Another from Dubai on the boards!!!

If you want to check out an LR2 without the dealer breathing down your neck then drop me a PM and I'll be happy to meet up with you when I can.

I did a lot of research before buying mine and like you love the way BMW's drive, and thought that a proper 4x4 would be a real compromise....but no, the LR2 is a proper 4x4 and handling on and off road is fantastic. Not taken it seriously offroading, but on what I have it handled it wthout fuss, and I am certain is well beyond the capabilities of the XC90, X5, H3, FX35, Pathfinder etc.

Realiability speaks for itself, and although there have been some issues, especially for early models (Early 07's) there are not many at all, especially for a vehicle that is new from the ground up.

I picked my HSE LR2 up at the end of Februaury this year and have done over 4700 km's to date with only one little issue which is a squeak from the ventilation system fan when it as at low speed.

I can't praise the car enough, and would say the HSE is the only option to take over here as the price difference certainly covers all of the extras you get. I would have taken the bodykit as well as I do like the boxier front end it gives the LR2, making it look more Range Rover Sport'ish, but thought that it may get ripped off when off roading.

One of the members that just joined the boards is the assitant editor for Car Middle East, and you can find a little write up on the LR2 on page 89 of this months mag.....so I think that says something for the LR2!

Last edited by Gambba on 22nd May 2008 8:01 am. Edited 1 time in total

Great thread!. All of this confirms my decision to purchase an LR2. Now if the damn thing would arrive I'd be happy! Six weeks and counting down. Coming soon: LR2 HSE; Alaska White; Nav; Premium Sound; Bluetooth; Lighting Package

zetaxi165 wrote:

I can't believe that someone would prefer driving a LR2 to a BMW.

zetaxi165 wrote:

We are heading out for the test drives tomorrow - shortlisted cars are the LR2, X3, XC90 and the FX35.

Hope the missus likes the LR2 - I would love to get one (am already planning some off-roading trips).

I have been the 'proud' owner of two 3 series BMW's, first was a saloon and the second was a coupe - first one broke down that often I knew the local BMW roadside assistance man by first name terms! Second one was off the road for a week just 2 weeks after having it and again when it was 18 months old! Lovely cars to drive but reliability was pants! Was reluctantly looking at the new shape 3 series coupe prior to the FL2 but wasnt a great fan of the back end design nor the expense of having to spec it up to get features which are standard on most cars. Well pleased with the FL2, whilst it doesnt have the punch of the BMW it is far nicer to drive - yes i know you can't compare a 3 series against a FL2 but when both cost the same amount of money I know which I would prefer to drive!! Now - 2017 BMW X3 M Sport Carbon Black
Gone - 2014 BMW X3 M Sport Space Grey, faultless!
Gone - 2011 Freelander 2 SD4 HSE Bali Blue with xenons
Gone - 2008 Freelander 2 TD4 HSE Rimini Red with bodykit

zetaxi165 wrote:

Hi Guys,

First and foremost: I am in the market for a new LR2.

I love the way it looks, think the interior is great for the price and love its capabilities.

The LR2 is going to be for the missus, so I need to make sure there are no issues (or I will end up having to give up my car - a BMW 335, to her if things go really bad).

I know Land Rovers have had quite a few reliability issues.

The question is: What are the common problems with the LR2? What spec should I get (We plan to use it for some softcore off-roading)? And Finally Are you happy with it?

Thanks in advance.

- Zetaxi165

Had a BMW 320d touring, great car to drive but was very unreliable. It had 3 turbo chargers and a new engine before 40k miles.

Then have had 2 XC90's, first was good but still some issues. 2 new sets of wheel bearings on the back and eats tyres for breakfast. A new set of tyres every 15k miles at £150 each. 2nd XC90 was worse with 3 sets of wheel bearings, set of rear drive shafts and a new wiring loom all in under 60k miles. Poor warranty (3 years or 60k miles) meant i got rid of the XC90 and bought a FL2 HSE Auto.

FL2 is great to drive (nearly as much fun as the BM) and so far reliable. 25k miles in 7 months and still on the first set of tyres and no visits to the garage. Good warranty on the FL2 sealed it and it great at towing a caravan.

Buy the FL2 you wont regret it.

We do not have the diesel version of the LR2 here in Canada. Many here reporting on the engine refer to the diesel, so my question is: How do the two engines compare? I am glad to here that people enjoy the diesel, is the gas any worse/better or just different? Coming soon: LR2 HSE; Alaska White; Nav; Premium Sound; Bluetooth; Lighting Package

VIKING wrote:

The FX35 is unfamiliar to me, so I cannot say.

Rev wrote:

We do not have the diesel version of the LR2 here in Canada. Many here reporting on the engine refer to the diesel, so my question is: How do the two engines compare? I am glad to here that people enjoy the diesel, is the gas any worse/better or just different?

Test Drives:

XC90 - We headed out to the Volvo dealer. Picked up a 2.5T to test drive. Initial impressions. Way too boxy and chunky. The Missus immediately hated it. Interior fared no better. It felt like a tarted up Japanese car. The leather was ok. I hated the switch gear so did the missus. The drive didn't fare any better. The 2.5T is not big enough for such a huge car so it struggled. Road feel was non-existent. So the XC90 is out.

FX35 - The missus found it way too blingy and she outright refused to drive the car. however we still went for the test drive. The interior felt like it was trying too hard. As for the drive. The car felt lively and was very responsive. I liked it. But doesn't look like we will get this one. Things I didn't like were the crappy iDrive wannabe system (way too many buttons and very fussy) and the leather quality - felt like something you pick up at a cheap aftermarket shop.

LR2 - Missus like the interior and the sunroof. She was very neutral to the looks. I think it looks great and the interior is close to Range Rover level (for the price). Acceleration was not even adequate (I guess the FX35 had raised the bar there). Road feel was non-existent. But the drive was comfortable and relaxing - the perfect cruiser. Loved the seats. Loved the Navigation and of course the sun roof. Overall we felt this was a solid car.

X3 - The interior was ok. But overall, I hate this car. It is so damn ugly. No redeeming feature to its looks. There is no good angle to view it from. The missus was neutral to the interior and the looks. But she loved the drive and so did I. It was pure BMW. Just a superior experience.


So it has come down to the LR2 and X3. I am even contemplating handing over my baby (the 335) to the missus so she gets to have the BMW driving feel and I use the LR2 as the daily driver.

The colour combo I am contemplating for the LR2 is Grey with beige Leather. The HSE spec. Of course a few more in-house negotiations are needed. But it looks like either way the new car order will be placed within a couple of weeks. Wish me luck.

GAMBBA,

Thanks for the offer. I might have to take you up on it over the next week.

One thing I need to know, what are those knobs under the armrest?

How do you find the LR2 off road? Where have you taken it? Is it alright on the beaches/sand? How would you compare it with a Pathfinder for off road?

I read the Car Middle East feature of their Long term LR2 test (where they took it off road) - is it the same one you are talking about?

p.s: How good is the AC?

The 335 has not been without its problems. It spent about 6 weeks in the shop so far - for a failed fuel pump and intercooler.

So we need a reliable car for the next one cos the 335 is gonna be a constant - it is just way too much fun to drive. So we are not gonna be selling this car for sometime.

Oh yeah, if anyone is looking at a 335 - get it. The early build ones had the fuel pump issue (mine is one of the early ones) but the newer ones appear problem free (from a colleague who has had one for 6 months and no issues). The acceleration is brilliant (don't believe BMW's claimed figure of 5.4 - they do that cos the 335 is too close to the M3). I have personally done mine at 4.96 (0-60) on a hot day (turbos get faster in cooler weather). And the car handles and is a great GT - seats 4 in comfort and fast enough to give normal 911s a scare.

ham888 wrote:

zetaxi165 wrote:

Hi Guys,

First and foremost: I am in the market for a new LR2.

I love the way it looks, think the interior is great for the price and love its capabilities.

The LR2 is going to be for the missus, so I need to make sure there are no issues (or I will end up having to give up my car - a BMW 335, to her if things go really bad).

I know Land Rovers have had quite a few reliability issues.

The question is: What are the common problems with the LR2? What spec should I get (We plan to use it for some softcore off-roading)? And Finally Are you happy with it?

Thanks in advance.

- Zetaxi165

Hi Zetaxi

Also have a BMW 335 - boy they're fast aren't they, love it, we have auto its incredibly good.

We too had reservations about having a LR2 as our second car, but they have been mis-founded (touch wood), really pleased with ours.

They are COMPLETELY different driving experiences, we have a GS LR2 because it had all we needed, however I do think the SE is propably the most balanced spec for price - depends what you need from the car.

When you get the LR park it next to the BMW and compare the paint jobs - the BMW looks c**p compared.

A great choice of 2 cars if you don't mind me saying.

Cheers,

Harry

You don't need luck. Allyou need is a FL2
Maybe these will help

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drive...eId=123122

http://www.trucktrend.com/roadtests/suv/16...index.html FREELANDER 2 TD4 SE (XS UK) IZMIR BLUE SIDE STEPS COLD PACK BI-XENON TINTED WINDOWS - AND PROUD OF HER