Jeep Wrangler Islander and Mountain Limited Edition Specials to Debut at Detroit Show

A pair of limited edition Jeep Wrangler models named Islander and Mountain will make their premiere at next week's Detroit Auto Show. Starting from the Islander special, which is available on the Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited 4x4 models, buyers have the choice of four different exterior colors including the unique Surf Blue Pearl Coat, Stone White Clear Coat, Bright Sliver Metallic Clear Coat and Brilliant Black Crystal Clear Coat.
Exterior highlights include an Islander "Tiki Bob" decal on the hood, blackside steps and Moab 17-inch wheels wrapped in 32-inch tires.
Inside, the Wrangler Islanders get seats in dark gray with Surf Blue inserts, blue stitching and an embroidered Islander "Tiki Bob" logo. Blue stitching has also been added to the leather-wrapped steering wheel while the Mopar rubber floor mats complete the list of upgrades.
The Wrangler Islander option package is priced at $1,120.
Moving on to the Mountain edition, it is based on the Wrangler Sport S package, and is offered on both the Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited 4x4 models.
On the outside, special features include a unique "Mountain" decal on the hood, painted high-gloss Mineral Gray 17-inch Moab wheels, grille and bumper appliqués; tubular side steps; 32-inch tires; black tail lamp guards; and a Mopar fuel-filler door.
Interior upgrades are limited to the embossed seat inserts and anodized graphite heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) rings.
Available exterior colors include Rescue Green Metallic Clear Coat, Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl Coat and Deep Water Blue Pearl Coat with the Mountain package priced at $1,820.

SEMA '09: Mopar Jeep Wrangler Lower Forty "BigFoot" with Massive 40-inch Tires and HEMI V8

Taking the latest generation Jeep Wrangler to a new extreme, Mopar has designed the uber-impressive "Lower Forty" concept for this year's SEMA Show in Las Vegas. The crazy Wrangler Lower Forty rides on massive 40 x 13.5-inch tires mounted on Mopar's 20-inch forged-aluminum wheels while power comes from a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine coupled to a Getrag 238 six-speed manual gearbox. The Mopar-supplied Dana 44 front axle and a Dana 60 rear axle, fitted with 5.38 gears and ARB air lockers complete the mechanical upgrades.
In order to fit the massive wheels on the Wrangler Rubicon without using a suspension air lift, Mopar's team created custom front and rear fender flares that are 1-inch wider and are located 4 inches higher than on the stock model.
Other exterior modifications include the chopped windshield frame that gets a 10-degree rake, a one-piece carbon-fiber hood with a Jeep CJ-like power dome and an all-new drop-down tailgate stamped with the "Jeep" logo.
The Lower Forty also gets a roll cage that is tied directly into the frame rails, a color-matched center console and instrument panel and two-tone Katzkin leather seats while the carpet has been replaced with spray-in truck-bed liner.

Fiat Panda 4x4: The new JEEP MINI...

The Fiat Panda has been mentioned as one of the cars coming to the US. The interesting thing is the name of the Panda was listed as the Jeep Panda in a deposition filed in a US Bankruptcy Court. Could this be the next Jeep Mini?

Below is some information on the current Panda 4x4.

Fiat Panda 4x4

Panda 4x4. A unique car. Elegant, bold and smart looking, it combines Panda styling with the character of an off-road vehicle. The compact line of the vehicle’s exterior, characterized by the vertically arranged rear light clusters and the originally styled side windows, is mated to the commanding all-road attitude, that enables Panda 4x4 to be tough enough when things get rough. Specially designed bumpers with guards, side moldings, reinforced tails and carryall bars endow it with the look of a veritable off-roader.

Fiat Panda cross section

Fiat Panda dashboard

The cockpit, wide and luminous, is cheerful and attractive, thanks to the colored fabrics, the innovative materials and the chromatic contrast created by the controls, featuring a darker shade of color. Significant details include the facia, housing the main controls and the gearshift for maximum driving comfort, the commanding driver seat, ensuring optimal visibility and accessibility, and the door panels fitted with big pockets for odds and ends, a comfortable armrest with a big handle.

The Fiat Panda 4x4 in action

Panda 4x4 Cross. Strong personality and an appealingly ‘aggressive’ character. The Panda 4x4 Cross stands out for the protective body side moldings and carrier bars for an ‘all-terrain look’, enhanced by the driver’s high seat position, fenders with protective shields, bump strips, and oversize headlights. The under body shield protects the car’s mechanical elements and emphasis's the car’s off-road credentials. Standard 15” alloys complete the ‘strong’ appeal of the Panda Cross.

NEW 2011 Jeep Wrangler

You could already get the JK with painted fender flares (Sahara model) instead of black plastic. For 2011 you can get a matching painted hardtop too. Although it's rumored to be only available on the Sahara model. It's not a new idea or anything, several paint shops have done it and even Mopar Underground showcased a painted top JK in Moab, Utah in early 2007.

These are the spy shots of the painted-top 2011 Wrangler Sahara and Sahara Unlimited that showed up on toledoblade.com.

So what's the point? Well, with that in mind, perhaps we should be taking a look at the other small changes we've seen show up in the last few years in Moab to get an idea about what's in store for the future. For example, I'll wager we'll see a real strippy Wrangler in the next couple years. And that strippy Wrangler may not even have carpet. I'll bet it will have a bedliner material (representatives admitted to being able to apply it at the Jeep factory now). I'd expect to see the bedliner material available in Ram pickup truck beds too. And who knows, maybe the strippy Jeep Wrangler will actually be a utility pickup. That way the company could save thousands of dollars by not having to design new interior parts for another Wrangler derivative. It would certainly make for a less expensive test model to see if people really wanted a truck. We'll see...  

Jeep Wrangler - the future

With the introduction of the Rubicon model into the Wrangler line-up, Jeep reaffirmed it's commitment to die-hard Jeep fans. This model came equipped with lower gearing in it's transfer-case, lower gearing in the axles and air-operated lockers for both the front and rear axles. Riding on beefy 5-spoke, 16" allow wheels, and equipped with 31" Goodyear Wrangler MT/R tires from the factory, this Jeep Wrangler was ready to turn right immediately and hit the dirt.

The next move forward came when Jeep applied this formula to the Unlimited version, creating the supremely capable Rubicon Unlimited. With it's lengthened wheelbase and upgraded capabilities, the Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited is the best performing off-the-shelf offroader Jeep has ever produced. Soldiering on under the hood, the 4.0L straight six motor has proven time and again to be bulletproof reliable. It also delivers excellent low-speed torque. 2006 will mark the end of the 4.0L in the Wrangler, as it's replaced with a 3.8L V6 engine offering more power and more torque. 2007 also marks the latest iteration of the venerable Wrangler. With it's rugged good looks intact, it's hose-out interior still in place and it's go-anywhere ability virtually guaranteed based on the specs, it's going to be another winner. Jeep is staying true to it's spiritual roots with this Wrangler model, making it a serious performer offroad, right off the showroom floor. ...and they're keeping the live-axle up front! 2007 Jeep Wrangler specs 2007 Jeep Wrangler Year 2007 Make Jeep Model Wrangler Engine Location Front Drive Type 4WD Engine   Engine Configuration V Cylinders 6 Aspiration/Induction Normal Displacement 3.80 L | 231.9 cu in. | 3800.8 cc. Valvetrain OHV Horsepower 205.00 HP (150.9 KW) Torque 240.00 Ft-Lbs (325.4 NM) HP / Liter 53.9 BHP / Liter Fuel Type Gasoline - Petrol Standard Transmission Gears 6 Transmission Manual Tires / Wheels Wheels 16-inch

Jeep Bumpers & Tire Carriers

Bumpers. We all take them for granted, sitting at either end of our Jeeps ready to give it all up if some careless motorist gets too close. Offroad it's a whole other world - bumpers are actually put onto and into things to assist in maneuvers. They must shoulder-aside rocks the size of tires and still not weigh a ton. What to do? Well, the CJ / YJ / TJ crowd are pretty lucky - they have plain old, reasonably strong steel bumpers right from the factory. Remove those silly end-caps if you've got them. Trim back a bit of the steel to narrow the bumper and open up the approach angle to each tire. Slap some paint on the bare metal and call it a day. But what if you simply want a different design? More protection, mounting point for a winch, or lights? Maybe you have a Cherokee - get ready, those bumpers are ALUMINUM! In these cases, a well designed aftermarket or custom made bumper is the answer. From your buddy's garage to the Outback - there are designs galor and plenty of places to buy them. One constant remains price - the price of steel continues to rise, so the cost of bumpers goers up too. Building custom made bumpers makes a lot of sense, if you, or someone you know, has access to the gear and material. Get as elaborate as you want - just remember to plan for everything you want in advance, then build the unit to suit those needs. Be certain you understand how the unit mounts, as well. The best units use as many of the factory mounting points as posible, and even add to that with extra brackets. The idea is the spread the load across as much of the vehicles frame as possible - this is especialy important with unit-body Jeeps like Cherokees, Grand Cherokees and Liberty's. If you have a newer Jeep and want to keep the functionality of your airbags intact (say for safety, or insurance reasons), the one name that jumps forward is ARB. they take the time to manufacture and have certified, each model of bumper for the Jeep it's designed for. This means you can safely replace your factory bumper with a genuine rock-pounder that will still protect you and others properly in the event of an accident.

ARB manufactures great, though expensive, products. Not sure whether to spend the money? Well they are designed to specifically fit each model, mount to all factory mounting points and are certified for use with air-bag sensors. That's something to consider if insurance and safety are two of you goals with a newer rig.

Tire carriers are a whole other ball-game. Whether they are bumper-mounted, rack mounted or bed-mounted, they must safely contain that heavy replacement wheel and tire combo. No, factory Jeep rear bumper tire carriers will not stand up to repeated, rugged offroad travel - there, it's been said. What will work is a purpose designed unit engineered to handle the weight and dynamic forces offroad puts on components. Whether you custom fab a tire carrier, or buy one off the shelf, make sure to include for the eventuallity you might want larger tires down the road. A bumper mounted tire carrier designed for a 33" wheel & tire combo might simply not be strong enough for the same wheel with a 35" tire on it. Designs abound, so have fun with that - just be sure it's over-built to ensure a long, trouble-free life.

Jeep Bumpers & Tire Carriers ARB 4x4   Bumpers/Accessories Bad-Az Bumpers Big Daddy Off road Bullet Proof Burnsville Off road Currie Enterprises Durango 4x4 East Coast Bullbars Hanson Enterprise JeepFabrication.com Kennesaw Mountain Off-Road Fabrications MP Motorsports Proto Fab Raingler Roc-Solid Bumpers Runck Equipment Smitty Bilt Tomken Machine Trail Ready Way Off Road Younger Brothers

XENON’S 4″ TJ FLAT PANEL FENDER FLARES

“My Xenon ‘flat’ flares look great, and are fully functional too. I take my Jeep off-road, and these flares have taken a lot of trail abuse with no significant damage. They’ve been scraped against rocks and hit trees, but still flex back into their original shape. Great product, I recommend them.”
Scott

Similar in design to our 6″ Flat Panel Flare, this urethane flare is flexible and easy to install!

Don’t be fooled by imitation Flat Panel Flares, if it doesn’t say Xenon, it isn’t an original Flat Panel.

Please visit our Dealer Locator and order your set of Xenon 4″ TJ Flat Panel Flares today.  Also check out our entire product line of Jeep Accessories in our site along with our GT Styling Accessories for most Jeep Models.

New Jeep Commander 2009 2010

When it is time to buy a new car, InternetAutoGuide.com can help ease the pain of shopping for cars with its library of information and research for all 2010 2009 Jeep Commander trims and Submodels including the Jeep Commander Sport and Limited. Around town the Jeep Commander offers a commanding view of the road ahead and it is fairly easy to park. All round visibility is quite good, but at night the black tinted rear windows from the ‘A’ pillar back can hamper vision, especially when reversing. Our car was fitted with the optional reversing camera which allows you to see what is behind you by utilizing the navigation screen. It automatically comes on when you select reverse, perfect for hitching up the horse box but the boot mounted camera did need the occasional clean off, to see what was happening. The exterior is protected by front and rear parking sensors and the interior Simply choose a trim to view free car pricing, reviews, incentives & rebates, and more. Once you've chosen the vehicle, contact one of our trusted dealers to get discount prices on a new Commander and see how much you can saveFirst added to the Jeep lineup in 2006, the Jeep Commander is loosely based on the Jeep Grand Cherokee with several significant differences. A longer wheelbase allows this midsize SUV to seat seven passengers. A base and Limited model are offered, with a V6 engine in the base level and a 235hp V8 in the Limited. Additional fuel efficiency is available if buyers choose Chrysler?s 330hp Hemi V8. A five speed automatic transmission with shift gate is the only transmission option. All-wheel drive is standard on Limited models and available on the base model. All Jeep Commander models include a number of excellent safety features, such as antilock brakes, side curtain airbags, a rollover sensor, and front side airbags. Rear obstacle detection is also standard on all models. Available options include a DVD entertainment system, navigation system, off-road package, rearview camera and more. This vehicle offers ample cargo space, a comfortable ride, and excellent standard safety features

OR-Fab's New Jeep TJ Stubby Bumpers Add Functional Trail Protection

OR-Fab’s new Stubby Bumpers for Jeep TJ’s are a unique design that adds function, maximizes approach angles, and provides superior trail protection. The bumpers are made from 3/16-inch steel plate and include two 3/4-inch D-ring mounts, D-rings, a heavy-duty winch and fairlead mount, and a sturdy jacking point for Hi-Lift jacks.

Three models are available, the OR-Fab #83662 features a 2-inch diameter Stinger loop made from .120 wall steel. The OR-Fab #83661 bumper features a 1 ¾ -inch diameter winch guard hoop, also made from .120 wall steel. The OR-Fab #83660 bumper is hoop-less for those who want a minimal appearance.

The OR-Fab Stubby Bumpers fit 1997-2006 model Jeeps and bolt directly in place of the factory bumper. They are available in a wrinkled or gloss black finish, and work with any aftermarket winch system. “These bumpers were designed from a wish-list of features that TJ owners wanted in a front bumper,” says Steve Rezek, President of Performance Automotive Group. “We listened and created these products with them in mind, and included the features and reliability worthy of the OR-Fab name.”

All OR-Fab products are made in the U.S.A. and are backed by years of off road experience on and off the trail. For more information on this or any other OR-Fab product, contact Performance Automotive Group, P.O. Box 3450, Chino Valley, AZ 86323, (928) 636-7080.
DS Media




OR-Fab Jeep TJ Bumper #83661 features a 1 ¾ -inch diameter winch guard hoop made from .120 wall steel.

OR-Fab Jeep TJ Bumper #83662 features a 2-inch diameter Stinger loop made from .120 wall steel.

OR-Fab Jeep TJ Bumper #83660 is hoop-less for those who want a minimal

JEEP TJ SAHARA EDITION

Guam has a lot to offer when it comes to the sport of off-roading. Probably the first thing that comes to mind for most people is Smokin' Wheels, one of the biggest off-road events in the Pacific Rim. The true off-road culture can be discovered almost every weekend, up in Manenggon hills. That's when all the jeeps come out to play. Hans Ullrich can hang with the best of them when it comes to off-roading. After all, he's been doing it for almost fifteen years, in Europe, North Amercia, the Caribbean, Palau, and now here on Guam. This is his third jeep, and possibly the his best.

This 200 Jeep TJ Sahara Edition was purchased about a year ago, used and bone-stock. Of course, Hans' intention from the start was to setup a vehicle that could conquer any terrain, and his extensive experience allowed him to do just that. Hence, the Skyjacker 8-inch long arm Rock Ready lift kit, 35-inch tires, ARB air differential lockers, and a Warn XD90001 winch, just in case. Obvioulsy that looks good on paper, but how well does this setup actually perform? Well, when is the last time you saw a jeep driving up a car?

While this jeep is built solely to have fun, Hans is also very eco-conscious. After all, he's assistant general manager of Micronesian Driver's Association, so he makes his living off the ocean and the reefs. In his own words, "Being a conscious off-roader is important for everyone on Guam. Guam off-roaders are a great group of people that make going out there a lot of fun, and they are not there to litter or destroy the environment. We just want to have a good time and push the limits of our vehicles." All the work on this jeep was done by Off-Road Performance in Tamuning, a fact that Hans was very careful to point out. "These are the guys that go out there everyweekend, so they know their stuff. Been there, done that, you know?"

Maruti Suzuki Gypsy 1996

Specifications
Soft Top
Overall Length 4010
Overall Width 1540
Overall Height 1875
Wheel Base 2375
Minimum Turning Radius
Ground Clearance 210
Weight in Kgs.
Kerb Weight 965
Gross Vehicle Weight
Engine Performance
No. of Cylinders 4
No. of Valves 8
Piston Displacement (CC) 970
Maximum Output in BHP 45
@RPM 5500
Maximum Torque 7.5 KGM
@RPM 3000
MPFI No
Transmission 4 Forward, 1 Reverse
Brakes Disc & Drum
Front Suspension Leaf Spring with
double action damper Leaf Spring with
Rear Suspension Leaf Spring with
double action damper Leaf Spring with
Tyres Radial
Seating 8
Fuel Tank (in Litres) 40

CJ7 rescues Hummer H2

For those who weren’t there, I took this picture last Sunday, 21st May, out in Phase VIII, only about a half a km from where Karachi’s aspiring rally drivers were launching their 4×4s into the criss-crossing offroad trails in the empty plot that will be the venue for next Sunday’s rally, supposedly the first of its kind in Karachi.
A multitude of Land Cruisers, Patrols, Pajero Evolutions, Wranglers, Jimneys and various other 4×4s had come out to get a feel of the place, running up and down the trails and trying not to run into each other. Meanwhile, this 2005 Hummer H2 was at the other end of the still unpaved road milling about a couple of dunes. Apparently, the big boy didn’t want to play with the all the other leaner and meaner machines out there.
Back at the rally point, someone in the crowd that had assembled there suddenly drew attention to the lone Hummer stranded away on the distance churning up angry showers of sand this way, then that way. A few minutes later, with the Hummer well and truly stuck, the sand stopped flying and the occupants came out wondering in amazement as to how the unstoppable had become mired in the lowly sand of Phase VIII. As other vehicles passed by one by one, a few began making the detour to take in this rare sight. Taimur Mirza was then heading towards the rally point himself in his Jeep CJ7 when this small gathering, with the haplessly high centred Hummer as its crown jewel, caught his eye. Being the Good Samaritan that he is, TM stopped to see if he could lend a helping hand, or in this case, as it would be, a helping winch. No stranger to pulling such rescues out in the Phase VIII area, TM is considered by many an avid offroader to be their guardian angel.
First, TM hooked up a tow strap to the mired Hummer and tried pulling it out, but its heft just proved too much for the Jeep, itself no lightweight. Realising that trying this again would only make the Jeep dig in too, TM broke out the big guns - the 12,000 lbs rated Toyota winch gracing the front bumper of the Jeep. Of course, since this also required that the Jeep be pulling back as well, lest the winch drag the Jeep right up to the Hummer’s rear bumper, Dr. Mansur assumed driving duties while TM waited outside with the winch controller in hand. Ready or not, the winch proved just far too much for even the Hummer and yanked it right out.
But wait, our story doesn’t end here (just a little longer now)… the Big Boy’s pride was obviously hurt. How dare a lowly sand dune put up such resistance to the Big Bad Granddaddy of all offroad machines? So the Big Boy backed up a few feet and lunged again head first into the exact spot from where he’d been pulled out moments earlier. As one can imagine, the result was no different this time, but he was able to back out under his own power. Then he went back at it with a longer run up. Finally, all 6.0 litres of V8 fury came out clawing and biting at the sand, throwing all 6400 lbs of the beast right through the dune rather than over it. As if to add insult to injury, in the Hummer’s wake was Omar Salim in a beat-up, fresh-off-the-auction-block CJ7 with nothing more than a raspy sounding 2.8 litre 4 cylinder diesel, which ambled up and scooted right over the same dune without much drama at all, not once BUT TWICE!!

The Land Cruiser Prado the Sophisticated Modern Car

Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) launched the Land Cruiser Prado which is the result of redesign or facelift. The part which redesigned is the headlights with new design and the cabin is more spacious because the increased space between the front seat and second row. Additionally, the structure of body and frame is strengthened as well.
The interesting thing is the additional of sophisticated devices that make the driver of Prado more comfortable and exciting when through any road conditions from smooth road to off-road.
Multi-terrain Monitor
The special technology feature from Land Cruiser Prado is the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) which makes the damping that generated by the car fits with road surface conditions. In the latest version, there is also additional a Multi-terrain Monitor.
Multi-terrain Monitor display images from cameras that placed at all four sides of the vehicle. With this way, the driver can see the road surface conditions at six surrounding areas, front, rear, front side, and rear right and left.
By using KDSS, the stability of Prado is more stable when driving on the pavement or off-road. For the latter, Prado is also equipped with crawl control. As a result, the ability of Prado in various off-road terrains becomes more stable.
Interior
The windshield uses material that can muffle the noise. In this way, the sound of the wind from the front can be prevented into the cabin. Remarkably, the whole of the body equipped with sound-dampening materials so that the cabin is truly quiet.
The effort of Toyota provides the great silencer related with a sophisticated audio system that used in the Land Cruiser Prado. Toyota calls it "Super-live Sound System", designed by the development themes of Dotou, that is 465-watt amplifier and 14 speakers that optionally placed throughout the cabin.
The system is capable of producing acoustic space with impressive bass tones, a clear high voice and much better if compared with surround sound system 5.1. Like other modern car audio, the interior of the Land Cruiser Prado is also equipped with a plug for an iPod or MP3 player.
There is also the system of "smart entry" and "start" that used to open and lock the front and the back door by only holding the handle of the door. Another feature is the system of start and stop engine via a button.
Engine
Two engines that offered by the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado are a 2.7 liter (2TR-FE) and 4.0 liters (1GR-FEV6). The 1GR-FE uses double Variable Valve Timing-Intelligent (VVT-i) technology.
The system can automatically control the valves. Moreover, Toyota uses a roller valve type. Thus, Toyota claims that the power of engine increased up to 20 kW (27PS) and can save fuel 0.4 km / liter.
1GR-FE engine is installed with five Super ECT sequential shiftmatic transmission. This transmission allows the driver seemed to drive with manual transmission. In addition, this new engine can use regular gasoline (92).
AWD or full-time-wheel drive system and axle equipped with Torsen LSD in all types. The system directly determines the distribution of power to the front and the rear wheels adjusted with the speed, road surface conditions, acceleration, turning and so forth.
The best Version, TZ-G is equipped with AVS (Adaptive Variable Suspension System), or NAV / AI-AVS). This version uses air suspension system that controlled electronically, but only works on the rear suspension.
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado also installed the "multi-terrain select" button on the steering wheel. The objective is to facilitate the driver to select mode, that is Mud & Sand, Loose Rock, Mogul and Rock and to control the traction for optimizing the power and the brakes to get a steady performance in the off-road.
Other Features
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado installed the equipment that called Multi-terrain ABS. By using this tool, the brake performance will be stable on various road conditions, such as road dust, gravel, and sand.
Another system is the Downhill Assist Control (DAC) which functioning to maintain the speed of vehicles and ensure the stability. In addition, there is also Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), this system works by controlling the brake fluid when braking or accelerating. The aim is to prevent the vehicle backward, especially when parked on the ramp and slippery surface.

The Land Rover Defender Expedition

I have to confess to something. I'm a sucker for the old Land Rover series. Call it an innate countryside reaction (rural Yorkshire born and bred, quite feeble arms thank you), but there's something compelling about having a car that you can drive up a dirt track to rescue a stuck sheep without having to worry about whether the exhaust will fall off at the next bump.
I've tinkered with the guts of a Series IIA that is my senior by a decade, like an oil-covered Frankenstein stitching in the very heart of the monster. A classic Land Rover looks like a car that you can service yourself with nothing more than a wrench and hammer, and maybe a good pair of steel-toed boots for the inevitable frustrated kick that follows dropping a nut in the depths of the bonnet.
So it's with more than a little suspicion that I approached my next potential Landy purchase, because the more modern Land Rovers do not look as if they would take so kindly to an amateur mechanic wandering into his garage wielding a spanner and a copy of the Haynes manual. As ever I wanted a used Land Rover, both for the lower price and feeling that it had already been broken in to some extent. As I have already experienced the delights of bouncing about on country lanes in a tatty old Defender I decided to opt for a test-drive in the updated version.
With the vast range of models and specs on offer it may be a little daunting to the first time buyer. However don't be overwhelmed by the choices, because visiting a good specialist used Land Rover dealership means that you will be able to talk through your requirements with experienced sales staff who can advise on the model that best suits your needs. This applies to any used vehicle, and a specialist dealership should be your first port of call to avoid disappointedly kicking the tyres of a rust bucket that looks nothing like the "good as new, one careful lady owner" car that you were expecting.
As I was only borrowing this particular used Land Rover Defender for a few hours, I thought it prudent to avoid any off-road adventures. However travelling the back roads made it clear that the advances in technology have only served to enhance the performance of the Defender. I barely felt a jolt as I mounted the grass at the side of a single-lane country road in order to let another driver pass. And whilst I may love the classic models, one can't exactly pretend that they provide the most comfortable of rides over rougher terrain. The improved suspension of the updated Defender meant that even a vicious-looking pothole evoked merely a shrug from the vehicle.
Land Rover have a solid reputation built upon durability, and with their development of easy handling and ride comfort it's not hard to see why this iconic brand has endured even as local agriculture has sadly waned. I felt slightly treacherous in my enjoyment of the journey in the Defender, but there's no reason why a classic design has to mean a sore posterior.
All too soon I found myself heading back towards the dealership, wondering whether the Series IIA would still provide the same fulfillment now that I knew what I had been missing. Whilst I would be more inclined to leave the more intricate servicing of the newer used Land Rover models to the professionals, I'm sure that given time I'll be rooting around under the bonnet for the smaller tasks that can be handled by a competent home mechanic.
I admit that I was fully won over, and signed on the dotted line with only the briefest moment of hesitation as I wondered whether the Series IIA would throw some kind of sulk.
For anyone looking for a vehicle that combines off-road capabilities with on-road comfort, a used Land Rover could very well prove to be the ideal choice. If you get a chance to test it out on roads that offer slightly more challenge than the A1, you'll be able to get a feel for whether that particular model will be the one to take you up hill and down dale with the minimum of fuss.

The Used Land Rover

Seeing a Land Rover on Britain's roads is almost as guaranteed as seeing birds in the sky. Stylish, practical and arguably quintessentially 'British', the Land Rover has become somewhat of an icon. Have you ever promised yourself one? Maybe? Well, you're not alone. But in times like these where cash is tight and finance is tricky, buying yourself a brand new Land Rover might just be a tad too far out of reach, despite the current incentives available.
However, hard-headed motorists have once again turned to the beauty of the used car market, and doing so yourself might just do the trick for you too. Buying yourself a Used Land Rover could get you the Land Rover you want, at a price you can afford. There are thousands of models available all over the country, all ready to drive away at prices much lower than those of the showroom. Many dealers also offer similar facilities to those of new cars such as warranties, road tax and insurance - every little helps right?
A three year old, base model Range Rover can be snapped up for as little as £30,000. The Range Rover's sheer size and luxury arguably go unmatched in its class, at this price. Furthermore, many of them spend large amounts of time cruising up the motorway or pottering around town - hardly strenuous motoring to wear down condition of Land Rover's flagship model.
On the other end of the scale, however, is the Land Rover Defender. A timeless industry standard, seen crossing both the desert and the Yorkshire Moors. There's thousands of Defenders put up for sale every day across the UK, but be certain you know what you are buying before you commit to it. Many examples may have been heavily modified or abused in the past, which could lead to expensive maintenance bills year on year. Having said that, find yourself a model in good condition and you might just bag yourself a bargain.
Bang in the middle of the scale, however, are the Land Rover Freelander and Discovery models. Loved by farmers and families alike, these two models have shown their true diversity of the years of their production. Recent models share the same space - age styling, and the wide variety of engines used offer both good economy and adequate performance, whatever your needs may be. Spacious interiors are perfect for kids and carrying loads, whilst the bulky chassis is more than capable of towing heavy loads. Again, certain examples may be more 'used' than others, so do your homework before signing the dotted line. Wear and tear is bound to be commonplace, so bear this in mind when searching around. Otherwise, with three year old, base models fetching anywhere between £9,000 and £13,000, you might just find yourself the ideal family car at an ideal price.

Land Rover Range Rover

The prestigious Land Rover Range Rover brand has created a luxury sport utility vehicle this year that proves the company is focused on consistently out-doing itself - the Range Rover Supercharge. And Imagine Lifestyles has added one to our fleet of luxury rental cars.
Land Rover has a reputation of both on and off-road prowess, a legend on four-wheels. For that reason, the Supercharge was crafted for rugged off-roading, and to entice on the regular roadways as well. We have always been impressed with Land Rover Range Rover as a brand, and have invested in it many times.
Specs of the five passenger Supercharge Range Rover include a 4.2-liter superchargedV8 engine capable of 400 horsepower. The V8 was an environmentally friendly option, the Supercharge still has plenty of muscle, but consumes less fuel than a V10 or V12 would.
Two editions are available, the HSE and the Supercharge. The Range Rover HSE features a 4.4-liter V8 engine, capable of 305 horsepower. Both powerplants have six-speed automatic transmissions with CommandShift manual shift mode, full-time four-wheel drive with Land Rover's acclaimed "Terrain Response" system and electronic air suspension. The only challenge is to find the most rugged destination you can locate, and feel the vehicle respond!
The HSE comes standard with 19-inch alloy wheels, bi-xenon headlights, a power sunroof, heated leather seats, satellite radio, Bluetooth wireless connectivity and a navigation system.
The Supercharged includes all of the standard HSE amenities, and takes some of them a notch further. The legs on the Supercharge are exclusive 20-inch alloy wheels, interior leather and wood trim are upgraded, front seats are both heated and cooled, four-zone climate control and there is a rear seat entertainment system. One could effectively live inside.
With all that off-roading potential, safety is accounted for in every step of the design process. This is evident in the safety features, including nine airbags (it's a 5 passenger ride), electronic stability control with traction control and roll mitigation, four-wheel anti-lock brakes with brake assist, front and rear fog lights, tire pressure monitoring, and park assist. In other words, Range Rover has you covered as you roam the land.

We think the Range Rover Supercharge will make a stunning and popular addition to our fleet of exotic rental cars and luxury SUV rentals. To read about our experience attending Land Rover CherryHill, follow link.

The Land Rover is British SUV For the World

Between 1989 and 1998, the Land Rover Discovery 1 was the British Rover Group's answer to the emerging and later heated SUV competition that has become a phenomenon of sorts in the automobile history as the 20th century ended. Starting with the Jeep Cherokee introduced in 1984, the market for all-terrain 4X4 utility vehicles never saw any let-up. The Land Rover didn't fail to notice the signs as the name was synonymous to what an all-weather all-terrain 4X4 utility vehicle is about, eversince it started the business in 1948.

But it was more than that. It wasn't enough to have rugged manly attributes of a utility off-roader, but it must have the luxurious creature comforts that the daily commuter cannot live without on a daily city commute. That was what SUVs are about.

The Land Rover SUV Answer

The familiar Land Rover we see on post war pop culture media ended with the Land Rover Series III in 1985. That was about the time when the SUV started making inroads. The Rover Group took note and had embarked on enhancing its Series III with the pre-Defender line of all-terrain 4X4 utility vehicles that still harked back to its dated image with a cursory node to the luxury aspect of SUVs with optional accessories to make their products achieve SUV appeal. But that wasn't enough. Hence you have the new Discovery and later the Defender line to take care of the wider budget-conscious markets where its Range Rover had a more upscale high end market to target.

A Cheaper Range Rover by Design

The Discovery 1 was first unveiled in the UK markets in 1989 with a 3-door model. The larger 5-door variant appeared the following year. At the same time, the Japanese counterpart was marketed by its partner Honda as the Honda Crossroad in the Japanese markets for a good 10 years ending in 1999, 5 years after losing the partnership when BMW bought the Rover Group in 1994. As a cheaper shadow of the Range Rover, the Discovery was in fact a Range Rover in sheep clothing, though not necessarily shabby clothing. It had the interior structure of Range Rover with all the interior appointments left out from a Range Rover mock-up that eventually gave the Discovery its SUV standing in the eyes of the markets.

It even had some design element like a unique sunglass holder right at the center of the steering wheel that won a British Design Award in 1999. Some functional designs like its instrumentation and switchgear were borrowed from the Montego and Maestro Rover series, including headlamps from the Freight Rover and the taillights from its Maestro van. Under the hood, the Discovery 1 took off with two engine options - a 2.5 liter Tdi diesel or the 3.5 liter V8 petrol engine. In 1994 it was introduced in the US modified to comply with the strict US motor vehicle requirements. Improvements meant to comply with newer and stricter EU road safety standards were added like a Bosch electronic emissions control, a stronger R380 gearbox, larger headlights, a second set of taillights on the rear bumper and a more comfortable and safer ride.

Other improvements were done to comply with newer European road safety standards. A more powerful 4.0L V8 from the Range Rover SE model was used for 1996 models and onwards with a few enhancements like a larger, cross-bolted main bearings, revised intake, improved pistons and the GEMS distributorless engine management system. The Land Rover Discovery 1 gave way to the second Discovery 2 lines in 1998.

Land Rover a Fantastic 4X4 in All Weather

In my life time I have made a few mistakes such as women, jobs and especially with my choice of cars. The first car I ever purchased was a Ford Sierra which I purchased from a friend of mine. At the time everybody I knew owned a Sierra. It was alright for a period of time but it just wasn't the car for me. Anyway, on one snowy and very icy night I crashed it into a tree so maybe I am just annoyed at the car even though it was probably my fault.
Nowadays I drive a second hand Land Rover. In my experience this is a fantastic car to drive in the snow which is very apt considering the weather we are experiencing at the moment. When I crashed the Sierra 20 years ago technology and overall safety of a car was nowhere near as advanced as it is today. I feel safer in a Land Rover mainly due to the fact it is designed to cope with different types of terrain and adverse weather conditions. When I purchased my used Land Rover I couldn't believe how reasonably priced it was especially when I compared it with a new Land Rover.
There are certain problems though with owning a 4x4 vehicle. Firstly the fuel consumption is high which is what you might expect from a car that weighs over one tonne. This is the same though for any larger vehicles currently on the road such as people carriers. Secondly there is the cost of servicing the Land Rover but this is the case for lots of cars under a certain age. As the car is heavy it can be sluggish to get up to speed and move off the lights particularly because it is a diesel.
I did look at a few other vehicles before deciding upon a second hand Land Rover. I really liked the Chrysler Jeep Cherokee. The 4x4 certainly looked the part with its beefed up wheels and bodywork. However the driving performance was not to my style in some ways it felt heavier than the Land Rover. I also tried out the Toyota RAV4 because I have always had a soft spot for Toyota because in my experience they have been reliable and easy to drive. However the price of a second hand RAV4 that I test drove was out of my league in terms of finance which was a shame because I really enjoyed driving it.
So far I feel that I have made the right decision to purchase a Used Land Rover. But I will probably buy a different 4x4 vehicle in the next few years. Who knows perhaps I will purchase a second hand Cherokee