Is LR2 an XJ replacement?

[tacottle]

Greetings all,

In 2011 or so, I'll probably have to replace my '01 XJ so I'm always keeping half an eye out for what's next and the paper this weekend had an article on the new (out in the Spring) Land Rover LR2. It's a completely new-from-the-wheels-up replacement for the Freelander. It measures out just a little longer and wider than an XJ, has a straight 6 with about 20 more hp (but was getting 26-28 mpg in mixed driving), and is priced at about $34,000. It has a pretty sophisticated 4WD system with different settings for different conditions (snow, sand, mud, grass, gravel, etc.) but does not have a low range in the transfer case. Honestly, having owned XJs since 1988, I've never needed the low range (I've been in clay mud halfway up the wheels and the Part Time setting kept us moving forward), so I don't think it's a great issue. Land Rover's quality is way up over the past few years (like Jeep after the Chrysler purchase). Opinions? Anyone been reading the same articles I have?

Tim C

[ebxjbob]

I read an article about it in Motor Trend or one of those

Yeah its got a 3.2 inline six from Volvo, thats about the only sim. to an XJ

Its overweight and has a lot of electic crap, its IFS, and it doesn't have lowrange, I don't see low range as much good for going through clay or mud pits, but for controlling your speed downhill and crawling over obstables and the like, if your stuck in mud in 4 HI putting it in 4 LO won't do anything, your stuck because your tires aren't getting any traction

I suppose you can use the terrian response system in the LR2 for limiting speed, and it also adjust the throttle sensitivity etc, and i'm sure it has a downhill assist feature for hills

I wouldn't consider it a suitable replacement for an XJ, its to soft and difficult to lift IMO, There isn't really alot, if anything out there today that can replace the XJ

a 4 door wrangler rubicon is about it, but I drove one and they feel bigger and slower, maybe an Xterra, I don't know. I do know that XJ's are just an awsome all around vehicle. They have decent space, their nimble, powerful, reliable, and theres a ton of aftermarket upgrades and parts

I wouldn't want to bring the LR2 to a landrover dealer after messing it up off road $$$

Once i'm done with my 97, I'll prob get an 04 WJ with the 4.0

[Ghost]

JMHO but the closest you will come to an XJ replacement is the 4 door jk. :wierd:

[MoparManiac]

I don't get why people say that lo-range has no place in mud or clay? I've had my share of personal experience with mud and clay and I've always used low range when I get to the gooey mud. Maybe it's because I have 3.55s and 31s? But then again my buddy in his stock XJ does the same thing so I dunno. I've tried lo range and hi range in the same pit and got way further with lo range than in hi.

[Rev Den]

Go LR3 over the LR2.

Rev

[tacottle]

LR3 is too big (not to mention too expensive and too thirsty). But I did remember that the LR2 is supposed to tip the scales at over 4000 lbs. which seems overweight.

Tim C

[motorcityxj]

i think the xterra is a more in the spirit of the XJ then a rover with out a two speed transfer case. I would go with the xterra or a 4 runner.

The suzuki XL7 is a better "xj'ish ute" than the L2

[Stang5lgt]

Ford is bringing back the compact Bronco is 2009. Maybe with a diesel. Should check that out. Rumors say it is going to be priced around $15k. Ford is trying to compete with foreign market by making more affordable. And appeal to younger buyers. If they throw a V8 in it and solid axles it's ON!!!!:clap:

[xjtrailrider]

JMHO but the closest you will come to an XJ replacement is the 4 door jk. :wierd:

I agree, just drove a JK the other day and was impressed. My wife is buying a 2 door Sahara. I tried to talk her into a Rubi:dunno:

I don't know abpout the 3.8 and how good of an engine it is, but it had plenty of low end grunt. It would not take much lift/mods to stick some 33's under there either. The 4 doors look good lifted and have plenty of room for gear, they also score better on the RTI than the 2 door.

[Stang5lgt]

I agree, just drove a JK the other day and was impressed. My wife is buying a 2 door Sahara. I tried to talk her into a Rubi:dunno:

I don't know abpout the 3.8 and how good of an engine it is, but it had plenty of low end grunt. It would not take much lift/mods to stick some 33's under there either. The 4 doors look good lifted and have plenty of room for gear, they also score better on the RTI than the 2 door.
The 3.8 is a bumped up Caravan motor (3.7 in Caravan). With 3 inch lift you can fit 35s under the new JK. It pretty sweet Jeep. Alot haters out there clinging on to there TJs. The motor shouldn't be problem they have been using the motor for awhile. My wife wants one of new Unlimiteds. They are pretty sweet.

[ebxjbob]

The 3.8 is a bumped up Caravan motor (3.7 in Caravan). With 3 inch lift you can fit 35s under the new JK. It pretty sweet Jeep. Alot haters out there clinging on to there TJs. The motor shouldn't be problem they have been using the motor for awhile. My wife wants one of new Unlimiteds. They are pretty sweet.

Caravans either have a 3.3 or a 3.8, no 3.7

libbys have a 3.7 but its based off of the 4.7 V8 in WJ's etc

so the JK has a minivan motor, they lowered the horsepower a bit and increased the low end torque, whatevs, as long as its reliable

[Stang5lgt]

Caravans either have a 3.3 or a 3.8, no 3.7

libbys have a 3.7 but its based off of the 4.7 V8 in WJ's etc

so the JK has a minivan motor, they lowered the horsepower a bit and increased the low end torque, whatevs, as long as its reliable
You are right. The new caravans do not come with 3.8 anymore. At least they are not showing it on there website. 3.7 is the motor they used in the dodge trucks and full size vans. What I read in JP was it was version of the caravan motor in new JK.

[bajacalal]

Back to topic, I don't think a land rover is really an XJ substitute. Sure they have lots of features and when they're new and under warranty thats all well and fine but I think they are a nightmare to own used.

You talk about buying one in the future so I assume you want one that is used any maybe 10 years old before they come down to your price range. I advise against buying one that is going to need much work.

XJs are tough to kill and usually easy and inexpensive to repair. I think the current generation of LR vehicles are just way too much for the do-it-yourself types attracted to older Jeep vehicles. Parts are expensive and hard to find, there are not as many dealerships, some shops don't want to touch them and those that do usually want a lot of money. I have heard is that dealerships around here won't give you the time of day unless you have a new one.

[motorcityxj]

i think the xterra is a more in the spirit of the XJ then a rover with out a two speed transfer case. I would go with the xterra or a 4 runner.

The suzuki XL7 is a better "xj'ish ute" than the L2

gonna quote my self here for the first time .... and say that is a qualified statement i meant the most in the spirit of the XJ BESIDES the JK (i assumed you musta not liked it for some reason it is the obvious replacement for me, but some folks arent taking to them like i thought they would). I will buy a JK when they are more available, and my DCX moles tell me a diesel will show up in 2 years or less. Hopefully some day there is a long wheel base 2 door diesel. That would be my dream wrangler! :loveu:

My moles let me know about the Bronco being a forsure thing almost 2 1/2 years ago. Its a budget deptartment mole, and she is a chic so i cant get any details on the setup, there definately will be a bronco model though. Hopefully its a solid axle, and i definately wouldnt mind if it looks like the 2003 or 2004 prototype show truck.

[G.Q. Jeeper]

The Town and County's come with the 3.8 - speaking of which that is a damn hot and sexy van I want one now!

Jeff

[casm]

Back to topic, I don't think a land rover is really an XJ substitute. Sure they have lots of features and when they're new and under warranty thats all well and fine but I think they are a nightmare to own used.

I have to agree with this - to an extent. Both I and my family have owned Land-Rovers at various times, and all have been about on a par with XJs in terms of reliability and maintenance costs. Now for the kicker: this was in Europe.

When I was looking at getting a 4x4 again a few years ago, I really thought I'd just dig up another Series IIA or III Land-Rover and be done with it, but deciding that it would have to do DD duty in Southern California (where A/C counts for a lot), I drew up a different shortlist: Land-Rover Discovery, Toyota 4Runner, Nissan Pathfinder, Chevy Tahoe (2-door only), and the XJ. There weren't many 2-door Tahoes on the market in 4WD, and of the Pathfinders and 4Runners I could find, most were completely beat to hell. So ultimately it came down to either the Disco or XJ.

Both are vehicles I like equally, but driving a Disco again and doing some research pushed me to the XJ. Basically, this is the wrong continent for Land-Rovers; there's too much home-grown competition. Maintenance costs are high, reliability is patchy by comparison, and parts availability is nowhere near as good. Even with Ford improving quality at Land-Rover, they're still boutique vehicles in the US. Not that that means they're bad (hell, I know someone who wheels a Dormobile Landie!), but the support just isn't there to the same degree.

I have heard is that dealerships around here won't give you the time of day unless you have a new one.

Definitely true in this neck of the woods.