My son is going to buy a 4x4 SUV. The two he is considering are the Freelander 2 TD4 GS or the Honda CRV 2.2 CDTI ES both probably 07 to 58.
We would really appreciate any comments with regards to mpg , reliability and general running costs e.g. servicing costs of the Freelander and would this be a wise choice.. Thanks

regards

picolo

I'd go for the LR. Low depreciation, yearly service 250-330 quid, no blips that required a garage to make good, 33mpg roughly. 220 quid excise, 225 insurance. That said every car is slightly different as are drivers, insurance, mpg etc.

The Honda would probably work out cheaper, the Freelander miles better and more than makes up for it in every other aspect though! Mine: 2012 Golf GTI Edition 35
Family's: 2009 Freelander 2 HSE TD4 Auto, Stornoway

Yorkshire - God's County

Do bear in mind that, if off road / snow capability is important to your son, then the CRV has very limited capabilities. For example:





I didn't choose the Honda myself, despite the huge discounts being offered on the Honda by the contract hire company - with an HSE equivalent spec Honda (full leather, sat nav etc.) being offered for the price of an entry level Freelander!; I can't see the point of having all of the bulk and costs of a 4x4, yet still get stranded in my village when the snow comes!

Also worth checking, in this order:

1. http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carreviews/gr...trail.html

2. http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carreviews/gr...a_crv.html

3. http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carreviews/gr...ander.html

I looked at practically the entire mid range of 4x4 and having weighed up the pros and cons only the Freelander came out on top. I dont jump easily into a big car purchase and did my research before taking the plunge. And I am extremely happy with my choice  
2011 FREELANDER 2 TD4 GS
Privacy glass, front and rear light guards, tinted side indicators, wing vents finished in gloss black, front and rear mud flaps

YES  2002 Honda VFR800
2002 Toyota Celica 140 Silver (mid life crisis - again!)
2007 FL2 GS Manual Army Reconnaissance Green + freel2.com sticker
2004 Toyota Celica 140 Black - Gone
2000 Toyota Celica 140 Silver - Gone
1998 Toyota Celica ST Pearl Green - Gone
1996 Nissan Primera 1.6 - Gone
1994 Rover Montego 1.6 Auto - Gone

YES! Also this one is worth a look


http://www.freel2.com/forum/topic8943.html

landy19840 wrote:

YES! Also this one is worth a look


http://www.freel2.com/forum/topic8943.html

picolo
Yes if he can afford to do so (fiscally and mentally) - buying, maintaining, fueling, insuring and the inevitable frustration with the dealer network and warranty issues.

ref the link i posted...i do believe the price is lower than advertised!

i would buy from a dealer must have service history but most important needs to come with l/rover warranty if things do go wrong and has to go to a dealer to sort can be pricy to repair all have there niggles as you will see from the forum,
there are a good set of lads on here most with realistic and excellent infomation i have a 2011 speck td4 manual its got its niggles but i love the car superb on long journys and i get 40mpg arrond town just be aware to check the insurance befour you buy as new insurance groups have just been anounced for 2011spk vehicles onwards.  rainy-city
xs

When I started this forum I forgot to add whether my son should also consider an automatic freelander.

regards
picolo

Ohh no don't start the auto manual debate!!!! Standby.........,....,,

picolo wrote:

When I started this forum I forgot to add whether my son should also consider an automatic freelander.

regards
picolo

You've said it now Personal choice really and depends if he's likely to tow Gone - TD4 XS Auto, Sumatra Black, Mud flaps and side strips, clear indicators, private plate, privacy glass

Worth considering getting an Auto if buying used without LR warranty, it won't give you any chance of the clutch problems that can appear.