Thread: Freelander 2 or Discovery 3 ?

Go for the D3SE.

I have a D4 and FL2 TD SE for wife. FL2 is a good car....... but not as capable as the D3/4. as you need go for a long trip the D3's extra space should be nice.

Kogarah,

The Freelander will go probably 95% of where a D3 will take you (or where most owners would be prepared to go), however if and when you are out in the middle of nowhere that 5% will be very very important as it means the difference between keeping going and turning around.

The Freelander has no low range and much less ground clearance than the D3 so it will need to work harder and potentially be exposed to damage if the going gets a bit tough.

The D3 is an awesome machine, effortless long distance tourer and highly capable off road. The diesel is a very popular choice, however the petrol V6 can be picked up 2nd hand quite cheaply as an alternative to the diesel but for outback travel range becomes an issue for the petrol as the consumption is somewhat higher.

Hope this helps.

George

Having had few FL2s as loan vehicles I prefer the diesel and they are a very nice vehicle. I would be concerned about how much space I would need for a long trip. The additional ground clearance and capability of the D3 would be an added bonus.
If buying from a dealer I would be pushing for an extended warranty for the D3 as part of the deal. Theses can also be purchased seperately if buying privately.

Regards,
Tote

Kogarah,

Might also be worthwhile post a question on the freelander channel on the site as well, I am sure they can give you an informed view of what is possible in an FL2.

George

Agree with prior comments, but would like to add one more factor: AFAIK, the FL2 doesn't come with low range. That would be a limiting factor if you were climbing the Vic high country or similar - but touring around Australia - maybe not.

Just another factor to consider.

Cheers,
Rob

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

All good advice.

The FL2 is not as capable offroad as the D3. Furthermore, the gap widens quickly as you load the car further. Anything the FL2 does, the D3 will do easier when offroad. The particular limitation of the FL2 will be steep hills as per the High Country...especially when you need to drive them slowly, the car is loaded and it is a hot day. First gear simply isn't low enough. You will also find the slight loss of ground clearance an irritation in many situations, even rough dirt roads. Rocks will be another issue.

Around town the dimensions are not too dissimilar, have a look at them. Main difference is the D3 is taller and seems more bulky -- it is, but not by enough to make a difference. The D3 is extremely easy around town.

The FL2 lacks cargo space and there are very few accessories for it -- you may wish to acquire a snorkel, dual battery, bar and other touring gear. Easy for a D3, not the FL2.

My recommendation, based on your requirements, is definitely the D3.

Hey Kushanf, With the trips you are talking about i assume your towing something? If not then you really will struggle for space with the FL however if you are towing something then you will probably struggle a little in other areas. I've done alot of travelling in those regions and even with just 2 of us and nothing in tow space is a premium.
The other thing is the D3 has a better turning circle than some of the cars i have driven around town, as has been said, don't be decieved by it's bulky aperance, it makes an excellent town car { of course it does depend on which town you are in LOL}
happy travels mate in your D3 when you get it LOL