E.D.,
Actually we started the whole "land rovers are crap" thing!
What it does, is it takes those people who need to see "4X4" written on their vehicle out of the area and away from our vehicles!!. If you need that kind of reassurrance then we dont need you!
Some of my friends were puzzled that I choose to own and drive one (well some) of these vehicles instead of a "car" like 4wd.
So what are the advantages?
Well, one of the obvious ones is size... it is very spacious! Here are some more good points about them:
Durability
Land Rovers have been in production since 1948, and it is reckoned that 75% of all those ever built are still in use. In fact, Land Rover drivers sometimes refer to other makes of "4x4" as "disposables''!
Greenness
It's said that a motor vehicle uses more energy to build it than it will use to propel it in its lifetime. If this is true a vehicle that lasts many times longer than other vehicles uses less energy overall than the multiple replacements that you would otherwise have to get. Also, a diesel Land-Rover is not a "gas-guzzler'', despite the reputation that some people have tried to give them.
Versatility
With most types of vehicles, if it doesn't do a particular thing that you want it to do, that's tough. With a Land Rover, you simply get some bits of metal, cut, bend and join them to shape, to adapt it to do what you want.
Towing capacity
The Land Rover is an excellent tug, both for trailers and for moving other vehicles. I've heard of an 80" Series I Land Rover towing an 18-ton steam traction engine; although I don't know what the maximum towing load capability for a modern, 2.25 litre, Land Rover is.
Ruggedness
The interior and exterior of most Land Rovers is ready to be abused! Be it climbing in and out covered in mud or rubbish, or throwing tools, boots, wood camping gear etcetc into the back Landies can take it!
Off-road ability
As well as having a wide range of gear ratios, the Land Rover has excellent suspension and good ground clearance, allowing it to cover much rougher terrain than most non-tracked vehicles of its size.
Longevity
Yes its true "Land Rovers seem to always need repairs".... but a lot of these are because theyve already outlived their competition and are mileages like 300,000+.
Comraderie
What other make of 4x4 owners wave to each other automatically? :D
What other current brand will arrange a gathering based on ownership alone
and have everyone get on well?
--- It comes down to this in my opinion....
Land Rovers are my choice
I can bag them because they are my choice, --not your choice? Off you go then!!
I can bolt just about anything onto or in my car, hows the commodore or the prado for that then??
I still have roof gutters on my current model defender, so I can still fit roof racks etc as I wish... (none of these special fittings to attach standard stuff to it)
I didn't see the army using prados or pajeros as their frontline vehicle.... I wonder why that was!!?
The Royal Family use Land Rovers, good enough for the Queen, good enough for me! (sound familiar people? :) )
I can wash my land rover out with a hose and still be comfortable... hows the landcrusier with that?
I have petrol and diesel options and land rovers are still affordable...hows your nissan patrol with that?
anyway....
How many owners really love their cars well enough to defend them like we do?
***My advice? Ignore them, they are ignorant and we are keeping them that way or then everyone would want one and the price would drive up!! :twisted:
And when you are still driving the "white knight" around and they are car shopping for something else, smile to yourself :) and wave, (resist the temptation to wave with just one or two fingers:twisted: ...) just smile and wave (it works for the Queen!)
