Finally convinced wife out of a Freelander... now what?

[jazzdude]

I just find that with Freelanders you dont get a lot for what you pay for them, nasty interiors, boxy looks and ridiculous performance and economy. Looking for a car mostly for my wife but to double up as a family transport occasionally, while I have a daily runner and space for an RWD, 2 seat V8 weekender in the garage.

Must be:

1.No more than 2250cc (import duties)
2.proper back seats and 4 door (2 x teenage kids)
3.More sensible in running costs than said Freelander
4.between 15-20K
5.Dont want it too big (see 3.)
6.Must be reliable as I will never hear the end of it.
7.Have some style


I was considering something likr a 2009 Merc C-Class 220 CDI Sport, don't like 3 series, too cramped, and both of these cars are everywhere out here in Cyprus. Audi A4, look a bit boring. Thought something Alfa might be nice but do they stack up?

Her current car is a SAAB 9-5 Turbo 2.0 Vector which has been nice but with them possibly going the way of the MG and it being a big, wallowy and thirsty there must be something else I havent considered.

Any other suggestions would be appreciated.

[Liquid Knight]

Show her to the kitchen.




MX5?

[Stu R]

Are you talking about Freelander 2's here? If so you're spectacularly misinformed. Hell of a lot more fun than a cooking spec german repwagon too IMO, which is all you'll get if you want sensible running and servicing costs, as it puts anything fun out of the equation if you think the Freelander is expensive to run (it's probably the least expensive car I've had in terms of running costs btw).

[Jem0911]

Christ I have been trying to persude the Mrs she needs a 4x4.
Too big.
Only Auto.
Hard to park.
Yadayada.......
We actually need one as she wants a 6m caravan!!

[Albert Bridge]

I agree with Stu - Freelander 2 is a great car, far improved from the original - I couldn't recommend it enough.

[J4CKO]

Explain the whole "Swinging" thing

[Gaspode]

Albert Bridge said:

I agree with Stu - Freelander 2 is a great car, far improved from the original - I couldn't recommend it enough.

I am happy to accept that the Freelander 2 is a great improvement on the original, but I have to say I'm very happy with my 2005 TD4. I know they have a bit of a reputation, but mine's been fine for the 2 years I've owned it. Decent fuel consumption (42mpg on a run, 36mpg in normal driving), and a nice ride. Flippin' excellent in the snow over the last couple of winters.

[MrChips]

On a serious note thought, MINI Countryman is worth adding to the list to look at. A nice 2litre Diesel with 4WD that still makes good mpg.

Get the JCW Aerokit and it can look pretty good too!

[dowahdiddyman]

New model Sorento or Sportage?

[cailean]

Subaru Forester?

[jazzdude]

The Freelander may be all those things and is probably one of the best small 4x4's but I think in going that way you are paying a 5K premium for something that can be better done closer to the ground, better handling, better interior, more style.

I like the new Sportage as I also have a Kia Pro'Ceed Sport 3 coupe and it is amazingly good, and very well spec'd as my company runabout, but then we are going back to 4x4 type things again. Sorento too big. Forester, hmm not very nice looking is it?

The Golf would be too small I think in the back and the MX5 I think has nowhere to put the kids.

Funny you should bring up the Countryman as I was looking at those a while back, although the interior feels a little quirky but as family transport I dont know. Maybe I will take one out for a spin.

I was also considering either an Alfa 159 or a Guilietta for something different but have to check out the rear leg room and look into the reliability issues.

[robsco]

Have a look and a drive of a 159, they're great cars. Not quite as sharp as the 156, but there's still a lot to love about them. And reliability "issues"? You shouldn't have much to worry about - the biggest thing to check is fit and finish, which can be a little iffy on occasion.

[chrisispringles]

If your children are lads then almost none of the cars mentioned really have enough legroom bearing in mind that very soon you'll have a couple of 6 footers in the back. By the time I was 14 I struggled for legroom in the back of my dad's Volvo 850, and I was only 5'8 or so. The C class and the Alfa 159 will be very tight and a Golf or Giulietta will be far too small. I think you are going to have to bite the bullet and accept that you need a big car. If you want something premium then look at a BMW 520d or Mercedes E220CDi, you budget will get you a good, recent example and the extra space is a godsend in the back when you are a 6' teenage lad.

[jazzdude]

Trouble is those Mercs are everywhere too.... as taxis.

I had a 535d, cracking car, but not sure if I could drive it as a 520d.

[cheesyblob]

Freelander.

[juansolo]

Spent yesterday driving a Freelander around off-road. It's jawdropping what they're capable of. Seriously good cars.

[Steve H]

cailean said:

Subaru Forester?

If she liked the Landrover this is the answer, same type of thing but won't break down. Not sure on engine sizes though...........

[V88Dicky]

If your wife has some kind of fixation with 4x4s, then a brand new Grand Vitara or RAV4 should be almost in budget. Both have good road manners, plenty of space and never put a foot wrong.

[Oilchange]

Eh?
I'm sure they're great but that's just hideous.

As the saying goes, 'you can't polish a turd but you can roll it in glitter...'

MrChips said:

Get the JCW Aerokit and it can look pretty good too!

[Diderot]

Freelander 2 is excellent. Must also point out that residuals are very very strong.