I've been collecting information over the last few months and now have a great idea of where the FL2 stands thanks to the replies.

We may be in a position where we could go down to a single car by the end of 2020, which would mean not getting a radical 4x4 weekend car. As we have 5,5' x 2,5m parking space below the block of flats we live in, a very large 4.9 metre car is out.

The shortlist based on a modest budget up to about 14,000 euros is:

1. FL2 - great all-rounder and very adequate 4x4. 4.5m . Not bad spec options for the price and could be a 2012 MY.

2. Suzuki Vitara up to 2015 . Not latest model. The 4-door is also 4.5m, and 4x4 with low ratio. The low ground clearance would mean fitting the lifting kit (extra 1000 euros). The Renault diesel engine is out as it seems to be catastrophically unreliable over 100,000kms. A good model 2L petrol under 100,000 kms can be found for around 10K euros, but woud be 2008-2010.

3. Mitsubishi Montero 3.2 or the cheaper Sahel 2.5 . Only 2 door as the bigger one wouldn't fit in the parking space and would be a pain to park in general. Model can range from 8.5K (Sahel 2.5L 2006) to 18k for a 2015 with around 100k kms.
They are said to be VERY reliable is maintained well. They hold their price TOO well.

4. The Toyota LC is a bit outside budget at around 18 - 22k euros for a 'decent' one , but it means getting an older one with high mileage. Also would have to be 3 door due to size.

As an aside, from 2020 only diesels from 1 Jan 2006 (petrols from 2000) can be driven in Barcelona, so that's the cut-off date for me.

So, if budget is a problem, the Suzuki is a strong contender, but if a very good FL2 came up and I suddenly felt patriotic, I might make me part with my euros.

What do you think?

In the Australian outback all you see is LC200. Our neighbour just got rid of theirs as is was costing too much to run & they didn't do enough outback trips.

Suzukis are popular in the city but I think we saw more Land Rovers in the red centre!

If you get a Freelander get an auto.
 Procrastination, mankind's greatest labour saving device!

Acoustic insulation ARB TPMS 3xARB air compressors After cooler Air tank On-board OCD pressure air/water cleaning Additional 50L fuel Carpet in doors ABE 2x1kg Waeco 28L modified fridge Battery 4x26ah Solar 120w Victron MPPT 100/20 DC-DC 18amps 175amp jumper plug Awning 6x255/60R18

Definitely the L2. Common sense isn't very common.
_______________________________
2007 Land Rover Freelander2 I6 hse Auto

I see that this thread should've gone here ...

https://www.freel2.com/forum/topic25806-660.html

Hi,
I've finally made my decision, influenced by use of car and PRICE.


As I'm going to join a 4x4 club for outings the low range gearbox was almost an obligation, and thus cut down my options.

With a 10k euro budget, I was between the Suzuki Vitara and the Mitsubishi Montero.

Based on price-quality and 4x4 features I found a VERY good condition Montero SAHEL 2.5 diesel for 10k€ from a second hand dealer with a one year guarantee. 3-door, 124,000kms, 2006 (so gets emissions sticker) and leather seats. A Mitsubishi dealer checked it for me. And of course, the Select II 4x4 system which includes central and rear differential locks. They'll give it to me with a brand new timing belt and water pump.

There were slightly cheaper ones, but none as clean as this one. Plus, the guarantee gives some confidence.

I couldn't justify the 12-14€ price tag for a Freelander 2 (they are much more expensive here than in the UK) that I'm going to go green-laning in. just like my Evoque, they're too nice!!

Thanks for all the advice and helping me reach the decision, even though it wasn't the FL2.

all the best