I like to try lots of different things in life in general and cars are no exception. On this occasion we traded in our BMW, which had it's fair share of electrical problems in the beginning, but I loved the fact it was petrol, had 6 cylinders and made nice noises. When it came to change it, we did think about the X3 and X5 but ended up with the Freelander 2 because it was different and therefore more exciting to us. The car did look "inferior" to the equivalent X3 on the stats front in the usual car publications - but buying a car on stats is like buying a car with your brain and not your heart. I tend to buy things with the later... if it gets my heart racing, its probably the right thing in the long run. I sat in the X3 and I agree, it was almost soulless (spell?) but this could be to do with familiarity. When I sat in the FL2, it was like wow, this is different, look at this chunky Terrain Response Control knob thing, look at this old school green backlit light and a billion buttons on the dash. Wow check out the big square bonnet from behind the wheel, it's like being in a tank. I know all those were irrational things to think when buying a car but it all added to the experience and novelty of owning something different.

We've had our FL2 for about 4 months now and we love it. It has it's quirks and won't ever sound as sexy with it's diesel engine but it certainly hasn't broken down on us or not start at all which used to be a frequent problem for us in the BMW when we first had it. No doubt in a few years time, we'll move on to something else. It might be a Disco or even be a Ford S Max yikes!

The only thing I can say is that you'll need to buy on your own opinion and not somebody elses. You wouldn't buy a house that way would you? Only you know what's right for you. 11 SD4 HSE Stornoway Grey / Black Windsor Leather

JammyDodger wrote:

... I sat in the X3 and I agree, it was almost soulless

Exactly what I felt . Which was a surprise to me. I'd ALWAYS seem BMW as the natural choice but I felt the new X3 was almost trying too hard not to offend anyone - not a brave, but a successful approach in many endeavours I guess. Just dull IMHO. Anyway I chose the FL2 because it felt right - right in its skin, lovely to drive, a turn of speed, practical, capable... etc.
The X3 has sold well understandably. It appeals to a broader market chunk. The FL2 has also been a massive success perhaps because it appeals to a specific market. I am worried that the current FL2 advertising (you need a FL2 to buy CHEESE ) might dilute its natural market, but what the fu ck do I know, eh?
Anyways 2 years in and I (& SWINO) LOVE IT!  ...

Be true to yourself. That way happiness lies...

Big Dave wrote:

Personally I don't think you'll be a fan of the Freelander as you like the BMW approach to 4x4's (not knocking you in anyway...it's all personal preference!)

Welcome to the forum, I'm relatively new here too.

Just to say I have very similar spec to the one you are looking at. TD4 HSE Auto but 10 plate.

Fuel consumption is 36-37 overall according to my driving style which is steady, does not have much city, but mainly rural mixed with some longer motorway runs, typically 200-300 miles in the day. eg Worcester to Sheffield and back, or Worcester to Whitby, say.

Looked at quite a few, and consistently found the FL2 the nicest place to be. Held off for a while due to price being higher for an equivalent vehicle of another make. What I paid for a 2 and a bit year old FL2 would have got me into a nearly new CR-V for example, and I could probably have got a new one by some hard haggling, and certainly would have got me into a top spec Yeti easily.

But a test drive or three, and bless her, Mrs Stubbenoldgit, after having sat in a FL2 and been for a drive wouldn't then consider anything else.

Stubbenoldgit wrote:

But a test drive or three, and bless her, Mrs Stubbenoldgit, after having sat in a FL2 and been for a drive wouldn't then consider anything else.

Hi Ron and a warm welcome.

I haven't owned a BMW but I pushed my neighbours in the snow last year and another one last weekend in a muddy woodland car park

I average 32 mpg, town driving combined with steep hills and valleys. On a motorway run I average 37mpg.

I bought a 2010 TD4 last summer and I love it. One technical / electrical type problem but not a full breakdown.
I negotiated an extra years extension on the LR assist warranty when I purchased (worth about £800) and I would highly advise you do the same. LR assist came out for my problem within the hour, couldn't fix it so arranged a new evoque hire car for a few days while LR mended mine. Brilliant service and I will have peace of mind until late 2014.

Expect minor niggles like rattles and water ingress in headlights but wouldn't put me off. Good luck.  _________________
Gone - 2010 Rimini XS

Well I have had my (used ) for 18 month now and I love it best car Ive ever had.

EYorkshire is a Yorkshire man he says what he likes and he likes what he bloody well says welcome to the forum RonM

RonM
I too had concerns when I bought FL2 XS 15 months ago- 22k miles later apart from routine service all ok
Previously I had run Merc's and BM's and spent a lot of time on phone, letters & Emails trying to get them fixed under warranty - since change my stress levels have reduced!!!

Yes I do miss that I used to be able to get 50mpg out of my 5 series, but settle for average 37mpg but better ride/comfort and 'enjoyment'
Take the plunge - you will enjoy and should you have 'hiccups' then the members on this forum have been great giving me advice
Good luck 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

RonM wrote:

andyfr wrote:

I think the thing to do is go and have a test drive in one.

Thanks Andy - test drive booked for Saturday. Looking forward to it.

Glad you are thinking of the LR. I managed to afford a new one a year ago and I agree with others, it is the best car I have owned. It really earns its keepin the snow and foul weather. Also the most expensive car I have ever owned. No problems so far. Routine service only. Getting 35-40 mpg depending on use but averaged 35.8 over the first year. Hope the test drive goes OK. Enjoy.

Barry 12MY 61plate FL2 TD4 auto GS Orkney Grey Roof spoiler full size spare

Gone 07 Dodge Caliber 1.8 black
51 Nissan Primera
K Isuzu Trooper 3.1 SWB Citation

andyfr wrote:

How did the test drive go?

JammyDodger, get yourself on a Land Rover Experience, half way round, remember your comments about an SMax, they will soon go away

Taz, i think i need to go on the LRE just before I'm due to change car just to remind me
Okay maybe not a S-Max (I'm not a badge snob but the other half is) but I think the new Kia Sorento looks a decent car with 7 seats.
http://www.kia.co.uk/new-cars/range/suvs-4...ofile.aspx

It's no Disco but it does come with 7 year warranty, attactive price tag etc..

Dropped my FL2 off for servicing today and the new showroom FL2 looks nice - so much more to get it up to top spec now though!! 11 SD4 HSE Stornoway Grey / Black Windsor Leather

It's dead simple...what floats your boat is right....you drive it....you choose it....you live with your decision.