Just so you don't get lonely. Here is my tale of superior British design, engineering and quality control.
The (my) Range Rover Experience(s): I've had a Differential burn up, all Fuses
blow (I carried spares and used 3-5 a week), no Power Seats or Windows, various
pieces of Trim fall off, Side Lights pop out, Oil Oil Oil everywhere ö
all the time, thumping, grinding, vibrating Engine noises, no Heat, no AC, no
Heat or AC to the rear passengers, Remote Entry Key only works sometimes, ABS
failure, Traction Control failure, various Control Buttons and Knobs fall off,
Center Cubby Cover break, Rear Ashtray break, Transmission failure and replacement
and failure and replacement, Tail Gate squeaks and rusted, HVAC was designed
NOT to work on Automatic mode, Built in Garage Door Opener only works sometimes,
Brakes squeak all the time, Wind Screen Washer leaks, a Gas Tank that I couldn't
fill past 3/4, Cruise Control failure, Engine overheating over 40 mph, Trip
Computer malfunctions, Audio System failures, Rear View Mirrors that shake and
shake and shake, Weather Striping falling off, Remote Seat/Mirror Settings that
never worked, Brake Pedal squeaks, Sun Roof squeaks, Air Suspension malfunctions,
Break Lights that stayed on continually and, to add insult to injury -- a "built
in" Cup Holder that is such an outrageous nonfunctional joke that Land
Rover of North America actually supplies all new owners with a nasty little
99¢ aftermarket clip-on cup holder as a part of their "Welcome to
the Family -- This Will Look Really Great in Your Brand New $67,000 Range Rover"
promotional package. However, not counting the design, engineering, quality
control and reliability issues -- I really do love these vehicles.
The one time (when my Differential toasted in Baton Rouge, LA ö 100 miles
from a Rover Dealer and 800 miles from home) that I had to deal with LRNA it
was a total fiasco. Days waiting in a hotel while they repaired my Rover. No
help. No apology. No expense money. No loaner. "Its part of the Range Rover
Experience." If that's part of the "experience," they should
probably change their ad slogan to "A Truly Exceptional Piece of Crap"
I've read a lot of owners saying that it's a "quality control" problem
and Ford is going to fix it. Bull****. These are fundamental problems with the
design and engineering of the vehicle. Forget about quality control. There is
no "quality" to control. Given BMW's experience and dismal results,
if Ford has any impact at all its going to take 4-5 years. And those people
that talk about the "superior off road ability" of the Range Rover.
Bull**** again. I'm happy when it just gets me to work without incident. I would
be to petrified to venture into the wilderness without a tow truck in close
pursuit.
As for the Discovery in all it's feeble incarnations. As any Range Rover owner
will tell you ö we get to drive the Discovery all the time. Its the loaner
that we get stuck with when our Range Rovers are in the shop (which is often).
Man, talk about JUNK. Actually, SLOW UGLY POOLY DESIGNED JUNK. Admittedly, I'm
only familiar with the Lexus RX 300 and Jeep, but these vehicles kick the Discovery's
butt. While the Range Rover tries to lay claim to a unique spot in the SUV feeding
chain, it boggles my mind as to why anyone would ever buy a Discovery when there
are so many far superior (and reliable) competitors out their to choose from.
These vehicle are simply garbage. And let's not forget resale value. If you
keep your vehicles 3 years or less like I do, you're looking at the WORST RESALE
VALUE OF ANY SUV (See Motortrend and Kelly). See the 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998
and 1999 JD Powers Owners Survey. Range Rover = THE WORST FIT AND FINISH, THE
WORST RELIABILITY and THE WORST OVERALL OWNER SATISFACTION INDEX OF ANY CAR,
TRUCK or SUV ON THE ROAD IN AMERICA. I have owned 5 (Classic, County, LWB County
and 2 4.6s) Range Rovers. I started with the first year that LRNA imported them.
In that time only one (LWB County) has been relatively problem free. I now have
a 2000 4.6. This is the LAST time. At $67K it's a total joke. Next SUV for me
is a Lexus LX 470 or BMW X5.
FIVE RANGE ROVERS! ···· Yes, you may call me Mr.
Stupid.