FL2 Long Term

[260DET]

Morning all, the choice is between a new FL2 and a Hyundai Santa Fe, both have suitable specs so both on paper would suit. Below average country town use but the occasional long distance solo tow job so breaking down in the middle of nowhere would not be appreciated.


So far on the plus side there are a couple of city blokes on another forum who love their FL2's and have had a good run out of them, on the minus side the usual opinion is that the FL2 is still prone to serious problems and that the Korean would be a much more reliable, trouble free option. Balancing that is that all reports indicate the FL2 is a great SUV to be in and drive, particularly on a long trip. So you can see my dilemma.


It would help if long term owners could advise me, particularly in regard to on road reliability as distinct from annoying but not crucial problems, I'm not terribly fussy about minor problems. Thanks muchly from a newb, cheers, Richard.

[Meken]

Diesel hse new in 08 about 100k trouble free lots of peak hour city trips and towing work. It is a very comfy car for trips and drives like a car not a truck

[woko]

I have a 07 TD4 SE with nearly 180000km on it and have owned it for 2 years. I have had a few issues with it, but nothing hugely expensive if you look outside the box.
issues I've had,
Electric motor that controls waste gate on turbo, $25. LR will sell you a new turbo.
Rear Diff bearing. You can buy a full bearing kit for the diff from the UK for $250
Full set of shock absorbers $800
Turbo boost hose. I got a silicone 1/2 set for $150
Gear stick gaiter $30
Gear knob spring. I did a repair on knob rather than replacing $2
Ive been having issues with the drivers seat controls and it requires a new switch unit. (i haven't looked into price)

Have you drove both?
My brother has a Kia Sorrento (same as Santa Fe) He has had it for 2 years and has 130000km on it. He has had to replace the harmonic balancer since he has owned it. It is slightly better on fuel and has more power, but the Freelander is more comfortable and nicer to drive.

[mikehzz]

Mine is an 08 TD4 bought new and now has 206,000 kms on it. I've done most of the remote tracks on it, Birdsville, Strzelecki, Oodnadatta, Cameron Corner, Walkers Crossing, both Lake Eyre tracks, Plenty Hwy, Old Ghan, Yunta to Arkaroola, Border Track, Vic High Country and into the Simpson Desert twice. It has never left me on the side of the road and I have never had to call for any roadside assistance. The rear diff was done under warranty at around 80,000 and was just whining a bit. Wear and tear includes new shocks and a cv joint that was just vibrating which I think is acceptable considering the hammering it has had on some of those tracks. It still drives great and I'm happy to keep it. It's the most impressive car I've ever owned and I've owned 25 cars. (It's still on its original battery too)

[260DET]

Thanks for taking the time to help blokes


At present I have a auto PB Challenger and am looking at changing in the New Year. Will drive the choices once I decide what SUV's are practical to own, am prepared to pay a bit more for something that I really like providing it passes the practical test.


An updated Sorrento will be out soon, I'm guessing that it will be a contender for my application, they keep improving it.

[mikehzz]

The Kia has a 7 year warranty doesn't it? That's hard to beat, but I wouldn't take it into the Simpson Desert though. I've never seen what sort of awd system the Kia has but it wouldn't be anywhere near as good as the Land Rover.

[inside]

Had a FL2 from new for 7 years and 100K. Power steering pump went early, about 18K other than that nothing at all. I've sold it now but miss it, very practical but still a bit special at the same time. Only people who bag the FL2 are those that haven't driven one.

[260DET]

It would be good to have something that you can look forward to driving.

[uneekwahn]

Just got my wife a 2010 HSE FL2 yesterday. Loving it

[ByronB]

I have a TD4 Se MY14 had for two years, I am a rep, so non stop city driving along with trips to south coast and Canberra just done 60k all trouble free.
I do dealer servicing, which is a little pricey, that is my only complaint, but find it helps resale.