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Post by Catrin on Jan 5, 2006 0:18:10 GMT 1
Freelander made by Land Rover, designed as the sporty lightweight 4x4 for people who wanted to look like they needed a 4x4 but didn't really. Given the thumbs down by the Telegraph motoring writers recently unless you get the TD4 engine. The rest are unreliable: too many reports of engine problems, gearbox failures and suspension faults. Better get a second hand Discovery, the real one for the job.
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Nicola
Grand Prix Poster
Olympia tickets for ?10 for NSPCC see charity section
Posts: 2,473
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Post by Nicola on Jan 5, 2006 0:41:21 GMT 1
I love my freelander but I wouldnt use it for towing anything, I would go for something that could handle the weight such as KAS or Catrin suggests....
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Post by JackieJATaylor on Jan 5, 2006 0:47:09 GMT 1
I've been looking at getting a secondhand 4x4 and it's most exasperating - all the Freelanders are underpriced and all the Japanese ones are overpriced...with good reason apparently. Read the reviews in places like Parkers guide, they absolutely trash the old Freelanders, especially the petrol ones, though apparently the new ones are OK.
Jackie
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thelwell
Olympic Poster
WELSH PONYS RULE
Posts: 705
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Post by thelwell on Jan 5, 2006 1:12:07 GMT 1
well aparently a vitara has a better 4x4 transmision as the freelander only use a viscus cupling so not a true 4x4
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carolwilts
Olympic Poster
"get busy living or get busy dying"
Posts: 576
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Post by carolwilts on Jan 5, 2006 8:50:33 GMT 1
Thumbs down from me too.. I got one almost brand new (ex demo 4000 miles) and it was nothing but trouble. Gods knows how many times it had things done under warranty. Must have cost land rover 1000s... The other thing to note is that faults and repairs done under warranty don't show up in service/repair records, so if you are checking the history of a particular car you won't know just how bad its been!
I now have a jeep grand cherokee which has been just great! Unfortunately following the demise of my marriage I'll have to sell it in the next couple of months. So if anyones interested.... V reg 75000 miles....
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tria
Intermediate Poster
Posts: 150
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Post by tria on Jan 5, 2006 10:51:15 GMT 1
Wow! Thanks for all the help... seems I may have to think again... As JackieTaylor said all the Japanese cars are a bit over budget for me and freelanders seemed like the best option that wouldnt break the bank! I guess my main problem is that it will be my only car and with the possibility of a hefty commute I dont want it to be too expensive to run- any more ideas?!?! Oh to win the lottery... lol
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Post by Louise C on Jan 5, 2006 11:58:29 GMT 1
Wait and buy Carols!!! It is a minefield, I also like the Jeep Wrangler, but don't think that's much good for towing and not got much space either inside. Powerful engine though for the size!!!
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Post by JJ-Spain on Jan 5, 2006 13:18:38 GMT 1
Freelanders are IMHO useless! I got a 2001 model and it was constantly overheating, ground on the suggestion of a bump and ate more in petrol than all my horses put together! I just traded it in for an old discovery which is much more economical to run, tougher and surprisingly easier to park! Do miss speeding down the motorway though...
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Post by sarak on Jan 5, 2006 13:18:48 GMT 1
We looked in to buying a Freelander several months ago - not for towing, but just as a main car. The luggage area is extremely cramped, and they are notorious for having the engines go at about 60,000 miles! I think they are a lovely looking car, but won't be wanting one now when I hear about all the problems. Just read a few reviews on the internet and you will soon be put off like we were.
Have you thought about the Honda CRV? Not as pretty as a Freelander, but reported to be far more reliable.
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ps
Advanced Poster
Posts: 451
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Post by ps on Jan 5, 2006 14:15:43 GMT 1
I had a brand new Freelander a few years ago (W reg) and it was lovely. I had the 1800 i petrol model. It was a great car.....but a bit heavy on fuel and we towed an IW 505 with 2 small ponies (12 handers) with no problems. However, when we moved up to bigger ponies, we realised it would not be safe/legal to use the Freelander so changed to a used Discovery. Now on my 2nd Discovery and have an IW 510 which this car tows well, even with 2 16 handers! Having just changed my car, I can tell you that there are some really good Discoveries out there. Go for an early TD 5 with a lowish mileage if you can find one. My T reg had done 130,000 miles....and still drove well!
One thing to regard when buying your next car is that a reduction in the price of fuel is NOT just around the corner (I work in the oil industry) and we could easily be paying 50% more per litre within a couple of years....so beware of the large petrol engined vehicles (Disco V8, Jeep etc). Having towed with a larger vehicle I would not now tow with anything smaller.
Out of interest, do any of you have a lpg 4x4?
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Post by Roz on Jan 5, 2006 14:47:47 GMT 1
If you are looking for a vehicle to tow with then I would definitely recommend a Nissan Navara, they are alot cheaper than the non commercial 4x4's (although they are closing the tax break loop hole now) and have a reputation for being the best vehicle to tow with, plus they are very well made (as most Jap cars are) and are not as expensive to run as most 4x4's.
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tria
Intermediate Poster
Posts: 150
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Post by tria on Jan 5, 2006 14:59:54 GMT 1
Thanks again for all the help guys, seems this is going to be a it of a mine-field.... The Navara looks great but is a bit out of my price range unfrotunately- leaning towards a shogun at the moment as they seem to be within budget
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betsy
Intermediate Poster
Posts: 143
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Post by betsy on Jan 5, 2006 16:35:51 GMT 1
Hi I have one and its the TD4 peronally i love it.We did buy it for towing and was told it would tow to ponies easily but not yet used it.It is diesel and i dont find it that expensive to run but the again i dont do many miles. We also have a mitsubishi pajero which is excellent for towing but i dont like it and its expensive to run.Its for sale but having trouble selling it
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