Hello everyone, just making my first steps into FL2 country, first of all I have to admit to owning a caravan and towing with my great but too light Yeti has led me to stray into the rather refined world of premium brand 4x4s.

Visited my local dealer today to look at a secondhand SD4 XS, first impression were good although the golf clubs will only fit with a back seat down , the boot is small but the puncture repair kit space is cavernous .

Not driven one yet and I need to decide which auto, TD4 or SD4 and if I can stretch to the 2011 facelift with reduced road tax etc.

I'm getting approx. 33mpg (21 towing) on average for the Yeti (1.2 TSi DSG) so hope to get the same or more with the FL2 fingers crossed

So with a budget of approx. £18k what is the best buy FL2 to have, and perhaps more important which to avoid

Just remembered, I asked about the 2 years free servicing offer on approved used cars and was told it was only available if I took out a loan with them... can't see this in the terms on the web site so perhaps the dealer isn't being honest


Thanks
Brian

Last edited by Iamfree2 on 12th Oct 2012 8:49 pm. Edited 1 time in total

Wow, he Yeti is thirsty

FL2 is a world apart, you might get a high miler SD4, I have done 35k in my 11 plate now, been excellent, fuel economy and premium 4x4 are terms you put together, saying that I get 35 at worst and 40+ on a good run, solo figures no added bits a the back.

Get a test drive, 24 hr if they will go to it, you won't look back and welcome to freel2

welcome

Auto better than manual especially for towing. I get 35-42 on a steady run with an auto and 21-26 towing an 8 mtr twin axle van for which i have to admit you don't really know is behind at times.

buy a GS XS or HSE model. For me an HSE was a no no as leather seats don't help with support when driving and rear seat passengers can slide around.

boots appalling for premium vehicle , just get used to nothing fits ! even my awning poles have to rest above the arch covers in the boot.

Welcome to the forum - you'll find lots of useful information and advice on here and will be drawn into the endless debate over TD4 or SD4, auto or manual.

For what it's worth.

Freelander 2 can legally tow up to 2000 kg.
A TD4 or SD4 auto has the same combined cycle fuel consumption and same road tax.
An SD4 will get you from 0 to 60 about 1 second faster
No matter whether you choose a TD4 manual, TD4 auto or SD4 you'll get the same amount of torque at 420Nm.

If I was in your situation I'd probably look at a TD4 XS auto or possibly an SD4 XS auto - not sure of prices but if you have a look on www.landrover.co.uk there is a section showing all used vehicles in the Dealer network which will give you an idea of what you can get for your budget.

As I mentioned elsewhere ask your Dealer for an LR Experience voucher - I don't believe in paying for something that is available free if you ask. But beware LR Experience Centres have the top of the range SD4 HSE and next week they'll be getting the MY13 SD4 HSE Lux and when you've seen one you might want one.

Chaps, thanks for the welcome and pointing me in the right direction,

I've found two TD4 XS auto, 59 reg both with 30k miles in Reading so will take a look tomorrow, Biscay Blue and Bali Blue, both look good...quick question, does the 2.2 diesel have any major service points like cam belt change etc.

Also, does anyone have experience of the Lancaster group

Welcome Brian - get an auto!

You asked: does anyone have experience of the Lancaster group

No, but I'm sure they would beat the Yorkists  Ours - 2008 Stornoway Grey HSE Auto
Tricia's - 2006 Royal Blue Beetle Cabriolet Auto
Mine - 2014 Vespa GTS 300 Super Sport Matt Black
Ours - 2007 White Bailey Pageant Champagne

59 plate TD4 Auto will have the 160 bhp version of the 2.2l diesel engine which was replaced for 2011 MY with either a TD4 150 bhp or SD4 190 bhp. Each version of tuning is good and compliments the vehicle well.

In terms of major service points - don't think there is anything until bout 100000 miles apart from brake fluid and anti freeze at 3 yearly intervals.

Not heard many comments about Lancaster Group but worth a look under Dealer Feedback section on here or the sister sites for the rest of the range.

As said check a dealers out and see if you can get a voucher or keep an eye on the LR Facebook page as often put offers on and you can pick them up for free, I have done this a fair few times

Buy them if you need too and want the drive off road sooner Former Mod/Member, with the most post & Chicken George Arch nemesis

You mention puncture repair kit - try to get them to give you a spare wheel and jack. if not, buy a wheel on e-bay (or this forum) and a (surprisingly cheap) LR jack. The standard wheel will fit in the space.

Another welcome to the Forum here

If you really must tow a caravan with it ( ) then you probably will be better offing putting up with an auto as the clutch doesn't have much spare capacity for abuse. Likewise, as Past master says, make sure you've got a proper spare too, though the standard jack is typically compact, but pathetic. You might want to pack something more substantial when towing or rely on the AA/RAC to change the wheel when needed.

I'm shocked by the mpg that your Yeti is returning. My FL2 seems to be one of the least economical on here, but it still beats the figures that you quote.

Good luck with your search.

Lancaster Reading are good - I have my car serviced there, although bought elsewhere. Professional attitude to service, and very helpful with my recent sales enquiries. Freelander 2 TD4 HSE auto Tonga Green/Alpaca

Hi Iamfree2, and welcome. Cam belt change is at 150000 miles or 10 years.

Thanks all

The search begins in earnest

Mine will be 6 years old in December and I have owned it for nearly 5 1/2 of those. Excellent for towing in auto form or manual. There are some bad ones out there, but mine has proven to be perfectly reliable.

Go and get one, you won't be disappointed. Freelander 2 HSE Lux 2013MY - Barolo Black with Ivory Leather. Alpine DVD - Privacy -Evoque 20" Dynamic Wheels and more to come.........

Thanks all for your warm welcome,

I'm going to take an FL2 auto out for a quick spin this Friday

I must admit that at the moment my main concern is reliability and dealer service but perhaps it's better to get one before production moves to China