Freelander as an overland vehicle?

[R_Lefebvre]

I knew that was coming when I wrote it! :wings: The reality is much more complicated.

 

[deadbeat son]

However, the Freelander's "soft-road" performances is better than many of the other compact SUV's, and it's only real competition in this domain is the Liberty. Both of those vehicles are not intended rock crawling, of mud pit swimming.

But at least the Liberty has a low range. This makes it no contest. (I admit this despite the fact I hate Jeeps.)

 

[emmodg]

Did Mr. Young once again wear out his welcome on a Land Rover Board?

 

[RoverMack]

I did not see a single Freelander at the National Rally in Colorado:Wow1:

 

[R_Lefebvre]

If I couldn't work on my trucks myself, I couldn't afford a Land Rover.

That's what I tell people all the time when they tell me they are thinking of getting one. The Freelander's problems are that it is unfixable, and not worth the effort.

 

[garrett]

The damage that the Freelander did to the Land Rover brand goes further than just a bunch of crappy little SUVs. The thousands of potential Land Rover owners now soured by a vehicle with little to no redeeming qualities only tarnishes an already unfavorable customer - manufacturer relationship.

Any momentum they may have had with UK sales was flushed down the toilet with US buyers and the Freelander.

Steve is just as much of a joke as the Freelander. They were made for each other. He's widely known as a fake in the Land Rover community as the Freelander is.

 

[muskyman]

That's what I tell people all the time when they tell me they are thinking of getting one. The Freelander's problems are that it is unfixable, and not worth the effort.

wow Rob you might actually be catching on.

 

[michaelgroves]

This site is getting more and more about trying to prove the other guy's a fool, than imparting useful or interesting fact or opinion. Every second post on this thread is a dig at someone else's intelligence or reputation.

These days it's all about "calling out the bullshutters", as if those doing the "calling out" have some kind of monopoly on experience or knowledge. A Freelander's not for me, and I'd gladly say why (if it hadn't already been said), but that doesn't mean anyone who does like it is an idiot.

 

[R_Lefebvre]

One of the factors that makes a Disco tollerable is the large enthusiast groups to figure things out. I won't say mine has been trouble free anymore, because that jinx just cost me a MAF sensor. That doesn't exist for the Freelander. The nail in the coffin for me is the $3000 timing belt job. That's rediculous. Talk about disposable society, they need a new engine and trans every 60,000 miles.

 

[I Leak Oil]

...These days it's all about "calling out the bullshutters", as if those doing the "calling out" have some kind of monopoly on experience or knowledge.

Some here have a history with one another from other boards that just continues to spill over to this one. While I don't always agree with the way things are discussed, I appreciate the fact that what is being discussed is based on their experience. Sometimes black is black and white is white. It's a dis-service to everyone here to present information that isn't true or is misleading.
Liking a freelander is an opinion. Saying it's a quality vehicle and a true, competent off road vehicle is a misinformed opinion and just isn't true.

 

[TeriAnn]

The damage that the Freelander did to the Land Rover brand goes further than just a bunch of crappy little SUVs. The thousands of potential Land Rover owners now soured by a vehicle with little to no redeeming qualities only tarnishes an already unfavorable customer - manufacturer relationship.

Steve is just as much of a joke as the Freelander. They were made for each other. He's widely known as a fake in the Land Rover community as the Freelander is.

I just stopped by to see why a thread asking for availability of Freelander kit has got so much action and longevity.

I would like to thank the person who started this thread. It has become a lightning rod for all the venom that usually permeates this Land Rover section leaving the other concurrent threads in this section more polite and topic centered.

I had pretty much stopped visiting this section because of all the venomous anti Land Rover postings, but lately it has become more polite and topic centered.

So guys keep posting here where you are needed to fight the good fight. Enjoy!

 

[muskyman]

This site is getting more and more about trying to prove the other guy's a fool, than imparting useful or interesting fact or opinion. Every second post on this thread is a dig at someone else's intelligence or reputation.

These days it's all about "calling out the bullshutters", as if those doing the "calling out" have some kind of monopoly on experience or knowledge. A Freelander's not for me, and I'd gladly say why (if it hadn't already been said), but that doesn't mean anyone who does like it is an idiot.

Michael

I think the reason people here in the states have such a bad opinion of the freelander is the fact that such a large percentage of them are sitting dead in lots looking like nearly new suv's with no hope for repair. There is alot of frustration when the body of a car looks perfect and there isnt any legal way to repair it or repower it. Thats where the freelander is today in the US market. The people in the US land rover community have come to understand this and the opinion of them being junk is the result. I have to think that any car body that can not be repaired is junk as well. I would do everything in my power to talk a friend out of buying one because I would feel horrible if they did buy one and the engine failed like so many of the others and could not be repaired.

I like the look of the freelander, I did when I first saw one. My wife got one as a dealer loaner when her new DII was in for service and she hated it. She felt like it was like "driving a sewing machine' . Now she like sturdy torquey trucks even though she cant identify what she is enjoying in a car or suv Ihave been with her for long enough that I know thats what she likes. The freelander with its higher reving motor just didnt feel like what she likes.

In the end the freelander in the US was a major failure and because alot of the people on this board are here in the US the opinion is going to reflect that.

Thom

 

[emmodg]

Many here are sorely missing the point with some of the harsh, (yet deserved), criticism of Mr. Young.

1st) NO ONE here is saying that because one chooses to drive a Freelander you're an "idiot"! It would; however, be doing someone a grave dis-service to NOT point out the utter failure of this vehicle at representing the image LR worked hard for so many years to build. It's re-sale is appalling, it's service history is poor to say the least, and it IS NOT a capable SUV by any stretch of the imagination.It's junk, but EVERY marque builds a lemon! This is an enthusiast's board where people come for opinion and advise. When I am asked about the Freelander I try and be truthful - like EVERYONE should be - and explain what a poor choice this automobile is.That is it, I'm not calling ANYONE, (except perhaps Mr Young), an idiot!

2nd) Steve young IS a "bull ****ter" plain and simple. This could be a nice board, but it will not if people like Mr Young are continually allowed to post out and out lies and fabrications! He IS "famous" throughout the LR Community and other boards for being a liar. He has been practically "ridden-out on a rail" from other boards when asked to provide proof of his outlandish claims. The man will get someone hurt one of these days! If there are people on this baord who are too sensitive for such language I am sorry. This isn't about calling people out or proving superior knowledge - it's about telling the truth and trying to help people out by steering them clear of people like Mr. Young.

Thanks!

 

[Scott Brady]

I think the opinions and facts on the Freelander have been laid bare, and the point is made.

This forum has always had a no "brand bashing" rule, but I think these comments make a point, that there are times when the overwhelmingly negative attributes of a vehicle need to be revealed and discussed, which will help educate members of this forum of the shortcomings and save them a bunch of money and trouble. To say Land Rovers are garbage is brand bashing, and obviously incorrect, but to site specific and glaring issues with a specific model to help advise and educate fellow members, that is not only acceptable, but necessary IMO.

I also think several have said their peace regarding Steve, and I would ask that this not degrade into character bashing and flaming.

I will probably start a new thread called "Freelander as an overland vehicle?" and move all of that discussion over. That way if anyone is actually left on this board with a freelander and wants to modify it, they can discuss it here

 

[Scott Brady]

These are posts moved from Kitting a Freelander thread.

We just started a new thread to keep things clear.