Did anyone see that programme last night about the cost of motoring? Was it intended to deliberately scare us?! The value of that Merc 4x4 has absolutely plummeted - will our beloved F2's be affected in the same way?

The presenter, Quentin Wilson, fitted a small device that improves engine efficiency to his Range Rover and seemed to get a remarkable increase in his mpg. Has anyone tried one of these with the F2?

Missed the program. What was the device he fitted

I didn't see it, What was the program called it might be repeated later in the week? Former Mod/Member, with the most post & Chicken George Arch nemesis

Not sure but it was some electronic engine management device and only the size of the palm of his hand. It increased his diesel RR from 23mpg to 30mpg.

The really worrying aspect of the programme was the effect on resale values of escalating fuel costs and the way the Government is trying it's damndest to eliminate bigger vehicles by taxing them enormously. The F2 was not mentioned during the bit I watched but straight away my missus was in a state of panic - we've only just bought ours.

sounds like one of those plug and play tuning things, they can be set up to provide more Mpg i believe.

Theres a new site sponser over on RRS & D3 who do one, which can be sporty or normal by the touch of a button or two, I wonder if it could be set for eco/normal/sporty too? Former Mod/Member, with the most post & Chicken George Arch nemesis

Pete S. wrote:

Not sure but it was some electronic engine management device and only the size of the palm of his hand. It increased his diesel RR from 23mpg to 30mpg.

The really worrying aspect of the programme was the effect on resale values of escalating fuel costs and the way the Government is trying it's damndest to eliminate bigger vehicles by taxing them enormously. The F2 was not mentioned during the bit I watched but straight away my missus was in a state of panic - we've only just bought ours.

We have been suffering from this problem for years - now we have the escalating fuel costs as well as in the UK  2007 Freelander 2 HSE TD4 Manual with Premium Pack & Moonroof.
Stornoway Grey with Ebony Black Pleather, Clear Indicators, Body Side Mouldings etc.

I saw the programme - it was "Tonight" (usually fronted by Trevor McDonald).

I too was very interested in the fuel saving device, came from a company called Paramount Performance, they have a story about it on their website [url]http://www.paramount-performance.com/acatalog/Quentin__Willsons_Range_Rover.html [/url]

You can see the whole proge via ITV Catch up here http://www.itv.com/CatchUp/Video/default.h...lter=22053

I'd be really interested in a modification that gave better fuel consumption, as I'm sure most folk would be right now, I'm spending £60+ pw just going to/from work.

In terms of the depreciation on the Merc it seems to me that they paid too much for the wring car at the wrong time, their ML will be in the absolute top tax band and probably well thirsty (FL2 maluals will be 2 bands down and autos 1 band down AFAIK and there are plently of saloon cars in the same bands, e.g. 2.0 Petrol and 2.3 Auto Ford Mondeos). I've also heard that the old shape ML they had is a c p car in general and known for bad depreciation.

Sorry to say but any new car will suffer depreciation quite badly in the first few years (barring a few specific cars). Some more than others, this is not new. On a purely financial decision, no one will ever buy new, but we all know its more than financial. I hope you managed to grab a good discount to offset the losses. Phil

as has been said, all new cars drop like stones - which is why I'm a strong advocate for ex demo models - you get the same dealer service, plenty of warranty, the current model, new condition but on average a 30%+ discount.- that and the fact that there is no way I could have afforded the motors I have if I'd have bought new.

As for depreciation, big cars, especially petrol ones drop really badly. People who buy new are paying so much that cost isn't their main consideration. When the come onto the market used - to be sold to us normal folk, we look more carefully at the running costs and normally run a mile. (I'd love a merc S500 or RR V8 sport and could afford a nice used one but not a chance of being able to run it). Hence the resale value has to be so low as to be tempting - QED - massive depreciation.

In my view, the fl2 isn't in the same league. I taunt a couple of friends with sensible euroboxes about the fact that , despite being cheaper to buy, less luxurous and slower, their sensible cars are in a higher tax band than either of my 2 motors, simply because mine are diesel powered! The fl2 is capable of fairly decent mpg figures if driven sensibly so with low road tax (relatively), good desireability and relatively low running costs, I don't think us owners of td4s should be too worried. I wouldn't like to try to flog a 3 year old RR sport at the moment though. 07 Freelander 2 TD4SE Tambora Flame, side steps, privacy glass, mud flaps, boot liner and a tow bar. Ok it's the Wifes but she lets me drive it occasionally - if I've been good!

Surprisingly, a 3 year old RRS was holding 65-70% of its new price as I was looking at them as an alternative but just couldn't quite afford it. But since then, with the current economic gloom, fuel price, tax band increases, TDV8 model etc they've dropped below 30k for a decent HSE diesel. The petrol models are even cheaper now but 3 months ago they could not be found for less than 32k. Phil

I've just looked at the latest lease rates for my TD4 GS on our list at work, the monthly price has gone up 22% since I got my car in Jan 07. Looking at the background figures it is the residuals that have caused the change. I wanted an auto next time and that is now out of my price bracket. I can top up my allowance to give me extra choice, but only to a certain limit. The cost of a GS Auto is now beyond that max, so I'll never have an FL2 auto !!

What the hell - its only money anyway Get the LR2 you want and drive it with a big smile on your face and dont worry about what it will cost you, b’cos tomorrow you may not be around to enjoy it  2007 Freelander 2 HSE TD4 Manual with Premium Pack & Moonroof.
Stornoway Grey with Ebony Black Pleather, Clear Indicators, Body Side Mouldings etc.

AndyC wrote:

What the hell - its only money anyway Get the LR2 you want and drive it with a big smile on your face and dont worry about what it will cost you, b’cos tomorrow you may not be around to enjoy it

I will be around tomorrow old man At work
At home

"I can't always believe facts I read on the web" - Charles Dickens

winner by default of the tractor vs caravan race

chicken george wrote:

AndyC wrote:

What the hell - its only money anyway Get the LR2 you want and drive it with a big smile on your face and dont worry about what it will cost you, b’cos tomorrow you may not be around to enjoy it

I will be around tomorrow old man

Yoyr turn will come boy'o  2007 Freelander 2 HSE TD4 Manual with Premium Pack & Moonroof.
Stornoway Grey with Ebony Black Pleather, Clear Indicators, Body Side Mouldings etc.

AndyC wrote:

What the hell - its only money anyway Get the LR2 you want and drive it with a big smile on your face and dont worry about what it will cost you, b’cos tomorrow you may not be around to enjoy it

Shall I therefore buy a FFRR (black no towbar) and enjoy it until my house gets repossessed?  At work
At home

"I can't always believe facts I read on the web" - Charles Dickens

winner by default of the tractor vs caravan race