Anyone got the S version...any advice welcome
I am considering an FL2
Just not sure on 2 things
1) whether LR reliability/quality is worth the risk - love the car but dont want loads of stress
2) Do I really need a GS over the S

Dealership and most reports say go for GS rather than S but as I will be driving on Tarmac 90% of the time and the other very light offroading I dont see why the S isnt the better option for me.
There are a few options I would like to add like Luggage cover and rear armrest but a lot of the others are strictly nice to haves and I can always add those on if I want
eg never have used steering wheel controls when I had them before, front fog lights are more cosmetic than useful (personal opinion), quite happy with manual air con and dont like cruise control.

Is there a compelling reason to go for the GS rather than the S based on the above or am I right in thinking it is spending extra just for the sake of it and having facilities I will never get any benefit from or use at all.

Also is the S version still ok for offroading or is it no good without the All Terraine?

Any help in the decision making process most welcome.

I'm sure the S will off-road fine without terrain response the fl1 did, I believe there is an S based special edition around that comes with leather? bigger wheels? and a bit more for less than £20,000.

I know that they miss out on a luggage cover but these often come up on ebay at decent prices

But maybe a bit extra spent on the GS will seem better value at future trade in time, who knows?

If you're planning to go of road at all, then I'd plump for the GS; terrain response is a vital part of a modern LandRover, both for you and any subequent owner. Remember that terrain response has it's uses on road as well as off-road, e.g. ice and snow.

In general it's better not to buy a low spec model and add a bunch of extras, as they add function but negligible extra value on resale. It can't be chance that so many motor mags rate the GS as the best value for money, I've always assumed the S model was there simply to provide an eye-catching "prices from" figure on the ads, and for anyone intending road use only.  Life is not a dress rehearsal!

Buy the GS. The S will be a lot less desirable than the GS when you come to sell it. The traction control is really worth having. I ordered mine with the front distance sensors and the heated front windscreen, and I could not do without either. Go for it!

I spent a long time deciding between S & GS having ruled out other models due to cost and unnecessary luxuries - in the end decided on GS because :-

1. reverse parking sensors essential for parking due to poor rear visibility
2. favourable spec means will be easier to sell and residuals higher on GS,
3. rear cover to hide shopping,
4. Folding mirrors when parking great idea,
5. Spare wheel instead of can that can ruin tyres,
6. best value for money model
7. Terrain in winter could be difference between accident and safety
8. Centre headrest needed with 3 kids
9. Cruise control
10. Climate control & air filtration
11. Remote audio controls

the S still has traction control just not adjustable via terrian response.

I would consider an S version instead of my farm pickup, If it could be converted into a commercial allowing me to reclaim the Vat.

But for a 'best' car I like the extras that a higher spec gives me. I only change cars every 3-4 years so don't mind spending a bit extra when I do. But a HSE seemed a bit OTT for me personally. horses for courses

Perhaps someone will correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't the 2008MY "S" model now come with terrain response fitted as standard ?? ______________________
2011 Full Fat RR 4.4 TDV8
2012 FL2 SD4 Auto HSE
2013 Kawasaki Versys 650

I think your wrong and I'm from Yorkshire where people are always right!

Oh yeah, "ECKY THUMP" country.................made famous by the Goodies  ______________________
2011 Full Fat RR 4.4 TDV8
2012 FL2 SD4 Auto HSE
2013 Kawasaki Versys 650

no thats Lancashire

The choice of model I think is a personal thing. The only advise I would give is don't spend too much on options because these nearly always add no added value on a second hand vehicle.

Bitter personal experience has shown that gone are the days when buying a new car is done to have a stress free life. Cars seem to be going the way of white goods, where the new car is only any good because it comes with a bullet proof warranty. I have been buying German premium brand products for the last few years, and for each manufacture you can get a good one or a bad one.

Some examples

1, Car needs new flywheel every 10K miles (two flywheels fitted before the car was sold)
2, Car need a new steering rack every 2-5K miles (three steering racks fitted before the car was sold)

I will now list the other faults I can remember from so called German Premium Brands that I have had, all covered by warranty, but still stress full.

Brake Servo Leaks
Rear Shock Replaced
Radio Replaced
Sat Nav Control Unit Replaced
Engine Temp Sensor
Rear Parking Sensor Replaced
Engine Main Crank pulley fell off on M6
Bonnet Latch Replaced
Seat Base Replaced
Leaking rear windows
8 wheel Centers replaced due to corrosion
6 alloy wheels due to corrosion
3 alloy wheels due to Poor production quality
Rear brake calipers
Windscreen repeatably replaced due to rain sensor faults
Water Ingress to such an extent that 4" water had to be removed from the car, which lead to
complete new wiring and all control modules being replaced and
New interior complete
New front driver and passenger seats
steering pump

I could continue but I think I have made my point and remember this list is my personal experience from 8 new German cars.

SO

If you like the car buy it, if you want reliability buy Jap

Chris.

errr..... not quite sure why CCs very bad experience with premium German cars translates to buy Jap

FL2s are cool and reliable!!  Life is not a dress rehearsal!

Thanks all for the advise, this is a really good site I didnt expect so much in such a short time.

My company car lease expire in Sept so I may have to wait till then before I opt out but am hoping to do a swap sooner. It looks like the GS if I can afford it

Weve been looking at CRVs today, my wifes favourite. She is worried that I will be unbearable to live with if I go for the Freelander and have problems with it due to reliability.
Thats still at the back of my mind however no matter how much I tell myself to play safe and buy toyota or honda I see a FL2 drive past and want one.

Nick Jan wrote:

errr..... not quite sure why CCs very bad experience with premium German cars translates to buy Jap

FL2s are cool and reliable!!

Chris
Which survey results are you relating to?

I dont think the odd problem would spoil the experience but everyone I know whos had a Freelander 1 have so many problems I vowed never to get one. With the FL2 I am hoping its not going to be that bad. Trouble is, I have got an A4 now, had a vauxhall astra coupe, BMW 3 in the last 8 or 9 years and have not had to take any of them back to the dealer with a fault. I have also never had a car break down even when driving 10 year old metros many years ago. Maybe ive just been lucky but there seems to have been a lot of unlucky freelander owners.

I dont mind the odd problem but I dont want to be breaking down.