So my search is on for a replacement car. I want a 4x4 as I like the size of them (I am 6ft 5" and they are a more comfortable driving position for me). Set myself a budget of £15k but I am struggling to get a newer (3 years old), less mileage (less than 50k) and higher spec (I have a GS with loads of extras so am a bit spoilt).

So I increased my budget to £20k (of course the wife doesn't know this!!!!). Yes, more Freelanders (XS, GS spec) came into spotlight but when I did a more generic search for 4x4's I started to see newer, better spec'd, loads of warranty cars from other manufactures show up. These included decent spec cars such as:

Hyundai Santa Fe
Mitsubishi Outlander
Nissan X-Trail
Kia Sorento
and maybe even the Ford Kuga

At the end of the day my demands are not for any real off roading. In deed I bought the Freelander (which I love by the way) after we had a really bad winter).The first four seem to me to be very comparable to a Freelander (but I await a torrent of abuse).

What are peoples experiences with the cars above?

Youve missed the other common 4x4s Volvo, BMW and Audi, oh and not so common and if youre a big chap Hummer?

You've missed the one which is closest in capability and ethos to the Freelander - the Subaru Forester.

A family member has an Outlander, albeit not the current model. It's OK, but it's more estate-car-like that the FL2 and I'm always banging my head on the tailgate because it's lower than I'm used to.

The others aren't really in the same class as the FL2, capability-wise. I'm just going to keep the FL2 until it falls to bits, I think!

I am in the same boat and have been looking at an Mitsubishi Outlander since my son just bought an L200 (which he is very pleased with). My problem is that the Outlander looks a bit bland somehow although you get a lot more for your money than if you buy LR and the servicing is a lot cheaper plus a 5 yr warranty. I might just buy another year extended warranty on my 11 reg FL2 and put off the decision. 3 x FL1 2 manual + 1 auto
5 x FL2 4 manual + 1 auto
Now Discovery Sport P250 MHEV SE

Hasn't the Kuga got the same running gear as the FL2? I think if I had to chose one from that list, I'd go for the Kuga. Past: FL2 TD4 HSE Auto
Evoque SD4 Dynamic Lux Auto
Present: Audi A3 S Line.

I think if you chose one from the list you'd deserve a slap

The hardest part about playing chicken, is knowing when to flinch, .. wait and see what LR come up with?

I suppose there is some logic that says if you are going to buy a load of Ford parts then it might has well have a Ford badge rather than LR, at least it will be cheaper.  3 x FL1 2 manual + 1 auto
5 x FL2 4 manual + 1 auto
Now Discovery Sport P250 MHEV SE

taztastic wrote:

I think if you chose one from the list you'd deserve a slap

The hardest part about playing chicken, is knowing when to flinch, .. wait and see what LR come up with?

I had a Santa Fe (56 reg) not the current style but the previous and couldn't fault it, spacious, will get you through our winters and build quality would put LR to shame. 21MY Defender 90 S 3.0 D200

I have heard good reports of the Sportage too but I am not going there any time soon. 10MY (Sept 09) TD4 HSE Auto in Stornoway Grey (Now Gone)

08 FL2 TD4 SE Manual in Rimini Red (Now Gone)

been there done the KIA Sportage before, was ok, but after 2 months of ownership and 6 months of it been repaired after a motorbike landing on its dash board, a few months later a transit van finished it off once and for all



i found build quality was okay, for the first month, then the put back together model was rattly and clattery

Admin note: this post has had its images recovered from a money grabbing photo hosting site and reinstated  Former Mod/Member, with the most post & Chicken George Arch nemesis

Don't think it was finished off once and for all. Records show it's still going strong! Past: FL2 TD4 HSE Auto
Evoque SD4 Dynamic Lux Auto
Present: Audi A3 S Line.

j77 wrote:

I had a Santa Fe (56 reg) not the current style but the previous and couldn't fault it, spacious, will get you through our winters and build quality would put LR to shame.

Steve D wrote:

Don't think it was finished off once and for all. Records show it's still going strong!

Ok. I'll amend my statement to say "Records show it's still going".  Past: FL2 TD4 HSE Auto
Evoque SD4 Dynamic Lux Auto
Present: Audi A3 S Line.