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Home > General > Would you consider something other that a Freelander |
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MartynB Member Since: 08 Aug 2011 Location: Currently Rootless ! Posts: 1777 |
I ran BMW as company cars for 15 or 16 years. One weekend I left my 2 year old 120k mile 3 series diesel coupe at the dealers, and drove a 5 series test car. On Monday when I picked up the coupe, I thought it would feel like a bag of bolts . I was wrong it was still tight, smooth to drive . You will not go far wrong with a BMW. Make sure it is serviced properly and it will serve you well. 2009 GS Auto Zermatt Silver - Sold June 21 after 10 years of ownership
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26th May 2016 8:18 pm |
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Spatch Member Since: 20 Feb 2015 Location: Kent Posts: 170 |
I concur with everything you have said. Did you get the 20d or 30d? I have been massively impressed with mine. The whole package just works so well and the driving experience is top drawer plus 10mpg improvement . I have to say that I cannot fault it. Towed the caravan with mine the other week. Easily as good as the Freelander, tow hitch has more clearance so is easier to hitch up and the extra power of the 3L diesel is very welcome. Totally stable and smooth - very capable indeed. BMW X3 30d M Sport - Current (problem free) 2014 SD4 Auto HSE Lux - Gone (too many problems) 2012 TD4 Manual XS - Gone (too many problems) |
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26th May 2016 8:52 pm |
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frawdder Member Since: 19 Apr 2013 Location: In ma hoose Posts: 86 |
@ MartynB - had a diesel coupe before, never put a foot wrong in just over 2 years ownership and cost a grand total of £270 (for service) in that time, unlike the LR. Like the Subaru's, good honest cars but the dealer network is poor up our way. You will enjoy yours.
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26th May 2016 9:13 pm |
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Yorky Bob Member Since: 28 Apr 2015 Location: Yorkshire Posts: 4561 |
Spent a small fortune on new BMW cars over a decade buying several and got one so bad it had to be replaced after owning it for just 2 hours. Dealerships I found started treating you like you own a LADA as they became as common as a Ford, lost the plot when they started pre-registering them by the thousand and I would never buy one again. FL2 MY10 TD4 GS traded in at 2 years
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26th May 2016 9:17 pm |
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Tigger Member Since: 30 Mar 2011 Location: L15KRD Posts: 2555 |
A friend and colleague at work has been a serial BMW buyer for the last 20 years and swore by them. His last car was a 520d M Sport that he bought at 18 months old and he ran it to 90,000 and 4 1/2 years right up until about a month ago.
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27th May 2016 9:00 am |
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Spatch Member Since: 20 Feb 2015 Location: Kent Posts: 170 |
He has an LCI model so looks like he has the B47 engine. BMW X3 30d M Sport - Current (problem free)
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27th May 2016 11:12 am |
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frawdder Member Since: 19 Apr 2013 Location: In ma hoose Posts: 86 |
It's the newer B47 engine, though it still has a chain with the same layout, they ran the N47 till the facelift for the 2015 model. I have done my homework and I'm comfortable with the engine. Ran the older N47 in my previous BMW. First I've heard/read that the X3 is more susceptible, a link would be appreciated.
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27th May 2016 7:29 pm |
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D-Man Member Since: 05 Aug 2010 Location: Basingstoke Posts: 277 |
Was wondering about a Subaru Outback as a possible replacement.....does anyone have any experience or views? What about the auto box, how is it? 2011 SD4 HSE Auto
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28th May 2016 11:22 am |
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tenet Member Since: 23 Jul 2009 Location: cotswolds Posts: 1081 |
Just look at earlier posts, page 10 I think. MartyB has one and is well pleased. Certainly drove well for me on a test drive. MY 09 GS manual in Lago Grey, Wood Co arm rest and side bumper strips - now sold.
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28th May 2016 2:16 pm |
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pab Member Since: 28 Aug 2012 Location: Now in Mid-Wales Posts: 2006 |
My brother has an Outback, 2.5 petrol, top spec (can't remember the designation). He loves it, and is perfectly happy with the CVT box. It's a nice car, although perhaps predictably I prefer the Freelander! |
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28th May 2016 3:53 pm |
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pporocki Member Since: 30 Apr 2011 Location: PL Posts: 94 |
I've brought a brand new Freelander 2 a year ago after Disco Sport disappointment.
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28th May 2016 7:19 pm |
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MartynB Member Since: 08 Aug 2011 Location: Currently Rootless ! Posts: 1777 |
The auto box is just fine. The latest , 2015 on , models have the option of using the CVT " as is ", shifting down in auto mode using flappy paddles( for example if you wanted engine braking the CVT will select one of 7 pre-programmed points ) , or using full paddle control. If you venture off road it has an X - switch mode , which introduces HDC , although this is not a sophisticated as The Freelander, there is no speed control from the cruise, however you can use the paddle shift. You get full time 60/40 all wheel drive, making it a great road car. Cornering with that layout , the low centre of gravity of the boxer diesel lump, and the Vector Braking system make it handle in a manner that the FL2 never could ( before I get flamed, that's my assumption after driving the same Dales roads in both ) With the CVT box you get Subaru's Eyesight system. Optical stereo cameras control adaptive cruise, lane departure warning, pre- collision warning, and pre collision brake assist. The adaptive cruise is great . There is also an electric handbrake and hill start assist, so as a package it's a very nice transmission. ( Google Ben Collins -" The Stig" tests Subaru Outback to see the system tested ) Around town it's seamless, just a constant push without the" change up "feel. If you drive it with a bit more spirit at first shove of the pedal the engine speed rises faster than you think it should, then the transmission catches up, but nothing drastic, it reminds me of slipping the clutch on my bike to get away quick. At 150 bhp the diesel is never going to be a missile but it has sufficient torque to make the progress that is sane in a car such size. I'm getting around 40mpg from ( clock divided by brim to brim fill ) 40/40/20 urban/A road/ motorway and the trip analysis computer showing up to 47/50 on the motorway stretches. Subaru give a 5 year , 100,000 mile warranty on the transmission . In the USA they sell them in droves and don't offer the manual. All in all I'd say it's a very pleasant thing to drive Get one out on test, Subaru dealers can be good, I used KT Green in Otley, they loaned me the car for 1/2 a day so I could have a decent , unaccompanied test . 2009 GS Auto Zermatt Silver - Sold June 21 after 10 years of ownership 2016 Subaru Outback SE 2.0 diesel SE Premium Lineartronic Sold 2024 after 8 years and 80k miles . Best Car I ever owned ! 2023 Toyota Hilux invincible X 2.8 Auto . |
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28th May 2016 8:47 pm |
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Lightwater Member Since: 21 Aug 2014 Location: Sydney Northern Beaches Posts: 4905 |
Subaru 6 month servicing in the 21st century! Procrastination, mankind's greatest labour saving device!
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29th May 2016 3:40 am |
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D-Man Member Since: 05 Aug 2010 Location: Basingstoke Posts: 277 |
MartynB...thanks very much for taking the time to write such a comprehensive summary.
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29th May 2016 4:50 am |
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