Discovery 3 v Freelander 2

[alfaspiderman2]

After 7 years with a FL1, the time has come to replace the family bus.

Whilst I don't need the size of the D3, the presence does appeal as does the larger capacity engine. On the flip side, the FL2 is a more modern design and presumably will cost less to run (not sure how much though).

So, it boils down to which will be the better ownership proposition over the next 3 years and 25k miles? (I've got a trusted local indy to look after either). The car will do 7k ish miles a year made up of local dog/beach/forest hacks and longer Cornwall/South of France runs.

Budget is around £18-20k and wanting an HSE Auto (either way) as I prefer the look/spec

Looking at prices, my budget will get me a 57 Plate 50k miles FL2 compared with a 55 Plate 75k mile D3.

So which would be your preference - newer lower mileage FL2 or old D3?

[Stu R]

It depends what you're using it for. The Disco feels porky and slow, the FL feels less porky and much more agile - it's scary how chuckable it is in corners. Other than that I'd say Disco all the way really - despite the higher running costs.

The Disco is by far the more capable of the two. The FL2 boot is still a decent size, but the D3 can haul far more stuff.

I've got a 57 plate 2008 FL2, It's the SE sport diesel (6sp manual), one down from an HSE which is no longer available. It's been utterly faultless over 35-40k miles, and actually a lot of fun. It's been off road plenty, and with a set of General Grabbers (either AT2 or UHP) they're amazingly capable machines. Certainly well worthy of a Land Rover badge. I've even pulled a D3 and a full fat rangie out of snow this year It's also up for sale if you're quick

For what it's worth, my FL2 has been faultless, and has cost nothing to run. 30-35mpg average and I don't hang about, and it's only been serviced. Hasn't failed or gone wrong or needed anything other than the tyres changing. Probably a grand in 3 years.

I think I'd probably go for the Disco in your position though. The D3 HSE is a sublime machine, and it's relative lack of pace (assuming you're going for the 2.7 TD) is irrelevant when it's such a nice place to be. It's also incredibly capable - there's not a lot it can't conquer in the right hands. The Freelander has nowhere near as refined and comfortable a ride - though binning the OEM tyres and going for grabbers has helped a lot with that - the softer sidewalls haven't taken much away from the chuckability (yes that is a real word!) and it's also unstoppable off road now. No significant increase in road noise. The FL2's ride on OEM tyres can seem a bit crashy - almost like the front dampers are too firm. But it's a great handler too.

The Freelander's seats, even on the HSE, aren't as comfy or adjustable as the Discos, and I found it slightly difficult to get the right driving position.

Edited by Stu R on Friday 3rd December 17:54

[r055]

Stu sums it up quite well and I have to admit I have been looking at D3s for a replacement for my 07 plate Freelander2, however I simply cannot justify the purchase and running costs of the Discovery.

Remember that the FL2 is on the lower tax band than the rest of the LR family (well for mine it is) - not sure if this is still valid with all the changes in the road tax... worth checking out.

I get around 30-35 mpg out of mine and I use it often on long motorway journeys for work. MPG can creep up slightly on motorway miles if I drive like my mum ) Disco will be less MPG as its a big lump of car

I have to admit though that over long distances I also cannot get comfortable - I thought it was just me getting older!

apart from that, its a great car and has had absolutely no problems over the past week in the amount of snow we have had here. I'll probably get another one but will have to go for the HSE for the full leather seats - I currently have a GS.

Have you test driven any of them yet?

[alfaspiderman2]

thanks for views so far

interested with notion that FL2 isn't comfortable on long runs - that's an absolute must as it'll be replacing my Merc estate for long family runs

I've got a test drive of a FL2 HSE in a couple of weeks but nothing arranged for a Discovery as yet

Nobody's mentioned mileage as yet - is there a view either way on whether a 50k mile FL2 is likely to be less tempremental than a 80k D3?

[Triple7]

Came through a 2009 D3 HSE, to a 2010 RR Sport to now a 2010 FL2.

All have been autos and no matter which they all seem to average 30-32MPG. The D3 is hugely capable, comfortable and stylish. But it is HUGE inside and out. The turbo lag I found annoying on pull away but on the m/way it was quiet and sits easy at 80. Above 75 it slurps a lot more juice mind you. The RRS is awesome, shouldn't have sold it...... The FL2 is a mini-Sport, but has similar bucket seats which I do find a touch small. I couldn't get mega comfy in either. The D3 was the best of all.

In conclusion you can't go wrong with any of them. My vote would be a V8 Range Rover Vogue, now that was the comfiest car I've ever owned. 18MPG or better, and a huge amount of bang for your buck. keep £2k in the kitty for running & you'll be one happy camper.

[Triple7]

alfaspiderman2 said:

Nobody's mentioned mileage as yet - is there a view either way on whether a 50k mile FL2 is likely to be less tempremental than a 80k D3?

All my LR's have been faultless, but I always think that past 60k miles you're looking at bigger bills. Car manufactuers don't tend to look past the factory warranty period. As with any car go for as new a car as possible with low miles. The FL2 is hugely reliable and represents the best choice IMHO.