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Home > My Freelander 2 > My FL2 Story Part 2 (at long last!)
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shilen



Member Since: 29 Feb 2008
Location: In the Middle
Posts: 1774

United Kingdom 2011 Freelander 2 SD4 HSE Auto Bali Blue
My FL2 Story Part 2 (at long last!)

Well here's part 2

With 5 months left on my lease I began to look at the options available for a likely replacement. The only other 2 options were either the Q5 or X3 but the Audi wouldn’t arrive until 3 months after when I needed it and the X3 was just about to be heavily revised so again I wouldn’t be able to get one in time. So happy with my current FL2 I thought the midlife facelift would warrant me having another – the only problem was colour, not much selection and got it down to silver or bali blue. I eventually tracked down a dealer who had a bali blue in stock for me to look at before I placed my order and they also had a silver one. I discounted the silver immediately and the bali blue was, well, different.

When I took delivery I was pleased with the exterior changes and the 19” wheels looked much better than the standard HSE 18”. I felt let down by the interior as it was no different to my last FL2 and considering the FL2 had been around for 6 years thought it justified a makeover inside as well as out. Opinion on the bali blue colour was mixed albeit bali blue was dropped about a month after I placed my order so they were and remain a rare sight on the roads which I thought was nice.

Two years of ownership and no problems however the third year has been anything but! In March I had the haldex unit replaced, in June a new rear diff oil pressure pump and repair to an engine bay oil leak, in September an auxiliary tension belt seized and then in October I had to have another new Haldex unit. To cap it off November it was in having work on the rear diff – for a vehicle that is less than 3 years old and 39000 miles this was very disappointing. Back in October I had to make a decision if to stick with LR or go with a Q5 or X3. I ruled the Q5 out quite quickly as it just looked ugly! I then got prices on an X3 and was surprised that even when I specced it to the hilt it was still within budget. The biggest shock was the quote I had to upgrade to a FL2 Dynamic – it was over £100 per month more than what I pay now which was ridiculous. Also although the FL2 has been treated to an internal facelift it still feels dated.

This was backed up by the courtesy that I recently had – it was a top of the range HSE Lux with just 100 miles on it so basically it is brand spanking new and after spending a day with it I have come to the conclusion that it isn’t worth the extra money and it many respects is heavily outdated and trailing the competition. Don’t get me wrong it is a good car but after having a FL2 for the past 6 years it doesn’t feel much different to my first and when I can get a more reliable car with an 8 speed auto, 50mpg economy, 9” satnav screen, internet, power tailgate, a proper sized sunroof with electric blind, adaptive xenons all for less money the writing was on the wall.

I have just had the FL2 serviced by an independent who has advised that there is an oil leak from the turbo – although it won’t be a trip to the stealer this time as we are parting company in just two weeks.. 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

Post #218220 27th Feb 2014 10:08 pm
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DrT



Member Since: 22 Feb 2014
Location: Derbyshire
Posts: 16

United Kingdom 2013 Freelander 2 SD4 XS Auto Santorini Black

Oh Dear. I just bought an ex-demo 2013 FL2, favouring this over a D3 on the basis that everybody I spoke to suggested that the FL2 is much more reliable ...

Should have read your post first! Current: 2013 SD4 XS
Gone: 2012 Defender 90 2.2 SW XS
Previous: Defender 110 TD5 SW
Previous: Defender 90 300Tdi HT

Post #219273 11th Mar 2014 9:21 pm
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rchrdleigh



Member Since: 18 Aug 2007
Location: Somewhere in the East of England
Posts: 1601

England 2011 Freelander 2 TD4 XS Manual Baltic Blue

Don't worry too much most Freelander's are reliable and certainly have a better record of reliability than a D3.

Post #219274 11th Mar 2014 9:30 pm
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DrT



Member Since: 22 Feb 2014
Location: Derbyshire
Posts: 16

United Kingdom 2013 Freelander 2 SD4 XS Auto Santorini Black

Thanks Chap. I've had Defenders for the past decade on the basis of fun, need, and rock-solid residuals. 83% of new price on my last trade in (2 years, 20k miles) and over 60% on previous (7 years, 100k miles). Astonishing. FL2 was something of a departure, based on a desire for something comfortable and easy to drive, but capable of coping with a Peak District winter. Almost had my head turned by a RR TDV8 but the numbers just didn't stack up by comparison. Wanted a D3 but, without exception, all the owners and mechanics I spoke to said "No!". And then I saw the 2013 face lifted FL2..... Current: 2013 SD4 XS
Gone: 2012 Defender 90 2.2 SW XS
Previous: Defender 110 TD5 SW
Previous: Defender 90 300Tdi HT

Post #219287 11th Mar 2014 10:32 pm
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shilen



Member Since: 29 Feb 2008
Location: In the Middle
Posts: 1774

United Kingdom 2011 Freelander 2 SD4 HSE Auto Bali Blue

Like any car there are a few 'friday cars' so to speak, my FL2 was fault free for two years and most of the problems i have had during the last year seem to be related to one another. Another member had nothing but problems with his FL2 (monageezer if i recall?)

Enjoy your FL2 it should provide you with many years pleasurable motoring Thumbs Up 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

Post #219316 12th Mar 2014 12:12 pm
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DrT



Member Since: 22 Feb 2014
Location: Derbyshire
Posts: 16

United Kingdom 2013 Freelander 2 SD4 XS Auto Santorini Black

Thanks Chap. Compared to my Defenders I can't get excited about it, but it makes sense.... and it is very comfy. ..... and easy to drive ..... and fast. We'll see whether it gets me through snow drifts next winter.... Current: 2013 SD4 XS
Gone: 2012 Defender 90 2.2 SW XS
Previous: Defender 110 TD5 SW
Previous: Defender 90 300Tdi HT

Post #219454 13th Mar 2014 8:07 pm
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