Thread: Freelander 2 or Discovery 3 ?

OPAL fuel is a special mix that is less aromatic and thus less attractive to petrol sniffers which is a big problem in remote communities. Another reason to go diesel. Not heard of any issues with cats though.

Hi Robert,
Sorry, I should have been more specific. I know what opal fuel is but, like you, I have not heard of cat problems.

Best Wishes,
Peter

Hi
yes the opal is to help stop our indiginous friends. As far as the cat go,s a trip I did with a friend that had to do fuel drops of opal (4.8 nissan petrol guzler ) only around a year old at the time , had to replace his cat asap when we got home as it was bloked with melt points through out. this may not have been the fuel but hasnt had to replace since.

Hi Max,

Thanks for the great advice. You mentioned about hiring a Freelander in Sydney and go to Stockton. Where should i go for that ? I did not think that anyone would have Freelander 2 as a hire vehicle ?

Can you point me in the right direction if you have any information.

Thanks
Kushan

Originally Posted by Tusker

Check Mike's posts in the Freelander area, he's been on a lot of outback tracks.

My thoughts would be:

1. Forget the HSE Freelander, the cheaper one is the one for what you're doing. It's got better tyres. Same problem as D3s/4s.

2. The Freelander has conventional strut suspension. No airbags etc to worry about.

3. The Freelander is quite a comfortable touring car. However, it's the lack of cargo space that swings the decision towards the D3.

4. Low range might be needed from time to time in the Simpson Desert, but otherwise not really for general touring. Hire one & get up to Stockton Beach & see for yourself. (With someone else though!) Had mine up there once, & it went everywhere the bigger trucks did. No gear & just me admittedly.

I'd have no qualms about a Simpson crossing in convoy. There's always someone at Birdville Caravan Park asking around viz, crossing together.

I'm sure the D3 would be better, but the FL2 is pretty capable. And whether D3 or FL2, avoid the low profile tyres!

Regards
Max P

Hi All,

Thanks to everyone for the great advice. I will begin the search for a D3.

I have been looking at DRIVE.com and most of the ads seem to be dealer ads. Should I look for a private purchase or a purchase from a dealer ? I was thinking of obtaining an extended warranty (if this is possible) if I was to buy through a Dealer.

Also my understanding from all the posts I have read here and on the internet is that I should look for the 18 inch rims which will have a better selection of off road tyres, Is this correct ?

Thanks
Kushan

Just a quick comment regarding lack of low range on the fl2.... I have never needed it. The absolute and only limiting factor on it's off road ability is ground clearance. The td4 and the terrain response are absolutely amazing, the thing will climb a wall. My other car is a diesel jeep and the fl2 goes anywhere it will go provided it's belly doesn't drag on some rocks.
Having said that, the lack of space and lack of clearance well and truly push the desicion to the D3 for sure. Cheers, Mike

Hi Kushan,
For the TDV6 D3, I would look for either 18" or 17" wheels, either already fitted to the vehicle or available aftermarket.

Best of luck with your search,
Peter

Originally Posted by mikehzz

Just a quick comment regarding lack of low range on the fl2.... I have never needed it. The absolute and only limiting factor on it's off road ability is ground clearance. The td4 and the terrain response are absolutely amazing, the thing will climb a wall. My other car is a diesel jeep and the fl2 goes anywhere it will go provided it's belly doesn't drag on some rocks.
Having said that, the lack of space and lack of clearance well and truly push the desicion to the D3 for sure. Cheers, Mike

Fair enough Mike, but I can assure you the lack of low gearing is without doubt a limiting factor for many people. The FL2 will simply not climb anything like as well as a Rangie/Disco/Sport and when it does climb it does it harder. It also struggles in rocky conditions too.