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The Defender has been a dream! We're heading up near Stevens Pass to the hot springs for some hiking tomorrow. Maybe I'll just have to get lost on the way home on some remote two-track
As with any Rover, it has it's quirks. But this is what makes it a Rover [are the new owners listening? ]
The driver's seat squeaks constantly, one of the rear stabilizer bars that supports the jumpseats swings loosely and bangs against the hard bottom of the jumpseat, and the moonroof leaks (sorry Disco - you're in the driveway from now on and the Defender gets the top spot in the garage!). But you know what? This is what a Rover is supposed to be - rugged, utilitarian, and more charm than you can imagine.
It's got 63,000 miles on it. My wife and I were debating - garage it (drive 1-2x a week) or enjoy it. I'm leaning toward the latter! I'm not at the stage in my life where I can buy one and just sit on it without enjoying it, so I'll drive it in 2 days a week on hockey days, bike in 1-2 days, and take the disco in 1-2 days.
It's also in great shape. When they faxed me the VIN sheet, it was nearly flawless - only an oil-pump and valve gaskets replaced on it. Everything else was minor, like squeaks, fuses, bulbs, etc. over the past 4 years. Hell, after the 15 page VIN report on my Disco, I thought ALL used Rovers had long rap sheets! Not this one. Mechanics said it was one of the best they'd seen in quite some time.
Thanks and a good weekend to all! Get out there and enjoy those Rovers!
wasko
So, we know Freelanders are coming in Oct-Dec this year. Looks like they may launch the re-designed Defender in UK and US at the same time. Also interesting is this 'Jeep rival' - conjures up images of something rugged and smaller than the Defender. Any guesses?
Thanks - wasko
*grin* You're right, of course. I think when you pick a Rover you're looking for something timeless that gives more than you ask of it.
Cheers everyone! Have a great weekend! -Bob
I know I've seen it on this board before but am having trouble finding it. Could someone please re-explain how the Ford X-Plan works? And does anyone have access to this? I am seriously considering purchasing a DII by the end of the summer and would like to take advantage of the program. Also, if you use the X-Plan, can you still have the low financing, if available?
Any help would be appreciated.
I had a 97 Defender 90 in AA yellow. I loved it. I only got to take it off road once, but it was great. about 6 months after i purchased it for around $44k from Land Rover of Rockville in Maryland. I was stopped by a dot-com rich kid who was in love with the D90. His problem was that by the time he started shopping, they were almost all gone and LR had announced that 97 would be last year for the D90. Anyways- the guy loved the AA yellow and the fact that it only had around 6k miles on it. He offered me $50k for the truck. I couldn't pass this offer up. So about two weeks later i sold it to him. Ive stayed in contact with him since and he still loves it as much as the day he got it. I wish i still had it, but i realized my garage is too full with 4 vehicles to take care of.
Thanks - wasko
Also, has anyone heard of any improvements for 2002 Disco?
Paul
Ford Partner Program......(need some help)
Steve
Host
Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
Thanks
Regards, -Bob
Gord'n Perrot G&S Service SEA
(206) 361-7002
I'm going to pick up my 2001 black, SE ACE next weekend, and I have to let the dealer know whether I want the brush guard and tail light guards. Any suggestions?
I might be doing some off-roading (very rarely), so the guards will be primarily for cosmetic purposes. I can't decide if I like the appearance better with or without them - I think the car almost looks classier without...
?
I agree, the truck looks much better "plain". If you need a real bar then look into ARB, etc. Those will truly protect your bodywork.
Regards, -Bob
Is that correct? I suspect not. I saw in a post in the early 400's that a loaded SD7 at msrp $38,975 came out to $35,478 with the X-plan.
I'd definitely follow Nanuq's advice as I just moved to WA in March so my experiences are somewhat limited out here.
For what it's worth though, I'll share my recent sales and service experiences.
Buying a LR is unlike most vehicle purchases - most dealerships are usually very low pressure and very helpful!
I happened into Land Rover Eastside for service on my vehicle and talked at length to one of the sales guides, Jeff Anschell. He is the one I purchased my Defender through.
As far as understanding the quirks of Rovers, Jeff was great. He mentioned that many Defenders don't get a really good air seal at highway speeds so you'll sometimes get a whistle. Cracking the opposite side window alleviates the whistle. I also made an off comment about the squeaking seat and he rolled up his sleeves and went to work on the seat himself. Wasn't a permanent fix, but I liked his effort Also, he claimed to have only on 1997 D90 original LR brochure left, and he let me have it with the vehicle! That was an extremely thoughtful gesture, as was the D90 hat and a Freelander cap for my wife (read past posts - we're a buncha Rover idiots!).
Also, for service - they seem to be pretty straight. I found out (the hard way) that my debit card only allows $600 'charges' per day. I had a $1000 service bill and they let me take the vehicle and drop a check by the next day - very nice of them and something they didn't really have to do.
Sales manager is Chip and I talked to him about xPlan (IF I do a new DII in the next 6 months) and he seemed very knowledgable about it.
So, even though my experiences are limited, if you're an East-sider, LR Eastside seems to be a pretty good crew.
Email me (stephen#wasko@hot#mail.com#) offline if you want any additional information. Just remove the # signs from the email address.
Thanks, wasko
[(MSRP-$625freight) x 4%] + invoice.
Your dealer might not do it this way, which means you are lucky, but it is the official way...
BTW - this comes out to about $38,500 for a black SE with ACE, cold climate, brush guard...
.04 * (36,350-625) + 32,350 =
.04 * 35,725 + 32,350 =
1,429 + 32,350 =
33,779
Your price: $33,779 + tax/tags/title/accessories.
thanks
If you have to take it to the dealer, bring along a case of nice ale and talk to the mechanic on his lunch break... see if he'll reset it for you, and give him a nice gift as thanks.
If the "check engine" is set again, you better have it looked at. You can set a code with such simple things as water in the gas and resultant extended misfiring.
Regards, -Bob
According to the LR website, electronic traction control applies the brakes to the wheel/wheels that is/are slipping.
That's okay at a slippery Walmart parking lot, but what if I'm charging up a muddy hillside and the traction control starts applying the brakes. Would locking differentials not be better? Or at least limited-slip differentials in the axles.
Am I reading the description correctly?
Good luck! -Bob
The series I Disco has a central diff lock operated by the same lever that selects high and low range. My understanding is the DII has central locking capability but there is no linkage to the cabin. It is not a viscous coupled transfer case, so apparently the traction control system is thought to be sufficient to replace that need.
LSDs would be nice, but are squirrely on ice. True lockers are great, but break halfshafts. Since 90-some% of these trucks don't go offroad Land Rover probably figured we'd add it later when we needed it.
Look for "Quaife", "Tru-Trak" and "ARB" for more goodies.
Regards, -Bob
For your Wrangler shopping, I would recommend 97 and newer, the TJ. This is the new body style, but rather than leaf spring suspension you get a coil suspension, you get all of the off road prowess and a much improved on road ride. And, if you look hard enough you can find one with the Dana 44 rear axle which was an option on the TJ's. And definitely, definitely, get the 4L 6 cylinder engine, I have the 4 cylinder and although there is plenty of power off road, highway travel is sometimes a challenge. Good Luck.
To those of you contemplating purchasing a Land Rover, I wish you luck. And of course, Discos are not quite as complex as RR's so maybe that will be in your favor. What the service people finally tell you to, after you've spent many many afternoons in their waiting room, is to tell you that LR's are "quirky".
The waiting room at "my" LR dealer is quite nice, with gourmet coffees, a receptionist handing out flowers, etc. What they really should have is a Bar, filled with Absolute, Jameson, etc. because that's what you may finally require to put up with your "quirky" LR.
Today for instance, I spent all afternoon at the dealer (yet again)... took it in to have the computer code reset......& the AC looked at. They literally brought out the vehicle 3 times, handed me the key, gave me the "rap", & each time I went to leave something else was wrong with it. Finally, I left, with the stereo not working (a new problem!), with them assuring me that it would be OK (?) I'm now wondering if the dealer can ever get everything on it working long enough (at the same time, no less) in order for me to sell it??? I drive past the BMW, Toyota, & Acura dealers on my way home from the LR dealer, but there are always still so many things wrong with my Range Rover I'm afraid to try to trade it in in that condition.
This is not fun...... LR's look great, they have a mystique, yuppie cachet, & all that, but (esp.if you don't intend to take it off road) is it worth it? I've had more trouble with this thing in 6 months than I've ever had with my 12 y.o BMW, or had with my 1990 Saab in 8 years, (not a car with a great reliability record itself).
Anyway, thanks for listening to me rant, I would just caution prospective LR owners to ask yourselves how you're gonna feel if your vehicle does turn out to be a service nightmare. BTW, this board is great, I've gotten great advice in the past, from Nanuq (re: snow tires, etc), & others.
Peace
I'm looking at a 95 Discovery with 92,xxxmi on it. What should I look for when I head in to test drive it? Any common problems? Warning signs? Thanks in advance...
Many people can't imagine an automatic for true offroading, but in low range the ZF is very abrupt and very solidly locked up. It crawls just like a manual but you won't fry a clutch and you have that good control over traction with the long-travel throttle.
Yes, you CAN use the parking brake to stop the drivetrain but you're risking your transfer case so it's a good idea not to.
Happy Rovering! -Bob
What a versatile truck!