Parts and service from a strictly “$ right now” standpoint. I’d wager that most Rovers that have been properly maintained by dealers have made them way more $ over a 5 year period than they did on the initial sale.
Brand loyalty is another one. A lot of people grow up liking things their parents own, but can’t afford them when they start driving, get married, etc. In time they work their way up the ladder so to speak until they buy new. I’ve owned 6 Land Rovers now, none new, but I may at some point if the Defender ticks all the right boxes. My dad purchased a new LR4, switching from a Rubicon and based largely on my experience with Rovers. My wife drives a RRSC and may own a new one at some point in the future also. If they lose all their off-roading ability and what I would argue as their “soul”, I’m out.
Your statement about buying a new one in 5 years is a perfect example of the problem we face. The off-road features become options, 90+ % of buyers don’t purchase them, (again, see the HD package), so in time LR stops even offering it as an option. In 5 years there may be no high /low range transfer case, and they will tout it as an advantage that it’s simpler, lighter, fewer moving parts, doesn’t confuse the operator, etc.
www.unsealed4x4.com.au
looks like high profile tyres and possible coils on the swb.
