Discussion
I'm looking to change cars to a small 4x4/compact SUV type of vehicle. I'm a funny bugger when it comes to what I like or don't like and what I'd spend my own money on - so far the only thing that really appeals (and is practical) is a Subaru Forester.
The Freelander 2 is starting to grow on me so I may go have a proper look at one (the dealers I've gone into so far haven't actually had one in the showroom).
Assuming new, what's the score with discounts, reliability (I was looking at Defenders a while back but despite loving the looks they just aren't practical IMO) and so on?
It does seem that compared to the Subaru (and most Japanese cars) you're getting into the VW/Audi/BMW game of paying for every little add-on vs. a good spec to start with, unless you want to spend £36k on a top of the range one to start with.
(Not to sound rude but could we keep it to the FL2, I don't care if I can get a Disco or a six year old Range Rover and so on).
The Freelander 2 is starting to grow on me so I may go have a proper look at one (the dealers I've gone into so far haven't actually had one in the showroom).
Assuming new, what's the score with discounts, reliability (I was looking at Defenders a while back but despite loving the looks they just aren't practical IMO) and so on?
It does seem that compared to the Subaru (and most Japanese cars) you're getting into the VW/Audi/BMW game of paying for every little add-on vs. a good spec to start with, unless you want to spend £36k on a top of the range one to start with.
(Not to sound rude but could we keep it to the FL2, I don't care if I can get a Disco or a six year old Range Rover and so on).
I was lent one for a couple of weeks and was pleasantly surprised - 2.2TD with the autobox was pokey and responsive, ride was excellent, handling good enough and general ambience way ahead of the competition. Did a couple of long runs in it and it proved a really good cruiser too. Light years ahead of FL1.
I've had a Freelander from new for the last 6 months and 13,000 miles.Mine is metallic black with grey leather - a fairly rare combination which I think looks good.
I went for the xs which is an excellent spec and a good saving over the hse for not a lot less equipment.Mine has been faultless over mainly a and b roads and some long runs.It averages 38-40 mpg easily and the latest spec are meant to be better.I think there are now 2 engine specs available - mine is the old 170 bhp 2.2td which is fine in this sort of car.
I came to it from a 630 sport and had some reservations but if asked today I would have another without hesitation.It is practical,comfortable,good on motorways,wonderful in the snow,feels well made and in xs trim has a geat spec.
It also does a lot better in the snow than the likes of the Tiguan - as a friend of mine found out when following me as his Tiguan got stuck while the Freelander carried on regardless.
I went for the xs which is an excellent spec and a good saving over the hse for not a lot less equipment.Mine has been faultless over mainly a and b roads and some long runs.It averages 38-40 mpg easily and the latest spec are meant to be better.I think there are now 2 engine specs available - mine is the old 170 bhp 2.2td which is fine in this sort of car.
I came to it from a 630 sport and had some reservations but if asked today I would have another without hesitation.It is practical,comfortable,good on motorways,wonderful in the snow,feels well made and in xs trim has a geat spec.
It also does a lot better in the snow than the likes of the Tiguan - as a friend of mine found out when following me as his Tiguan got stuck while the Freelander carried on regardless.
Thanks, that's good to know as I have a Boxster right now so also have some reservations. GS or XS would be the likely models I'd be looking at.
I have found just from Youtube vids that the colour, as well as trivial things like privacy glass really affect the appearance of the car, which probably explains why I've found it quite marmite.
Warranty is comparable to the Subaru, not sure about servicing costs, and obviously resale/depreciation is useful to know though I accept if that's a big concern don't buy a new car
Be interested in knowing about the manual vs. the automatic as part of me is sick and tired of manuals and an auto perhaps makes more sense in a car like this, but I know some manufacturers automatics are woeful - Subaru are apparently a good example of this with an automatic that even a dealer said was s
t.
Oh and TD4 vs. SD4? SD4 gives quicker 0-60 but higher emissions, auto only, and worse MPG so what's the point?
I have found just from Youtube vids that the colour, as well as trivial things like privacy glass really affect the appearance of the car, which probably explains why I've found it quite marmite.
Warranty is comparable to the Subaru, not sure about servicing costs, and obviously resale/depreciation is useful to know though I accept if that's a big concern don't buy a new car
Be interested in knowing about the manual vs. the automatic as part of me is sick and tired of manuals and an auto perhaps makes more sense in a car like this, but I know some manufacturers automatics are woeful - Subaru are apparently a good example of this with an automatic that even a dealer said was s
t.Oh and TD4 vs. SD4? SD4 gives quicker 0-60 but higher emissions, auto only, and worse MPG so what's the point?
My sister is on her second.
The first was quite a high spec TD4 manual, and over the two years she had it, it covered about 12k - in that time was pretty reliable, but did have to go into the dealer a couple if times for mainly software issues
Her new one is a fully loaded 2.2 diesel auto in white - it looks lovely and drives really nicely, but..... She's had it about two months during which it's been into the dealer 7, yes 7 times so far, and still has a couple of gremlins, poor starting from cold and random gear changes being the biggest. It's also had problems with the sat nav, reversing camera and the keyless entry system, although they seem to have been resolved
The first was quite a high spec TD4 manual, and over the two years she had it, it covered about 12k - in that time was pretty reliable, but did have to go into the dealer a couple if times for mainly software issues
Her new one is a fully loaded 2.2 diesel auto in white - it looks lovely and drives really nicely, but..... She's had it about two months during which it's been into the dealer 7, yes 7 times so far, and still has a couple of gremlins, poor starting from cold and random gear changes being the biggest. It's also had problems with the sat nav, reversing camera and the keyless entry system, although they seem to have been resolved
mine has the privacy glass and to my eye it makes a major positive difference to the car - well worth the extra.
I can't comment about the auto as I've only driven the manual which is a decent 6 speed which I'd be happy to have again.
The essential extras for me are the privacy glass and the leather which brings with it the arm rests on the side of the front seats and which transform the driving position - I tried one with these and wouldn't have the car without them.
This assumes you go for the xs - check the specs/price carefully as it seemed well worth the extra over the gs.Also be careful when considering a limited edition as they seem to leave out some items you'd expect for little gain over the standard version and you may face a valuation issue on resale.
p.s.I had a Boxster in the past and miss it but for day to day practicality the comparison isn't fair.I do have a toy for the times that I feel I need something different - only a 500 ss but its great fun.
I can't comment about the auto as I've only driven the manual which is a decent 6 speed which I'd be happy to have again.
The essential extras for me are the privacy glass and the leather which brings with it the arm rests on the side of the front seats and which transform the driving position - I tried one with these and wouldn't have the car without them.
This assumes you go for the xs - check the specs/price carefully as it seemed well worth the extra over the gs.Also be careful when considering a limited edition as they seem to leave out some items you'd expect for little gain over the standard version and you may face a valuation issue on resale.
p.s.I had a Boxster in the past and miss it but for day to day practicality the comparison isn't fair.I do have a toy for the times that I feel I need something different - only a 500 ss but its great fun.
Freelander 2 Is a brilliant car. Perhaps the best all rounder Landrover make. You would be hard pushed to think that its a tall suv and with the Haldex unit you only use AWD when required
The 3.2 straight 6 is ok but my choice would be the Diesel with Automatic gearbox.
May also be worth waiting for a while to get a better deal on a used one because the "high power" diesel has not long come out (SD4) so the market may have an influx of decent TD4's in the near future
The 3.2 straight 6 is ok but my choice would be the Diesel with Automatic gearbox.
May also be worth waiting for a while to get a better deal on a used one because the "high power" diesel has not long come out (SD4) so the market may have an influx of decent TD4's in the near future
we had the high spec hse model as a courtesy car last year with the auto box, got to say fantastic car, lots of toys to play with and gear changes are really smooth.... liked it so much we bought one a week before crimbo. although the GS model it had been fully speced (besides full leather) by its previous owner. did really well in the snow but it seems to struggle on start up in the very cold, we've also had to replace the battery as that gave up (and after abit of reading is fairly common (even on low milage cars)). also personally i find the premium sound system by alpine not that great it has a subwoofer and even when the bass is turned down it doesent sound right (hard to describe but try it on test) plenty of room in the back aswell i'm 5.9 and have lots of room in the back.
we have a 57 plate XS, love the thing. My mini and TVR have both been **** over the last month as I live in rural Lancashire, the wifes Freelander has been a joy and unstoppable (if you ever want winter tytes for one Wintrac 4's are brilliant). Build quality not the best. No major isues, but you do seem to spend a lot of time being told it needs a software upgrade. I would also suggest if buying from a Landrover dealer you specifically agree that the dealer will cover any software upgrades needed. Despite being Landrover approved vehicles the warranty is third party and does not cover software "upgrades", although how a software patch required just for the thing to start can be an upgrade ....... I got it done by the dealer free, but had so have some heated debates with them over themeaning of the word upgrade.
On the manual v auto front, I have driven both and prefer the manual. Appreciate all the reasons people prefer the auto and it is smoother, but I am not the most relaxed driver and hated the auto as it just kept shifting when I planted it looking for power that wasn't there. This is more a case of the auto being the wrong car for my driving style than any real criticism of the auto.
On the manual v auto front, I have driven both and prefer the manual. Appreciate all the reasons people prefer the auto and it is smoother, but I am not the most relaxed driver and hated the auto as it just kept shifting when I planted it looking for power that wasn't there. This is more a case of the auto being the wrong car for my driving style than any real criticism of the auto.
Get one bought man!
Don't think, although all evidence points towards one as the right choice, that you are entirely reconciled to a Forester (and I have to admit that even it's own mother wouldn't describe the new one as a looker).
This is the right size, has a good image and a premium finish, can do everything that you've described as your requirements on your threads. What's not to like?
Don't think, although all evidence points towards one as the right choice, that you are entirely reconciled to a Forester (and I have to admit that even it's own mother wouldn't describe the new one as a looker).
This is the right size, has a good image and a premium finish, can do everything that you've described as your requirements on your threads. What's not to like?
Bonefish Blues said:
Get one bought man!
Don't think, although all evidence points towards one as the right choice, that you are entirely reconciled to a Forester (and I have to admit that even it's own mother wouldn't describe the new one as a looker).
This is the right size, has a good image and a premium finish, can do everything that you've described as your requirements on your threads. What's not to like?
The interior is the biggest problem with the Forester. I like the car, like the image, but the interior is so basic - I had a Mitsubishi Galant in around 1998 that was better featured.Don't think, although all evidence points towards one as the right choice, that you are entirely reconciled to a Forester (and I have to admit that even it's own mother wouldn't describe the new one as a looker).
This is the right size, has a good image and a premium finish, can do everything that you've described as your requirements on your threads. What's not to like?
I'll hold my hands up and admit I may come across as a bit of a dreamer or just an indecisive t
t if you look at all my "what car?" threads over the last year or so, but the Boxster is very much outside now (can do the Cocoa test not sure if we have Custard), but my problem is mainly that it's mine all brought and paid for so I've no "decide" date or anything to make me change other than seeing something that I really want - and it's a tough act to follow despite being "just" a Boxster.As I type this I'm conscious that it may come across as "tough choice, how to spend £30k on a car" but hopefully you know what I mean
paddyhasneeds said:
Bonefish Blues said:
Get one bought man!
Don't think, although all evidence points towards one as the right choice, that you are entirely reconciled to a Forester (and I have to admit that even it's own mother wouldn't describe the new one as a looker).
This is the right size, has a good image and a premium finish, can do everything that you've described as your requirements on your threads. What's not to like?
The interior is the biggest problem with the Forester. I like the car, like the image, but the interior is so basic - I had a Mitsubishi Galant in around 1998 that was better featured.Don't think, although all evidence points towards one as the right choice, that you are entirely reconciled to a Forester (and I have to admit that even it's own mother wouldn't describe the new one as a looker).
This is the right size, has a good image and a premium finish, can do everything that you've described as your requirements on your threads. What's not to like?
I'll hold my hands up and admit I may come across as a bit of a dreamer or just an indecisive t
t if you look at all my "what car?" threads over the last year or so, but the Boxster is very much outside now (can do the Cocoa test not sure if we have Custard), but my problem is mainly that it's mine all brought and paid for so I've no "decide" date or anything to make me change other than seeing something that I really want - and it's a tough act to follow despite being "just" a Boxster.As I type this I'm conscious that it may come across as "tough choice, how to spend £30k on a car" but hopefully you know what I mean
I have a 57 plate TD4 HSE auto which I bought new. The car has never let us down, runs beautifully, has an excellent driving position and can throw in some good MPG on a decent run out - we go from Essex to Cornwall once or twice a year and it is the ideal car for the two of us and the dog returning over 425 miles on a tank of diesel.
I'm not sure about discounts these days but when I bought our one the list was c£34,500 with the extras we added. At the time I looked on Broadspeed and was quoted £30,750 for the same car to be delivered to and collected from a LR dealer of my choice. I mentioned this to the dealer we were talking to and they offered to match the price if we ordered the car by the next weekend, job done
I suggest you test drive a few to see what spec, gearbox, colour combination etc you like and then get a few dealers to quote you based on your ideal spec and see if you can start a small price war for your business.
With regard to the recent snow all I had to do was switch the auto box to snow, ice and gravel mode and let the engine control the power input through the worst of it.
Good cars and would consider another in a couple of years, especially if they ever drop the V6 diesel into the Freelander, that would be nice
I'm not sure about discounts these days but when I bought our one the list was c£34,500 with the extras we added. At the time I looked on Broadspeed and was quoted £30,750 for the same car to be delivered to and collected from a LR dealer of my choice. I mentioned this to the dealer we were talking to and they offered to match the price if we ordered the car by the next weekend, job done
I suggest you test drive a few to see what spec, gearbox, colour combination etc you like and then get a few dealers to quote you based on your ideal spec and see if you can start a small price war for your business.
With regard to the recent snow all I had to do was switch the auto box to snow, ice and gravel mode and let the engine control the power input through the worst of it.
Good cars and would consider another in a couple of years, especially if they ever drop the V6 diesel into the Freelander, that would be nice
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