Hi

after 7 years in a much loved D3, I think it's time to change and top of the list is a FL2 - I found D3.com to be an invaluable network, so naturally this is the first place I'd come for advice on the FL2.

my budget allows me into a 2013 facelifted HSE Lux so, hopefully, a really nice car

very interested to hear:

1) things to look out for on the FL2 at that age/price point
2) experiences of coming from D3 to FL2
3) anyone who might happen to know of a suitable car for sale (must be HSE Lux Auto, black/black)

Thanks in advance
Dave

Hi Dave

ive not had a D3 so cant really comment on the change over other than the FL2 is much smaller, easier to park, more reliable on the whole, cheaper to run, just as much fun as a D3 and is basically an all round good everyday Land Rover.

IMO the HSE LUX isn't really worth the extra money over the HSE. You get Standard Xenon (massive improvement), better Windsor Leather, reverse camera and 19'' Alloys.... none of which are really a deal breaker.

The Xenons can be retro fitted to an HSE for comfortable less than £500 maximum.

the HSE still has 825w meridian surround sound, heated everything, and all the other toys you could really wish for.

so you may want to broaden your criteria as to find a black/black HSE LUX could involve a long wait which may never happen.

good luck with the hunt,

Rog

thanks for the reply...xenons and 19" alloys are must haves for me...I've seen a few cars for sale already that tick the box

"cheaper to run" is a must have also

I went from D3 to Fl2, can’t say I missed the D3 because the Fl2 feels like a big LR, bare in mind it’s the same size as the original Disco. It’s comfortable, cheaper to run and pretty much bomb proof compared to the Disco 3, I had 3 and never had to go back to the dealer with any.

Would definitely recommend the switch. 21MY Defender 90 S 3.0 D200

Hi,
I will comment on point 2.
Had a D3 V8 HSE that has also been used for towing and was a fantastic vehicle that never let us down apart from small things.
After some homework I decided on a FL2 2.2 diesel - the SD4 model and sold the D3.
What I have found between the 2 vehicles are the following:
1. D3 had MUCH more space inside
2. D3 had a better ride quality (FL2 bit firmer but still comfortable enough)
3. D3 had low range and its crawling ability over obstacles and cross-axle situations in a class of its own
4. D3 is substantially bigger and higher and heavier
5. The FL2 diesel SD4 fuel consumption is about half that of the D3 V8 (in town and towing)
6. FL2 tows exceptionally well and as stable as the D3
7. FL2 is dimension-ally and mass-wise smaller
8. FL2 is still phenomenal in sand and off-road conditions but ultimately not as capable as the D3 in off-road conditions but more than good enough for 95% of its owners' user profiles.
9. Ground clearance of the FL2 less than that of the D3 but still fairly OK.
10. I would dare to say the D3 had better brighter head lights

Coming from owning the D3 for 4 years with lots of mild off-roading, towing and camping we found the FL2 overall better suited to our needs and general use - so much so that we bought a second FL2 and had been happy all along. 2013 SD4 SE (hers)
2013 SD4 HSE (mine)
Ex: 2008 D3 V8 HSE
EX: 2000 D2 TD5

Dave291 wrote:

Hi

... (must be HSE Lux Auto, black/black)

Thanks in advance
Dave

yes, I'm sure...all my cars are always black...happy to live with the downsides

Hi there.

I also went from a D3 to a F2. I dont regret it at all.

I have to echo most of the points that Carel has made.

I would recommend the SD4 model esp if you will be towing. My bank balance breathed a sigh of relief when I changed from the D3 to F2. Updated- Waiting for a Scotland v England 6 Nations home win. 24th Feb 2018
Gone-1972 88 SWB Soft top
Gone-1981 24v FFR Lightweight
Gone-2009 Freelander 2 TD4 GS manual
Gone before it bankrupted me- 2008 Discovery 3 TDV6 Auto
2013 Freelander 2 SD4 GS Auto

this could be pertinent to my searching atm cheers
Rich

Dave291 wrote:

yes, I'm sure...all my cars are always black...happy to live with the downsides