Storz
Explorer
Somewhat, I realize that it's not a true solid axle 4x4 - however I like what Land Rover does with their interiors etc so I figured I'd check into the Freelander
Freelander
- Thread starter Storz
- Start date
Somewhat, I realize that it's not a true solid axle 4x4 - however I like what Land Rover does with their interiors etc so I figured I'd check into the Freelander
R_Lefebvre
Expedition Leader
I agree, I thought it was a great car, if only it was reliable. Sure, it's a compact SUV, but it was tied with the Liberty as being the most capable compact SUV, and really, probably just as capable as most full size American SUV's. It also stood out as being one of the most interesting compact SUV's, styling-wise, again, take your pick between it and the Liberty. Everything else was just a snore. And then interior quality was unparalleled in the class.
I made the same decision you seem to be doing and got a WRX. The Subie was easily the best car I've ever owned, but it was somehow boring to drive, and also impractical. My 04 had horrible turbo lag, and it was easily the worst manual transmission I've ever had. It understeered worse than my Mustang, and even my FWD Focuses, turn-in was also slower. The back seat had no legroom, and the seatbacks didn't fold. However, it had maybe the best seats I've ever had, rivaled by my Disco. The suspension was amazing with 8" of travel and perfect damping, not too harsh, not too soft. It went like stink, was hugely stable at high speeds, the interior quality was good. But most importantly, the rally heritage.
Ultimately, it was just too much car, I was going to lose my license, the payment was more than I could justify when I left the company that was paying for it, so I traded it in.
nwoods
Expedition Leader
Doesn't have low range either, which is unique to Land Rover (as all other LR's have low range 4x4). The LR2 (the Freelander 2 in the UK) is supposed to be better, but basically a Ford Escape + $15,000 for the better interior (EDIT: Ford EDGE, not Escape). The Freelander is widely considered to be a horribly unreliable vehicle.
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R_Lefebvre
Expedition Leader
No, no low range, but it does have a better power to weight ratio, and a lower first gear than most "real" SUV's. And there is NO relationship between the Freeloader and the Escape. At all. The first gen was a unique platform, the 2nd gen I believe was adapted from a Volvo platform. The Escape was or is lightly based on the Taurus, but it's pretty much it's own unique platform.
The only problem with the Freeloader is the reliability of the V6/Auto powertrain. Otherwise, I think it's a great vehicle *for it's intended market*. It's not an expedition platform. It's intended to be used as economical transportation capable of being used on seriously rough *roads* (not rock crawling or mud plugging). It also had better road handling than just about any other SUV.
The only problem with the Freeloader is the reliability of the V6/Auto powertrain. Otherwise, I think it's a great vehicle *for it's intended market*. It's not an expedition platform. It's intended to be used as economical transportation capable of being used on seriously rough *roads* (not rock crawling or mud plugging). It also had better road handling than just about any other SUV.
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nwoods
Expedition Leader
You're right. I meant Ford Edge. It's the same as the LR2.
http://www.ford.com/vehicles/vehicle-showroom#/ford/ford-edge-2009
R_Lefebvre
Expedition Leader
Ah, that makes sense. There's a number of Ford cars based on Volvo platforms. The 500/Taurus/Freestyle were as well.
4Rescue
Expedition Leader
And a far better vehicle than a Freelander... Congrats on the TDI with the Manual. I was a VW guy beofre I got into Toyotas and the TDi's are GREAT vehicles. Too bad it's so hard to find a Wagon, my Dad would currently be driving one but his 81 VW Caddy still get's 39mpg and goes like a cut cat...
Good choice staying away from the Freelander. They are completely garbage.
Cheers
Dave
Storz
Explorer
Yeah I am really excited about it, part of being able to travel for me is having a reliable car, and since fuel is only going to get more expensive one that is good on gas. I certainly wont be able to get to all the places I could in a Rover, but there are plenty of places to explore with the TDI!!
4Rescue
Expedition Leader
Hey don't let the looks fool you, I took my 2wd 89 VW FOX Wolfsburg into ALOT of places that people thought I need 4wd and alot of clearence to go. Not that I'm advocating tearing up your nice new TDi, just something to think about, "Line selection" can make a world of difference
Cheers and ENJOY
Dave