Hey, steady on chaps, no need to bust a blood vessal over this. The trouble is with this forum, and may others I suspect is that people seek this place out when they have problems (I was no different in the begining). And like any other item that goes wrong, its gonna get slated.
Now the Hippo has it issues, fact. So do many other cars, for example, my Citroen Piccaso electrics are the biggest pain in the arse and its engine sounds like a sewing machine, but it does the job I ask of it so whats the issue?
My Hippo has had issues in its past, before I owned it (as I have now discovered). The rear subframe is welded to the floor pan and its on its second VCU and bearings. In the two years I've owned it I've changed a drive shaft, both front window regulators, rad welded the heater matrix, replaced a lower wishbone, the list goes on. I do it cus I like doing it and I still state that the Hippo is the best car I've ever driven, all things into consideration. Also I allow for the fact that its 9 years old and has done 100,000 miles.
I know someone who had a 1.8 and got rid of it after shelling out on a new HG. Is the K series prone to such things, yes. Does the additional work it has to do to propel a FL1 help this, probably not. Therefore 1.8 Hippos have HGF. But when they don't have HGF I'm sure there are many on here that say they are a good car. Would I buy one, No, but others have.
I have another mate who drives a Shogun. He thinks its great, it does what he wants of it. Great, no problem with that.
Personally, my needs in a car were needed to be met and I've chosen the LR FL1 and I'm happy with it!!
Now lets do what we're good at on here and makes sure that those with problems become happy with their FLs rather than stating that because they bought one they must be a dense ****, cus in my opinion they aint and thats not why I log on here every day.
