Hi Everyone!!

I am a newly minted member..in the market for a Land Rover. I am just graduating from grad school and will be moving to Chicago soon. In my quest for 4x4's I looked at used BMW X5's, 535xi's and Toyota's but the heart yearns for a Land Rover.

I have 3 questions :

1. I have a budget of upto $40K. I love the Range Rover Sport and the full sized Rangie, but in all probability I will get only the base HSE from year 2006/ 2007 for that money. I wont be using the car for off roading at all (maybe 2 - 3 times a year in a trail) but Chicago is a snowy place and I value a good 4x4. On the other hand for that money I can get a brand new LR2 fully loaded. So, used Rangie or brand new LR2??

2. How is the experience of the forum users with the reliability of the LR2. I have done my search and found generally good impressions, still feel compelled to ask this question..

3. Final dark horse question.. I am getting a CPO 2009 LR2 for 10 grand less. Should I go for that or the new one??

Apologies from a noob to start leeching right from post # 1.

Thanks and Regards,
Prashant Kumar.

get the discounted one keep your $10,000, assuming the car is black? if not, order a new black one  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

FL2's aren't that popular in the US, so don't know what residuals are like? Range Rovers are cheap on the used market because they cost a lot to maintain. I'd be happier with a 3 year warranty on a FL2 HSE, go for the discounted model and enjoy..... 2010MY Freelander 2 HSE Auto
Santorini Black with Ebony Napoli Leather

I think it depends on how long you intend to keep the car. I would love a RR sport but equally if I had the money I would buy more than one of each anyway as I already have a Classic Range Rover.

I have been happy with my FL2 over the 2.5 years I have had it. It has done 25000 miles and no complaints. This is my third Freelander and they have now got it right I feel.

If you are keeping a long time i.e. more than 3 years go for the new model and spec it the way you want it not what you can get off the peg.

Thanks a lot for the reply guys. I went over to the Land Rover showroom here today and test drove a LR2 and a Range Rover Sport. The RRS is a beast and I dont know if I need that much of a car yet. I loved the LR2. Its sporty and nippy enough for my requirements. The engine is a little raucous but I guess after years of Japanese cars, I need to get used to the engine note of European cars.

However, what struck me was the amount of roll in the LR2. I have never driven SUVs extensively before (infact the only crossovers I have driven are Lexus RX330 and Ford Escape) and maybe its a thing I need to get used to for SUV's. I would love to hear comments about the overall handling of the LR2 especially from guys who have the LR2 and a European sedan/ coupe.

Thanks once again.

Best,
PK.

I had a Porsche Boxster and then a Cayman before the LR2 - so coming from a car that just keeps flat in a high speed corner, going to an FL2 was somewhat of a change. I drive the FL2 in corners like I used to drive the Porker, just somewhat slower. Yes, it rolls a bit, but then so do all cars of this type - my wifes Lexus RX was really bad! But the FL2 is just fine on this aspect. Chris