I want to change from Mark 1 Freelander to Mark 2, prefer Oil burner than Petrol but, I have a Mark 1 manual at the moment and as age problems are starting to show (on me not the car)I thought of purchasing a ~Mark 2 Automatic.
Been on the offroad course in an Auto and was impressed but there is something at the back of my mind that says Auto boxes are no use on ice as the wheels spin to fast.
Bearing in mind this current bad weather what experience have you had on the ice and snow!!

Also have any of you had interior condensation problems, my mark1 boot security box gets more like a washing up bowl than a stoage container due to condensation.

Hi there, the auto is perfect in snow and anywhere else - it's a GEM

No condensation problems here

I have a manual which is very nice allthough I often forget which gear I am in, I wanted an auto but £1300 extra is far too much but with that you get the tiptronic & in certain modes has an advantage over the manual but on hill acents ( I think it was) the manual has an advantage. (Past) Freelander 2 HSE 2010 MY In Rimini Red.
(Past) RR Evoque Dynamic Lux Si4 In Firenze Red.
(Past) RR Evouque Pure Tech in Barollo Black with bespoke Firenze Red colour coding.
(Present) Freelander Metropolis 2015 MY In Santorini Black with Ivory Premium Leather.

If you want the best possible economy get a manual.

AndyT wrote:

If you want the best possible economy get a manual.

But if you want the best possible Freelander get an Auto. It does a great job of compensating for the lack of low range when off road and avoids the smell of burning clutch.

Had loads of fun trying to keep the under floor box dry on the FL1 - the spare is under the floor on the FL2, mine is bone dry so far
I'm biased after having auto and manual FL1 and frying a couple of clutches in the manual.
The auto has been fantastic in the snow, turn on to snow and mud setting on the traction control and it seems to lock the center haldex coupling, reduces engine output, and softens the gearbox changes.
On ice, when coming to junctions I found it better to change down manually as it held on to higher gears longer, it seemed safer to use engine braking rather than the foot brake.

I thought I had a lead foot - still not managed to spin the wheels, even when towing a BMW in the snow.

Performance wise the FL2 is in a different league to the FL1, but the width takes a bit of getting used to - so does having a decent sized boot

You should never be involved in a "fried clutch" situation if you drive your FL2 correctly utilizing all of its TRC potential.

A manual every time. The only thing you burn is less fuel

hes right you know dont slip the clutch and it wont fry 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

Pesonal preference is what decides it, both are great offroad, both are great onroad and with all the electric gizmos you'll not find they are that different to drive either. I appear to be addicted to Landrovers...

TD5 D-Lander hopefully finished soon!
FL2....this year with any luck!

Quite true. Both transmissions are 1st rate. It's driving style that tends to burn clutches out so if you're mindful of clutch control and also, if you don't like the way auto transmission takes away some vehicle control then manual is the better option.
I've had FL2 auto courtesy cars and their choice/timing of gear changes descending steep hills in my area was a little weird.

If your doing a lot of local driving with start stops then go for the manual e if you want max mpg. Otherwise go for auto for long journeys and more relaxed ride . I wanted the manual e but had to go for an auto as I bought the F2 just before Christmas and the only e that was available was Red a colour I didn't want. So I went for a black auto. First trip was down to the French Alps 850 miles and back - what a great car can't compare to my old F1 except to say better - it just handles so well on the motorway, mountain roads and in deep snow. Very happy and glad I got the auto. My mpg so far is av 29 with 3.3kl on the clock. Cheers
Gumdrop aka Simon !
-------------------------------------------------
F2 HSE, auto, roof rails, steps, santorini black
Defender 50th
F1 1999, Commercial
Series 1 (1958)
Rebel Replica Series 1

Well those were quick replies, thanks.
Seems a very mixed bag with economy coming top for the Manual but those with Auto prefer it.

Question for Executive Valeter.
You mention that the cost of Auto is rather expencive yet you must have that cost in extra goodies on your vehicle!! Are these goodies standard issue with the HSE.?

To all those having the HSE model, Is the vast cost differential justifiable. Yes Leather seats look nice (I'm a Leather specialist) butwhat else do you get that makes it worthwhile?

Armrests  Cheers
Gumdrop aka Simon !
-------------------------------------------------
F2 HSE, auto, roof rails, steps, santorini black
Defender 50th
F1 1999, Commercial
Series 1 (1958)
Rebel Replica Series 1

You get the slightly larger alloys (18''), twin sun roof, 2 stage heated seats, 3 setting memory seats, arm rests in the seats, premium dolby sound system and a advanced air inlet filter system which isn't needed unless you live next to a farm

mcphersonstrut wrote:

advanced air inlet filter system which isn't needed unless you live next to a farm

As I work on the farm and advanced air outlet system might be useful  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