Hi,

I tried to find an introduction thread but could not find one, so will do it here if that is OK?

I am looking at getting a 4x4 and have looked at quite a few.
Audi Q5, BMW X3, Volvo XC60, X-Trail, Qashqai etc..

I currently own a Qashqai but it is a 4x2 version.
I am not a farmer or anything like that but would like a 4x4 as I think weather extremes are happening more often and think a 4x4 makes sense
My 4x2 Qashqai fared pretty well too be honest in the snowfalls over recent winters, I ended up giving friends a lift home whilst their cars were going nowhere. I even risked going over the Clent hills in deep snow arrrgghh, not too bad in the end.

My brother has just bought a FL2 LE Sport on a 10 plate. (picks it up Wednesday)

I however would want similar spec to my Qashqai:
Panoramic Sunroof
Sat Nav
Dual Air con (her indoors likes to be 10 degrees hotter than me!)
USB for MP3
Power folding mirrors
Privacy Glass
Automatic lights and wipers
Bose sound system
Keyless entry
Xenons (great at night!)

I also would like:
Heated seats
Auxillary Heater
Full sized spare

As you can probably tell, I am a gadget man.

I have been looking at loads of websites and nearly new FL2's and getting to the point of getting confused now.

My Qashqai is manual but I drove an automatic Daihatsu Terios in Cyprus recently and liked it a lot (even if the Daihatsu! was rubbish), so like the 'Auto' thing.

I am concerned a bit though about the MPG on the various models.
My Qashqai comp says getting about 38 mpg total average since I had the car a few years ago.

My gut is saying TD4 HSE (I think thats the right model?) for the higher mpg, but the SD4 HSE sounds like it might be fun!

I will continue to read this forum and tr and come to a decision sooner rather than later.
It would be nice to get one this side of Christmas

Cheers,

John

Basically, all the toys you have listed are on the HSE, with the exception of Keyless Entry (Only an option on MY13) Xenons were optional, you might be lucky to find one but there are not many out there, but they are the dogs danglies. USB for MP3 you can connect by 2.5 pin but you wont be able to change tracks with it, you will need to go after market, even the LR iPod kit will not do much on the Freelander. AuxillaryHeater was not an option on UK Spec Freelanders. Full size spare is also an option, from the Factory £185 or twist the Dealers arm, or if buying used which if you are wanting one before Xmas you are, then look on the bay. I doubt if you will find any used MY13's about till March time.

If MPG is a concern look else where, you can expect around 30 locally unless your the Mod then low 20's, it weighs nealy 2 ton. Ive had 40mpg out of mine on a run, others have had more.
SD4 is Auto only and very slightly juicer by 1mpg or so.
No one buys a Land Rover for good fuel consumption.

Hope this helps.

Thanks for the informative reply.

I would miss my Xenons and the MP3 playability.
I would be OK with the mpg if the car had the spec I was after.

Will keep on looking, maybe not rush into it and see what comes along next March maybe

Cheers again,

John

Think you'll find MY13 has keyless ignition but not keyless entry.

You haven't said what your budget is...

Are you thinking new or second hand?

Xenons can be retrofitted but you need to add auto leveling, currently in the process of doing it to mind.

What kind of mp3 player do you have? There is an ipod kit that allows skiping tracks etc.

Jon Freelander 2, 2014 Dynamic SD4 Santorini Black

welcome skippy!

For the spec you are after you need to look for a HSE. The SD4 is far better than the TD4 although only became available late 2010, I have had both the TD4 and SD4 and amazingly found the higher powered SD4 more economical - my TD4 averaged about 32mpg whereas my SD4 manages 36mpg+. the extra grunt is noticable.

Worth pointing out in case you were not aware that the FL2 had a front facelift in late 2010 which was a great improvement over the original however the original styled front might work in your favour if you are on a budget.

I have factory fit xenons on my SD4 and am so glad i opted for them as there have been many members complaining about the amount of light given off on the new 'projector' headlamp units. As mentioned finding a second hand example with xenons will be like finding a needle in a haystack. 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

My old TD4 (160bhp) did about 33 mpg, my current TD4 (150bhp) is currently doing 40mpg. Both thecurrent TD4 and SD4 deliver the same amount of torque (420Nm). Obviously the SD4 will go from 0 - 60 mph faster in 8.7 seconds as opposed to 10.4 for the TD4, manual TD4 is also slightly slower 0-60 than the auto. Having driven both TD4 and SD4 on a regular basis I can't say the extra 40 bhp of the SD4 bothers me that much - after all the Freelander is not a sports car but each to their own.

The 150 TD4 engine was introduced as part of the late 2010 facelift as was the SD4 and both came with Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF).

Have to agree that the xenon headlights are a big improvement over tha standard projector units and really glad mine came with xenon's.

I visited the Chile LR Importer in Santiago yesterday looking for a good Freelander2 I drove a 2011 SE i6 auto first. Nice car but sounded highly strung with the 6 cyl singing away, and that dreaded thought of fuel consumption when you need a surge of power. Granted the TD4 is not a lightweight either, but after a drive in an '09 HSE TD4 auto I fell for it. It just suites me better with the more relaxed engine and auto change points. The greater range will also be welcome in some of the areas I intend going. So all my previous thoughts on staying away from the diesel went in a few minutes. Very impressed with the HSE fit. Way too many buttons to learn in one go.

The car has a full service history, incuding a new rear diff, pwr steering pump/res, Q106. Recent rear discs. Pads every 10000km! In all, a well/over serviced vehicle that I'd hate to have to foot the service bill myself. Mind you I suppose you could say that I am footing that bill because you don't get anything for free from a dealer. Included is one year of LR Extended Warranty.

Collecting it tomorrow after a service. The plan is to charge around the Andes for most of the day just incase something shows up before heading back South to Temuco.

Like some guys in Australia find, the LR importer is quoting 6 monthly/10000km servicing. The LR service handbook stipulates 12 months/24000km for Chile. I may have to fall out with them over that, but make sure I get one in before the warranty expires.

Can't wait to get it home and give it some TLC. I'll be looking for a towbar and roof rails later.

Once again guys, thanks to everyone on this great forum for educating me on the Freelander 2.

 Freelander 1 HSE TD4 Manual in Falklands
Freelander 2 HSE TD4 Auto in Chile

Still looking

I have found and enquired about a few cars but I must say, the sales teams in the dealers are so ......
Ooooh whats the word........ pathetic, is probably the best way to describe them.
It is almost as if they are not bothered whether they sell a car or not, or maybe that think that the cars are that good that they sell themsellves? (which is probably correct but still, what a lethargic bunch they are)

I emailed 2 different dealers with no response at all.
I phoned another dealer twice and had no call back after 4 hours, so had to phone a 3rd time, only to be offered 2K less for my old car than Nissan offered.

If the price was right I would have that car by now but they never rung back with any revised offer.

I would have thought the week before Christmas and a dead cert sale that they would be biting my hand off??

Their car was up for 30,800 and I was after 12K for mine (same as Nissan offered on a car for 25K).
I asked for 800 off their car and I had the finance for the rest but no interest at all

I think they prefer you to get the finance from them personally.

So will continue to look but I am not giving up without a fight.

So you can see then that I am willing to go up to £30,000 for a nearly new model HSE.
I can maybe retro fit xenons and Meridian Audio?

Cheers

Hi Skippy2k,

Many thanks for posting your feelings on Freelander 2 hunting. It's an interesting part of the process; you want something, they know it, you are looking for a particular performance from the sales person just as much as looking at the right car.

You know the factory churns out thousands of cars that would do, but that little human touch could clinch the deal. It reminds me of a very successful garage owner who could sell you a car even if you didn't want it! When his son took over the business selling the same cars it almost went under.

It's a personal contract from the moment you choose to walk in a particular door. Some 'sales persons' are too thick to notice this! But the plus side for you is what after sales service would you get from these people if they can't even sense that you want to contribute to their Christmas bonus?

Be patient. You are on the right track. The FL2 is a great car. Do it on your terms and good luck. Freelander 1 HSE TD4 Manual in Falklands
Freelander 2 HSE TD4 Auto in Chile

Have you tried Shukers in Shrewsbury? * GONE. GS TD4 Manual MY2013. Orkney Grey with privacy, cold and clearview packs, armrests (a must!) and a spoiler.
* 2011 4.4 TDV8 Full Fat. Amazing piece of kit.
* GONE.2012 RR Sport HSE SDV6 Orkney Grey. Rocket ship. 33mpg.
* Range Rover Classic '93 200Tdi Factory fit
* 1949 80" in family since 1975

Thanks for the comments guys

I have used the Land Rover and Autotrader search engines.

I just looked at Shukers and they only have 1 HSE and that is past my spending limit

The one at Cardiff was the one (HSE, Orkney Grey, 12 plate with Xenons and Privacy Glass) it ticked all the boxes apart from Meridian Audio! But dealer not interested in 'dealing'

I can play the waiting game.
It will soon be March.

John

Hi skippy, If you want a land rover be prepared to pay over the odds for it. I think I can safely say from all of us its a fantastic vehicle but expensive to get hold of. Its difficult to justify spending 10k more on a landrover which has the same creature comforts as a nissan. Personally I think if your budget won't stretch to what you want within the sort of mileage you want then get one of the competitors, but don't expect to be able to go off roading in it. My entire family have always had Rovers, Land Rovers, Jags, Morgans because you get quality, and its comfortable. Its a difficult one as the prices are so vast because but it will last you longer than a nissan. Buy it and run it into the ground! thats the only way to buy them in my opinion or you'll just be forever losing on it.

xenons hids are easy to retrofit and i'm sure the sound system in there is already adequate if you want more bass add underseat subs or wheel well sub When I die, I want to go peacefully like my Grandfather did, in his sleep -- not screaming, like the passengers in his car

chrisdeeming wrote:

Hi skippy, If you want a land rover be prepared to pay over the odds for it. I think I can safely say from all of us its a fantastic vehicle but expensive to get hold of. Its difficult to justify spending 10k more on a landrover which has the same creature comforts as a nissan. Personally I think if your budget won't stretch to what you want within the sort of mileage you want then get one of the competitors, but don't expect to be able to go off roading in it. My entire family have always had Rovers, Land Rovers, Jags, Morgans because you get quality, and its comfortable. Its a difficult one as the prices are so vast because but it will last you longer than a nissan. Buy it and run it into the ground! thats the only way to buy them in my opinion or you'll just be forever losing on it.

xenons hids are easy to retrofit and i'm sure the sound system in there is already adequate if you want more bass add underseat subs or wheel well sub

There are plenty of Dealers out there - you just need to widen your search area to find one who want to deal with you.
Lookers Park Royal are Forum sponsors and have a good reputation on here and might be worth a call.