I would appreciate some genuine feedback please...

I have owned my 2011 Freelie TD4 XS manual for about 9 months/9000 miles - it is currently on about 60,000 miles. The car has cost me some £1000 during my ownership in servicing costs (I had the Haldex serviced, a 'B' service, rear discs/pads and 2 new tyres). My car currently has an issue with the handbrake (only working on one wheel) so it won't pass its MoT due in September, and the battery will almost certainly need to be replaced this winter. (More £££s). However, I like the sturdy shape and solidity of the car. I like the feeling that it will go anywhere. I find it comfortable, though the load area is a tad tight for carrying my dog (in his dog-crate) plus my gardening tools... On the negative side - I don't like the manual gearbox, plus (and worst of all) my Freelie suffers from a seemingly inherent hesitation/stutter/jerk at about 1500rpm, much-reported on this forum, which really spoils any driving-pleasure.

So, I feel it needs to go... I live on the Isle of Skye - so don't have easy access to loads of cars for sale.

Next week - I will take a trip to Inverness where I have found a couple of cars to take a look at. There is this Freelander: https://goo.gl/Q3LpQ1 or this BMW X3 https://goo.gl/9JbeWm

If you are a die-hard Freelie fan, then maybe this post is a silly question. But would anyone admit to being tempted by the X3...??? Currently enjoying:
2011 Freelander 2 TD4 XS (SOLD)
2013 BMW X3 20D M-Sport Auto
2007 Jaguar XK 4.2 Coupe

Forum member shilen went from Fl2 to X3 and has never looked back. 21MY Defender 90 S 3.0 D200

Later cars are much better in many ways but it’s not low enough in miles for me as I would want a 14 plate car or later to be under 30K. BMW devalued the brand by pre registering but I booted them into the long grass due to being treated as if I had purchased a reliant by the service side yet wanted to charge me like it was a Aston. FL2 MY10 TD4 GS traded in at 2 years
FL2 MY13 TD4 GS Current

In my opinion the automatic FL2 is a much better drive than the manual, and the late model FL2s are better than the earlier ones.

I suggest you try driving both and then make your decision, although I think that the BMW X3 is more of an estate car than a go anywhere 4x4.

Have a look around the BMW X3 forum, to see what the members/owners are thinking about their cars.

If you are unsure, sort out what spec FL2 to would really like, put a search / notification on Autotrader site and wait for the right one to appear. I found that dealers were very willing to deal over phone and deliver car (complete with warranty). FL2 XS SD4 Auto 2010 2012-2017 (21k - 91k miles) (MY2011)
FL2 Metropolis SD4 Auto 2014 2017- (16k - 77k+ miles) (MY2015)
Metro in its 11th Year of (Extended) LR Warranty / Full LR Service History
(Expensive, but Trouble/Worry free - hopefully?)

Thank you for your comments. In my mind, I am leaning towards the X3. I will try that first, and then look at the Freelander if the X3 disappoints. Currently enjoying:
2011 Freelander 2 TD4 XS (SOLD)
2013 BMW X3 20D M-Sport Auto
2007 Jaguar XK 4.2 Coupe

I notice that the footnote to the Arnold Clark page for the FL2 says:

Quote:

This vehicle has previously been registered to a business or a vehicle rental company, or been used by a business, so it may have been driven by more than one driver.

Arnold Shark, not had the best dealings with them.

Though to be fair they’ve been ok with my Mum and Dad. 21MY Defender 90 S 3.0 D200

j77 wrote:

Arnold Shark, not had the best dealings with them.

My only experience of the X3 was a Spanish friend showing me around his home town. It seemed tinny and cheap compared to my FL2. MY13 Santorini Black SD4 HSE