Thread: 2016 'Defender'

Originally Posted by Loubrey

Louis,

I don't think LRJ will ever do combat in the Jeep and similar class vehicles market share. LRJ has always aimed at the premium and specialist vehicle markets and that is certainly not the space Jeep and their compatriots play in.

Direct comparison in terms of specification and available features would put the Grand Cherokee in competition with the Range Rover Sport - a completely laughable thought and concept and similarly so for the Cherokee Sport and Range Rover Evoque.

I've had the opportunity to switch between my 90 and a short wheel base Wrangler a couple times on one day and the Wrangler a truly awful car to drive. Its had about $12,000 spent on it for suspension and wheels and its still a mile off matching a stock 90.

I have a lot of faith that Land Rover will stay true to their target market and business plan without "selling out" to compete in an inferior market space.

Cheers,

Lou

Lou, I am sure you right as I have no basis to contradict you nor am I as well informed - however I am still quite baffled as to why the Jeep Wrangler is so Popular - I understand taste differ but look at the thing surly it can't out sell the defender at a ratio of 6:1 ??? And they more expensive, what am I missing ??

BTW this is not a attempt to Jeep bash, I am really inquisitive.

Originally Posted by LouisW

Lou, I am sure you right as I have no basis to contradict you nor am I as well informed - however I am still quite baffled as to why the Jeep Wrangler is so Popular - I understand taste differ but look at the thing surly it can't out sell the defender at a ratio of 6:1 ??? And they more expensive, what am I missing ??

BTW this is not a attempt to Jeep bash, I am really inquisitive.

I searched carsales 127 defenders for sale and 864 Jeep Wranglers - ratio of 6.8 to 1, so my indicative count on a 30km round trip was quite accurate

Originally Posted by debruiser

you know I really dont mind the bottom boxy looking one... please don't remove me from the forum!!!!

Don't worry you're not on your own.

I reckon the top one looks like an Ewok/RRS front spliced to a Mini or Toyota Rektum or whatever rear and is just plain boring, nothing special.

The bottom one has a clear strong side shape similar to a D2 but 'toughened up', look better as a five door. The rear window infill is a bit forgettable as is the dinky little triangle light in the headlight assembly. The slab sided bonnet needs 'softening' and the front needs to be more pedestrian friendly but overall it actually looks like an updated Defender.

Deano

Originally Posted by LouisW

I searched carsales 127 defenders for sale and 864 Jeep Wranglers - ratio of 6.8 to 1, so my indicative count on a 30km round trip was quite accurate

Just a lot more "check book" sportsman on your side of the world. Image conscious wannabees who want to look tough without any of the compromises. Hence a ridiculously thirsty 6 cylinder petrol and a very nasty clunky American autobox. All the gear, but no idea..

Over here in the west the Grand Cherokee outsells everything else and they are as common as lawn on the roads. Again, novated leasers wanting to drive a full size SUV, have the image without compromising on soft road comfort or price.

You can't really compare Defender sales with Jeep sales because Land Rover would in any case never be able to build them at the rate Jeeps sell. However, have a look at depreciation on a Wrangler compared to a Defender and it will tell a different story.

Cheers,

Lou

Originally Posted by Loubrey

Just a lot more "check book" sportsman on your side of the world. Image conscious wannabees who want to look tough without any of the compromises. Hence a ridiculously thirsty 6 cylinder petrol and a very nasty clunky American autobox. All the gear, but no idea..

Over here in the west the Grand Cherokee outsells everything else and they are as common as lawn on the roads. Again, novated leasers wanting to drive a full size SUV, have the image without compromising on soft road comfort or price.

You can't really compare Defender sales with Jeep sales because Land Rover would in any case never be able to build them at the rate Jeeps sell. However, have a look at depreciation on a Wrangler compared to a Defender and it will tell a different story.

Cheers,


Lou

So let me summerise W*&^kers that follow the crowd - makes sense to me - coupled with the unfounded and missguided concept that Landy's keep breaking down .

Many couch engeneers have told me the Range Rover Sport will fall apart in 2 years yet they claim VW are exceptionally reliable, obviously don't read the news papers, and base their argument on rumours.

Originally Posted by LouisW

Lou, I am sure you right as I have no basis to contradict you nor am I as well informed - however I am still quite baffled as to why the Jeep Wrangler is so Popular - I understand taste differ but look at the thing surly it can't out sell the defender at a ratio of 6:1 ??? And they more expensive, what am I missing ??

BTW this is not a attempt to Jeep bash, I am really inquisitive.

A good reason is that in my major regional area, servicing a population of around 100,000, there is a Jeep dealer here (and Toyota, Nissan etc etc) but I have to drive 190km to find my nearest LR dealer.

Originally Posted by cjc_td5

A good reason is that in my major regional area, servicing a population of around 100,000, there is a Jeep dealer here (and Toyota, Nissan etc etc) but I have to drive 190km to find my nearest LR dealer.

Absolutely cjc, the combination of what is really a pathetic dealer/service centre coverage for such a massive continent and the perception that Landy's break down is never going to give the general public any confidence... but you know what, they can have their cushy wallowing ugly jeeps!

...because as we all know what this actually means is that there's lots of room for excellent independent land rover service centres to thrive - who are masterly, more knowledgeable, offer a much better and more personal approach and are usually less expensive.

Although having lived many years in northern Australia with a Defender...there is a huge issue concerning the lack of Land Rover service options. ...and this is my biggest concern and the reason I'm skeptical about the next Defender/icon being a serious heavy duty commercial vehicle - LR are not serious about providing customer support in most of the regions we really use these vehicles.

- I so hope I'm wrong and that the next Defender blows Landcruiser away...

Originally Posted by LouisW

What on earth do people see in a JeepW or why do they choose them in such dispropotion to defenders. There must be something in it i.e. The reason commercial TV attracts more viewers with content like "Keeping up with the KarTRASHians" vs documentaries on SBS.

I'd start with price for Wranglers. Just had a look the 2 door is under $40,000 driveaway. Personally I don't mind the look but I've never driven one and would never buy one.

The other reason is marketing. When was the last time you saw Land Rover advertising the Defender. I can't recall ever seeing a Defender add on TV. Even when they advertise their end of calendar year, financial year sales the Defender is never advertised. Whereas you'll see the Wrangler advertised all the time and its also used in ads for other companies generally with 4 young people in it, the top down and water in the back ground with the sun shining.