OT - I need some advice.......Q45 or Landrover Discovery?

[jbripps]

Hi all,

I know this is off topic, but I don't frequent any other boards, so please bear with me. For those of you offended, just click that "back" button on your browser, and spare me of your belly aching.

It's time to turn the daily driver back in, and I'm looking for some input on what to replace it with. Right now, I have a Saab 9-3 ('99), and I've got a few months left on the lease. The car has taken somewhat of a "beating" and I'd rather not buy it, even though the price would be pretty reasonable.

Since I got my P-Car, the Saab has taken a backseat and now sits in the driveway. My wife's Forrester is in the garage too, but there's no sense in arguing about that....I'm lucky enough she didn't leave me when I drove the 911 home.

Anyhow, I've been researching, a lot, and I'd like to get a preowned car, as it will be outside and exposed to the elements, so I don't want to bother getting anything new.

So, I want to get a good car, reliablity a major factor, as well as style. Also, I DO NOT want to spend more than 20 grand, and would like something fairly recent ('98/'99).

It seems that the infiniti Q45 is a great bang for the buck, as far as midsize cars. The resale value is somewhat bad, which is good for me.

Alternatively, should I go the SUV route, I've just heard too many negatives about Jeep Cherokees once they get around 40K old. So, It seems that the Landrover Discovery would be a good choice? Decent reliability, reasonable pricing on the preowned, etc.

Anyone have experience with these sleds?? Any input or alternative suggestions would be greatly appreciate.

thanks so much.

JON
'85 Targa

[Britwrench]

Neither..get a Mercedes-Benz E320 or maybe a C-class. Discos are ok as long as you buy them from a Land Rover dealer and sell it before the warranty runs out. Q45..and what's that?, last seen as cab in Tokyo
(I do know what they are)

[cim]

neither..here,here...both overrated...no
no to SUV as well...how dare she leave you when you drove in with the 911...my belly is now aching over this...

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www.angelfire.com/va3/vw

[JDaniel]

I was in the same sort of position a few months ago. I wanted a BMW, but needed AWD. The 3 series IX was too much, so I ended up researching the Discovery.
It seems as though you either get a good one, or get a really bad one. If you can find a 98'-99' with an extended warranty go for it. Otherwise keep looking. They rank pretty low on the reliablity scale.
I ended up buying an Audi A4 Quattro. Great car, plenty of low end torque (with the 2.8), leather, and German to boot!
You can find A6's for a little bit more.


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Dan Tolley
1987 911 Coupe
http://www.cheaterswayside.com/911/gallery.asp?sort=0&userid=294

[This message has been edited by JDaniel (edited 10-30-2001).]

[kstar]

My reply may not be popular, but it may address your needs, but in a rather unsexy way.

My family (wife, almost 3 year old daughter and I) made a 2001 Ford Explorer our 2nd SUV.

Got the 4.0 liter (smallest motor), leather, multi CD player jukebox in dash, 2nd AC unit and third row seating - 2 wheel drive for SoCal. 2 year Red Carpet lease at around $400 month; warranty covers lease period.

For the "green" folks, this SUV is considered an "LEV" (low emmisions vehicle)!

This is our second Explorer and so far not a single repair or out of pocket expense in almost 4 years ('cept for oil and filter, and air filter changes).

Even had one of those 4wd/ws Mitshubishi's cut me off at an intersection (I hit it broadside at moderate speed) the day my daughter was born . . . and the SUV suffered no damage! The Mishubishi took major $$$$ damage to the passenger's side.

It's not PC, not sexy and very common, but these vehicles just work, IMO.

Oh yeah, we put Michelins on the first (at Ford's expense) and Michelins came on the 2001 dealer delivered car.

FWIW, the Rover, especially "pre-owned" may have a high cost of ownership. I won't comment on the Q.

BTW, I wanted one of those new Ford mini-vans with the entertainment systems, leather and the built-in fridge! My wife frowned. Amazing what a kid and a mortgage can do for former single male non-sensibilities.

These Ford stores are dealing and trying to move inventory.

Best to you and good luck!

Kurt

[Nickshu]

Let me steer you away from Land Rover.

I am a long time Saab owner and have always been happy with the reliability/performance of my Saabs.

I got the Land Rover itch several months ago and bought a 1995 Range Rover. Nice truck, but a mechanical nightmare. Every time you blink there is something wrong with it.

I read constantly on a similar BBS to this one for Land Rovers. It seems that even the newer ones are not much better.

I talked to one guy with a 1998 Disco which he bought new and made over 30 trips to the dealer in 19,000 miles!!!
Rangies and Discos are basically the same vehicles (engines and may parts), Rangies just have more "bells and whistles".

I really dont like making blanket generalizations about a particular vehicle (I've had tons of people tell me how "terrible" Saabs are), but in this case from the many people I have met and talked with thru the Rover BBS, I feel like there is a general trend with Rovers towards constant issues.

So unless you have deep pockets or desire to spend alot of time in the dealer, I would steer clear of Land Rover.
If you still decide to do it, I suggest the newest one possible and purchase the 100K mile extended warranty...and any other warranty you can get your hands on, and make sure it includes rental car coverage!

Nick.

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_ _ __ _ _
Nick Shumaker
1982 911SC Coupe
nickshu@yahoo.com

[JEB]

A4/A6 Barring that a 4motion Passat.

All wheel drive - nice German engineering - good resale - good reliability - nice looking - nice driving.

Definitly not a Disco. I looked at them a couple of years ago. You know its bad when you get on their web-board and every message trashes them - that was before the series II however.

Go German

Jeb
'79 930

[bpcsguru]

The Land Rover excels at one thing: unequal off-road capabilities. That was my major deciding factor for getting a Rangie. Understanding that, I've been putting up with a lot of breakdowns and trips to the dealership. To me, the off-road prowess offsets the expensive maintenance. How will you be using it? If you're thinking of taking it off-pavement then the Disco will make a fine choice. As a grocery getter, though, look at something else.

Boris
1987 Carrera
1995 Range Rover LWB

[wckrause]

You can get a good deal on off-lease Q's. It's a lot of car for the $. 280hp, aluminum V8, RWD. That's what I'd be looking for if I wanted a big highway cruiser.

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Bill Krause
'79 911SC Euro
MY PELICAN GALLERY

[patalive]

Sounds like you have no real need for an SUV and therefore I would steer clear of them.
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I note that you are living in NY. If snow driving is a concern, I strongly recommend that you purchase an extra set of wheels for whatever car you decide to purchase and shod those puppies with some high-end, dedicated snow tires - all four wheels. You will be able to go anywhere an SUV can go on snowy highways and, perhaps more important, you will stop a whole lot faster in the snow than any SUV with their stock tires. Putting snows on an Audi Quattro, say an A-6, would result in a superb winter car.
-
Chuck

[R22tech]

Jon, hows it going fellow mountie! Seems we have EXACTLY the same taste, it's kinda scary! O.k. here's the deal: I have /had both the Q and the L.R. disco. The Q45 was close to the best car I've ever owned; reliability/performance sets the bar. It's comfortable, roomy, and boring to look at. Makes it a perfect daily driver, especially if you are in a hurry and want to avoid law enforcement. Next, I've had a 96 L.R. SE7 and presently have a 99 Series II SE7. Compared to the rest of the SUVs that I've owned(95 Xplorer E.B., 99 1/2 QX4, 97 Toy Landcruiser), I like the L.R. the best: BUT THE RELIABILITY OF BOTH L.R.s HAS BEEN THE WORST OF THE BUNCH!!!! If it is not under warranty it will quickly drain your wallet. If you think Porsche is expensive, you've been playing in the kiddie pool!!! That being said, you cannot find an equal ride as the L.R. It is very unique and that is what keeps me coming back. I will sell these vehicles BEFORE the warranty expires without question.
So if reliability is important my vote is for the Q45. Take care- Doug Martin

You can visit www.discoweb.org for more info about discos and a decent BBS for discussion.

[This message has been edited by R22tech (edited 10-30-2001).]

[Sportsman]

grand cherokees don't have trouble after 40k miles, the problems start at 110k miles. the two main problems are the fuel pump and the air conitioning condensor.

i think the Q45 looks to retro, i didn't even know they still made them.

did you consider a volvo? i am shopping for a car for my wife and leaning that way.

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Daryl Planter 91C2
Targa

[joehahn]

???? I can tell you NOT from friends stories, or reports that the Discovery was awesome! Had one from 96-99 and had no problems other than usual pain in the asss visits for dumb little things. I can honestly say that I miss that truck immensely. It was fast (gas guzzler v-8) sturdy, stable, safe and exceptionally comfortable.

Got rid of it to "upgrade" to benz suv and it frickin sucks! Getting off exit ramp I was going too quickly (one of those big circular exit ramps) and the tail actually spun out from under me. I hate this thing, only 18 more months and then back to L.R. or A6.

Joe 68L


I found myself also towing tons of stuff with the Discovery too! As I recall it could tow like 7K pounds? This whimpy benz has to have a tow hitch added as an option that requires cutting part of the Dodge Neon looking bumper away. What a waste this has been.

[Pillow]

I would lean towards an Audi A4/6 Avant Quatro or VW Passat Wagon (4motion if you need it).

Stylish and performance.

Volvos are competent, but might as well cut your balls off because you will not be picking up chicks in it.



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Adrian Pillow
1979 911 SC
1966 VW Microbus
PCA - Peachstate Region

[carnut169]

Jon- listen to the majority- Land Rovers are overpriced status bumpers. You will have to get second morgage to keep them on the road. I would MUCH rather have a 91 and up (newer body style) Toyota Land Cruiser- they are tanks.

The Q45.... I think they are under valued and if you find one that has been well kept you can get a lot of car for a little green. Another (fun) under-valued cars is the Millenia S.

One post suggested the Explorer... not a bad idea. They are VERY undervalued right now- with the whole rollover thing (Firestone) people can't give them away. It is the same thing that Audi faced in the early 80's w/ the "unintended acceleration". The 5000 was a good car that the media killed.

There has never been a better time to buy a used car.... in the Fall the prices drop- combine that w/ the state of our union and the rebates/ 0% financing/ no payments on new cars and you get CHEAP used cars. Don't settle- look until you find the right car for you. Good luck!

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Sean O.
Atlanta, Ga.
87 Carrera Cabriolet

[This message has been edited by carnut169 (edited 10-30-2001).]

[mwbaum]

I would say neither....the L.R. will suffer massive depreciation and will cost a lot to keep running. If you want the best mechanical quality along with good resale get a Landcruiser...one of the newer V8 models if possible. I have been driving Landcruisers on and off road since the mid 80s and they are some of the best built vehicles ever. When visiting ultra rugged places like Iceland and Australia...they are the most respected SUVs by far.

[mwbaum]

btw....Explorers are like station wagons off road....terrible handling.

[david c.]

I can't believe no one has said WRX. I think in that price range, with reliability the turn off to the Disco and driving feel the turn off to the "Q", a nearly brand new WRX fits the bill well. They even make the hatch version if you want quasi-SUV space.

Dave

[R22tech]

http://www.solaros.com/toys/photo3/rover7.jpg


Ever wonder how easy it is to roll a Discovery?

[mwbaum]

http://www.arctictrucks.com/ArcticT.nsf/pages/expeditions_Diary_Dubai.html


some neat L.C. extreme testing.

[This message has been edited by mwbaum (edited 10-30-2001).]