The Liberty is my third car purchase in my relatively short driving life (I'm only 21), and hopefully my last for quite some time to come. Prior to this vehicle, I burned through two Land Rover Discoveries (Yes, I was silly enough to go back for a second one...), and after some hard thinking, found that I didn't really need a 4x4, and the crippling repair costs to go with it. So I looked for cars that are new, or near new, under a certain amount, are known to be reliable, I wouldn't be ashamed to be seen in, and have a 4-cylinder powerhouse.
Why this exact model?
Well to be honest, I didn't realise it was a GT until after I'd booked in to take it for a test drive. After looking at the offerings from each major vehicle manufacturer, both new and reasonably new second hand, I saw this vehicle advertised online, and put it down on my list of potential candidates, amongst two 2013 Liberty i models and a few Impreza MY09 examples up and down the Brisbane region. The 2013 models ended up being ex-rentals and were not particularly appealing, and the Liberty was listed at the same price as the 12-month-younger Imprezas anyway. After being told it was a GT, and driving it, I fell in love, and I actually didn't want to get out of the drivers' seat after the test drive.
What's it like?
It's absolutely mint. 208,000 km on the clock (Yeah, a lot for 7 years, but my discos both had upwards of 390,000 before they carked it, I figure 182,000 km is more than I'd do in the car in the near future...). CVs are well-maintained and don't shudder, creak or moan straight ahead or on full lock, ride is smooth and silk - not too hard, not too soft and bouncy, minimal rim damage, no visible signs of damage or repair, clean bill of health from REVS and PPSR, full log book of services up to current, next due at 220,000km.
What's the plans for it?
Keep it regularly serviced and mint. I bought it as a daily driver, nothing too serious, it's not destined for the track nor particularly frequent long distance trips, and I'd rather keep it in as close to factory condition as possible over the next few years. When finance is paid off, and it's all done at the end of the term, maybe then I'll think about modifying within the limits of the legislation, but not at this point. IMHO the 2.5T as is has more than enough grunt for the car.
Would I actually go out and socialise with other owners?
You betcha. Is this even a question?
The one thing I liked most about the Land Rovers was the sense of community, the common spirit amongst owners. Unfortunately I never got to get out on any trips with members, the bloody thing was always broken in one way or another, or I was broke, or I was at work... Those things aside, I would have.'
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Edit:
I'm up in Caboolture, North Brisbane, if that's relevant info :D
Hope to see you around.
Cheers
Can't see the photos? Try https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=457737831048989&l=607887cb10, https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=457737871048985&l=a299703c32 or https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=457737847715654&l=a81bd8a15b respectively.
Crampy