I'm looking for a 4x4 SUV for my wife who will be driving quite a bit for her new job... and I've taken a liking to 2004-2005 Freelanders. They are STUPID cheap compared to competition (50K-75K miles for $7-$10K) And I like the look because they are basically an Escape.

BUT... I've heard Land Rovers have reputations for being crappy. I even remember seeing a report on TMS a few years back that they have the highest number a reported issues per 100 vehicles or something of that nature. Any Land Rover owners around here that can shed some light?

 

So why not go with the Escape then? You'll most likely pay less for the Escape than for a Land Rover.

 

the sad truth? My Wife wants the status symbol, exclusivity.

And since they are priced well, I can appreciate the features the used Land Rover offers at a lower price that only the most expensive Escapes have. 4x4, Leather, moon-roof, sound etc.

A couple of years ago we had an '06 Mariner Premier. (loved it) Traded it in when we panicked over some major (yet very short lived) financial struggles. Wish we would have kept it, cause then I wouldn't be asking this question.

 

The older ones are a pain(2003 and older). I have heard good and bad about the newer ones. google it!

 

In that case I would go with either Acura MDX or Lexus RX. You might have to pay a little more for it than Land Rover, but you'll be buying a higher quality SUV with much better re-sale value.

 

hahaha. So... you're saying "Anything but a Land Rover!"?

 

Pretty much.

 

If she has to have that status symbol, and I understand, would probably look into the BMW X3 or the small Lexus. I would stay away from Land Rover.

 

I would stay away from BMWs too if they're out of warranty.

 

Yep. Only if under warranty. But it should still see the shop less than the Rover.

 

Yeah, but when it does....may God have mercy on your soul. Modern BMW repair bills are often nearly unbelievable.

 

You should pretty much not buy anything European off warranty. You're just begging to get reamed on maint. Well, maybe Porsche.

 

Get a jeep for crying that loud!

Patriot, liberty, Cherokee

All 4x4 and all under or around 10k.

 

yeah, but jeep stands for "junk, each and every part"

/former jeep owner
//had some issues
///none that bad

 

http://autos.msn.com/research/userre...?modelid=11087

 

buy the freelander, then promptly do this:

 

Hate to say it, but 1 more vote for a Lexus RX. Acura would make a fine 2nd choice.

 

Going to agree. Either that or, up your budget. The new Range Rover Evoque is an awesome vehicle though.

 

If she wants exclusivity, buy another Mariner. I love my 05 Escape, but it seems like there's millions out there. I loved the 05-07 Escapes and Mariners...best looking of the bunch I think. I just wish it had the 6spd auto for the higher mpg. Just took it shooting the other day and I took it to Pismo Beach this past summer; it def holds its own for a CUV.

 

In highschool my friend had an 02 discovery Westminster edition. Mechanically it was a sound vehicle but electrically it was a nightmare the sunroofs would open but never close the nav never worked right the seats wouldn't move if you slid them all the way back and the brake shift interlock froze up and we had to just plain remove the lock from under the bezel to drive it anywhere and to top it off everytime it got cold outside the drivers window would slowly slide down to the bottom of it's track

BUT when it worked it could climb about anything... And it sure was a good lucking machine

So that being said they are horrible IMHO just a big hunk of metal to hold down your garage floor... Get her an older defender those things are bulletproof and still land rovers