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Rover quality Posted by Andrew [Email] (#1013) [Profile/Gallery] (more from Andrew) on Thu, 7 Dec 2000 23:03:34 In Reply to: OT: opinions on LandRover Discovery II ?(more), chris g, Thu, 7 Dec 2000 08:32:57 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
My father decided that he needed a Land Rover Range Rover, so he purchased a 4.0SE. He seriously considered it and the Toyota Land Cruiser, but found that the Cruiser was a little big for every day driving. All I can say is that he's kinda wishy-washy on whether or not he likes the Range Rover. He likes the fact that it's quirky, but it's quirky in an odd way, not a smart way like Saabs. The ride is also excellent (of course, Discoverys are different), and the materials are superb (again, Discos are made of cheaper materials). However, quality has been awful. He has had trim part fall off, the air conditioner has failed several times, electrical gremlins persist, and the brakes make funny noises. Quality isn't as bad as the Mercedes ML320 he had, but it's among the worst vehicle's he's had.
He's right now seriously considering a move to the Land Cruiser or a Grand Cherokee. However, resale values are horrible on the Range Rover, and the Discovery. I'd look long and hard at the Jeep if size and 3 rows of seats isn't the main priority. They're far more docile on pavement, and priced similarly.
You might be wooed by the cheap lease rates, but you should take a drive in a Disco. Without the optional Active Cornering Enhancement (ACE), the Discovery is scary. It leans heavily into corners and often feels as though it will tip. With ACE, however, the Disco handles nicely, although the pacakge is expensive and includes 18" wheels that provide a choppy ride.
If you're not going off road, there are far better choices. The Disco is built with off roading in mind, but it's not comfy on road. I'd consider the upcoming Ford Explorer/Mercury Mountaineer, Toyota Highlander, Lexus RX300, Acura MDX and even Mitsubishi's new Montero.
Truly, though, I'd be more likely to buy a car, if I was in your position, I'd look at some cars instead. A Saab, Volvo or BMW wagon can carry nearly as much as an SUV, they're generally known to be safer, and they're lots more fun to drive on road. I wouldn't own an SUV unless I took it off road.
Please let me know if you have more questions- I'm a huge SUV fan (ahhh... shoot me!) and I have a Toyota 4Runner that I'm very happy with.
Andrew
9-3SE
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