I find the XS a nice well rounded spec. The HSE is nice but can be a bit pricey for what it is.

Keep your eyes peeled for a well kitted out GS or XS.  21MY Defender 90 S 3.0 D200

I think Fred has offered the most sound advice to the O/P
DPF is a right PITA for those doing short runs although no doubt someone will come on here and shoot me down!

Beads to the natives doesn't cut with me either, the overall condition matters most no matter whether it's an HSE or S.
So along with Fred I would add paintwork, no towbar, FSH and check the underside for any offroad damage.
And of course an auto, lots of flywheels and clutches have been replaced on manuals.

Good luck in your hunt  Another member of the failed FL2 clutch/DMF club, twice.

I do a lot of short runs with mine and haven't had any problems but I do take it on long runs on Sundays so that probably keeps it clean.

I agree though with the above, the DPF is one to watch. If you can get a 10MY nice condition and well looked after then go for it, all the toys doesn't matter at the end of the days, it's a reliable family car that counts most. 21MY Defender 90 S 3.0 D200

Although it is slightly older, you could go for a SE (built up to 2009MY), these come with navigation and a pano roof and represent good value e.g. £14.5k for one with 45k miles - makes a HSE look common and overpriced for the age

pab wrote:

I suspect I may be unusual in not particularly liking sunroofs, and a sunroof is the main difference between XS and HSE. The HSE is basically just more gimmicks and gadgets to go wrong!

Weird. I don't remember the sunroof on the XS sat outside being an additional option? I am probably wrong though.



But I'd say a decently spec'd XS (or SE?) would seem the way forward. Has the features of the HSE but without the high price-tag associated with the name.
Plus half the HSE's don't even come with HSE badges. And what's the point in owning the top of the range model if no-one knows...

I have no idea where in the range the SE comes. Am I right in assuming it used to be between the XS and HSE?

SE sat between XS and HSE until 2011MY when it was deleted and XS received sat nav in UK.

Mine is an XS, but doesn't have a sunroof.

Various people are mentioning the sat nav as a must-have, but bear in mind that the LR sat nav is generally poorly regarded, and there are posts on here describing how to install a tomtom or garmin into the space in the dash instead. Many people seem to regard that as the better sat nav solution.

I just got an updated disk (non-OEM) for the sat nav when it got 5 years out of date. The new disk not only had updated maps but the menu changed ever so slightly (for the better) and it chooses routes much better than any other sat nav I've used.
At points where I have to ignore the tom-tom in another vehicle for taking me a stupid route, the LR sat nav system seems to always choose the route I personally would have taken.

I would buy the newest car you can find gs has good spec, and its great fun adding bits. Try for a new shape bumper, 18" wheels or even 19" realy set the car off.

Let us all know how you get on and post some photos  2013 hse auto, black, almond leather, exnon lights, factory privacy glass, exhaust finisher, rear boot spoiler, mud flaps. Body door side moulding and steps.

Gone and fondly remembered
2012 XS (2013 up-grade LED lights front & rear)
2007 hse (2011 facelift)

Wow - That is a lot of information to take in -

Thanks everyone for your help and opinions

At the end of the day like what most people said - its about what we want from the car - unfortunately with my Mrs expensive taste she would have every gadget going and worry about the cost at a later date.

I think i need to take some of this advice on board and start the search again

Thanks

One thing that someone mentioned was about getting an Auto as the clutches can go on the manuals.
This is a problem I have had with my current Freelander

Does everyone agree that an Auto is best?

GoGo gadget willo  BETTER looking half of the famous Twinlanders
The wanna be other half - http://www.freel2.com/forum/member-carriec.html

willo81 wrote:

One thing that someone mentioned was about getting an Auto as the clutches can go on the manuals.
This is a problem I have had with my current Freelander

Does everyone agree that an Auto is best?

yes willo go for the auto  BETTER looking half of the famous Twinlanders
The wanna be other half - http://www.freel2.com/forum/member-carriec.html

No, Manual is best 40+ MPG, and no slow pull away from roundabouts 

pcheaven wrote:

No, Manual is best 40+ MPG, and no slow pull away from roundabouts

saywhat !!! My freely is a auto and it can slam me back in my seat if i take a chance on roundabouts .. Go for the auto willo  BETTER looking half of the famous Twinlanders
The wanna be other half - http://www.freel2.com/forum/member-carriec.html