I'm a dissappointed owner of a VW Tiguan and I'm test driving a Freelander 2 at the weekend hopefully.

Can anyone comment on the advantages of the FL2 over the tig (other than off road). I didn't go for a FL2 initially as I was concerned about the reliability.

Thanks

I didn't go for a FL2 initially as I was concerned about the reliability.

You obviously got it confused with the old Freelander 1.
Our beast is a compleatly differant animal and mine (and most) has been 100% reliable. 2007 Freelander 2 HSE TD4 Manual with Premium Pack & Moonroof.
Stornoway Grey with Ebony Black Pleather, Clear Indicators, Body Side Mouldings etc.

Never been in a tiguan but have owned various vw's and find the quality of the fl2 to be a near match for vw's, i doubt you will be disappointed if you move to an fl2 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

I test drove a Tiguan Sport before I drove the FL2. I found that the FL2 was a much more pleasent and compliant drive. It felt more like a prestige car for very similar money. The Tiguan had more toys available (as options) but for me the FL2 beat it hands down.

It's difficult to say what might be an advantage of a FL2 over a Tig because we don't know your reasoning for the purchase of either.

Quality wise I think LR's is improved massively, and VW's is fairly static if just keeping up (having run many VW group products over my 20 driving years).

FL2 has higher kerb weight over Tig if you tow.

FL2 is slightly bigger inside. I looked hard at one before we got the FL2.

You can use a rear facing child/infant seat on the rear seat in a FL2, which you can't in a Tig (it's in the VW brochure, something to do with the way the side airbags deploy) which to me is potty considering the cars target market.

FL2 is built in the UK, so helps keep our lads and lasses in jobs.

Do it on the basis of the name alone  Also available in Clean.

I tested a Tiguan before I got the FL.
It's miles better in every department. Ride height, comfort, drivng feel layout etc etc.
I found the Tiguan a bit bland outside and in.

That and the arsey salesman looking at me when I asked if I could get any money off a new one as if I had just offered to buy his children......

Sorry I meant the Fl is miles better.......

I looked at the Tiguan here in Sydney before buying my FL2 Si6 HSE.

Good (Tiguan):

1. Lower price (at least in sydney)
2. Cool toys, rear camera, on screen PDC and parallel park assist.
3. Seats fold down really well, even passenger.

Bad (Tiguan):

1. Smaller than FL2, feels smaller inside
2. Off-road ability not as good as FL2 (from VW dealer)
3. No memory seats
4. No passenger electric seat available
4. No petrol (147) until mid-year
5. Diesel/Petrol is less powerful than FL2 variants
6. it's a Land Rover... L A N D R O V E R Customisation: LED (CW) Internal Lighting, Re-badged Steering Wheel (black/silver badge), Wheel Caps (black/silver badge), Black Magic Tint, Santorini Black handles

Accessories: LR Chronograph, LR Golf Umbrella, LR Pen, LR Key Chain, LR Hat (blue), Rubber Boot Protector Mat, Side Steps, Mud Flaps, Body Side Mouldings

Last edited by Furyan on 13th Mar 2009 11:55 am. Edited 1 time in total

Thanks for everyone's comments.

My reason for wanting to swap is because I'm dissappointed in the build quality compared to my MK4 Golf. Everywhere I look I see cut-backs. Also the first gear is really low (OK its for towing) and the ride is too firm (I don't have sports suspension). The boot could have been just a bt bigger also. I REALLY like the auto hold now and I would miss that feature.

I'm looking to get the TD4 GS with leather and some extras. I've emailed a dealer with an offer (cannot get there in person for a couple of weeks) to see what they say.

Has anyone got any idea on what discount I can expect? Its a buyer's market......

Thanks

Current offer was upto £5k depending on the model. Think the offers are only available on MY09 and not the new Start/Stop models (I could be wrong)

Haggle and then haggle some more, im sure they will want your business.

I would say that if you buy a new car at the present time, you probably get your pick of the girls from the reception too  At work
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"I can't always believe facts I read on the web" - Charles Dickens

winner by default of the tractor vs caravan race

Forget auto hold / hill holder thingy, and stretch to an auto they are much nicer, also will be easier to sell/trade at change time

the fl2 has a hill hold but it only works on extreme hills when the terrain response is in a certain setting , why not give it a wider use  At work
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"I can't always believe facts I read on the web" - Charles Dickens

winner by default of the tractor vs caravan race

Hi,

The Tiguan is a good car, but it really is just that a good car. The FL2 feels and is more capable than a Tiguan and you certainly feel that you are driving a 4x4. In a Tiguan you feel like your driving a tall car you can get the same feeling in a Touran!! The short ratio of the gearbox on the Tiguan drives me nuts you are forever changing gear, and the turning circle is pretty big making manouvering a chore.

Both have their markets, but obviously on a FL2 forum your only really going to get one concensus. You are lucky in the fact you already own the Tiguan and therefore will be able to get a good feeling to compare when you test the Freelander.

If your concerned about build quality I don't think you will see much improvement over either vehicle. The VW although it may feel inferior to your mk 4 is well built car and very similar to the Freelander.

Just remember with the Freelander you are getting genuine off road capability should you need it with the toys to help as standard above an S. The Tiguan you are getting a good car, with reasonable off road capability and the toys if you want them.....to help you park if you chose Park Assist!