Newbie looking for advise

[FreeTrout]

Hi all,
Glad to find this forum.
I am looking to buy a Freelander 2 (2007 - 2011) soon and just wanted to pick your brains regarding this vehicle. I've just lost my main ride which I used around town and for long trips to the mountains, off road some - nothing serious - just to get to rivers, etc. I need something that has active 4wd traction when needed on loose gravel roads (this is how I lost my main ride recently) and a decent diff lock or off-road capability within reason.
Just seen 1 or 2 for under 25K with reasonable mileage which is just around my budget.
Can you tell me what the ups and downs of these cars may be?
Any help would be most appreciated.
Cheers,

[mikehzz]

I can tell you about mine. An 08 model that has done just about every track from Sydney to Alice Springs, South Australia up to Arkaroola, Victoria into the High Country around Davies Plain and Blue Rag. Border Track....too many to mention. It's just coming up to the 156,000 kms service and has never let me down...touch wood. :D Mine is a TD4.
Good Points-
Fuel economy, Awesome traction control off road, Comfortable, Really handles well on road, Well appointed with a lot of luxury standard features, Looks nice, Puts a smile on my face when I drive it, Wife loves travelling in it.
Bad Points-
Bad resale because it inherited a bad reputation from earlier Freelanders, No modifications available like snorkels etc, Limited clearance off road even though it's better than other soft roaders.
What you should look for-
Listen to the rear diff for a whining noise. It should have been replaced under warranty but may not have. It only happens on earlier models (07-08?) at around 70,000 kms. It happened to mine and was replaced even though it didn't actually break.
Get the diesel. The petrol is thirsty. If you want a racing car buy a racing car.
Get 17" wheels if you want off road. There are no AT tyres for the 18's and 19's. Plenty of choices in the 17's.
Look for a shudder or noise at full lock in the power steering. A few had a weakness there.
Overall, a very reliable and way above average car. That's my opinion for what it's worth. Cheers.

[FreeTrout]

Thanks for the reply Mike. I'm really getting swayed towards the FL2 the more I look into it for all the points you mention. I need a safe, reliable, comfortable ride that most soft roaders promise but don't deliver. Thanks for pointing those things out. I'll certainly keep an eye and ear open for the rear diff issue as well as the steering. Seems that most who own these just don't off-load them! My question now is - do the later models - 2010+ also have these issues to look out for? Many thanks

[mikehzz]

I haven't heard of issues in the later models. They weren't an epidemic in the earlier models either but they were there in some. The trouble with later models is that I think they dispensed with 17" wheels. Land Rover seems obsessed these days with large rims and expensive slicks on their cars. Total crap off road if you ask me.

[FITZ]

i use mine for very similar reasons freetrout, access to fishing spots. I first followed a mate in his troopie to a check a lot of these places as I was not keen to have to stand and watch some smug git in a full 4wd pull me out of trouble when going on my own. The car is amazing. Not been in there in muddy conditions yet though. Car is new and has some very nice line work down the sides now.:( Clearance can be an issue but take your time and you will usually get through.
I have bought 17" rims from landrover, that hurt. Maxxis AT tyres.
On road is a joy to drive and leaves my previous Forester in the shade.

[RIN03]

I have a 2011 TD4 just took it up to rockhampton over Easter. First time on the beach and found a few muddy holes along the way. I followed a Pathfinder through some rather large halfway up the door mud puddles and it did not miss a beat then I took it for a quick bath and drove it 800km home.

[fonfe]

Cracking car, love working on them. hate changing the pollen filter as its a pain in the arse but otherwise I don't really have anything negative to say about them.....and I work in a dealer so only see the "sick" ones :cool: