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Thanks.
Unfortunately, I am a little disappointed in your response. Perhaps you can't say much in the way of details about your future plans--and that would certainly be understandable.
I would think that if you work for Land Rover, you might find it a matter of customer service to, at the very least, provide some details. Frankly, I've been looking at purchasing either a Freelander or a Discovery but have not found the dealership I have visited or the Web site much help at all. For example, no phone number on the Web site to call for brochures and not great information about vehicle options are presented. I would have given up on Land Rover except for the fact that the company does have a great reputation--and my father drives a Discovery and has had good customer service in his dealings from Land Rover (unfortunately, his ever helpful dealer is on the other side of the country).
Rather than provide a short answer, could you please consider addressing the following questions:
Is the Edmunds report correct that the 3 door Land Rover is coming in 2003? If it is wrong, then can we assume that by saying "the 3 door is definitely coming to the US" you mean not until 2004? This obviously impacts my buying decision.
Are there any published reports on Land Rover's plans for the Freelander for 2003? I am certainly not asking for any inside information, just looking to find out if Land Rover has made any public statements of their plans.
Tincup47, this note is certainly not intended to be negative and I hope it does not come across that way. Quite frankly, I am simply doing research to make an informed decision about which small quality SUV I should be buying in the next six months. Openly, I haven't had this much difficulty doing research on other products, such as the Honda CRV, the Jeep Liberty and the Subaru Forrester.
If there is anyone else on this message board who is also in the market for a small SUV and has any insight or suggestions, I would welcome them.
http://www.us.landrover.com/index_contact.jsp
There is no phone number because we are a very small company and do not have the resources to man a consumer line like that.
When I was researching my purchase, I found this site (Edmund's) to be very helpful. Good luck.
Another FL owner I ran into is having the same problem. She was told it was a design flaw with the calipers ans could not be fixed. I have not had the time to bring it back in yet, but will have to soon...the noise drives me nuts!
Anyone else have this happen?
Since you're the "insider" here on this board, have you become aware of any improvements planned for the 2003 Freelander in the weeks that have passed since your last post? I was considering buying a 2002, but don't like several things I've seen and read, so I'm going to wait until the 2003s come out and see what's changed. Things such as incorporating that add-on "high mounted brake light" into the body above the rear window, where it ought to be. It was obviously stuck there as an afterthought just to pass federal regs. It's ugly, and gets in the way of one's rear vision. Any bumper changes, to prevent those astronomical repair bills? Any changes to the position of the regular brake lights, which would stop many rear end collisions? Any HP boost to the tepid engine? How about adding armrests to the front seats? Can you give us the email address of someone at Land Rover to whom we might address such concerns/comments? Thanks.
One more thing. Do you know when the 2003s will be available, and have you heard anything yet on pricing vs. the 2002? Most interested in the HSE. Thanks.
A contact of ours is looking for a group of luxury SUV enthusiasts who would be willing to come to Irvine, CA August 24th from 9am to 3pm for a test drive, focus group and lunch. Participants will be compensated for their time. If you are interested in participating in this event, please send an email with your contact information as well as the model vehicle you drive to: chotti@earthlink.net.
Thanks for your consideration!
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this time they say it was a fan unit. We are waiting for strike 3. Anyone have ideas Thanks
And what are the changes or improvements made to the 2003 freelander compared to the 2002 version?
I saw the interior and the dash looks weird like its from the 80s. Any changes to that? And what about head space? Im a 6 feet tall guy...... people shorter than me say that they have a hard time with head space...... are they going to add seat adjustment?(why do they have to have a high center console anyway?)
I heard that the freelander has alot of bugs, or many people that got a freelander had bugs....... Are they even going to try to debug the 2003 Freelander?
I know they are going to totally revamp the Freelander in 2004, and I also heard that they aren't going to change anything for 2003 from a sales rep. so whats the deal?
In short, I like the Freelander a great deal and believe it is the best choice in this market segment. The features to price ratio seems very good. Under $26K got me the S model with the cold weather package and Harman Kardon sound system. The engine is "peppy", the manu-matic transmission is very cool, and the vehicle has, so far, proven itself very capable off road. (When the Alaska winter sets in shortly will be the real test.) One unexpected bonus is how smoothly it drives on the highway. More than the other vehicles in this segment, the Freelander cruises along smoothly and fairly quietly. I don't really notice the speed until about 70+ mph. My fuel efficiency in mixed highway-traffic driving is about 17 mpg. Highway only will stretch it easily over 20 mpg. The 48 month warranty is also nice.
Of course, it is not perfect. Many of its "flaws" relate to its nature as a small vehicle. It can be difficult to get in and out of, and persons over six feet tall should really think hard before they get a Freelander. The engine lacks low-end oomph, preferring to rev. The "sport" mode helps this quite a bit. The trunk is pretty small, even compared to other small SUV's. The dash cupholder looks cool, but is not very functional. I got coffee all over the place when I rounded a sharp turn. Now the mug goes in the bottle holders (which will hold almost anything). Some people find aspects of the Freelander "quirky." I agree, but think that these are fun attributes of owning a vehicle that is truly designed for a global market. I traveled to Central America in 2000 and saw Freelanders all over the place, and am glad I now own one.
I bought this model over the CRV because of the Freelander's better 4wd system, the RAV-4 because of the RAV-4's anemic engine and "tinny" feel, and over the Liberty for the Freelander's better on-road handling (based on two prior vehicles, I also have a low opinion of the Jeep brand's reliability). Especially if Land Rover renews the 1.9% financing offer, I believe it is a difficult vehicle to beat.
Are you going for studs over the winter or relying on new tires and the 4WD? Take it easy for the first couple of snowfalls. Everyone up there forgets how to drive in the white stuff over the summer and they might take a run for your new sheetmetal when the flakes fall. And look for a "wizard" cupholder at Wal-Mart for holding your Kaladi fix.
Steve
Host
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Yes, everyone up here forgets how to drive when the first real snow flies (just a few weeks from now). Will probably go in to work very late that day!
Thanks for the tip on the cup holder. Probably the #1 thing Land Rover could fix on the Freelander is the center console. Needs an armrest and a secure place to hold one's java!
Is this true? Has anyone experienced any major problems with the engine? I've seen a couple complaints posted, but see no real sign of a trend.
Also, it is posted here that there is no major change planned for the 2003 5-door model, however, I have heard that Rover will migrate towards a proven Ford V6. Can anyone elaborate on this?
Thanks much.
The 2003 model has just gone into production this week but has hardly any differences. The 3-door version for the US you are now recieving is designated 2002.5 model year. 2004 sees a totally new vehicle, strongly expected to be similar to the Ford Maverick/Mazda Tribute which is selling dreadfully here and has been slated in all our car magazines. Trouble is, Ford take about 11 hours to build a Maverick against 17 hours for a Freelander.
Many people here expect Ford to slowly kill Land Rover in favour of their own inferior branded cars.
We have 3 engine options here: 1)1.8 liter petrol which is the most popular, 2)2.0 liter turbo diesel made by BMW which is most economical at 37mpg and still pretty quick with a modified engine management chip and 3) 2.5 liter V6 which we can't afford petrol for!! (remember we pay about $5 per gallon).
The Freelander is 5 years old now but still the best selling SUV in europe, and the best riding on road, and best handling off-road. Reliability should not be a problem, it has been fine here - just remember to give it an occasional cup of earl gray tea and the odd cucumber sandwich....
Production volumes this week are 1650 vehicles, down from 1950 last month.....so you are getting an exclusive, limited edition car, not a mass produced Japanese box.
Feel free to ask questions, if I can't answer, my next door neighbour works in the development section at Land Rover and knows them inside out.
Steve, Host
Thanks
Adrian24 can you tell us more of any technical updates ? I just ordered a TD4 and it's being made in UK as we speak. (I have traded in my model 2000 Freelander with 110 000 KM on the clock)
Basically you are getting a car with 1 year's worth of miles for $24K. This car would sticker out new for over $29K with options. Sounds like a good (not great) deal. One warning. A less than a year old car on a dealer lot with 12K miles on it sounds like it may be a repo. Sometimes repo's are driven hard "and put away wet." Will the warranty remain in effect? If so, you may be getting an okay deal.
Other thing to think about. Land Rover is offering special financing on a new Freelander. Of course this would not apply to the used vehicle. Don't know what your plans are or what rate you would qualify for on a used vehicle, but the special interest rate on a new vehicle may compensate for the difference in your payments on the used vehicle. If you qualify for the special rate, see what your payments would be on a new vehicle and maybe go that way.
Good Luck!
You might not be too suprised to learn that the 2003 is the same car as the 2002.5 except for:
1) raised LR lettering for the bonnet/hood badge
2) 64 litre fuel tanks for the 1.8/2.5 petrol version (NOT for the diesel)
3) err....nope, that it!!
I guess if you buy a 2002.5, all you need do is change the bonnet badging and you would never tell the difference!!
2004 model will get the range rover headlights.
cheers!
Any help out there?
thanks,
Michael
jgmilberg "Most embarrassing question ever--please don't laugh!!" Nov 7, 2002 2:11pm
(ok, maybe not )
Steve, Host
Steve, Host
I am planning on buying a new car when the 2004 models come out.
I've read that MY2004 will be re-designed, I hope the cargo space will be increased.
Do you guys have any inside info on cargo space?
And for those of you who currently own a Freelander, how much can you place in the cargo area with the seats upright? Is there enough space for a cooler and other camping gear?
Thanks.
I think the space will be adequate. I am willing to scarify cargo space for this LR. I have always dreamed of owning a Land Rover and the Freelander will be my introduction.
This message board has been very helpful in re-affirming my decision. Unless there is a surprise compact/luxury SUV's by Toyota/Lexus in 2004/05 and that I would like better than the Freelander,I am definitely getting an SE w/sunroof next year.
Also, I found the sales person was very professional and my experience was very pleasant. No-hassle, knowledgeable and friendly! In fact, I want to know how many Freelander owners who live in the Bay Area? Just want to get together virtually and share our experiences (building a website is my next goal )
Please let me know!
To find out of any members in CA you may want to check Freelanderowners.com. This site is very helpful and it has over 400 members so most likely there will be some members from CA.
Don't forget to check their Forum, it is great!
Have fun in your Freebie!
Riri
I love my HSE, but the brake thing was a bit scary.
Steve, Host