First post

[jsonova99]

I personally would just like a year or two old S. I just need a daily driver that I can get dirty chucking the dog in that also gets decent mileage. I had an HSE as a loner once, more than I need in a truck like that. I have the Disco for luxury cruising. Are there any plans to put a diesel in them in the US? I heard diesel rumors for the LR3 which is why I ask.

 

[syoung]

There won't be a diesel Freelander any time soon- there's a new bodystyle coming soon which will be quite different with different engine/chassis etc. but probably no diesel.
Used ones are a great buy- just check the history on 'em.

 

[jsonova99]

I can live without a diesel, but i wish you could get them in 5-speeds. I am NOT a fan of the tiptronic crap. I have never driven a car with that which I liked. If I am getting an automatic, then give me an automatic. You cannot recreate a manual transmission so don't even try. I really hate that whole concept. Anyway, just thought I'd get that out. Otherwise, I'm definitley considering one to pick up as a daily driver

 

[syoung]

tiptronic is better than nuttin... once you get used to it. I drove a Porsche 996 recently with tiptronic and it was certainly fun! Same day I drove an AMG C36 with auto and it was fun too... although a stick would be better. Wifey can't drive a stick, so I'm looking for something in between.

 

[jsonova99]

I've driven an Audi A4 and A6 with it, the Freelander and an Acura CL type R with it. I just don't like it at all. I can see whay other people would, but I just don't , it feels nothing like a stick. To each his own I guess.

 

[syoung]

It's *something* like a stick in that you have a little more control- but it's not as good. Better than having a straight up Auto with *no* control.

 

[ducati]

Tiptronic gearboxes are great for downshifting and holding gears through a corner. I really like them offroad, too. I have come to prefer automatics off-road, and the tip 12 a good compromise that still allows you gear control. And still allows you to fail hillclimbswhen you forget to upshift

 

[jsonova99]

maybe there are advantages off-road, but form my experiences, they are worthless on the highway.

 

[ducati]

On the highway-yes. But you don't shift much on the highway Seriously tiptronic style automatics are nice in the twisties. No other way to force an auto to hold a gear or shift. Not as good as a manual-but you can have LOTS of fun with a Command Shift Freelander (or LR3). Not worthless at all.Well, maybe worthless on a Disco.

 

[syoung]

There's no bigger buzz kill than having a slushbox change gears on you in the middle of a beautiful four wheel drift rallye style... When towing, it's VERY useful for keeping the RPM up and the engine in the torque band...

 

[ducati]

There's no bigger buzz kill than having a slushbox change gears on you in the middle of a beautiful four wheel drift rallye style...

Exactly! And this is not only possible in a Freelander, but quite fun!