it be diluting the brand identity? While I don't have all of the answers, my opinion is that it is a bad vehicle for LR. I think that in the recent evolution of LR, comsumer's opinions of the company will begin to slide. When the company had the Defender for sale in the US, the D90 represented what the LR image is all about. That got people in to the dealer and helped LR sell the Discovery. I could be way off base, but I think that when LR has no true off-roading vehicle in the line up, things will begin to fade. While Jeep is by no means perfect, at least they have the Rubicon which keeps the off-roading image alive. | ||
| Chris von C. (Chrisvonc) Dweb Lounge Member Username: Chrisvonc Post Number: 433 Registered: 07-2002 |
Who's da man..  | ||
| Matt Moore (Mmoore) New Member Username: Mmoore Post Number: 32 Registered: 01-2004 |
Chris: you da man | ||
| Chris von C. (Chrisvonc) Dweb Lounge Member Username: Chrisvonc Post Number: 434 Registered: 07-2002 |
hehe... In all honesty, someone on my site ponied up that pic. | ||
| Bill Rogers (Dc_plasterer) Member Username: Dc_plasterer Post Number: 101 Registered: 11-2003 |
::Bill, qualify that statement. How is it helping Land Rover? Is the Freelander a profitable vehicle for the company?:: I don't know, I'm not privy to the company balance sheet. It certainly increases market share which is the first step to increasing profit. ::What is it doing for the brand identity for LR? Could it be diluting the brand identity?:: No more or less than the Liberty is diluting the Jeep line. The LR diehards on here bash the the Grand Cherokee as not being in the same "class" as a Disco, so apparently its all relative. ::While I don't have all of the answers, my opinion is that it is a bad vehicle for LR. I think that in the recent evolution of LR, comsumer's opinions of the company will begin to slide.:: Neither do I, I'm only a consumer who happens to really like this vehicle. It is not my first 4x4, I've owned Jeeps and Ford 4x4 for nearly 25 years, but it is my first Land Rover - which I think says something positive, don't you think? ::When the company had the Defender for sale in the US, the D90 represented what the LR image is all about. That got people in to the dealer and helped LR sell the Discovery.:: All due respect to the Defender, but best as I remember when I went to a LR dealership several years ago and looked at a Defender's price tag, I went away shaking my head and saying, "why would anyone pay THAT much for a little beefier jeep and take it off-road." It was the Freelander that got me to actually buy a Land Rover product, and now that I have, I will likely be buy a new 05 Disco (LR3) if they turn out to be what I hope. ::I could be way off base, but I think that when LR has no true off-roading vehicle in the line up, things will begin to fade. While Jeep is by no means perfect, at least they have the Rubicon which keeps the off-roading image alive.:: Hopefully LR will one day introduce a more hard-core off-roading machine like the Defender (but reasonably priced) to N/A, because from the looks of it, it appears the new 05 Disco (LR3) and the Ranger Storm are more akin to my Freelander than a modified a DI or DII. | ||
| Mike Rupp (Mike_rupp) Senior Member Username: Mike_rupp Post Number: 323 Registered: 02-2002 |
"it appears the new 05 Disco (LR3) and the Ranger Storm are more akin to my Freelander than a modified a DI or DII." Sadly, this is probably the only point that I agree with you. Are most frequenters of this site going to continue to be loyal purchasers of LR? I doubt it. Is LR going to be able to maintain the image it has had for 40+ years? I doubt it. | ||
| tomish lan para hindoola (Mca) New Member Username: Mca Post Number: 14 Registered: 02-2004 |
yup lr's certanly are changing! when will they learn? and buy a free lander for the simple reason of its a vehicle! and i dont get this civil type war that takes place between disco owners and freelander owners? jeep owners and all rover owners. people just bitch about anything. like flying float planes vr flying ultalights. lighten up and live as stress free as you can get. ford vrs chevy, gas vrs diesel, power boaters vrs sailors........ | ||
| Andy Nichols (Lrcb40) Member Username: Lrcb40 Post Number: 41 Registered: 09-2002 |
Hey, I bought mine to keep me poor in a divorce settlement!!! Hehehe! Well, that and because I don't like working on my RRC in a bloody freezing garage!! That'll teach her to trade a really nice Disco LE for a poxy P*nt*ac V*be!!!!!!! | ||
| gp (Garrett) Senior Member Username: Garrett Post Number: 2442 Registered: 10-2001 |
i hear the Vibe has better articulation and nicer cup holders than the FL. | ||
| chris marinakis (Cmarinakis) New Member Username: Cmarinakis Post Number: 1 Registered: 02-2004 |
I'm a newbie here, and I must confess, I just don't understand the vitriole from some of these Rover "snobs" against the Freelander. For those that don't own one, but gripe about it, I would offer this. "STFU". For the record, I recently purchased a '04 Freelander HSE and so far, I couldn't be happier. Only time will tell how the vehicle does maintenance-wise. I did plenty of research before buying and I personally don't think ANY of the cars in it's class compare in a favorable way. Sure, one may have more convenient cupholders, etc, but overall, I feel the Hippo is a great truck for the price. AND OH BY THE WAY, for those Rover purists out there, I have a '67 Series IIA 88", and don't have a single problem whatsoever with the direction that Landrover is proceeding. Look around; you can't swing a dead cat without hitting a compact SUV, so why SHOULDN'T Landrover get in on this action? If it wasn't for US's restrictive BS airbag policy, you could buy a "true" off road vehicle here in the states. For now, I would highly recommend the vehicle to anyone. | ||
| Andy Nichols (Lrcb40) Member Username: Lrcb40 Post Number: 42 Registered: 09-2002 |
Yeah, and you can't have an affair if you drive the only big red LR Disco in the neighborhood - and everyone knows who owns it!!!!!!!! Now her car looks like everyone else's.............Cup holders? Articulation? More like all the seats fold flat......... | ||
| Steve Turpin (Steveturpin) New Member Username: Steveturpin Post Number: 31 Registered: 01-2004 |
I've had an 03 SE Freelander loaner for the last 4 weeks, while my Disco II was getting a new engine...they aren't that bad, and the 04's are nicer. Why would someone buy one, why not...they are fun to drive, look ok, have the LR name, and if you can't afford a Disco and want a LR...go for it. It runs on 87 gas, is quick, nimble, has some of the LR character, can handle mild to medium off roading, has hill decent, ect., etc. | ||
| Matt Anderson (Disco01) Senior Member Username: Disco01 Post Number: 351 Registered: 10-2003 |
Wow, Steve hit the nail on the head. I currently am driving a 'lander also as my Disco has been getting her shivers fixed. I like it a lot. Matt | ||
| matt wawak (Chicagorovers) Member Username: Chicagorovers Post Number: 57 Registered: 09-2003 |
I own a modfied Discovery and think Free Landers are great! Its MUCH better than any other vehicle in the mid/small SUV category! A Free Lander can conquer terrain a similar SUV would never even dream of!!! You cant compare a Free Lander to a D90, but when deciding on a small/mid size Suv... The Free lander is the Best 4x4xFar!!!!!!!!!!! | ||
| Chris Markel (Turbosol16) New Member Username: Turbosol16 Post Number: 1 Registered: 03-2004 |
The reason for buying my freelander was because im only 21 going to college and I cant afford to buy a new discovery. I would buy an older discovery but I cant afford to repair it if it had major problems, I needed a good warranty. Got a good deal on a 03 freelander with 1000 miles on it. I love the vehicle, yes I a jelous of the bigger Rovers but not much I can do about it. When I graduate hopefully I will buy another LR and will keep the freelander, it is a fun vehicle to drive. All the other small SUV's dont even compare to it, so why not buy a freelander if that is the only new LR I can afford right now. It seems like some people would like us to buy j**ps instead of freelanders but to bad were here to stay. Buy it because you like it, who cares what anyone else thinks about it. It's for your enjoyment. | ||
| Ben (Btais) New Member Username: Btais Post Number: 32 Registered: 11-2003 |
 Finally got her stuck but so did this Range Rover. | ||
| Ben (Btais) New Member Username: Btais Post Number: 33 Registered: 11-2003 |
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