Freelander 2 - Anyone got / had one. Whats it like
Discussion
HI all.
Currently driving a Volvo V40 as my Duster died in December
Though i could manage without the 4x4 but i was wrong.
We live on a small farm, and farm it and theres too many times ive' needed to call in a favour from friends as the V40 just doesn't cut the muistard towing trailers / animals etc. Gets bogged down in a puddle!
I've got my eyes on a rather nice Freelander 2 - its the SD4 HSE version from 2012, with 70000 on the clock
Just passed its MOT wiht no advisories and Hx checks out.
Before i press go - anyone got any pointers / info for me?
Thanks!!
Currently driving a Volvo V40 as my Duster died in December
Though i could manage without the 4x4 but i was wrong.
We live on a small farm, and farm it and theres too many times ive' needed to call in a favour from friends as the V40 just doesn't cut the muistard towing trailers / animals etc. Gets bogged down in a puddle!
I've got my eyes on a rather nice Freelander 2 - its the SD4 HSE version from 2012, with 70000 on the clock
Just passed its MOT wiht no advisories and Hx checks out.
Before i press go - anyone got any pointers / info for me?
Thanks!!
if it has the 2179cc diesel engine check the timing belt and water pump has been done (around £150 for the kit). That engine is one of the more reliable ones made in conjunction with ford / peugeot and in quite a few cars and vans as well as other manufacturers vehicles.
After that the haldex on them will get noisy / crunchy on tight turns if they havnt been serviced. Service kit is around £120 for that. You can check that by going slowly round tight turns and see if you feel a wheel dragging.
Check the gearbox has been serviced if you're buying an auto (the oil for a flush and replacement is around £60)
And rear diffs can weep but the fluid on those is easily replaced.
Just bought the misses an Evoque which has the same chassis and slowly getting round the above list of items.
MPG wise they arent great averaging around 28mpg around town and 38mpg on a run.
After that the haldex on them will get noisy / crunchy on tight turns if they havnt been serviced. Service kit is around £120 for that. You can check that by going slowly round tight turns and see if you feel a wheel dragging.
Check the gearbox has been serviced if you're buying an auto (the oil for a flush and replacement is around £60)
And rear diffs can weep but the fluid on those is easily replaced.
Just bought the misses an Evoque which has the same chassis and slowly getting round the above list of items.
MPG wise they arent great averaging around 28mpg around town and 38mpg on a run.
Edited by Paddymcc on Wednesday 1st May 12:07
I’ve got a 2014 Metropolis which replaced a string of Discos (3, 4 and 5) and, in short, it’s great!
It’s not as comfy or as capable as its big brother but it certainly holds its own. I’ve retrofitted CarPlay and with the heated steering wheel, heated seats, 825w stereo and captains armrests it’s a really decent place to spend time. With the 190bhp engine the performance is perfectly adequate as well.
Off road - well, muddy rugby parking fields - it’s been great. Over winter, when XC90s and German SUVs were having to be towed out, the FL2 didn’t even break traction. Not sure I’d want to go scrambling over rocks but its lighter weight helps on slippy terrain and snow.
I’ve had to replace all the brake calipers and discs and the wiper motor went pop but the parts are dirt cheap so doesn’t rape the wallet.
Great cars in my opinion.
It’s not as comfy or as capable as its big brother but it certainly holds its own. I’ve retrofitted CarPlay and with the heated steering wheel, heated seats, 825w stereo and captains armrests it’s a really decent place to spend time. With the 190bhp engine the performance is perfectly adequate as well.
Off road - well, muddy rugby parking fields - it’s been great. Over winter, when XC90s and German SUVs were having to be towed out, the FL2 didn’t even break traction. Not sure I’d want to go scrambling over rocks but its lighter weight helps on slippy terrain and snow.
I’ve had to replace all the brake calipers and discs and the wiper motor went pop but the parts are dirt cheap so doesn’t rape the wallet.
Great cars in my opinion.
I have an early LR DS with the Ford 2.2 engine, the same as the FL2. Had the car from reasonably new in December 2016, now done a modest near on 60,000 miles. I don't plan to dispose of this car anytime soon which tells you I am happy with it. Had no major issues at all, always regularly serviced etc. I am thinking it may be time to change the gearbox oil.
I get around 35-38 mpg. Last week I did a long run from mid Surrey to Cornwall and back, 690 miles, averaged 38 mpg.
R
I get around 35-38 mpg. Last week I did a long run from mid Surrey to Cornwall and back, 690 miles, averaged 38 mpg.
R
We had a 2014 SD4 auto and when we swapped it last year it was sitting at almost 120k. It still felt tight and rattle free.
It was one of the most reliable cars we have owned, the only issues we had was the heat shield above the exhaust back box fell off after the bolts pulled though it, an easy fix.
ETA the only reason we didn’t buy another one was that they had stopped making them.
It was one of the most reliable cars we have owned, the only issues we had was the heat shield above the exhaust back box fell off after the bolts pulled though it, an easy fix.
ETA the only reason we didn’t buy another one was that they had stopped making them.
Edited by skeeterm5 on Thursday 2nd May 17:16
Also an owner of a 2014 Metropolis.
Was an impulse buy back in 2020.
Was the cheapest in the country as it needed sone tlc but I didn’t mind that.
Fresh brakes all round, the cambelt and B service, fresh rear suspension, gearbox and haldex service and replaced the power steering and brake fluid and changed diff oils it’s been spot on.
After that it’s done 40k with us and minimal hassle.
It’s sitting on 142k and truthfully, I can see it going past 200k with us.
My gf now uses it as I felt it safer for her to drive our son about in it, rather than her Polo.
She’s also going to use it for her work car when she comes off maternity leave.
Genuine “failures” have been a weeping diff seal and a faulty turbo actuator. Both sorted quickly by my trusted specialist.
I’ve added genuine roof rails, cross bars, a dog guard and boot liner to it along with powerful U.K. front light guards, waiting on them releasing the rear guards to buy them.
It needs a little cosmetic work to bring it to mint condition but it’s a great car to drive and a comfortable place to do long trips in.
My Gf named it “Kiff”. It’s easily the most reliable car I’ve ever owned. It does what’s needed without fuss or drama.
If you can find an HSE luxury or metropolis spec.
I would recommend them fully. They are the pinnacle of the Freelander 2 models.
Was an impulse buy back in 2020.
Was the cheapest in the country as it needed sone tlc but I didn’t mind that.
Fresh brakes all round, the cambelt and B service, fresh rear suspension, gearbox and haldex service and replaced the power steering and brake fluid and changed diff oils it’s been spot on.
After that it’s done 40k with us and minimal hassle.
It’s sitting on 142k and truthfully, I can see it going past 200k with us.
My gf now uses it as I felt it safer for her to drive our son about in it, rather than her Polo.
She’s also going to use it for her work car when she comes off maternity leave.
Genuine “failures” have been a weeping diff seal and a faulty turbo actuator. Both sorted quickly by my trusted specialist.
I’ve added genuine roof rails, cross bars, a dog guard and boot liner to it along with powerful U.K. front light guards, waiting on them releasing the rear guards to buy them.
It needs a little cosmetic work to bring it to mint condition but it’s a great car to drive and a comfortable place to do long trips in.
My Gf named it “Kiff”. It’s easily the most reliable car I’ve ever owned. It does what’s needed without fuss or drama.
If you can find an HSE luxury or metropolis spec.
I would recommend them fully. They are the pinnacle of the Freelander 2 models.
We have a 2011 TD4 HSE. Auto. Its job is to be the main family car to free up our P38 'The Duchess' for high days and holidays.
We're in our 3rd year with the FL2 and it has proved very reliable, cheap to look after and in HSE trim it is a nice way to travel.
Gearbox is a joy but the down-side is a propensity to rust underneath. Maybe the first owner living on Lindisfarne may have had something to do with it.
Servicing gets done, when it needs it, by a local garage and we've had a couple of oil changes, Haldex and transmission service and a set of brake pads.
Only non-service issue has been a prop shaft bearing.
However, with the slightest excuse the P38 is still our transport of choice.
We're in our 3rd year with the FL2 and it has proved very reliable, cheap to look after and in HSE trim it is a nice way to travel.
Gearbox is a joy but the down-side is a propensity to rust underneath. Maybe the first owner living on Lindisfarne may have had something to do with it.
Servicing gets done, when it needs it, by a local garage and we've had a couple of oil changes, Haldex and transmission service and a set of brake pads.
Only non-service issue has been a prop shaft bearing.
However, with the slightest excuse the P38 is still our transport of choice.
Another thumbs-up from me. Moved to West Country and needed medium-size all-rounder. Everyone has them here. Bought 2014 SD HSE on 50k in 2022 and very pleased. Fast enough, cruises easily and comfy. Coming from from a 300bhp 2018 335 xDrive Touring and have not really missed it. Done short journeys and also 400 miles in a day. Averages about 29mpg. 70mph long trips on motorway would be 35mpg.
Interior nice design, feels cheap but actually whole car well made. Famous last words...
Decent tyres ESSENTIAL. You might want good M+S, but I have OE Pirelli Scorpion mild cross-climates. Transformed it from mix of good quality M+S tyres it came with. I think second car for skiing - one owner. Ignore Facebook warriors servicing it themselves and suggesting mad knobbly tyres. Go to a decent specialist.
Think if you need a roof rack. Not all have them - mine does not. Doable but a bit fiddly and expensive. Lot of privacy glass out there if you don't like that it will limit choice. And black.
Interior nice design, feels cheap but actually whole car well made. Famous last words...
Decent tyres ESSENTIAL. You might want good M+S, but I have OE Pirelli Scorpion mild cross-climates. Transformed it from mix of good quality M+S tyres it came with. I think second car for skiing - one owner. Ignore Facebook warriors servicing it themselves and suggesting mad knobbly tyres. Go to a decent specialist.
Think if you need a roof rack. Not all have them - mine does not. Doable but a bit fiddly and expensive. Lot of privacy glass out there if you don't like that it will limit choice. And black.
My dad had a couple of these - the only time I remember he had problems was when some toe rags stole the cat from one, and then the second one had a problem with the 4wd system and LR blamed it on having different tyres on the front and rear axles. I low they were the same across the axles. I can’t remember if the issue was that they were the same brand and pattern but one axle pair were new and the other axle nearing end of life or if they were actually different types.
He spoke to few specialists about it and they said the same, so purely based on his experience all tyres should be replaced at the same time.
He spoke to few specialists about it and they said the same, so purely based on his experience all tyres should be replaced at the same time.
A.J.M said:
Also an owner of a 2014 Metropolis.
Was an impulse buy back in 2020.
Was the cheapest in the country as it needed sone tlc but I didn’t mind that.
Fresh brakes all round, the cambelt and B service, fresh rear suspension, gearbox and haldex service and replaced the power steering and brake fluid and changed diff oils it’s been spot on.
After that it’s done 40k with us and minimal hassle.
It’s sitting on 142k and truthfully, I can see it going past 200k with us.
My gf now uses it as I felt it safer for her to drive our son about in it, rather than her Polo.
She’s also going to use it for her work car when she comes off maternity leave.
Genuine “failures” have been a weeping diff seal and a faulty turbo actuator. Both sorted quickly by my trusted specialist.
I’ve added genuine roof rails, cross bars, a dog guard and boot liner to it along with powerful U.K. front light guards, waiting on them releasing the rear guards to buy them.
It needs a little cosmetic work to bring it to mint condition but it’s a great car to drive and a comfortable place to do long trips in.
My Gf named it “Kiff”. It’s easily the most reliable car I’ve ever owned. It does what’s needed without fuss or drama.
If you can find an HSE luxury or metropolis spec.
I would recommend them fully. They are the pinnacle of the Freelander 2 models.
Another Metropolis fan here. My wife bought one new in 2014 to replace a 2006 SE manual. Was an impulse buy back in 2020.
Was the cheapest in the country as it needed sone tlc but I didn’t mind that.
Fresh brakes all round, the cambelt and B service, fresh rear suspension, gearbox and haldex service and replaced the power steering and brake fluid and changed diff oils it’s been spot on.
After that it’s done 40k with us and minimal hassle.
It’s sitting on 142k and truthfully, I can see it going past 200k with us.
My gf now uses it as I felt it safer for her to drive our son about in it, rather than her Polo.
She’s also going to use it for her work car when she comes off maternity leave.
Genuine “failures” have been a weeping diff seal and a faulty turbo actuator. Both sorted quickly by my trusted specialist.
I’ve added genuine roof rails, cross bars, a dog guard and boot liner to it along with powerful U.K. front light guards, waiting on them releasing the rear guards to buy them.
It needs a little cosmetic work to bring it to mint condition but it’s a great car to drive and a comfortable place to do long trips in.
My Gf named it “Kiff”. It’s easily the most reliable car I’ve ever owned. It does what’s needed without fuss or drama.
If you can find an HSE luxury or metropolis spec.
I would recommend them fully. They are the pinnacle of the Freelander 2 models.
I wanted her to buy a green one with saddle leather, but she ended up with a Barolo black one.
It was faultless over 70,000 miles, and retained a big chunk of its new price.
Sadly when we sold it in 2020, there wasn’t a convincing LR product to fit the bill, so she bought a Mercedes GLB.
Anecdotally, there are loads in daily use in my part of North Yorkshire, and I can understand why.
5 and a half years of ownership of our late 2010 SD4 Auto workhorse, and have crossed the 100k mile mark this year. Echo the above comments, in terms of general reliability it has been great considering the age and mileage of the car (and the make!), and costs have nearly all been servicing and consumable parts.
The rear shocks are now sounding clunky (one is weeping) so due to be replaced before the next MOT.
Have had two incidents in the last few months with the old "Reduced Engine Power" limp mode, and feared the turbo or DPF might need replacing.
But in one case it was a split intercooler pipe, and another just the wire to the DPF pressure sensor (not the sensor itself) was knackered and needed a fix.
Each year we consider what we could change it for (Disco Sport, Vulva XC40 or 60), but decide we can't be bothered, both in the sense of "better the devil you know" and also because it is such a versatile vehicle for the money. It's been good at long journeys, going on unmade roads, through flooded roads, dump runs, carry various crap and people about in comfort.
After changing the shocks and sorting the above niggles will feel obliged to keep it another year, since the tyres and brakes were mostly replaced the year before.
The rear shocks are now sounding clunky (one is weeping) so due to be replaced before the next MOT.
Have had two incidents in the last few months with the old "Reduced Engine Power" limp mode, and feared the turbo or DPF might need replacing.
But in one case it was a split intercooler pipe, and another just the wire to the DPF pressure sensor (not the sensor itself) was knackered and needed a fix.
Each year we consider what we could change it for (Disco Sport, Vulva XC40 or 60), but decide we can't be bothered, both in the sense of "better the devil you know" and also because it is such a versatile vehicle for the money. It's been good at long journeys, going on unmade roads, through flooded roads, dump runs, carry various crap and people about in comfort.
After changing the shocks and sorting the above niggles will feel obliged to keep it another year, since the tyres and brakes were mostly replaced the year before.
Edited by WayOutWest on Wednesday 8th May 11:50
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