GT2000: Just because something is popular, doesn’t make it good. Take Top 40 music, AFL, Neighbours for eg… Very popular, doesn’t make them good though.

With the current new car market conditions- dealers doing alot of heavy discounting, its quite possible to get a big discount on a Discovery 4.0 V6 SE or the TDV6 Auto S.

Thank you for your interest and advice. I’m looking at a minimum of 6 to 12 month purchase time for either a defender or disco3, so please don’t hang on my post. When it comes around I’ll post on whatever forum associated with this or following articles or even on this site’s car review for the defender or disco3. Either way I’m getting a rattler. Sod a petrol – top end performance but bugger all down low where you need it when you need it for how long you need it.

Post how the test driving and eventual purchase goes, Im interested to know. You should be able to talk them down a fair bit.

If it was just me, myself, and I, a defender would be the only consideration – out asap smack down money for factory fitted modifications. However, I’ve got to tow a family of girls so comfort (road noise, egonomics etc) needs to be considered.

Believe me, I would really love a defender. Pity they don’t provide the swb. Could get that for fun.

yeah the 3.2L i6 in the freelander is highly rated with good high torque.

“The DEFENDER is the shit when it comes to crossing through and around Aus and for going bush and hardcore offroading.”
^^^by that I mean its good. The 300 tdi equiped DEFENDER Im used to, has a top speed of about 135, that would be my only slight gripe. However its the type of indestructible engine that just keeps on going (a hard 310 000km without a problem). It cruises effortlessly at the speed limit. The new 4 would have to be better.

Smack-on there with transmissions, also rubicons thirst has always been a major consideration. Standing at a pedestrian crossing yesterday a 4-door wrangler drove past (so it’s going to be a 2007 model), not sure if the driver has been servicing it regularly or it’s just been flogged to buggery, but all the wrong noises were coming from the engine bay. Sounded half a dozen rasps heading down a long metal slide. I’m earing on the side of lack of service or as some seem to think that a 4bie is just as cabable on the road as a beamer.

…and i agree with u Bret!

They always talk resale. Apparently Toyota buyers are already thinking about selling their Toyota before they buy it.LOL.

If u get more for a Toyota at trade in time it is only because u pay more for it to start with. And don’t they sting with the options and that’s apart from the fact that new Toyota prices can vary by thousands from dealer to dealer for an identical spec vehicle.

I guess some Toyota buyers just get riped off more than others.LOL.

Some people prefer to be an individual rather than buy what the sheep next door bought.

Resale: don’t buy a new Land Rover, that is only for rich people ;)
Having said that, the D3 and RR sport are holding up very well. Time will tell on the Freelander 2.

Also, the freo box is Aisin, not ZF.

I think the main reason they didn’t bring out the manual is they would have to make it cheaper, hence less profit… Always remember theyAll manufactures, not just LR) are in the business of making money first, making cars second.

Enjoy your X-Trail, one of only 2 soft roaders not made for girls.

GT2000:
More toyota lovers blindness.
Engineering?
KDSS, like usual, Toyota are only 10 years late to the party. Active cornering enhancement on D2 in 98, was more advanced than KDSS. These days it is called Dynamic response on the RR sport. Even with KDSS it still handles like a pig(compared to a RRsport anyway).
6 speed auto that only uses 5 of the 6 gears, very well engineered. Doesn’t even have a proper manual selection.

You also forgot height adjustable fully independent, cross linked air suspension, terrain response, cornering headlamps, active locking centre and rear diff,where is all this on the you beut well engineered sahara? Oh, that’s right, they have crawl control so the caravaners don’t go over the speed limit in the caravan parks :0

Now all this probably wouldn’t bother me except for one thing. Toyota continue to charge top dollar for an inferior product, 85k for a GXL and no seat height adjustment, give me a break!

Like to read what you’d comment, and anyone else out there but please I don’t get that feeling so toyo’s need not apply.

U would be MAD to buy any other brand if your heading out yonder.

Parts back up etc, Toyota by MILES

Cheers

F-0

LANDCRIUSER MOTOR MUST BE A GOOD MOTOR IF IT BURNS OIL FROM NEW.LOL

300,00KLMS JUST PLUCKED OUT OF THE AIR?LOL.

TOYO TOSSERS ARE FULL OF IT.

Landcruiser engine MAY last that long but the Turbo certainly won’t.LOL.

I actually did consider & drove the Freelander 2 before making my decision.

The new T-31 is a class act – go and have a look. Not really worried about 500mm wading depth – however have a look on Youtube for a clip called E-trail – petrol X-trail \’wading\’ 1000kms north of Perth.

Yes – have changed plastic sump protection to metal (aftermarket) & departure angle almost the same as Freelander.

With the manual I now average 7l/100km with the new Renault turbodiesel (6.8 @110 on c long run). Having said that I will say the Freelander\’s ZF auto is one of the nicest I have driven but unfortunately my left leg needs to work out daily!

I would have given the manual Freelander very very serious consideration.

By the way you did not mention resale value – hmmm!

John

The DEFENDER is the shit when it comes to crossing through and around Aus and for going bush and hardcore offroading. Heres a recent video review
(media.drive.com.au/?rid=39830)