Goto disco3.co.uk

I have been exchanging emails with a chap who only identifies himself as Chris M - and has posted a few comments on this blog under the pseudonym disco. He says he is a proud satisfied Discovery 3 owner and highly recommends disco3.co.uk as a resource for Discovery 3 owners.

I remember using this resource at the time I had all my problems with my first and second build Discovery 3. Early days then as I remember it to be a lightweight, shallow resource. I took a look through it today and its looks pretty comprehensive: so if you have landed on this blog and have done so because you are in a pickle with your Disco 3 and you are looking for some help stay here for a while: you will realise that you are not alone, there are many frustrated Disco 3 owners, but then take a look at disco3.co.uk and you will find a good resource which will be handy when you have to educate the Land Rover Dealer Networks on how to solve your vehicles problems. The truth is that Land Rover is probably kicking most of the skeletons under the carpet... nothing in my experience led me to believe that the poor dealer was being supported by Land Rover in any way.

Did readers know that when Land Rover decided to give me my money back when the second build vehicle also failed, that I offered to hand over this website to Land Rover so they had a frequently visited site that they could use to engage their customers in an open transparent conversation? They declined the offer, perhaps readers may want to suggest why? Perhaps its got to do with the fact that they can't afford to have an open, transparent conversation about the quality of their products?

I recently met a person who used to sell Land Rovers He now works for a competitor and is totally amazed that the pre-delivery-service on the competitor product was such a routine experience. He told me that it wasn't an exception that his Land Rover dealer had to replace engines, wiring, steering and other major components at the pre-delivery service! That maybe anecdotal but its sure gives you a flavour of the Quality problems of this brand that promises so much.

Michael and I exchanged a few emails - he thinks I am just a big whinger and not being that fair on Land Rover. I tried to convince him that I don't have anything against the vehicle. Its probably the best SUV on the market - it promises a lot, its performance etc is superb... but my two vehicles had huge problems. He also argues that on a new vehicle this can be expected which I can sort of accept. BUT... the big problem I have with Land Rover is the arrogant - head-in-the-sand attitide of the Land Rover senior executives. If they had been transparent and honest about the challenges they were having (like Charles Dunstone at Talk Talk)_then that would be one thing... the problem was that I was pushed by them to take my issues into the public arena - they told me my experiences were isolated... guess what guys - they aren't - just read some of the people who comment on this blog and at disco3.co.uk

So why do I continue to recommend to readers to avoid the Discovery 3: its simple: Land Rover UK (and probably its owners Ford too) just don't have the culture of Customer Care. They don't manage the customer relationship professionally and have an antiquated dealer model - to top it all, I think they are old fashioned, arrogant big-wigs who are steering the Land Rover Brand into a place that not even the best 4x4xfar can get them out of. Thats my experience anyway and I am not alone.

Comments

As a former employee of Land Rover the faults and defects that have blighted the L/R brands Disco 3, RR Sport and Range Rover before it come as no suprise, these defects were well known to Land Rover and Ford before these vehicles were released from drawing board to the market place. I have many friends who are still employed at the Land Rover site who confirm that they are still building S**t and will continue to do so whilst under the ownership of FMC. Land Rover unfortunately now operate business in the same manner as Ford, with the only people they are concerned about are the shareholders. Given Ford's precarious position in the global market (which is not suprising) Land Rover are the only subsididary of the Ford stable making profit, so this success is being exploited to the fullest extent with the consequences invariably being poor quality vehicles, P****d off customers AND employees and a dealer network deluged by defects and faults for which their are only short term fixes. Believe me I have witnessed some unbelievable practices in my time as a former employee, an employee who had good intentions at heart to help build robust and quality vehicles, but quite simply the Ford educated management would not and continue to prevent the manufacture of what could be an excellent trio of vehicles if only the associates who build them were given the respect they deserve and the time and tools to do a proper job.

[LR]

What a load of old horse sh*t...sounds like you are a bitter / twisted ex-employee to me?!

Were you caught for nicking? Or was it your positive attitude that won the day over for your bosses? I know a lot of people who work at LR and things have changed dramatically since the Ford days started...the word is investment and that is now showing through.

Years of under investement (pre-Ford) excluding the RR of course, produced shoddy cars time and time again, but think about it...BMW only had a vested interest in Land Rover for a reason and that was development of the X5. The rest of the range from their point of view could have and did stagnate for many years of BM ownership.

Quality control and build quality is now on a par with BM and Merc....and in mine and various other LR owners minds the dealer situation has improved, albeit a small amount. The same can be said of other so called premium car makers.

[chris sellers]

I took delivery of my second (yes - second!!!)Disco 3 in early February of this year and within hours things started to go seriously wrong. The final repair was to replace the steering arms (I think that's what the components are called). Recently (and I think that it has perhaps something to do with the spell of hot weather that we have experienced over the past fortnight or so), little niggles have reappeared, such as the car alarm going off upon locking the vehicle with the remote, and the interior courtesy lighting up when I turn on the ignition.

Normally I would have simply thrown up my arms in resigned "pissed off" mode but the continued patience and 100% effort that my local dealership has displayed (Matford Landrover of Marsh Barton, Exeter) has repeatedly saved the day. I have had experienced no significant problems for some time now and am starting to feel that, despite the scandalous lack of attention to build quality displayed by the Solihull crowd, I now have a vehicle which I am very comfortable with and which now fits like the proverbial comfortable pair of old slippers.

In summary, I feel that if disappointed Disco 3 owners are prepared to let their dealership iron out the inevitable initial problems with this vehicle, the owner will be rewarded at the end of the day with a very fine vehicle indeed. This is not to dismiss the understandable feelings of anger and frustration which arise on such occasions when your very expensive vehicle doesn'live up to the advertising hype - however, if you can exercise a little patience,write Landrover UK off at Solihull level and rely, instead, on your local dealership, then you stand a very high chance of evolving into a lover of the vehicle.

As a footnote, it never ceases to amaze me how hard my own dealership works on behalf of its customers (not all of whom, I am sure, fully appreciate or understand the sheer hard slog that goes on behind the scenes at dealership level to keep the customer happy); it must be pretty demoralising for those staff to deal with people who are, in general, manifestly much better off in financial terms than they themselves are, and to be expected to work extremely long hours, much of that time having to sort out problems of Solihull's making with precious little thanks for their efforts. I WOULD NOT do their job under any circumstances - perhaps Landrover UK should take note, before their dealership network starts to see things from an informed outsider's point of view!!

[Niels-Henrik Larsen]

Hi Chris,

I must/can only agree with LR, as this is quite a load bullshit. Is your wife beating you? You should open a test centre with the former Land Rover employee. I mean if you are able to fuck up two cars in a few months, then you might as well make a living out of it.

My LRD3 is from April 05, it has a good 50.000 Km now and plenty off- road driving. It is by far the most complete 4x4 on the market at this present stage.

For future reference, kindly do not compare this fantastic piece of equipment with the SUV segment, if that is what your looking for, then buy a BMW X5 or what ever and not a full blood 4x4. OK ??

Can only reccomend the LRD3, as there is no alternative - It is like with a B&O stereo, no other matching product available in the marketplace at this present stage.

Surely there will be small issues with a totally new model, but here in Denmark LR´s support is second to none.

I previously had Nissan Patrol and Toyota Landcruiser - But the new DISCO is a much better experience.

/Brgds NHL

LR and Mr Larsen, this is where the problem lies. You!! Customers who have too much cash to spend and no sense of value. A clear case of easy come easy go, no sense and no feelings. Suckers like you two will come back time and time again. Just the customers Land Rover love. Coming back time and time again tends to make you punch drunk, punch drunk that much you would not know a good car from a scrap one you T**ts. Go to the disco3 and Range Rover websites let the customers and owmers be the ones who pass judgement on the quality of the marque. What I do know from the evidence on these sites is a majority of the owners of these vehicles are well and truly P****d off with their purchases.

[Niels-Henrik Larsen]

Could not disagree more - Correct the deal was cash money. Rule no. one - Never take up a loan to buy a car, it is likely to be a poor investment no matter the brand ;o)

When time comes where my LRD3 SE model is due for replacement in about 8,5 years. Then surely I will compare models in question again - But would never buy a SUV, as I need it for off-road driving. That leaves me with below 5 units.

1. Land Rover (Disco)
2. Range Rover
3. Jeep Ch.
4. Nissan Patrol
5. Toyota Landcruiser
6. Hummer

Have a nice week - Stay happy ;o) You sound like a really positive and warm person. !?!

/NHL

[Greg Madine]

I bought a V8 HSE model LRD3 in February and have regretted it ever since. This is my first ever foray into Land Rover territory.

It is, without a shadow of a doubt, the worst car I have ever owned. Honestly!

Note my wording, where I say owned. As when the car runs fault free it is a joy to drive but then again that is very rare.

The list of faults are endless, and in fact I am so sick and tired of the problems that I cannot be bothered listing them. The attitude from Land Rover has been completely shocking with the dealer only slightly better.

I am genuinley upset that I ever bought this car and only wish that I had kept my Land Cruiser Amazon.

I have been going toe to toe with Land Rover now for over 4 months and the only reply I get is that I need to persevere with the dealer. I refuse to accept that attitude on a new car, not taking into account the cost of the actual vehicle itself. Why can Land Rover consistantly manage to get it so wrong? Why do they insist on this ridiculous attitude not only with regards to putting out a vehicle which is only 90% complete but also in the way they deal with the very people who finance them?

Does anybody have any suggestions?

Thank you and regards

Greg

[joe]

Well, I, too, am a 15 year L/R dealership employee. Without a doubt. L/R was a good product. Ford came along a f#$ked it up completely. Most of my life long LRNA friends who are employees will tell you that the writing is on the wall. Ford/jag have screwed it up so bad, it will take a cold day in hell to fix it. Rover sucks but only because of Ford motor company!!!!

[adrian]

Since i bought my LR3 here in the caribbean ,i have been using the word FUCKING a lot & it"s starting to bother others. I keep saying things like Fucking great,fucking beautiful,fucking luxurious,fucking good on fuel & all this without a Mother Fucking problem. So chill you People of the other World.

As I anominously quoted on 17th July 2006 in this very column.

"As a former employee of Land Rover the faults and defects that have blighted the L/R brands Disco 3, RR Sport and Range Rover before it come as no suprise, these defects were well known to Land Rover and Ford before these vehicles were released from drawing board to the market place. I have many friends who are still employed at the Land Rover site who confirm that they are still building S**t and will continue to do so whilst under the ownership of FMC. Land Rover unfortunately now operate business in the same manner as Ford, with the only people they are concerned about are the shareholders. Given Ford's precarious position in the global market (which is not suprising) Land Rover are the only subsididary of the Ford stable making profit, so this success is being exploited to the fullest extent with the consequences invariably being poor quality vehicles, P****d off customers AND employees and a dealer network deluged by defects and faults for which their are only short term fixes. Believe me I have witnessed some unbelievable practices in my time as a former employee, an employee who had good intentions at heart to help build robust and quality vehicles, but quite simply the Ford educated management would not and continue to prevent the manufacture of what could be an excellent trio of vehicles if only the associates who build them were given the respect they deserve and the time and tools to do a proper job".

There is a well known saying "there is no smoke without fire", well click on this link for the Official FIRE !!!

http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060810/FREE/60807017/1041/PROMOBLOG01

As well as all the other quality issues and customer complaints connected to this marque, need I say any more?

[Niels-Henrik Larsen]

Can only agree with Joe, my LRD3 SE is now 2 yrs old - It is still F****** fantastic. This is after 50.000 miles, both off and on the road. Often a former employee tend to have a negative view on things, wherefore difficult to relate too.

;o)

/Brgds NHL

[steve]

I have owned 3 disco 3 HSE's - aside from a few niggles they have perfomed flawlessly. I took my first to nor-trak in North scotland for a shake down. If anybody doubts this car & its off road abilities try it there. After being through a 'hole' full of 4 feet of water, ruts, down a gradient you could not walk down it was so steep, I drove the car back at 70mph in quiet controlled luxury down the motorway. Just how many vehicles can do that ?

[LRBEST4X4XFAR]

Amazing 4x4s!!! Land Rover is doing something right thy just keep selling more and more vehicles!!! it is hard to say something bad about such a good vehicle!!!!

[LRBEST4X4XFAR]

So Freelander 2 is a winner. It's good looking, a good performer under a wide spectrum of applications, comfortable and good quality. It's going to blow any bad ideas that its older brother might have generated out the water.

[Cornè]

OMG!!! BEST VECHILE EVER MADE!!!

[Jake Wilson]

I bought a toyota a few years ago, drove it a while, after realizing I was actually standing still all that time.. I have quite some experience on 4x4'ing and I recomend a Land Rover to anyone!! Its a great all-terain vechile, and destroys all other in, and above its class!! VIVA LAND ROVER!!! Dont ever stop!!

[Meryl32]

Yeah!!!! Those who dont like Land rover, are the same people who cant pronounce it!!! How Idiotic does one have to be, to see the best 4x4xfar when its standing right in front of you!! We LOVE LandRover!!!

[DomDROLLE!!]

Tired of you who critisize land rover!! Acting like you actually own one!! Maybe when you get inside one you will realize the truth!! Thats when you are good enough to enter such a perfect vechile!! Get a life, I will be thinking of you!! Greetings DomDROLLE!!

[Petrus die woestyn kaptein]

I use my LR, and I use it good.. For dessert runs.. I've had no problem what so ever!! Oh, exept that its Jetpack and boeing 747 wings wont come out!! Lol!! You people complain about crap!! Got nothing better to do, do you?

[Holpatrol]

All vechiles have minor problems, but you never notice that!! When any other cars engine blow, you say: "Aww, dont worry, its not the end!" but when A land rover's "whiper" is worn out after continious use for 2years you go: "Oh TYPICAL!! I bought a piece of crap!! Crap!! Damit!! Why me!? I want a new car!!" i think its time you realize the facts.. Land rover are actually one of the few cars that I am extremely happy of! Its just me and my LR! :)

[Zolla Rakker]

Stop craping Land Rover down for stupid reasons like "my tyre is flat" typical a LR!! I hate the vehicle!!!!! no one should eve buy one British crap!!! you have some stress go to the movies or climb back in the hole you came from!!!!

Land Rover Out!!!!!

[Corne Meintjes]

My Toyotas engine blowed again!!! the 4th time this month what is the "thing" made of plastic? Made in Japan store in a cool place im starting a blog on this toyota topic visit it at www.domstedrolle.com

Must put an end to bad quality!!

[Mollie Fakker]

I love my LR ME AND LR4EVE!!!!!

Land Rover is the Best!!!!

[uknown]

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The new Land Rover Freelander 2 has arrived and is out and about. A review from the San Francisco Chronicle gives an interesting perspective in the LR2 (Freelander 2 in the USA). "As for the off-road capabilities of the LR2, I want more. After pounding around the sands at Pismo Beach, I have to acknowledge the LR2 has some off-road game. The company's Haldex multi-plate all-wheel drive system does indeed deliver torque to the rear axle as soon as the system senses slip at the front. I also have to give it to the All-Terrain Response system, which modulates the traction control, throttle response, stability and traction systems in a way that basically automates the responses of a skilled driver." read more ....

Land Rover Freelander 2 Review from San Francisco Chronicle
Little stops the charismatic Land Rover LR2 It's low on the Initial Quality Study, but the buyers love it
Dan Neil, Los Angeles Times

Friday, June 1, 2007

A couple of months ago, I found myself near Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, standing in front of a high-end cheese shop where customers were lined up out the door. Cheese shop. Waiting. Out the door. It's fair to say the consumers in this part of the world are among the most discriminating and demanding ever to whip out a Louis Vuitton wallet.

And so I waited and started counting the Land Rovers and Range Rovers. In the space of 45 minutes (45 minutes for cheese? My parents would be so proud), I saw about 200 Range Rovers and Range Rover Sports, and an additional 30 or so LR3s. The irony is that these bucks-up mega-consumers who would happily nuke a Starbucks if their doppio macchiato isn't steamed just so, willingly put up with the aggravation of owning a Land Rover product.

How dysfunctional is this relationship? In the 2006 J.D. Power Initial Quality Study (problems per 100 vehicles within 90 days of purchase), Land Rover registered a basement-dwelling 204. Porsche leads the industry with 91. The industry average is 124. The same goes for J.D. Power's most recent Vehicle Dependability Study, a three-year survey that has Land Rover at the bottom with 438 problems per 100 vehicles. Lexus leads that list with 91; the industry average is 227.

And yet, like an abused spouse, the Land Rover buyer keeps coming back. Land Rover has some of the highest owner retention rates in the industry in the prestige SUV segment, almost double the industry average.

Why would people re-enlist for such heartache? Well, it's the difference between consumerism and connoisseurship. Consumerism is a mind-set that requires products to perform with appliance-like reliability a transactional, fee-for-service dynamic even at the expense of charm or interest. Connoisseurship requires the opposite, preferring charisma over the quiet and everlasting servility of, say, a Honda. Land Rovers are positively lousy with charm, not to mention having the aristocratic, landed-gentry vibe going on. A Range Rover Supercharged with navy upholstery and ivory piping is about the most delicious British thing this side of Colston Bassett Stilton.

When it comes to the new LR2, the company's re-entry into the compact premium SUV segment after the unloved Freelander went cheerio, the trick is pouring the brand's bewitching otherness into a smaller, and ideally less troublesome, container.

The LR2, which went on sale in April, lands at a propitious time: Even though annual U.S. sales were up almost 10 percent in 2006, sales went soft at the end of the year, most likely because of fuel prices. The LR2 will give downsizers a place to go after they shed their Chelsea tractors.

Some nuts and bolts then: The LR2 is well equipped for its $34,700 base price, and maxed out at $40,350 competes with the BMW X3 and the Acura RDX in the premium compact SUV segment. All three are high-saddle, five-seat, five-door trucklets with roughly comparable cargo capacity, leg and headroom, though the LR2's lower sills and dash give it sightlines and airiness the others lack. Aesthetically, all three are highly expressive of their respective companies, which is to say brand enthusiasts will find plenty of reason to be loyal.

Land Rover's designers agonized over the LR2's exterior, trying to cue the vehicle's mix of on-road ability and off-road potential, an effort I think they got mostly right. The proportions are a little squarer and more geometric than the Freelander's, with the trademark clamshell hood, stepped roofline and canted hatch all drawn with a more upright pen. But befitting its greater appetite for asphalt, the LR2 has a broader and sportier stance on the road. The LR2's styling risks pastiche here are the composite rocker panels and front fender gills from the RR Sport, there are the trillion-cut compound headlamps of the Range Rover, and over there are the body-colored C-pillars from the LR3 but overall, it stitches together handsomely.

Much could be said of the LR2's interior, which features a slightly simplified version of the LR3's switchgear and console design. Leather and wood are standard, as is a major sunroof. Not as conspicuously technical as the Acura RDX interior nor as severe as the X3, the LR2 interior seems calibrated for outdoorsy types who might climb in apres-ski with snowy mitts. The big, rubbery knobs, switches and panel materials on the LR2 manage to feel rugged and premium at the same time.

Under the hood is a 3.2-liter, 230-horsepower inline six (shared with Ford corporate cousin Volvo) buttoned to a six-speed automatic with manual sequential and Sport mode. In my one-day, several-hundred-mile flog of the LR2, the six-speed's Sport mode was brilliant, holding gears around corners, climbing hills without gear-stuttering and then, when throttle demands slackened, dropping into a fuel-saving overdrive. Meanwhile, the aluminum, transversely mounted engine breathes through all manner of torque-broadening technology, including dual-profile camshafts (switching between a shallow lobe for low-demand driving and a steeper lobe for higher loads), variable-valve timing and a variable-volume intake plenum. The result: 80 percent of max torque is available from idle to the engine's 6,500 redline.

This torque spread, combined with the smarter-than-thou tranny, helps the LR2 notch quite respectable acceleration (0 to 60 mph in 8.4 seconds) and kick up its heels in the passing lane, despite a slightly ridiculous 4,255-pound curb weight. I'm horrified that a chassis-mounted winch kit isn't available. I sure would hate to try to push it out of the mud.

On the road, the LR2 is pretty nearly astonishing, answering the helm with direct, linear responses and surprisingly settled body motions, considering the suspension travel. For what is basically a front-drive vehicle, the LR2 enters corners well, gets planted and hangs on. The steering response is quick 2.6 turns lock to lock and the road feel fairly vivid. It's actually a hoot to drive. It's no particular trick to make one of these smaller SUVs corner properly.

As for the off-road capabilities of the LR2, I want more. After pounding around the sands at Pismo Beach, I have to acknowledge the LR2 has some off-road game. The company's Haldex multi-plate all-wheel drive system does indeed deliver torque to the rear axle as soon as the system senses slip at the front. I also have to give it to the All-Terrain Response system, which modulates the traction control, throttle response, stability and traction systems in a way that basically automates the responses of a skilled driver.

Ground clearance (8.3 inches) approach and departure angles, and wheel articulation are all adequate, if we're comparing against the Acura and BMW. But for a Land Rover? I don't know. I realize people don't jump stumps in these vehicles, but the point of the brand is that it can, not that it will. I'm remaining skeptical of the LR2's off-road cred. I'll have to shoe one of these things with some decent knobbies and see what it can really do. What? Knobby tires are not available?

That's OK, really. Land Rover loves me, I know. It just doesn't always show it.

Land Rover Freelander 2 specs and data

Hennie van den Berg ZA-LRO

After 3 years I've forgiven Land Rover for not having a low range in the Freelander, took the plunge and bought the "unpractical" Blenheim Silver (wherever that may be!) 3 door TD4 Freelander without even taking a test drive. After delivery it was love at first sight, and when I actually got to drive it I just knew we were meant for each other! Why should the yuppies have all the fun?

I know it's still too early for an objective review after 750 km, but WHAT a vehicle. The engine is a masterpiece, and certainly helped make the BMW 320d a deserved Car of the Year winner. The Freelander's removable roof and targa sunroofs are very cleverly designed to the point that even the T-bar in between the targa panels can be removed easily.

Interior space and comforts are perfect, the noise levels from the targa panels not excessive, and all the storage boxes and bins a real boon. The available torque and barely noticeable turbolag makes for a outstanding highway drive, and the suspension treats the potholes of Mpumalanga with utter disdain. Add to that
20 000 km service intervals, and just over 40 liter of diesel after my first 500km, as well as exceptional resale value, and we have a winner!

Lack of low range? So who would want to take this car offroad? That's why I've got a Defender mos. I'll use this one for all my construction site roads, pothole-jumping, and beach weekends. I did always want a beach buggy! Only problem is to convince my wife to use the Defender as Mom's taxi.....

Update from Hennie
Freelander 3D TD4

My baby has now clocked 10 000 km in 4 months, so my impressions could now be slightly more unbiased, but the honeymoon is still going strong. Overall average consumption is 11,5 km/l at speeds varying from 100 to 130 km/h. (Worst was 10,5 with trailer, and best was 13,5km/l!)

I am still enjoying the vehicle tremendously - very comfortable both on tar and gravel, and have removed the roof and sunroofs on two occasions. The resulting wind and noise is surprisingly little, and only becomes bothersome at 120km/h and faster. At cruising speeds of 100 to 110km/h, you don't even need a cap to keep your hair in place. The kids love it as much as dad.

At 5000 km I had the customary pathetic free service done by LR, with none of the gripes on my list being repaired, but that seems to be par for the course, reading other impressions on your website. The most serious defect is a slight dust leak at the sill of the rear door. Only good thing of the service was the wash.

The Bee-Em engine is amazing - virtually no smoke, very little diesel noise, and plenty power. Every drive is a pleasure. My wife is equally impressed with the car, and also loves driving it. Beats me how anyone can choose the more expensive RAV to this masterpiece!
Update 2 from Hennie
Freelander 3D TD4
20 May 2003

80 000 km report.

It’s now been 2 years and 80 000km of sheer driving pleasure. The vehicle has had it’s 4 services, cost varying from R1200 to R2200, and only two significant defects surfaced which were repaired under guarantee – the turbo was replaced at 60 000km, and the master cylinder of the clutch was replaced at 70 000km. Ritchie Land Rover from Standerton sent a technician from Standerton to my workplace at Sasol Secunda, and the replacement was done in 10 minutes.

My last 2 services were also done at Ritchie Land Rover, and I can recommend them. They did not take no 1 servicing agent spot in SA for the last 2 years for nothing.

Diesel consumption averages on 12,7km/l, and the Michelin tyres were replaced at

80 000km. The tyres gave a constant humming on tar, with passengers often recommending that the wheel bearings should be checked. Talking to other Freelander owners confirmed that this was common. I replaced them with Pirelli Scorpions, which appear to be less noisy so far.

Both me and my wife still love driving the vehicle, and the initial passion has progressed to mature love. It’s still the best car I’ve ever bought. We once towed a Gypsey Regal to Mtunzini and back as well. The power was more than adequate, but the short wheel base caused snaking when braking too hard. Consumption on the way down was 10km/l, and back up to the Highveld 7km/l.

With the luggage grid in the back we’ve often loaded it to the roof for camping weekends, so luggage space is ample for a family of four.

Items that could be critisised are:
The arm rest in the door panel is far too low to be practical for my average (1,78m) height;
The front seats are slightly too short for comfortable leg support;
Paintwork on the ridge next to the doors gets damaged by stones on gravel roads;
Thick front pillars hampers sideways visibility at T-junctions.

All in all I stick to my initial impressions, that it is an excellent combination of fun and practicality. Good economy, excellent resale value, a pleasure to drive, good looks and the fun of removing the roof for Sunday outings. What other car can offer that?

Miguel, e-mail, 12 April 2000

Hello,
I am in the process of buying myself a freelander 3 door, 2l diesel. The reason for this choice are;

Diesel is the way to go regarding petrol/diesel unstable market share hold in the opec oil to the world.beter km's range.
Being a "bakkie" person the freelander serves me a tripurpose regarding my work, personal and entertaining range.
The back roof can taken off to give you a more open air feel of sumer,yet securer than a soft top which is more noisier. I am sure that in good time of wear and tear the rubber lining will tell.?
Being a bachelor with a German Shepard it gives me enough space. pity that it do's not come with a mini vacuum to suck up all the dog hair. cant get it all yeh?)
Engine wise, after my 3 test, i was very impressed with her hold and gear pull. she's is a bit to eager to jump but i am sure with a bit of wear she will smooth out those jumps and yes so will my legs merge in with her pull. she is not a fancy lined rolls royce but speaks with simplicity, space and a very refined momentum of "ride me".
Riaan Moolman, 1999 3 door diesel Freelander

I got the car October '99, it's a 3-door diesel. The car has 50,000 k's on
the clock. I change the oil every 5000km's (Castrol Magnatec) and have the
car serviced every 10,000-15,000 depending on the amount of offroad work.
Some Land Rover agents suggest a 20,000 km service interval, I tend to be a
bit more conservative! Main servicing agent is Waterford Landrover in
Witkoppen road, Fourways. I can certainly recommend them.

On-road performance is very similar to a sedan vehicle. You can comfortably
cruise around at the speed limit, up to about 140-150 km/h. I believe the
petrol versions can go higher than that, but if you want to do some
offroading I would definitely recommend the diesel - more torque, torque
available at low revs (which saves the clutch in the inevitable event of
having to slip the clutch to crawl really slow over obstacles - damn Land
Rover for omitting low range!)
Read a full story on Freelanders including more on Riaans's vehicle

[W]

2 cars wasted!!! what do you do with the poor Land Rovers!!! there is a other side to this story!!! The bad side i think is "YOU"!!!

[The truth strikes back!!]

4 VEHICLES YOU HAVE A PROBLEM DUDE YOU SUCK BIG TIME DO YOU EVEN HAVE A DRIVERS LICENSE? You must be working for Audi!! Audi! what a shit suv!!! can not even go off road!!

[LRBEST4X4XFAR]

The original BMW X5 made quite a splash when it hit SA showrooms in 2000. It wasnt the worlds first upmarket 4×4 the Range Rover preceded it by nearly 30 years but its arrival, more than that of any other model, helped to kick-start the surge in popularity for full-size SUVs.

The X5s blend of sexyness, sporting attitude, BMW quality and class-leading road manners made it the first choice for more than 50,000 South African buyers.

Environmental concerns mean the SUV sector is less fashionable now than it was eight years ago, but that hasn’t stopped BMW predicting great things for its second-generation X5. The larger newcomer is cleaner and more efficient than its predecessor, has revised front suspension to improve dynamics and, perhaps most importantly, now offers family buyers the option of seven seats. However, the premium 4×4 market is flooded with talented machinery such as the Audi Q7. The manufacturer took its time to jump on the SUV bandwagon, but its seven-seat offering aims to be all things to all men, combining space, comfort and quality with real driver appeal. Yet its unlikely the Germans will have everything their own way in this test. Our current class champion is the Land Rover Discovery. It makes no pretence at being sporty, but its sheer versatility has won it a legion of fans.

The original X5 surfed the SUV wave when the market boomed, and sold in huge numbers as a result. The second-generation model won’t have such an easy ride. Its still a fine car, though. Its increased practicality is welcome and it drives with the same verve and agility as its predecessor.

Factor in the superb straight-six diesel, and the X5 has the Q7 well beaten. The Audi tries to be all things to all owners, and falls between two stools as a result; its neither as crisp to drive as the BMW, nor as versatile as the Discovery.

Ultimately, the Land Rover is a very different car to the BMW, so the choice here boils down to your own personal priorities the X5 is for keen drivers with an eye on image, while the Discovery is for those who value comfort and convenience above all. Our pick is still the Discovery for it’s legend off road history which over powers the Audi and BMW offerings designed for on road activities.

[LRFOREVER]

Throughout the years, land rover stood the test of time.. The first glance, could well stop time for you.. The first drive, could well make you fall in love.. You dont know what you have, till you lose it.. If our life was without land rover.. Whould that be a life?? 1 thing you need to know.. A vechile, is not just transport.. A vechile, is what you trust you're loved ones to be in.. A vechile, is what you make it.. Remember the long distance drives throughout the night, stopping, stepping out of the car, into the cold.. Just to view the night and its wonders.. Remember every laugh you have in that car.. It's really something else.. It makes a connection, and speaks to youre soul.. It is the ultamate vechile.. I will never back-stab Land rover, afterall, its been watching over me and my family for years, and will, for years to come..

[Danie Donderaar]

Ek donner!!
Dont mess with land rover, it strikes back!! You know its the best! (Oh, I see you disagreeing and nodding your head! Come with Audi-GAY7 and we'll see) So please just stop saying Land rover, this, and land rover that.. ITS THE F@#*ING BEST!!!! And I agree with unknown saying: "there is a other side to this story!!! The bad side i think is "YOU"!!!"... Stop trying to throw melted metal and sugar and mustard in your fuel and blame Land rover! Stop driving it in 1st gear for 600000miles non stop, and get a lisence..Youre critisizm sucks! You dont deserve the mighty LR!!

[Danie Donderaar]

Ek donner!!

[LR BITCH]

LOL!! :) Is that a joke!?!? Audi!? Please!! Those pics in the libary are all so gentle.. I know its not what you boys like!! :) Land rover rules all!! You cant compare! So give up while you can!!

[Cornè Vermeulen]

Hey Morton, hoe gaan dit?

[see this!!!]

The bad news just doesn't seem to end for the new Toyota Tundra. Latest word from AN (via PickupTruck.com) is that there have been 20 reports of the new 5.7L engine with camshaft failures. The problem appears to have been a metallurgical defect in the casting according to a Toyota spokesman. More important is that it has been corrected.

Now 20 bad engines out of 30,000 or so doesn't seem like much (.067%), but add that to the recent so-so safety ratings, and you could say that we have trouble right here in River City. We know of 20 engines that are affected, but how many more might also be affected? This could easily mushroom into a public relations nightmare for Toyota—and you can bet the anti-Tundra folks will milk this for all it's worth.

[Think again!!]

Do you remember those offroad trips were all the vehicles got stuck accept the Land Rover...without the LR we would have never reached the dark corners of this world... think before you critisize!!!