Should I upgrade?

[davesq]

Hi All,

I've been happily driving around my Freelander 1 TD4 S manual for 4 years now, 140,000 k's trouble free except for the last 2 months or so. The fuel pump went last month, & this month the motor developed a bad miss to the stage it wouldn't run. This turned out to be a faulty connection to a sensor. This is my work car & each time it was off the road (7 days 1st time & then 3 days 2nd time) it was a hassle. I've spoken to my mechanic (Ayers at Brookvale) & he can't be sure it's not the start of a run of repairs, possible from some bad fuel. (He had another F1 on his workshop at the same time as mine with a similar problem that they were unable to fix. They were about to send that car off to Landrover at Artarman for a $2200 part that only the dealer could fit).

So, should I get a new one? I drove a F2 TD4_e yesterday, great to drive & really liked the switch off at red lights. I live at Berowra, drive to Dee Why each day for work & spend a bit of time running round Sydney doing site inspections so I'll be stopped at a lot of red lights I expect. The wife & son both really like it, they're voting yes. I like it, I'm voting yes if cost is right.

I'd like to hear from some F2 owners, are they still great after 12 months? Does servicing cost a bomb? Do they chew up their tyres? Is red the best colour? How 'bout the green? Tow bar? Roof racks? Driving on the beach at South West Rocks?

Thanks in advance

Dave

[mikehzz]

My FL2 TD4 is the best car I have owned. I bought it new in September 08 and have done 67,000 kms in it no hassles. Its been off road in all sorts of places and usually surprises the hell out of anyone there to see what it can do.
Services are dear if done at the dealer but are usually done better. I do one at dealer one at local alternating. Average dealer cost $500-$900, local $260 if I bring the filters.
I'm a happy customer (I don't know if I'd like a manual though, the auto is excellent)
Mike

[spelchek]

16000km on our td4 SE now and still loving it! Took it off road proper on Sunday (with the 19" wheels) for the foirst time and was amazed at how easy it did it. I'm looking to get some smaller rims with off-road tyres and really start getting it dirty now I've had a taste!

Great car - no buyers remorse here!

[Jono70]

I'd buy it again. Best car I have had - no problems. Sydney to Brisbane on one tank. Fraser Island - passed bogged Landcrusiers, and Hilux. Great on road and wonderful off. I test drove a Range Rover Sport and find this a better car. Get the TD4 SE as has the smaller 17in wheels and lower cost. I'm looking at a Disc D4 in the future but may keep the FL2 and pass it to the wife as she always wants to steal it.

[Dorko]

The FL2 is a great car... i miss it some times... i know my wife would buy one in a flash!

I would go a Auto, so much easier to drive and plus its so smooth!!!!

Dorko

[lr2]

Have had the FL2 TD4 auto for just over a year. Love it! The auto is very smooth, engine great and really comfortable on long distance trips.

Fuel consumption in town driving is quite high, but really good on the open road. Recentley done a 4wd course and some beach driving, handled both ease. Aftermarket accessories are expensive, tow-bar was $1,500.

Managed to get 3 year free servicing included in the deal, this has significantly helped with the maintenance costs.

Highly recommended!

[reklaw47]

[QUOTE=lr2;1250019]H

Fuel consumption in town driving is quite high, but really good on the open road.


I'm interested in what you call "quite high"?;)

Rob

[lr2]

Averaging 12 l/100km for town driving - mostly short trips. Open road = 8

[reklaw47]

Town driving figures do seem a little high. We're averaging around 10.3/100 around Melbourne (usually heavy traffic) and just under 8 on country trips. Our TD4 SE has about 16000 k's up now.
Rob

[chuck]

There are some specials on the e version at the moment with quite good pricing.

Regards

Chuck

[davesq]

well guys thanks for all your replys. I took the plunge & on Friday picked up a 2010 SE TD4. At this stage loven it. Hopefully it will be as good as the freelander 1 has been.

Dave