Heard of Crosslander?

[Houndoc]

Me niether until I stumbled across them on while searching used car inventory at the National Auto Palza web site. It appears to be a Brazil/Romanian joit project for a cheap (or hopefully inexpensive is a better word) off-road geared SUV. Other than being smaller than the others vehicles I am looking at and being a complete unknown, it sounds interesting in a world where most SUVs are becoming expensive station waggons.

Their web-site is crosslander4x4.com.

Sounds interesting, but I don't know that I want to be the first on the block with one (don't want the off-road version of a yugo!)

Curious.....

 

[Spork]

Think I remember something a while ago about them. not sure where I saw it though...
It looks like a Land Rover rip-off. Might be interesting getting parts for something like that. I think they might be more successfull bringing back something like the D90 than something that large. Of course price and quality are 2 factors...

 

[CJJ92yj]

They're coming!!!

http://www.crosslander4x4.com/
http://www.chapmancrosslander.com/default.asp

Looks like this model is going to be coming around this fall. National Auto Plaza down south appears to be a Crosslander Dealership too. Reading this article will give you a little insight to their history.

I've also heard they are in with Ford, and that they ended up using the same drivetrain out of a Ranger to be able to get it to pass the EPA.

Also, for whatever it's worth, I've heard that Aro vehicles were built like tanks. Of course, I'll have to form my own opinion of the vehicle when I see it. But I am impressed thus far.

 

[Milner]

It is the same vehicle they have been trying to import for over 10 years. It has had many names and various motor/tranny combos. They keep having problems with epa/emisions/crash tests. I had a friend that put a down payment on one many years ago....never got the rig and took forever to get his money back, still not sure if he ever got all of it. It was under the name ARO back then.

The demo Steve Harris had back then, did look cool, but not very well built....

 

[jfonze]

From What I know, they have been trying for years to get them in the U.S market. I remember seeing pictures of them in the mid 90's with a look more of prestige. I think they were trying to fit in the area of a less expensive, just as luxurious rang rover.

The only possible down side is there likly lack of wheel travel. I have yet to see a vehicle with IFS and rear leaf springs to give enough travel to be worth using for serious off-roading. Not that IFS and Rear leafs are bad, I mean many full size trucks and midsize have the same set up and do well. but with something that is being marketed as a BAD ASS off-road rig that comes compleat with rack and snorkel, you would think they would make a suspension that would give high performance as well.

I fear it could easily turn into a poser vehicle, though I must say, I would get one of those before I got a New diso. what are those now? are they the LR3?

 

[Utah Jeeper]

I am not affraid to say I would get one. I love the way they look and I like having the stuff that is more uniqe. I wouldnt buy it off the bat but I would lease it. Give it back after the warrenty goes up and then let you guys know how it was.

 

[CJJ92yj]

Well, for serious off-roading, I wouldn't buy one either. On the other hand, I seldom do what most on this board would call serious off-roading. Will have to check them out a lot more before anything serious happens though.

 

[Houndoc]

It will be interesting to see just what they are like if/when they really get here. from what I found out when I initially posted, they were meant as anything but a luxury (that ain't spelled right, is it?) vehicle.

Anything geared for off-road and relatively cheap is worth a look in my mind!