2007 Freelander Starting at $50,000. Would you pay that for one?

[ak]

Just read in the paper this morning the 2007 Freelander will be on sale mid 2007, starting at $50,000 and upwards according to Land Rover.

My question would anyone pay that for one? If so reason's.

I would not.

[Ace]

Did you also read that it is much larger than the old one (LROI said that it is similar in size to the D1) and that is now classed as a luxury car and is more targeted at the BMW, Volvo, Audi etc and the base model BMW starts at about 65k. Its not targeted at the Rav, X-Trail etc like the old one was. I think it will sell, but not to our market. Its aimed at steeling customers away from BMW etc thats why the price has jumped so much. It would be good to see a Rav4 priced Land Rover so people who just want a simple runabout with mild off road ability could buy a land rover, but given the luxury road they seem to have turned onto i cant see that happening. Matt

[solmanic]

Well it seems clear to me that Ford is continuing to push Land Rover further up-market. I would have thought that $39990 should have been the entry price for the Freeloader. $50K puts it up against the big boys - Patrol, Pajero and low-spec Cruisers as well as the "mid" size Ford Territory, Prado and Pathfinder. This is also at the absolute top end for vehicles I would say are more in the Freelander's size range such as the Toyota Kluger, Nissan X-Trail and Subaru something-or-other.

Interestingly, the only SUV that I would thought is a closer competitor to the Freelander in this price range is the Nissan Murano. Maybe Land Rover have just found a pricing hole and are plugging it so this could be a triumph of price-marketing. High sale price outweighs the need for high volume sales. Lower volumes with the right marketing image means exclusivity - hence higher desirability.

So I guess we can all just wait for the $70K Defender next year...
(yes I know they say $50-something, but once it hits the floor with dealer delivery, stamp duty and "extras" like paint and doors etc, it will be pushing $70K)

[FenianEel]

No way known I would pay 50k for one.
Maybe if it had $52,000 cash in the console:D

It's still has the badge Freelander:p

I've read the reports, know it's a totally different and capable vehicle now, but 50k, negative on that. I wouldn't buy one at 15k.

Let's hope the Wednesday tennis ladys and the school taxi mums do though.

[Ace]

Well it seems clear to me that Ford is continuing to push Land Rover further up-market. I would have thought that $39990 should have been the entry price for the Freeloader. $50K puts it up against the big boys - Patrol, Pajero and low-spec Cruisers as well as the "mid" size Ford Territory, Prado and Pathfinder. This is also at the absolute top end for vehicles I would say are more in the Freelander's size range such as the Toyota Kluger, Nissan X-Trail and Subaru something-or-other.

Interestingly, the only SUV that I would thought is a closer competitor to the Freelander in this price range is the Nissan Murano. Maybe Land Rover have just found a pricing hole and are plugging it so this could be a triumph of price-marketing. High sale price outweighs the need for high volume sales. Lower volumes with the right marketing image means exclusivity - hence higher desirability.

So I guess we can all just wait for the $70K Defender next year...
(yes I know they say $50-something, but once it hits the floor with dealer delivery, stamp duty and "extras" like paint and doors etc, it will be pushing $70K)

The thing is that it will have the same level of fruit on it that the higher spec kluger etc will have so its an option to those people, but there is now a huge gap for land rover in the small 4wd market, one that needs to be plugged. A base spec model land rover starting at 29990 would be great. Matt

[solmanic]

A base spec model land rover starting at 29990 would be great. Matt

So would world peace... hang on,

...I just need to get up 'cause I think there's a monkey trying to fly out of my bum!

[ak]

So I guess we can all just wait for the $70K Defender next year...
(yes I know they say $50-something, but once it hits the floor with dealer delivery, stamp duty and "extras" like paint and doors etc, it will be pushing $70K)[/quote]

I think your right on the money here.

[Phoenix]

Realistically, the Freelander 2 is aimed at the X3 and X5 type buyers. There is still rumours of a black badged freelander appearing (supercharged/turbocharged), and ruours have appeared recently about a v8 as a possible fittament (one from Volvo).

As for the Defender replacement, I think that will be placed below the discovery, and there was talks of a smaller Landie to compete in the compact 4wd segment. More recently I have seen rumours of them keeping the defender utilitarian and aiming the real Land Rovers at a lower price segment. We can only hope I guess.

[loanrangie]

And how the hell do they fit an inline 3.2 ltr six in an east west configuration between the guards ?

[BigJon]

And how the hell do they fit an inline 3.2 ltr six in an east west configuration between the guards ?

Carefully with not much spare space!

[Ace]

So would world peace... hang on,

...I just need to get up 'cause I think there's a monkey trying to fly out of my bum!

I never said it would happen, even im not that nieve, i just said it would be great. As for the monkey flying out of your bum it didnt happen without photos. Matt

[Scallops]

So I guess we can all just wait for the $70K Defender next year...
(yes I know they say $50-something, but once it hits the floor with dealer delivery, stamp duty and "extras" like paint and doors etc, it will be pushing $70K)

Hey - it better not be! I just spoke with my LR dealer (as I have paid a deposit for the new Defender) and they have advised that the new Freelander is basically an entirely new vehicle - hence the cost rise of about 20%. The new Defender is not an entirely new vehicle (his words) and LR Australia have assured me that the '07 Defender will almost certainly only rise by 1% to 2% over the '06 model - so pricing, even on the road, will be nowhere near $70k.

[sschmez]

from the Melbourne HeraldSun carsguide:



There were a few minor shortcomings on the Morocco test drive, but Land Rover is working on at least two.
It is investigating the unexpected and unprovoked failure of a six-cylinder engine during some sand driving — with a promise from the very top that there will be no repeat in production cars — and installing extra baffling in the rear end to reduce some tyre drumming on coarse bitumen surfaces.

see the whole article here:
http://carsguide.news.com.au/story/0,20384,20931744-21822,00.html

[Captain_Rightfoot]

I reckon that the first freelander was doomed from it's launch (I still remember the edition of CAR where insiders leaked all the known faults), right through to the end with the k-series.

I think this one will sell ok. I guess it does depend a bit on the price. If it's 50k with few options it might do ok. If it's 50k that really is 65 by the time you add what everyone wants then it doesn't stand a chance.

As to the 70k fender... it wouldn't suprise me. It will help our re-sale, but not enough that we'll ever afford another one!

[Ace]

I reckon it will do well, i dont know if i would buy one because i want low range. If it had low range and a similar set up to the D3 it would be a great vehicle, it would provide people with a cheaper option if they dont want something as big as the D3.

The price range, whilst for most people is high is cheap if you are a BMW X3 or X5 person, then its cheap. We need to remember that Land Rover arent targeting the average Joe like us, they are targeting the luxury car buyers, and that is exactly what they have done with the new Freelander. Matt

[ak]

Matt it has TR the same set up as the D3 minus low range.

I agree with the Captain it just might sell at $50,000 but at $60,000 or more it won't stand a chance.

A defender starting at $50,000 and ending up being $70,000 with air-con and everything else you need would not surprise me either.

[Ace]

Matt it has TR the same set up as the D3 minus low range.

I am aware of that, but it doesn have Low Range, which is what i want. Terrain response will get you quite a few places but low range gearing is the key to any decent off roader. Matt

[p38arover]

I wouldn't pay $50K for any Land Rover

Ron

[ak]

I wouldn't pay $50K for any Land Rover

Ron

:D :D :D

Ron I thought you of all people would be a starter for one even if they were starting at $70,000.





















Sorry Ron could not help it. You really have had a bad run of it lately. I am sure something good will happen to you soon.

Regards Adrian.

[Michael2]

For Exclusivity & Luxury

would you rather be seen in a brand new Freelander
or
a three year old Range Rover Sport?

because they're going to cost about the same.

It's a bit like - do I want a new Hyundai Excel, or a 2nd hand Defender with mega accessories.

[ak]

For Exclusivity & Luxury




would you rather be seen in a brand new Freelander
or
a three year old Range Rover Sport?


because they're going to cost about the same.



It's a bit like - do I want a new Hyundai Excel, or a 2nd hand Defender with mega accessories.



Therefore based on that, depreciation on the RRS would be in the order of somewhere around 40% in the first three years.

I pretty much agree with you on that.

[p38arover]

It's a bit like - do I want a new Hyundai Excel, or a 2nd hand Defender with mega accessories.



The Excel will be more reliable.

Ron

[ak]

The Excel will be more reliable.

Ron

Ron keep venting it will make you feel better.

Plus it's a slow Friday afternoon at work and I can't stop laughing now everyone in the office is looking at me they must think I am on drugs.
:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

[Scallops]

I stand corrected - you guys know your stuff! I no longer believe the figure of 1%-2% more than the current price ($53k otr) for the '07 Defender, as I have ordered mine with 5 wheels (including tyres), 5 doors, windscreen, chassis and an engine. These options will no doubt take it to the $70k figure that we all know is real.

And to think I thought that A/C etc was included in the price - like I said, I'm new to all this!:D

[cartm58]

question is would a person with $50,000 want a Freelander ?
If l had $50,000 l wouldn't be wasting it on a new car regardless of make or manufacture
As for buying a new Freelander or 2nd hand RRS, l have to go with Ron and say l wouldn't buy either based on expected maintenance, repair costs.
Rather keep my 1993 Rangie on the road for as long as possible and keep the $50,000 ticking over in the share portfolio

[BigJon]

We need to remember that Land Rover arent targeting the average Joe like us,

That is a fairly big assumption! Maybe I am not an Average Joe, I certainly hope I am not!!:p

[Jojo]

The new Freelander is really a nice car (I have driven one recently) but the price tag is plainly ridiculous. I really cannot understand why LR isn't offering a base model, without much of the gadgets that are just nice-to-have-toys but the one who wants can do without. And his applies to all the model line-up, including the RR.
No, I'm not buying one, I'll resort to the 2nd hand market.

[Michael2]

Therefore based on that, depreciation on the RRS would be in the order of somewhere around 40% in the first three years.

I pretty much agree with you on that.

I got the figures from red book, which we all know under values Land Rovers quite significantly, but their figure for a TDV6 RRS is around mid $50s now.

[noddy]

I have bought my last Land Rover:eek: :o :mad: ....probably will never sell it, but would not be buying any of the new crop.

If starting all over again.....I would be going for the diesel 4 door Wrangler. Sorry guys!

Cannot stand the arrogance of LRA.

[walker]

I have bought my last Land Rover:eek: :o :mad: ....probably will never sell it, but would not be buying any of the new crop.

If starting all over again.....I would be going for the diesel 4 door Wrangler. Sorry guys!

Cannot stand the arrogance of LRA.


Hee hee hee haaa!

My last 4wd was a Jeep and thats what made me change over to Landrovers,:p I could not stand the service i got from Jeep. But now LR is no better.

I do like my LR's but i too have to admit that this is probably the last one I will buy new. I think I will have to keep my Disco till it falls into a rotting heap cause it is never going to be worth anything.

I do love my old Rangies though. They are much more reliable, I could do all the work myself and they are CHEAP!:D

[Turtle61]

Guys, from the article quoted before:

...from its styling to a focus on on-road performance and even a cockpit that is far more like a luxury car than a workhorse Land Rover

says it all. Just for that 'focus' they bummped up the price. Baby Rangie. And no, it's NOT for people who want low-range. It's for people who have no clue what low-range is. It is not for people who want to go bush (and scratch that paint). It's for posing and driving up to the Kos for a ski weekend in an expensive chalet. It is for people who believe they will have the lifestyle of 'freedom' that a 4WD gives. It's all marketing. LR is trying to move up to the luxury market and is targetting those who have high disposable income but think are too young or too 'wild' to drive a pompous, grand, luxurious and very British Range Rover or conservative BMW...

... as for the old Flandie. I like mine. It's comfy and gets me places with the family. No, it will not go to the Cape. It wasn't meant for that. Fraser Island - brilliant. Around town - brilliant. Long highway drive - brilliant. Bought it second-hand so all little things got ironed out (I know the previous owner). Would I buy a new one if I had the cash? No. I don't think so. It is almost as big as old Disco. I'd rather spend the cash on a Disco II or keeping the old Flandie and the SII on and off the road. I am sure FII is a great piece of engineering but I think it is more of a status symbol than a true 4WD. Price shows it too....

[JDNSW]

This whole thread has a rather familiar look. Ignoring the Series/Defender for a moment -

The Rangerover was introduced in 1970 as a more comfortable offroad vehicle, aimed at Rover's traditional upper middle class market but with a rural bias.

Through the 1970s and 1980s it moved steadily up market until by the late eighties it was clearly not only a luxury marque, but well up in the luxury range, and although they made a lot of money on each car sold, so few were being sold that (with the poor 90/110 sales due to Jap competition) that the company was in real trouble. Enter the Discovery to come in under the RR, as a cheap but comfortable modern four wheel drive, aimed at Rover's traditional upper middle class market. It was the best selling four wheel drive ever in Europe, and saved the company's bacon.

Through the 1990s and into the 21st century the Disco moved steadily up market until with the introduction of the D3 it became a clear luxury car. Enter the Freelander to come in under the Disco as an affordable Landrover aimed at Rover's traditional upper middle class market. It was the best selling four wheel drive ever in Europe, and saved the company's bacon.

With the new model Freelander is clearly well into the move up market! Looking at past history, a new model to fit under that is clearly indicated.

As a couple of asides - remember that the main game is in Europe - as far as Landrover is concerned Australia is a footnote. Although it is worth noting that from the 1950s to the 1970s Australia was Landrover's biggest export market (but still small compared to the home market) - but Australia has been the largest market anywhere for the Landcruiser utility models since the 1970s.

John

[DionM]

I must admit $50k is a bit steep.

$50k drive-away ....... maybe. But before ORC ... I dunno.

We have been looking on and off at something to replace our current Freebie. Coming up to 5yrs old and it's time to upgrade. I have had a look at an X3 - my god it was awful.

My only concern is interior room - I'm a tall bugger and our current Freebie is excellent for me (as an aside, I dunno what the writer of that carsguide article was going on about with a cramped footwell - our Freebie takes my size 15 boots easily) ... so that will be another determining factor.

It is interesting to see how LR prices have gone up ... I remember the days of $29,990 Freelanders and $39,990 Discos ...

I also think LR should offer 4yr warranties on everything - that'd be a big step towards improving perceptions of reliability.

[ak]

I think like most people here I would not buy another new Land Rover.

I bought my D2 TD5 new it's five years old and hate to think how much I have lost on it. I just want to get another 5 years out of it with out too many repair bills.

If the rumours are correct and the new 5 door landcruiser troopie coming in May with TDV8 is around $50K to $60K they will sell like hot cakes which will really **** me.

However as JDNSW said Australia is just a footnote for Land Rover.

[numpty]

This whole thread has a rather familiar look. Ignoring the Series/Defender for a moment -

The Rangerover was introduced in 1970 as a more comfortable offroad vehicle, aimed at Rover's traditional upper middle class market but with a rural bias.

Through the 1970s and 1980s it moved steadily up market until by the late eighties it was clearly not only a luxury marque, but well up in the luxury range, and although they made a lot of money on each car sold, so few were being sold that (with the poor 90/110 sales due to Jap competition) that the company was in real trouble. Enter the Discovery to come in under the RR, as a cheap but comfortable modern four wheel drive, aimed at Rover's traditional upper middle class market. It was the best selling four wheel drive ever in Europe, and saved the company's bacon.







Through the 1990s and into the 21st century the Disco moved steadily up market until with the introduction of the D3 it became a clear luxury car. Enter the Freelander to come in under the Disco as an affordable Landrover aimed at Rover's traditional upper middle class market. It was the best selling four wheel drive ever in Europe, and saved the company's bacon.

With the new model Freelander is clearly well into the move up market! Looking at past history, a new model to fit under that is clearly indicated.

As a couple of asides - remember that the main game is in Europe - as far as Landrover is concerned Australia is a footnote. Although it is worth noting that from the 1950s to the 1970s Australia was Landrover's biggest export market (but still small compared to the home market) - but Australia has been the largest market anywhere for the Landcruiser utility models since the 1970s.

John

Exactly. It's not aimed at you or I, but at the perceived market.

[Captain_Rightfoot]

I think like most people here I would not buy another new Land Rover.

I bought my D2 TD5 new it's five years old and hate to think how much I have lost on it. I just want to get another 5 years out of it with out too many repair bills.

In all fairness, you loose lots of money on whatever you buy new. I'm not convinced that the disco is much worse than many other vehicles that you could have bought.

At any rate there is no real reason these days why anyone should be surprised at what they get for their vehicles when they go to sell them. Did you do some research before you bought?

The only time in the last 10 years that I was surprised with the value I got on sale of a car was around 99. The car I was selling I bought in 94 and I'd worked out what I would have got for it. Unfortunately the Koreans flooded the marked and they increased the depreciation across the market. This was something I wasn't expecting and it hurt :(

I see that currently the freelander is rated at 50% residual after 3 years. So, if you pay 55k for a new one now, you can probably expect around high teens for it privately in 5 years, or low teens for a trade. If you're lucky it will be popular and you might do a little bit better but I'm pretty sure that's how things will go. Who needs a crystal ball :)


If the rumours are correct and the new 5 door landcruiser troopie coming in May with TDV8 is around $50K to $60K they will sell like hot cakes which will really **** me.

You can't buy a current troopy for less than 60k otr? If you want more than 3 seats in your troopie they are 55k + onroads.

[goofyr]

If the Freelander was the only Landrover I could afford then I would buy one for $50k, I just couldn't get myself to buy any other 4wd or AWD in this case.

I for one love LRs :D