Interesting observation......

[Series 3 guy]

Originally Posted by Cerberus

I'll probably be at the LROI show in Malvern over the weekend of the 28th/29th so I don't think I will be doing any Laning that weekend. I will have to see nearer the time.

Have just come from the Billing show and loved it. Is the LROI show as large?Was thinking about going just to hit the off road course.

[azpaquin]

yup, we buy all this crap. Toyota drops a badge called lexus on a toyota , call it high end and poof, extra 10k.. same with nissan/inifinity, honda/acura, etc etc. I know that does not speak to what you mention, but I had to vent...

Amongst the well to do here there is a percentage that embrace the uber-ulitarian-chic. They more often than not like to restore things and mimic countryside folk in the UK. They buy a house on the water or in the mountains, spend $100k restoring old Series Rovers and poo poo anyone who has "other" Rovers.

On the other hand.. there are others here in the US that are a prime target for a name brand or high end label anything at any cost. Slaves to a name. Burberry's, Starbucks, Prada and a Rover to let the nanny use to truck the kids around in. Stainless steel fridge, granite countertops, cherry cabinets and a deck outside made of mahogany.

When I got my RRC, I ripped out the backseat, the carpeting, tossed in my tools and trash , pulled out the AC and have holes in the floors...and still I never get an odd look when I am at the country club or ski resort.. so many people associate that car with status that they never question it.

I sold my mercedes 400e with 160k mi on it, thing was beat.. same thing.. never questioned. I bought a WRX subaru, because it is better in the snow and all I get now is "can I help you sir?"

[GriffSC]

just some more info from my neck o' the woods, cerberus. my area (California -- i work in San Jose and live in Santa Cruz) is loaded with people who are loaded. there are hundreds, maybe thousands, of Discos (1's, 2's and now 3's) and tons of new and old RR's. not too many Defenders and very, very few Series vehicles of any sort/year. there is NO question that the majority of folks buy LR's for status. i'd say less than 10% ever use them for what they are intended. it's all about the bling around here.

LR3's start at $45K and the local dealer had sold their full allotment of new vehicles before one ever hit the lot. the new RR starts at $75K (probably more). an '04 DII fetches $35K-40K.

i bought my '97 D90 SW (which i believe is 1 of about 200 in the US in that color from that year) for $37K in '02 and could sell for about that now (it's only got 40K on the clock). i've never seen another one like it in three years. most people have no idea what i'm driving, including the vast majority of other LR drivers. i see about 1 Defender a week, usually a soft-top and NEVER dirty - usually college-aged kids.

the most common 4x4s are jeeps and yotas, but there are a lot of guys buying new full-size Ford or Chev/GMC trucks and tricking them out. there are some at the dealer that are already modified and they are selling for $45-50K plus.
it's f'in crazy!

[Cerberus]

Have just come from the Billing show and loved it. Is the LROI show as large?Was thinking about going just to hit the off road course.

I went last year and it was a good day out. Its a great place to pick up odds and sods for the Landrover.

There are people here who buy Landrovers for the "pose value". Particularly new Range Rovers. I've seen a couple knocking around with 22" chrome spinners They seem to be a favourite with footballers at the moment.

Its very easy to pick out the "status symbol" owners: Here in the UK, it is customary for Landrover enthusiasts to give a cheery wave or flash their headlights when they pass another Landrover. If the other person is a true enthusiast, you get a wave or a flash back. If they have just bought it to show off how much cash they have, all you get is a bemused, do I know you?type of look.

I suppose the fact that, as Landrover are made here spares and such like are cheap. this makes them a reasonable cheap option if you want a 4X4. Of course, in America its far cheaper to run a domestic product like a Jeep. Jeep spares cost an arm and a leg over here, as my brother in law is finding out.

He bought a Grand Cherokee as a status symbol just because the next door neighbour could "only" afford a Pajero. Oh how I laughed when I had to go and rescue him in my 26 year old Series which cost less than one of his Alloy wheels. On three occasions, the complicated electrotrickery has handed in its notice and killed his battery!

[PanzerJaeger]

Here in memphis LR's are "bling" if you catch my drift.. Rap listeners buy them and trick them out. I dont like the look, but they probably think mine is boring. In any event, it wouldnt even bother me to see a rover with spinners as I know it takes us all to keep the company afloat.

[SCSL]

Originally Posted by PanzerJaeger

Rap listeners buy them and trick them out.

I think I'm going to moonlight as an acoustic rapper,,,,

"My name is SC, I've got a license to kill,,,
I think you know what time it is,
It's time to get ill.
I hit the rocks with Rover
and it's what I like,
I'll steal your hi-lift like I stole your bike,,,
Word."

[01001010]

....turn the BASS up on that joint....WHAT!!

[TerryS]

Originally Posted by SCSL

"My name is SC, I've got a license to kill,,,
I think you know what time it is,
It's time to get ill.
I hit the rocks with Rover
and it's what I like,
I'll steal your hi-lift like I stole your bike,,,
Word."

Don't give up your day Jizzle, Skizzle

[Serg]

Originally Posted by SCSL

I think I'm going to moonlight as an acoustic rapper,,,,

"My name is SC, I've got a license to kill,,,
I think you know what time it is,
It's time to get ill.
I hit the rocks with Rover
and it's what I like,
I'll steal your hi-lift like I stole your bike,,,
Word."

The Beastie Boys would like a word with you for mutilating their song..


Serg

[roverX]