Freelander
- Thread starter Storz
- Start date
jeff_wright
Adventurer
I've never been a fan. I worked at Land Rover Northpoint for a summer, and while most people enjoyed their Disco's, the majority of customers didn't care for their Freelanders. They seemed to have consistent engine and electrical problems (more so than Discoverys). With strong bias I would recommend a stock DI or DII. Well maintained, they'll serve you well and personally my Disco fulfills my camping/exploring desires without going over the top. It has everything I need and nothing I don't. If a Disco is more than you need and you want something closer to a car with AWD than check out a Subaru of some sort.
Storz
Explorer
I had a brand new 2005 Impreza 2.5RS for three years, overall the best car I've ever owned, and they are actually on my short list. Figured I would get the scoop on Freelanders though as well.
michaels
Explorer
stay away from freelanders. pnorvell's sister had one and it was always in teh shop. a guy i went to highschool with had a two freelanders over those years and both were always in the shop.
FYI, he's been actively trying to sell the second freelander for almost a year with now luck...no one wants 'em.
pnorvell
Adventurer
Beat me to it!! God that thing was a nightmare!! went through 5 batteries, couple sets of brakes(and rotors), driveshaft, and I can't remember if we ended up doing the transmission or not. GOD!! that's over the course of only 50k miles. Do not buy one!! Whatever you do! If you're looking for that market, get a CR-V. DO NOT BUY A FREELANDER!!
R_Lefebvre
Expedition Leader
The European version is identical to ours. The only difference is that we only got the V6 with Auto, in Europe they had the option of a gas 4, a diesel 4, and a manual transmission. All of which would be more reliable than the V6 and that Auto trans.
I also have a pet theory that people in other parts of the world are more tolerant of defects than here. For them fixing a car is just normal.
Back to the subject at hand, I love the 04-05 Freelander styling, the way it drives, etc. I almost bought one new in 04, but ended up with a WRX instead. I almost bought a used 05 last year, but upon reading all the complaints about complete transmission failures at 50k, $3000 double timing belt jobs at 60k, I decided to get a Disco instead, and as I learn more and more, I'm sure happy I did.
Maybe look at an 08+ Ford Escape. The styling is somewhat similar as is the utility (some people erroneously believe they are actually based on the same platform), but the Ford should be much more reliable.
Spikepretorius
Explorer
Even Land Rover themselves reckon that the Freelander is the worst thing they ever did.
BIGdaddy
Expedition Leader
lol:elkgrin:
Spikepretorius
Explorer
No serious 
I read that somewhere
I read that somewhere
a.mus.ed
Explorer
First time for everything, I s'pose. :coffeedrink:
Storz
Explorer
Not going to get an Escape, leaning strongly towards a WRX
Stock Tyres
Observer
It seems like your looking at the freelander because of the badge it has on, its not a proper land rover nor is a very good car in my opinion (I have spent some time with a td4 freelander in the UK) Go for the subaru.