Freelander Thoughts?

[RedDog]

I drive a Jeep TJ with minor modifications for light trail camping/photo duty but have a line on a sweet 2004 Freelander with low miles still on warranty. I was thinking this might be a nice little runabout with a degree of comfort that fills a couple gaps. The LR2 looks like an Escape with $15K tacked on to me and if anything, has me looking to Freelanders available in a region where there aren't many.

Any thoughts and experiences with the 2.5 V6 Freelander would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[mtnbike28]

Everything I have ever read says no.
http://www.carreview.com/mfr/land-ro...5_1524crx.aspx

Some folks here have had good luck, but overall I think it would be wise to look for something else. I have a project truck (FJ40) and a gas, wash and go truck (Tacoma) and much prefer not working on my truck everyday.

Too bad, I like the looks of them with a bigger tire...

Jay in NY

[Andrew Walcker]

I like the idea of the Freelanders, a capable compact SUV that gets decent mileage. I have never driven one or know anyone personally who has owned one. Most of the Rover boards tear into them pretty hard, which sometimes is based on emotion over fact.

A good buddy of mine owns Inland Rovers, an independent shop in Riverside. He has been the head mechanic for two dealership and has every certification obtainable to work on Rovers. I've asked him in the past about the Freelanders and his response was pretty dismal. I guess the chances of getting a lemon are pretty high. I'd be careful and really search that particular vehicles history to see how it has performed over the years. Good luck and let us know what you decide.

[TeriAnn]

I drive a Jeep TJ with minor modifications for light trail camping/photo duty but have a line on a sweet 2004 Freelander with low miles still on warranty. I was thinking this might be a nice little runabout with a degree of comfort that fills a couple gaps.

Run away. They do not have a transfercase nor are they high clearance. inside space is very limited. Many frequently visit dealers.

On the other hand, British Pacific does or did offer a pretty complete underside body armor package that would greatly enhance their survivability on the trail. And since their resale value curve resembles Willy Coyote's drop to the bottom of a canyon, you should be able to pick up a nice one pretty cheaply.

Your TJ will perform better on the trail, but in less comfort than a freeloader. Have you considered a Range Rover II? Very off road capable, very luxurious and the older ones have a low resale value so should be easy to afford. Of course reliability on Rangies is not all that good but you would be visiting the dealer in style!

[mountainpete]

I've never driven a Freelander off-road, however I am sure they would be more competent off-road then many of the other "cute-utes" out there (like the CR-V, RAV-4 or Escape). The question is does that extra competence equal the extra acquisition and maintenance costs? Parts can be quite costly and options for servicing are limited.

If you are looking for just a city runner, I would personally avoid it. You simply don't get enough return for the premimum you pay. My wife and I looked at one before we purchased our 05 CR-V in 05. The CR-V really beat the Rover in utility and comfort. It also beats it in fuel economy and overall maintenance costs. If I was looking again, I would examine closely the following BEFORE the Freelander: Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 and Highlander, Subaru Forrester and Outback and possibly even a Hyundai.

Deep down I have a love of Rovers - however the Freelander is simply having a tough time matching up to the competition.

Pete

[RedDog]

I sure appreciate the comments. There are a couple units out there now that are essentially new and still on warranty but I'm starting to clue in as to why the pricing is so attractive.

Your comments and links have led me to a variety of owner reviews that aren't very glowing - unfortunately. What a shame as the basic premise of the vehicle is otherwise so encouraging for the very light use I'd intended. I should add that I'm 90 miles from any dealer - either Edmonton or Calgary.

[mountainpete]

Have you given some thought to something like a Subaru Forester? I am seeing some decent prices on those lately...

What's your price range? I can keep my eyes open down here in Calgary.

Pete

[4Rescue]

A Subaru outback will get you anywhere and farther than a Freeloader will and it won't leave you stranded.

A friends mom bought a Freelander about 2 years ago (very low mile used car) and it has been NOTHING but trouble fro them ever since. Nothing major mechanical has broken 9it doesn't even get used in the snow though) but there's always a warning lamp lit on teh dash, the switches are always failing, and the ABS went on the fritz after 4months of ownership. The family is from a ritzy yuppie area of Portland, and she's the type of woman who has to "keep up with the Joneses" and she's payng for it.

Just because it says Land ROver doesn't make it a truck. These things make other LR's look like Toyota's in terms of reliability.

Cheers

Dave

[RedDog]

I think the bottom line has been a desire to slide into Rover ownership and get some feel for the experience. If I'm learning anything it's that I should consider at best a Disco II in good shape with low miles (many more around for sale) and swallow the price difference. I very much like the LR3 but that's getting a bit steep for my means, at least new.

I sure do appreciate the comments and opinions folks. Sometimes with this business I feel like I'm in the middle of nowhere. Thanks.

[Monkeyboy]

We had a new one in, what, 2004. It was leased as we knew it would not be a long term proposition.

Pos - comfortable (once you manage to get in without hitting your head); reasonable on-road performance & mileage; plenty of interior room for just the two of us and travelling stuff.

Neg - in only 16 mos, the thing must have had eight dealer waranty service issues. I got it stuck on a flat muddy building lot and had to go home for the Disco to pull the thing out. It sounds like brakes are a frequent and expensive repair as well as cam belts, viscous transfer issues, etc.

I have said it before and I'll say it again, I am a lucky dog. My lovely wife found a D-90 SW for sale locally and decided we needed to unload the Freebie and buy the D-90 ... that will stay in my garage for a long time to come