Freelander 2

[ColinBr]

Having sold the Hilux I'm now on the hunt for another car.

Heading down the softroader route as want to go down to 1 car.

I've looked at a few options, VW Tiguan, Toyota Rav4, Nissan X-trail, Mitsubishi Outlander. Would like a Yeti but missus says no (ugly apparently)

My old man and a mate said to have a look at the Freelander 2. Now I've heard horror stories and know a few of the reliability issues of some Land Rovers, but have been told the Freelander 2 is actually pretty good.

Anyone talk me in or out of a Freelander 2, or would I be best to stick to my original list?

 

[Koenig]

I had a Mk 2 Outlander which served us well as both a family car and stalking wagon. 53 MPG in a run, selectable 2/4 or AWD. Large boot etc.

 

[Toontown]

Hello Colin,
This is probably the most reliable modern LR around, I am now on my 3rd one, had it for 4 years now and it has done 85k miles. The only significant issue that most people have is the rear diff, suggest if you have one that starts to rumble is replace it with one from Bell engineering, better than the original. Other than that it's reasonable off road and is comfortable and quiet on road. Would highly recommend

 

[polranny]

Am with our 3rd Freelander - will definitely look for another after this one, if I can find one with a low mileage. The mark 2 is a little larger and better than the earlier model. Reliable so far - have had this one 3 years. Only problem has been central locking mechanism but this was sorted through the warranty.

 

[roaring_stag]

I did have a freelander and I do miss it. . . it was a great car. I gave the poor thing a bit of a thrashing however and it did have a hard life.... sold it at 110k and purchased a skoda yeti as a reaplcement - which is also a cracking little car!

 

[Jamouk]

I had an outlander as a co car once ... rubbish ! Had to be serviced every 9000 miles to keep the warranty... then the engine fell apart and mitsubishi didn't want to know as had done 11k miles with no service

 

[jimo]

Mine’s just clocked 180,000 and no big issues. With fuel prices going up I though I out to check the computer and the 34.5 mpg seems genuine.

 

[griff]

Hi Colin,
don't do it! I have a freelander 2, I have done 51k in two years in it, 30mpg, its had: lower arms twice, bottom ball joints 3 times, wheel bearings, rear tie rods, the haldex system is fortune to repair, to replace the diff( common fault) I was quoted 2k by my local garage. Crank sensor went on it twice, topped up the air con twice. body trim is held on with elastic bands, I have been fortunate with the engine(Ford) I put fuel additive in it every time I top up as the fuel pump is prone to wear and needs extra lubrication, timing belt and water pump, apart from that its been ok!

Good points: nice to drive..

 

[ColinBr]

Thanks so far guys.

Spoke to a mechanic mate, and he says like above they are prone for the rear diffs to go on them, and also the Haldex units blowing up.

He also said the Peugeot engine is the 1 to go for in them. Not sure which model has that to be honest.

 

[hendrix's rifle]

Hate to say it, I like the Freelander 2. Between mates I know of 5 people who use them and with the exception to minor things they've all reported they've been Great. Comfy too!

 

[Creedmoor Bob]

Got a VW tiguan, have to say it's everything I wanted and more. Get the 2l 4 motion SEL DSG (4 wheel drive capable with auto gearbox) it literally drives itself! With the click of a button it'll do 4 wheel drive (with 4x4 extreme not yet tested) but also performs on the road as a very comfortable family car in 'Road mode'. Honestly can't fault it, has Lane assist, adaptive cruise control, safety features beyond comprehension and is very comfortable to drive whether it be a 2 mile ride or a 350 mile journey. Can fit a couple of fallow to multiple muntjac in the back with no complaints from the Mrs thereafter. Top marks from me

 

[ColinBr]

Got a VW tiguan, have to say it's everything I wanted and more. Get the 2l 4 motion SEL DSG (4 wheel drive capable with auto gearbox) it literally drives itself! With the click of a button it'll do 4 wheel drive (with 4x4 extreme not yet tested) but also performs on the road as a very comfortable family car in 'Road mode'. Honestly can't fault it, has Lane assist, adaptive cruise control, safety features beyond comprehension and is very comfortable to drive whether it be a 2 mile ride or a 350 mile journey. Can fit a couple of fallow to multiple muntjac in the back with no complaints from the Mrs thereafter. Top marks from me

The Tiguan was a top contender along with the X-Trail

 

[marrajack]

On second freelander and one of my sons has one great cars. Used to be out a lot with hounds off road, the only time I was stuck was when it bottomed out. They do the same off road course as all the othe LR RR range on the off road days. Only the full sized RR goes through deeper water
Capable confortable vehicle

 

[wytonpjs]

Go for it!

I’ve had a 2010 MY11 Freelander for the last 9 years, got it at 35k on the clock, it’s now 137k. Used weekly for hard off-road driving whilst stalking since 2016 and no problems whatsoever! I had diff whine shortly after buying it but it was repaired under warranty by my local LR main dealers under and it’s been perfect ever since. I like the driving position and the spec of the HSE is great. I fitted updated Xenon DRLs, LED tail lights and a Pioneer CarPlay unit (Sat Nav retained) to the car for daily driving and a 13500lb winch and front and rear underbody protection plates for off-road - that’s it bar consumables! I too are looking for one of the last 2014 models as an eventual replacement!

 

[purdey24]

I have had three of them, a 57, 12 and 14, and no problems at all. Very good off road, fuel consumption in low 30s, now replaced by a BMW X3 with more comfort, more toys and 10 mpg better fuel consumption but not as good off road.
I do miss my Freelanders but I have just noticed with the prices of all second hand cars going up, my local garage is asking over 20k for a clean low mileage 14 reg!!
Go ahead and get one.

 

[nick.308]

I would have stuck with the hilux.
My father in Law just sold his VW Tiguan owned from new. It was a decent car 2.0 diesel DSG 2016 with approx 35k. He sold it as he lost trust. First issue was an ABS sensor that went. Second issue was an issue with the ad blue system. It took the dealership a few days to figure out what the problem was. I dont think it helped that he drove it very slowly .
I have a hyundai santa fe and hilux.

 

[ColinBr]

I would have stuck with the hilux.
My father in Law just sold his VW Tiguan owned from new. It was a decent car 2.0 diesel DSG 2016 with approx 35k. He sold it as he lost trust. First issue was an ABS sensor that went. Second issue was an issue with the ad blue system. It took the dealership a few days to figure out what the problem was. I dont think it helped that he drove it very slowly .
I have a hyundai santa fe and hilux.

Issue I had with the Hilux is that it was too good if that even is a thing.

I have a small car for commuting and planned on only using the Hilux for stalking. Turned out the car sat for nearly 2 weeks at a time while I used the Hilux. It was too easy to just jump in that.

Going down to 1 car just makes sense for me just now, but I will miss the Hilux without doubt

 

[ruger77]

Freelander 2 would be a good choice the auto is not so good on fuel problems I encounter with the FL2 are as follows door latches ,egr valve can also happen to any vehicle ,had very few diff problems ,I’ve had 1 with a aldex problem . Timing belt every 10 year or 150,000 miles ,try to get one with the new type keys with the chrome strip at the side you can replace the batteries in this type the all black keys you can not think that’s it any questions ask OVS Landrover specialist

 

[Dodder]

My brother was until recently an independant s/h Landrover dealer and has bought and sold hundreds of all types over the last 20 years or so. He always maintains the Freelander 2's are the best vehicle they've ever built. His only negative is that the Autos are very thirsty.

We have had an 09 plate manual Fl 2 for about 8yrs and its only ever had one small issue with a throttle body (at least I think thats what it was) that cost about £60 which I changed myself in 5 minutes. We are in the market for a newer one but as with all s/h cars they are top money.

 

[ColinBr]

It would be a manual I would be looking for. What sort of MPG would I expect compared to the Auto?