Thread: Freelander vs Freelander 2 is it worth the price diff?

The FL1 and the FL2 are at the top end of the softroaders (equivalent of RAV4, Outlander, X-Trail, Kluger, Territory) in capability but not as capable as the full on 4wds. The auto in both models and terrain response in the FL2 masks to some extent the lack of low range - it depends what you want to do.

For all road use and most tracks they are fine but will be lacking in the technically more difficult tracks. With my old manual Freelander with careful driving I could get it most places but its downfall was steep rough hills where you had to creep up and the lack of low range showed through. The suspension is very good and compliant and steep hills could be taken at higher speeds where the suspension could take up the rough.

Despite their capabilities both cars remain softroaders and not not full on 4wds. They are fine in open country but not on steep climbs unless they can be taken at speed.

Garry

I appreciate your input Garry. Could I also have views about their reliability?

Noting I had a early Freelander and not a late one. As far as I am aware the issues that plagued early versions such as diff ratios causing VCU and IRD failure were fixed in about 2000/1. Basically if the car is serviced and maintained properly there are no real systemic issues with the last of the FL1s.

The gearbox requires meticulous maintenance and care must be taken to keep all tyres at about the same wear level - rotation and often is required. The 'heath robinson' rear window mechanism can be problematic but fixes are available. After 14 years and 270,000km mine still worked fine.

While no longer a systemic issue when the VCU fails it locks and can damage the drive train - was a given on the very early ones but in the last of the series this issue was no longer systemic. Obviously the higher the mileage wear comes into play and it can fail but no different to any other bit of the car.

Hopefully someone with first hand experience with a late model TD4 auto will come along and give you the information you need.

Garry

I bought a 2004 TD4 S manual freelander 1 from new, had it for 3-4 years & about 160,000 k's. Fantastic car, about the only diesel available at the time except the jeep, which rode like a drunken american, so we got the landrover. Generally there was 2 things I was not quite happy with, tyre wear, it seemed to chew the tyres up quick & the gap between 1st & 2nd gear just didn't seem right. 1st was nice & low, I guess to try to make up for no low range & 2nd just seemed a bit high. Slow off the mark at the lights, but once you got it going it was fine, in fact it would pull up the hills on the sydney newcastle freeway better than a lot of bigger petrol cars. No problems with it for about 150,000k's then it broke down twice in about 3 weeks. First time the fuel pump died, second time was a minor wiring problem with a fuel sensor. Parts had to come up from melbourne & artarmon landrover seemed to take forever to do the repairs. This was my work car & the hassle of no car was a problem so I moved on....to a freelander 2 SE TD4. This is optioned up so much more than the old one, leather electric seats, 6 speed auto, auto lights, auto wipers, cruise control, terrain response, only missing satnav & bluetooth. Overall a much better car than the old one, got a bit more room, quieter, better ride, the motor is only slightly bigger but has about twice as much grunt. Given a choice i would pick the new one each time. Costs about 10G more but worth it in my opinion. How good would it be with the low range & air suspension of a D3?

Having previously owned a 2001 FL1 KV6, I wouldn't buy another one, diesel or not. The FL2 on the other hand is a different proposition. Being a clean sheet design, I would consider the extra money, worth it.

Originally Posted by Ausfree

Having previously owned a 2001 FL1 KV6, I wouldn't buy another one, diesel or not. The FL2 on the other hand is a different proposition. Being a clean sheet design, I would consider the extra money, worth it.

But he is not looking at a 2001 KV6

Personally, I think LR made a mistake keeping the FL name for the later car. It tarnishes the new car with the old one's reputation.

Originally Posted by Ausfree

Having previously owned a 2001 FL1 KV6, I wouldn't buy another one, diesel or not. The FL2 on the other hand is a different proposition. Being a clean sheet design, I would consider the extra money, worth it.

Ah, how easy it is to be misunderstood on the internet. I can see how certain roosters on this Forum get into cockfights. Garry, I have highlighted what the intention of my message is, apologies if there is a misunderstanding!! Perhaps it might have been better if I had said " I wouldn't buy another FL1 whether it is a diesel or petrol model"