Hi,

I'm thinking of buying a freelander 2 for no other reason than I've always wanted one and I occasionally have a difficult commute in the snow, but really I just want one!

Please forgive the stupid questions

I was looking for a 2011 GS manual but have come across an auto. Never driven an auto before. The dealer says it can be driven in manual - How? will it be more economical if driven in manual?

The manual has lower emissions and is supposedly more economical is this true in practice?

Thanks for your advice.

1. The Auto has "command shift" selected by moving the selector to the left. You can then select gears manually
2. Economy in Command Shift is not likely to be any different.
3. Manual is definitely more economical than auto by about 3-4mpg overall 10MY (Sept 09) TD4 HSE Auto in Stornoway Grey (Now Gone)

08 FL2 TD4 SE Manual in Rimini Red (Now Gone)

I've a manual and wished I'd bought an auto!
There are pro's and cons with both, yes, the manual uses less motion lotion but..........
The manual does have dual mass flywheel problems which results in a slipping clutch. I'm not suggesting all cars suffer with this, but I suspect there are some owners who are not even aware this is happening to their cars.
The PSA drivetrain is also fitted in Citroen Crosser, Mit Outlander and Pug 4007 to name a few and the manual has more than it's fair share of problems in all marques.
I've had two flywheels/clutches in 60k miles and if you have to pay for it yourself, it's a big expensive job!

We can all go on about drivability etc, but I'm trying to be practical and possibly saving you a big expense further down the line. Another member of the failed FL2 clutch/DMF club, twice.

I've been driving since 1960 and am an ex driving-instructor, coach driver and current caravan tower. I've always loved driving and have driven all sorts of 2, 3, 4 and 6-wheeled vehicles. I wouldn't voluntarily go back to a manual gearbox car. I think two-pedal driving is far superior and it suits diesel engines and/or towing perfectly. OK, it's a bit less economical but is just so much more enjoyable. I think if God had meant us to have a clutch pedal he'd have given us three feet! 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

I think the above post says it all. 100% agree. For the last 20yrs I only buy auto's and have not ever found a situation where a manual is better than an auto

even Land Rover expert trainers have told me that auto are better in slippery conditions

let alone in traffic! If you look at the trend most new cars with 'green' credentials are auto, it is really only the backward traditional companies that sell autos to the un-educated masses who still think you have better control in a manual and more fun. Rubbish IMHO

manual for track and real sports cars otherwise auto all the way - FL2 3.2 i6 - There is no Replacement for Displacement

If my wife ever sells my stuff for what I told her I paid for it, there will be some bargains out there!

Take your point.
But Rally cars are manual transmission  Another member of the failed FL2 clutch/DMF club, twice.

Horses for courses, really.

Test drive both, and buy whichever "speaks" to you.....

I've driven both (on the FL2 and a vast range of other vehicles of size, speed and fuel type) and MUCH prefer the manual in virtually every case, and especially with the FL2.

Personally, I thought the automatic on the FL2 was particularly poor.

Like I say.....you'll get the lovers and the haters on here for either transmission type. In the grand scheme of things, buying either because it might "save you money" is probably not the way to go - buy whichever you feel happier driving.

Absolutely Choccy - well said. Make mine an auto! 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

Just changed from manual to auto and for me the auto wins hands down but it does uses abit more fuel but it's small price to pay for a better drive.

I chose Auto in 2007 and have never regretted it. Makes driving on crowded UK roads much less hassle etc. Auto also performs better off-road for many owners.

Agree with others, try both. The auto does after all offer you both full auto or command shift for when you feel the urge to select the gears yourself. In practice I rarely do that, despite being keen on the idea when buying.

Good luck anyway. You won't regret getting a FL2, best car I ever owned for comfort and ease of driving. Life is not a dress rehearsal!

Current FL2 is my 3rd Fl2 (4th if you count the one I rejected)
All automatic. My current SD easily achieves 40 to 44 mpg on decent runs usuing cruise.
I also am off road regularly as an official at forrest car rallying and 4x4 events.
All vehicles used at official Land Rover Off Road Driving Experience are auto and you will be amazed at what a standard FL2 auto can do with standard tyres. All FL2's (3) Gone
2011 Mercedes C180 CGI Gone
FL2 GS Auto SD with heated leather, factory tints, alloy spare and a few other bits.

All? Even defenders? Didn't thinknthey made defenders with an auto option. Guess you learn something new everyday.

I would have preferred an auto as had manual previously, but I couldn't afford the extra so had manual. Simple as that.

This is my first automatic ever , I don't think I would buy a manual again. It's so easy to drive in town or on the motorway, it's like driving a big easy chair . On the mpg situation, it is what it is. Do it now ! Your a long time dead !!

I love my automatic I tow a large twin wheel caravan no probs
And use my car off road get stuck all the time lol
But gear box is great