Some people might remember that back in May this year l finally traded in my Freelander of 12 year's for a Dacia Duster 4x4.
As far as the Freelander is concerned, it was the nicest and most practical car I have owned, being able to fit 3 mtr bundles of copper pipe inside was just one plus. However, there is no denying it was the most unreliable car I have ever owned.
Four months on I really love the Duster. Granted, not as big but I don't need to fit bundles of copper pipe inside.
Being a naturally messy person, I don't need things like leather seats, I want something that is easy to keep clean and maintain.
So far there are two things I don't really like about the Duster. Firstly you can hear the Adblue pump when I engine is idling. Second I really miss the Freelanders roll back luggage cover. This one just has a lift up parcel shelf attached to the tailgate. That said it is a budget price for a 4x4 with 4x4 auto, 4x4 lock mode and 4x2 lock for normal driving.
I know I won't be able to convince the diehard Landrover fan's how good this car is for the money but just thought I would share this video of a Duster with all weather tyres compete against a top of the range Defender.
What ever you think, enjoy the video.
?si=yJbgNekV7R9_C3hP Now at the point when I learn something new something old is lost out the other side !
Now retired so it doesn't matter anymore.
Freelander now gone.

And for those who like to play in the mud.
?si=bkY1bxsmEoRbRCwR Now at the point when I learn something new something old is lost out the other side !
Now retired so it doesn't matter anymore.
Freelander now gone.

Nice write up.

But in the end you are driving a Dacia Duster....

Really? You enjoy live that much? 2006 FR2 Diesel manual, now 2006 FR2 Petrol auto and a Series 3 109 SW.

A 2.0 diesel 4x4 Duster would have been a good model. I'm interested to see what the Bigster is like when it's launched but I'm sure a diesel won't be on the options list sadly. Landrover - turning owners into mechanics since 1948

2014 Orkney grey Freelander SD4 GS.
2004 Zambezi silver Discovery 2 Td5 (Gone)
1963 Surf blue Morris Mini Minor Super de Luxe (my little toy)

Very few manufacturers are doing diesels Bob.
The problem I had was finding a diesel 4x4 for sale.
Those that have one rarely part with them, even the original 2013 model. Now at the point when I learn something new something old is lost out the other side !
Now retired so it doesn't matter anymore.
Freelander now gone.

A friend recently took delivery of one of the last Dacia Duster 4x4 diesels to be made it’s commuting monthly to his second home in Ireland where it’s on and off tracks all day . Another friend ran one for nine years clocking up six figure mileage , using it for commuting , then clay , game , and stalking . Like Subaru you’ll find Dacia in places where people need a reliable 4x4 , not just fancy a statement car . We recently bought a new Clio from the Renault / Dacia main dealer , they told me they can’t get enough late model 4x4s , they sell like hotcakes . 2009 GS Auto Zermatt Silver - Sold June 21 after 10 years of ownership

2016 Subaru Outback SE 2.0 diesel SE Premium Lineartronic Sold 2024 after 8 years and 80k miles . Best Car I ever owned !

2023 Toyota Hilux invincible X 2.8 Auto .

Yes I would agree. They are as rare as rocky horses s**t. If you see one you must be prepared to travel to get it.  Now at the point when I learn something new something old is lost out the other side !
Now retired so it doesn't matter anymore.
Freelander now gone.