ThermonMermon

this is really more of a ramble, BUT, out of my constant window shopping, i finally got to sit/drive the LR4. and i think i finally found what i love - an airy, upright cabin...that safari feel, with sunroofs and windows galore. i really like the idea that you could get up, stand, and move around in the cabin, which is a huge stress relief if you find yourself in gridlock.

i secretly really like minivans for long hauls, but, for obvious reasons, ehh, not getting one. the LR4 however, solves that problem with height and visibility, without the size/length of something like a Tahoe/Suburban.

Now...the reliability of the LR4 is not the best, which means getting used/CPO is out, and additionally, the lease rates are terrible (a 50k car leases like a 70k car).

Are there any 2-row SUVs out there, or coming to market, that have that a similar airy, safari-like cabin like the LR4? i cant seem to find ANYTHING like it. theres the flex, but it just not the same.

Yumcha

This thing? It's cool.

ThermonMermon

yup. the interior layout is amazing. this car has obviously been around for YEARS, just never had the chance to check it out.







they are replacing the smaller LR2 with something much better in 2016 though.

MarbleGT

I've always like the traditional LRs. Actually, just love SUVs that aren't completely useless off the pavement.

I honestly think they are very similar to a Jeep Commander in size/features/boxed-looks, though they haven't made those since 2010. They aren't quite as luxurious either.

NBP04TL4ME

I understand and can appreciate the history and English prestige of the Land Rover, but I have never liked the marque -

charliemike

I would avoid the LR4 like the plague. They are just so horribly unreliable.

I don't know why you want something like has the room of a Dodge Sprinter and drives like one too

charliemike

Hmph. I'd love an older LR if I lived in a rural area.

1StGenCL

Ex had one and it was pretty nice, lots of light, suede like headliner, everything felt great to the touch, and I did like the openness of it even though all windows were darkly tinted and the windshield had a light tint.

Are you picking one up? Did you get the last car plus parking, etc?

ThermonMermon

if they made a mini dodge sprinter i would be ALL OVER IT

passed on a city-friendly car, as we decided we dont want to be in the city long term, and dont feel the need to lock into a small urban car.

on the sidelines for suburbia move (6-18 months) depending on market. just passing by the time with Zipcar, and stashing away for down payment (without wasting money on car parking)

will get a more appropriate car in tandem when we move.

ThermonMermon

coworker was telling me to go through Carmax, as they offer really good warranties for the not-so reliable cars.

http://dougdemuro.kinja.com/one-year...sed-1485113319

$40k could get you a 3 year old LR4 or Range Rover Sport, slap on a 6 year warranty, and its not too shabby.

NBP04TL4ME

The only shabby part would be if your ride is in the shop all the time. Warranty is great so you limit your out of pocket costs, but what is your time worth driving back and forth to get it diagnosed and repaired.

1killercls

Pass.

knight rider

iTrader: (1)

Don't look into the light ThermonMermon. I want to buy my wife a Range Rover Sport one day, but I told her we would only lease one to have for 3 years (so she can get it out of her system). Land Rover, long term = I have a friend that has a 2006? Discovery. He LOOOVES that truck, but admits it is very expensive to keep. He's not hurting for money, and has other cars to drive so more power to him. But for a daily driver... dunno.

Suck it up and get an Odyssey.

NBP04TL4ME

Ody for the win!

CLtotheTL32

iTrader: (3)

I like it, but I've heard nothing but horror stories about those things from both previous owners and service advisers.

ttribe

Why? So he can buy three transmissions, too? Where's Moog?

oonowindoo

Scion xB

Aman

I'm shocked they're still making the same chassis.

neuronbob

Do NOT buy an LR4 if you value your free time, or your work time. EVERY single person I know who has had one has gotten rid of it quickly or at the end of lease. No exaggeration. Horrible reliability. Please....friends don't let friends drive LR4s. They are nice, luxurious, roomy, and capable off-road, but spend too much time in the shop.

ThermonMermon

yeah, wife really wants RR Sport too.

here's the crazy part, which really speaks to depreciation - you could lease two loaded Grand Cherokee Limiteds for less than one RR Sport base lease....alternatively, you could buy a lightly used RR Sport for the same price of a new loaded JGC.

hence, why its really tempting to get a used RR Sport or LR4, and get an extended warranty package to wash away the guilt.

what im not factoring is value of time, which is really important to us, since we collectively work 120-140 hrs/week. losing a weekend day for repairs is almost priceless.

Sarlacc

Time to put your money where your mouth is...

http://www.ramtrucks.com/en/ram_promaster_city/

Sarlacc

Since the original Sprinters were Mercs...they actually drive pretty nice...Some film sets have been using them instead of the older Ford Cargo Vans....SOOOO much nicer of a shuttle. Comfy chair, tons of head room, doesn't bounce you all over the damn place.

ThermonMermon

thats awesome...kinda...why the hell did they wall over the rear windows?

ThermonMermon

this will be on my radar big time...if they lease well...

1StGenCL

Pretty safe to say they won't...

ThermonMermon

http://www.ford.com/crossovers/edge/2015/

here's a safe bet...mid size w pano roof

Sarlacc

http://www.ford.com/crossovers/trans...av=header-suvs

dnd2984

iTrader: (6)

Buy it from carmax and get their warranty.


http://dougdemuro.kinja.com/why-your...m-ca-814250605

http://dougdemuro.kinja.com/another-...max-1560929025

knight rider

iTrader: (1)

That was hilarious.

ThermonMermon

haha, yup, i already posted that

ThermonMermon

these have made a huge impact on the Yellows here. and the interior, at least those outfitted for medallions, are made out of tin. i.e. the interior is exposed yellow metal. i ride them probably once a week, and let me tell you, any dealership in the vicinity of NYC would have a very difficult time stocking/selling these due to their local reputation.

dnd2984

iTrader: (6)

Sorry just noticed.

How about one of the bigger jap SUVs like the QX or LX?

MaxMike93

Had a customer yesterday who said her LR4 has been problem free, just that maintenance is what kills her. Her husband was the one getting a new car and he went from his own LR4 to a loaded QX60.

juniorbean

iTrader: (5)

We love the RR Sport... but unfortunately they are just too unreliable to even consider. Shame b/c I do like the brand, but would likely never own one.

What about a Ford Flex? Good room with a flexible interior, they drive great, and reliable to boot. Should be able to find a pre-owned for a good price...

http://www.ford.com/crossovers/flex/?gnav=header-suvs

oo7spy

What is this? 2008? Is that where Moog got stuck?

ttribe

That's a good question...maybe Moog was lost in a time vortex, thus explaining his conspicuous and lengthy absence.

oo7spy

You know, now that you mention it, I haven't seen many posts about Honda's obsolescence, Acura's Marysville 5AT transmission, Infiniti's aquarium inspired lineup, or The President's incompetence recently. Moog is definitely gone.

Booya4139

friend of mine has one a couple years old and really likes it. Versatile, nice interior.

ThermonMermon

again, on the sidelines to get car w/ house. so 6-18 months depending on market. but addicted to car research.

got it down to:

Probable:
-2015 (not out yet) Ford Edge loaded
-2015 GS350 AWD (broker offering $429/mo, zero down)
-2015 528i xDrive (broker offering $448/mo, zero down)
-JGC Limited (broker offering $389/mo, zero down)


Crapshoot:
-2016 (not out yet) Discovery Sport (only if it leases well, but highly doubtful)
-2016 (not out yet) Jaguar C-X17 (only if it leases well, but highly doubtful)
-2014 Genesis 3.6 AWD (CPO)...the leasing programs make a $45k car lease out at $200/mo more than the Lexus and BMW alternatives, which are $5k+ more
-2014 Acura RLX FWD (CPO). could be had at $35k. depends on if P-AWS could handle snow.
-What makes the most sense: X3 x28, however, the price point doesnt make sense, as the leases stink, and i wouldnt go CPO.

all-in-all, im really excited for the new Edge. Big pano roof, SONY sound, and Ecoboost engine.