Went to look at a couple of FL2s in Reading with Mrs Iamfree2, sat in the new one and just browsed the used cars outside the showroom, was there about 20mins, used the loo and left without saying anything to anyone except hello to the receptionist and can I use your toilet.

Thought we would pop into the Lexus dealer as it's close by, said hello to the receptionist and asked for the used car list and within 2 mins was welcomed by a very nice man who listened to what we wanted, reassured us that we could get a good used Rx400h for the budget and mileage we were thinking about, sat us in one of the used cars outside the showroom answered all our questions (admittedly got one wrong), advised against getting the Lexus towbar as it was too expensive and then took our details and would ask a salesman to contact us about the cars that they have coming as trade-ins etc.

Then I made the mistake, I asked Mrs Iamfree2 which of the two cars she would prefer and immediately, without hesitation said the Lexus

So it's either a luxury soft-roader or a less luxurious true off-roader, I've found a few flies in the Lexus ointment, like auxiliary battery issues, £1000+ cambelt service and 80kg noseweight limit, poor alloy wheels and low 30s real user mpg.
However, I've visited 2 LR dealers now and 1 Lexus dealer and the Lexus dealer wiped the floor with both of them

So the two cars are neck and neck, for me the FL2 is in front but the Lexus is ahead with Mrs Iamfree2, so I need help please in getting the FL2 back on top

Badge clout. When it comes to 4x4's, LR are kings of the badge clout.

Also, the snow factor. Obviously tyres play their part but whilst on the goodyear wranglers that were standard, I blitzed past stranded cars (only got winter tyres for 4x4 response duties which involves call outs in bad snow in the peak district).

If the same M+S type tyres were on the Lexus, it would be floundering in comparison to the FL2 and would not give you the same confidence. The FL2 soaks up bumps and uneven roads no problem at all.

Personally, I would feel like a bit of an idiot just being seen in a Lexus 4x4, buy a proper 4x4, buy a Land Rover!

P.S, try playing LR dealers off against each other to get a better price. Worked for me  LL.B (Hons) - University of Derby
LOT (Lord of Time) - University of Gallifrey

Ask any Land Rover enthusiast, and you will be told the Freelander is not a true 4x4......
I love my Freelander, but there are other good cars out there, the Lexus being one of them.
Test drive them both, and buy the one you like best. The Freelander is without a doubt good in snow, but that's only any good for the two days we get it down south!!

LR enthusiasts are just jealous because they were hoping the FL2 would be useless off road and they have to eat humble pie because not only is it superb off road, in some situations the LR experience guys state it is the best (due to being lighter etc) LL.B (Hons) - University of Derby
LOT (Lord of Time) - University of Gallifrey

I like the way that you'll usually get a "Hello" from the receptionist and then don't get hassled by sales people at Land Rover dealers until you want to talk. I know that the Kendal dealer even has notices on their cars to say that they will leave you to browse in piece, your own time and ask you to ask for a salesperson if you want to speak to one.

As towing is a major issue for you, have you checked the towing capacity of the Lexus? A Google search says that it's 3500 lbs, which would equate to less than 1,600kg. The Freelander has a towing capacity of 2,000Kg

Is this the sort of information that you need?

Quote
"However, I've visited 2 LR dealers now and 1 Lexus dealer and the Lexus dealer wiped the floor with both of them "

may of done yourself a favor !

My personal experience of two landrover dealers when the chips are down to be utterly shameful.

However currently i have to endure the appalling reliability and service for the fact that it tows my 8mtr twin axle caravan effortlessly .
In heavy snow the FR2 is very very good with the exception of the wipers ! the NS wiper cannot clear the snow in a blizzard and it bends the wiper mechanism ! ( not replaced under warranty ) not good on a motorway as i discovered as the hard shoulder is not a safe place to stop to keep clearing the snow every few miles !
( experience from someone who has been hit by a car travelling at 90 when I was stationary on a motorway !)
My neigbour has a lexus Rx400h but does complain about abysmal fuel consumption ! but its been 100% reliable and excellent attentive dealer service.

To add a little balance to oldgeezer's post, mine's been absolutely brilliant over the last 15 1/2 months & 52,000 miles, with superb dealer service to match.

yeah my LR2 has performed flawless so far, its done 80% of everything I have done in my defender and the other 20% was only things I have done for fun. I Often get around 37mpg with 60% city, 30% motorway and 10% offroad. I have yet to see how it will perform this winter, but I suspect it will have no issues whatsoever.

The LR is clearly the better performer, so your choice will come down to reliability and dealer support. Google the dealerships, and read the forums relevant to the Lexus and its reliability - pretty much the only advice I can give.

In my experience there are two types of Land Rover dealer. The type you refer to above and the ones more like the Lexus dealer you sing the praises of.

The former will be part of a big dealer group and so without the proper personal service, they just want to shift cars to make targets. Being nice to casual visitors is not in the job spec, because they will get loads of leads.

The latter will be smaller, perhaps single site, dealerships. These will invariably be found in smaller towns and the more remote parts of the country. They are more interested in being part of a business community, so will do everything properly. A useful rule of thumb, if you can see open countrside from the showroom, you are more likely to deal with someone who won't patronise you and will have a genuine interest in the product and wanting to keep your business.

Another rule of thumb. LRs are not without problems and the good dealers will always play straight with you.

You are right there "Doc", the LR Experience guys I have been with have praised the Freelander 2, and consider it is the best in snow as well as being very capable all round.

Have to agree with 'Andy S' when buying my new Freelander last year I was 'brushed' off by the big garages telling me my budget was too small
Hillendale a small group ( one LR + 1 Jag Garage) spent time with me found a car and actually got me to part with more money than I intended- very much a purchase that was bought on 'customer care'
I am amazed the large groups do not improve- If Apple + John Lewis can provide consistent High levels of service then a chain of Garages can - just spend time in either of the chains mentioned- they will be very pleased to explain how they do it- they put the customer first !!!!!! 2011 XS,Sumatra Black, GONE MARCH 2014- RR Evoque Prestige 5 door ,MY 2014,Loire Blue, Silver Roof, Panoramic roof.
MY 2016 Disco Sport HSE Auto Scotia Grey,REJECTED
Mercedes E220D AMG line with air suspension(Gone)
DS 200 SE Dynamic my 21 (Gone)
DS 200 SE Dynamic my 22 (Gone)
Audi Q5 40TDI S line (gone)
Discovery Sport D200 S 2024 MY

I hate Land Rover Dealers. I fall for the personal invite and go in absolutely confident they can’t sell me one. Then I get seduced by ridiculous discounts and then end up with another one I didn’t really want. Six times, I must be on top of the gullible list for September  A Land Rover owner since 1988

From a 1974 series III to a 12MY XS FL2 with help of a 1995 D1, 1996 D1, 2005 D3, 2007 D3 and a 2009 FL2.

I purchase mrs wish's FR2 from Reading and its the worst experience in buying a car I've ever had.
The customer service was poor when buying it but got worse once they had my deposit.
This dealer really suffer with poor attitude, if your not looking for a range rover then they are not really that interested.
The preparation was crap and when we went to pick the FR 2 it was parked front ways in a parking space in the corner.

Take your money to a dealer that will give you a half decent service. I wish I had !

I would buy the Lexus my dads run them for years and it goes to the garage once a year for a service, the dealers are excellent at customer care and the products they sell are realiable

Looks wise, only small cosmetic changes but on whole the bodywork and shape has changed little over the years

Of course you could talk her into the fl2 and find yourself at the garage more often than than not, which will let your wife have free reign on the I told you so comments Former Mod/Member, with the most post & Chicken George Arch nemesis

npinks wrote:

I would buy the Lexus my dads run them for years and it goes to the garage once a year for a service, the dealers are excellent at customer care and the products they sell are realiable

Looks wise, only small cosmetic changes but on whole the bodywork and shape has changed little over the years

Of course you could talk her into the fl2 and find yourself at the garage more often than than not, which will let your wife have free reign on the I told you so comments

How come you haven't 'traded up' to the apparently superior Lexus then? I hate the damn things and feel instantly superior if I park next to one in my lovely FL2  60 plate SD4 XS, Stornoway Grey, Arm rest pack

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