Help Understanding the Freelander 2
Discussion
Hi there,
Looking to get my wife a pre-owned Freelander 2 in the next few months and want to make sure I understand the different models.
From what I can gather, there are essentially 2 different engines:
- 2.2 diesel
- 3.2 petrol
I'm interested in the 2.2 diesel, preferably in manual. This means I have the following engine options:
- AWD, 4cyl, 150bhp engine (TD4) for <2009
- AWD, 4cyl, 150bhp engine with start/stop (TD4-e) for >2009
I then have a choice of specification levels which, from worst to best, look something along the lines of E / S / SE / HSE. This would provide different levels of standard equipment, from a fancier AWD system to leather to better stereo... but the original buyer could have specced up any of those models as they saw fit.
A few quick questions, which I'd appreciate help on:
1. Is the above overview accurate?
2. Knowing the first incarnation of the Freelander was riddled with reliability issues, I understand they have generally been addressed in the FL2. Is that improved reliability engine specific? In the general concensus to buy from a dealer with approved used warranty while you get to know the car over the first year... just in case?
3. If going for a circa 09 car with the TD4-e engine with a few toys including leather, satnav, bluetooth, xenons... what sort of price should we be looking at for a circa 30k mile vehicle?
Thanks for your help!
Looking to get my wife a pre-owned Freelander 2 in the next few months and want to make sure I understand the different models.
From what I can gather, there are essentially 2 different engines:
- 2.2 diesel
- 3.2 petrol
I'm interested in the 2.2 diesel, preferably in manual. This means I have the following engine options:
- AWD, 4cyl, 150bhp engine (TD4) for <2009
- AWD, 4cyl, 150bhp engine with start/stop (TD4-e) for >2009
I then have a choice of specification levels which, from worst to best, look something along the lines of E / S / SE / HSE. This would provide different levels of standard equipment, from a fancier AWD system to leather to better stereo... but the original buyer could have specced up any of those models as they saw fit.
A few quick questions, which I'd appreciate help on:
1. Is the above overview accurate?
2. Knowing the first incarnation of the Freelander was riddled with reliability issues, I understand they have generally been addressed in the FL2. Is that improved reliability engine specific? In the general concensus to buy from a dealer with approved used warranty while you get to know the car over the first year... just in case?
3. If going for a circa 09 car with the TD4-e engine with a few toys including leather, satnav, bluetooth, xenons... what sort of price should we be looking at for a circa 30k mile vehicle?
Thanks for your help!
On the whole, that summary is fairly accurate.
Freelander 2 is COMPLETELY different to Freelander 1... and I mean completely different. Don't even bother comparing!
Specs - It might be different in a base model but essentially the AWD system is the same across the range.
FWIW - I would go for the diesel AUTO. Nicer & easier to drive... It's also loads better in the snow & off-road.
M
Freelander 2 is COMPLETELY different to Freelander 1... and I mean completely different. Don't even bother comparing!
Specs - It might be different in a base model but essentially the AWD system is the same across the range.
FWIW - I would go for the diesel AUTO. Nicer & easier to drive... It's also loads better in the snow & off-road.
M
Edited by camel_landy on Thursday 23 February 00:26
Very helpful - thanks.
I thought as much regarding the AWD system being the same across the models; I was thinking more about additional 'modes'. Think I read 'terrain response' somewhere, not that I read up on what it actually did...
And thanks for the heads up on the auto - we'll have to try one and see whether or not she likes it. Out of interest, how is it more capable than a manual in the snow?
I thought as much regarding the AWD system being the same across the models; I was thinking more about additional 'modes'. Think I read 'terrain response' somewhere, not that I read up on what it actually did...
And thanks for the heads up on the auto - we'll have to try one and see whether or not she likes it. Out of interest, how is it more capable than a manual in the snow?
Had a 2.2 TD4 SE manual from new and absolutely loved it - I thought the manual box was perfect for the derv, auto for the petrol though. In hindsight I think if I was buying another it'd be a petrol auto, I didn't have any problems as such but I've been spoiled by the diesel in the X-trail which is heaps better.
As said the FL2 is in a totally different league to the FL1. Didn't have a single problem in 2 years and plenty of miles including the odd trips down green lanes etc. Not sure on the later ones, but the only real complaints I had are the Sat Nav wasn't the best (worked OK, just clunky and awful to use - again, probably spoiled by the newer Nissan one which is amazing) and the lack of USB / iphone integration which I presume they added later (ours was an 08 model). I'd still prefer a warranty, but I wouldn't consider it essential if I was buying second hand unless it'd been to the moon and back.
They're fabulous off road too, very capable even in novice hands so long as you're aware of the ground clearance limitations. Had ours upto the naffs in mud and snow many a time and it was spot on - FWIW Grabber UHP and AT2 tyres both work brilliantly on them.
As said the FL2 is in a totally different league to the FL1. Didn't have a single problem in 2 years and plenty of miles including the odd trips down green lanes etc. Not sure on the later ones, but the only real complaints I had are the Sat Nav wasn't the best (worked OK, just clunky and awful to use - again, probably spoiled by the newer Nissan one which is amazing) and the lack of USB / iphone integration which I presume they added later (ours was an 08 model). I'd still prefer a warranty, but I wouldn't consider it essential if I was buying second hand unless it'd been to the moon and back.
They're fabulous off road too, very capable even in novice hands so long as you're aware of the ground clearance limitations. Had ours upto the naffs in mud and snow many a time and it was spot on - FWIW Grabber UHP and AT2 tyres both work brilliantly on them.
We've a FL2 SE manual , which is great and ticks every box for a sensible family car . My parents in law have the HSE auto , which has been reliable and pleasant , but significantly worse on fuel . I've driven the auto , and the 'box isn't particularly good , much given to hunting up and down the gears compared to a Merc for example .
They hold their value well too .
They hold their value well too .
MarkZ4MC said:
Out of interest, how is it more capable than a manual in the snow?
The auto gives you more control at low speed... In a manual, you have to slip the clutch & risk burning it out.(On Freelander 2, clutch smoke does come through the dash & you can end up looking like a scene from a Cheech & Chong movie!!!)
M
We too have a XS version with the added bonus of the 'style pack' which gives nicer trim and 19" alloys and the glass roof. Doesn't want for anything really except for Xenons and full leather.
MPG is as previously stated - poor - ours is around 33 against a published average of 42. Ours is the manual 150bhp but I have driven the auto 190 SD4 and its noticeably brisker but probably just as bad on fuel. As with all Land Rovers I have had, the Freelander had a major issue in that the rear diff needed to be replaced at 25T - thankfully under warranty.
I also agree about previous comments about the boot size - its very small for a family car and badly shaped.
The best thing is the depreciation (or lack of it) - there are similar cars on sale in LR main dealers for the same price I paid 12 months and 10T ago !!!!
MPG is as previously stated - poor - ours is around 33 against a published average of 42. Ours is the manual 150bhp but I have driven the auto 190 SD4 and its noticeably brisker but probably just as bad on fuel. As with all Land Rovers I have had, the Freelander had a major issue in that the rear diff needed to be replaced at 25T - thankfully under warranty.
I also agree about previous comments about the boot size - its very small for a family car and badly shaped.
The best thing is the depreciation (or lack of it) - there are similar cars on sale in LR main dealers for the same price I paid 12 months and 10T ago !!!!
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