hi, just signed up to this forum which I found while trying to build my virtual Freelander 2. After much heart searching I have decided that life in a very rural area means i need a 4x4. Not only was I unable to return home for 6 days during all the snow recently but previous flooding and storms littering the roads with debris (there goes another cat. converter)have meant my village is a no go area for a low slung sports car!
Have to confess I haven't looked at 4x4s until now. And now, to me, Freelanders stand out way in front of all the others as a compact SUV with a good pedigree and great looks. But I need help - am thinking HSE as I need a sun roof (need that to compensate for losing the open top) an auto (old habits die hard) diesel seems the logical choice as I will be changing my driving style completely and am not after "speed". Thought I might try an off road experience company before I buy- anybody have any views on what they have to offer? Are side tubes a good idea if I'm going to do some off roading- do they give off a lot of wind noise? Although the step up into the driving seat was steep wearing a skirt the bolt on steps look quite bulky...And are mud flaps really of any use on a 4x4? Presumably if you went off road they would get damaged as they look lower than the rest of the vehicle. The colour caps for the wing mirrors look good but I think not an option in the countryside as they would get a lot of scratches from the hedges when passing in narrow lanes -or am I wrong? So to sum up
HSE auto diesel Stornoway grey with std 18" alloys
side tubes perhaps
privacy glass
Xenon

present car - Mercedes SLK 320 designo black
previous car - Mercedes SL 500

Last edited by M55 MPN on 9th Feb 2010 6:29 pm. Edited 1 time in total

Hello and welcome - Your not going to get a clear and concise recommendation from this lot - YOU have to make the final decision. A diesel is more than powerfull enough for most peoples needs, HSE good choice has all the bells and whistles on but do you need them ? Leather/heated seats, good sound system are nice but you obviously pay more for these bits (were glad we did).......as for Stornoway grey - well you've gone straight for the best colour (cue the abuse ). Side tubes if you like the look well yes, as for noise question, maybe your getting confused with the posts about the roof rails whistling (Some do some don't). Privacy glass - if your buying new it's a good option but can be retrofitted on a second hand car (using thin colour film on the inside) and Xenon's every one who has them say they are the dogs bol (sorry) that they are very good, again if the car is second hand a simple upgrade to a high quality bulb change makes all the difference.
You will love the car

Thanks for your input -I've already decided it will be an HSE with privacy glass and Xenon, I need all the bells and whistles as I've got used to all that. It's just not knowing the pros and cons of either side tubes, steps and those mud flaps. As it will be a new one to order I would rather negotiate for all the extras I want on the day and not later !

If its a HSE its got to be BLACK with privacy windows

Tubes cause no wind noise that I have noticed, they protect the sills when offroading

the steps stuck out a little too far for my liking, and can be in the way when fully off road in mud & ruts not so much on tracks and green lanes

mirror caps might get scrached but the standard plastic mirrors will still show scratches too, a cap could be polished out or repainted in time etc

have a chat with our sponsors lookers park royal and see what they can offer  Former Mod/Member, with the most post & Chicken George Arch nemesis

M55 MPN

Colour: Ipanema Sand + Storm Interior
Yes: Side Steps not Bars
No: Mud Flaps

-o0o-

Do get:
1: LR FL2 Water and Stain Resistant Seat Covers for your leather seats. (great when you go skiing or surfing)
2: LR FL2 Rubber Mats (great for wet weathers protecting your nice carpets)
3: LR FL2 Rubber Load Space Protector (as for reasons in 1 & 2 above)
4: Have the RoofRails/CrossBar Kit fitted by the dealer.
5: After 4 above you get the FL2 Ski Rack - for when you come skiing over here in Switzerland

Side tubes look good IMHO and I have not noticed any wind noise, as macphursonstrut's post it may well be the roof rails that cause the wind noise, mudflaps do I believe keep the car a bit cleaner especially if you are out in the sticks. Sound colour choice must be the most popular colour as it does seem to suit the Freel 2 well, Largo is nice also just a bit deeper than Stornoway, any colour that siuts you but best to stay away from the darkside even more so with privacy as it will look more like a van than the premium vehicle it is.
Whatever your choice I very much doubt you will regret it.

Oh nearly forgot No Chrome.  p****d off with a Digital Keyboard Warrior

arggh! No more black cars for me after my present one! Muck spreading tractors seem to be on the roads everyday around here = too much washing. Even had to dust the car in the summer, more than I do around the house

Good comments, we like you

M55 MPN wrote:

arggh! No more black cars for me after my present one! Muck spreading tractors seem to be on the roads everyday around here = too much washing. Even had to dust the car in the summer, more than I do around the house

Yes Tractors we should start a protest group up and get them off the road and in the fields.  p****d off with a Digital Keyboard Warrior

Ok starve then...no tractors = no food .


I 'only' own five and a combine harvester  At work
At home

"I can't always believe facts I read on the web" - Charles Dickens

winner by default of the tractor vs caravan race

Thats six mobile traffic jams, thats without the mud on the road  p****d off with a Digital Keyboard Warrior

M55 MPN: As you see, its best not to mention the best colour, just buy one and be very pleased with the choice. Oh yes, and a HSE with adaptive zenons also the best choice - the rest is just cosmetic preferences  2007 Freelander 2 HSE TD4 Manual with Premium Pack & Moonroof.
Stornoway Grey with Ebony Black Pleather, Clear Indicators, Body Side Mouldings etc.

Just dont buy a caravan

tonka wrote:

Just dont buy a caravan

A hook on the back is enough  2007 Freelander 2 HSE TD4 Manual with Premium Pack & Moonroof.
Stornoway Grey with Ebony Black Pleather, Clear Indicators, Body Side Mouldings etc.