Knowledge required - which to buy??

Hi There, I am looking into buying a LandRover Freelander, but need your help, the specs, models and versions are all a bit of a puzzle...so basically, I am changing from my Audi A3 2.0l diesel (only because I am wrecking it in and out of pot holes!) I have horses, so the car goes down tracks, on fields and in mud!! Now I wont be towing a trailer, but would like...Good fuel economy (currently get 52.5mpg) and fair deal insurance (female in 30's) and would like..Leather interior, heated seats, etc A bit of plush!! Which do you think I should go for? Something in region of £8-10k, any tips greatly appreciated!!
Cheers all!!

Well! Where does one start?The first thing you should do is get your mind set to accept you will get nowhere near the MPG with a Freelander you are enjoying with the Audi. Once that has firmly been drummed into your head you need to decide: Fuel type - No contest! Diesel is the way to go. With the money you plan to spend I would suggest you look for the latest model Freelander 1 with fairly high spec that you can find. Sadly, you will not manage to acquire a Freelander 2 for that money (Not that is anywhere near half decent anyway). A TD4 with reasonable mileage and a detailed service history should be easy to find. There are loads available so don't rush into one just because it "looks nice". If you do nothing else read the reams of knowledge available on this forum and other sites about buying a Freelander. There are areas that must be sound and some that don't need to be perfect when first purchased, as they can be rectified in time fairly easily and cheaply.You will, no doubt, get loads of advice, some helpful and well meaning, some plainly abusive so a thick skin is a must. I bought my landie last March and despite certain "problems" have thoroughly enjoyed driving it. Really hoping we get some bad weather to justify having purchased it but, even if we don't, I enjoy the drive. Like you, my family are around horses and the vehicle is perfect for the purpose. Blistering performance - NO. Good economy - Not really. Common sense - questionable. Fun - LOADS! Good luck with your quest.:welcome2:

td4 auto everytime

Further proof, if any were needed, that women shouldn't be allowed to make decisions involving money.

Exactly waht optimus prime says..

I love my diesel freelander, but if there is one thing i would change, it would be to have the automatic gearbox...

My manual 2.0 diesel gets about 38MPG average, more on a run..

I had a 55 mondeo ghia X until Jan last year, and i was in the same boat as you.. My daughters got horses and competes in shows.. So twice a day my Mondeo (with cream carpets and leather interior) was getting absolutely wrecked going up and down a pot holed lane to our local stables..

So before there was no mondeo left, i got rid, and bought my freelander.

Best thing i ever did..

It tows two horses in out trailer no sweat, hasnt got stuck off road yet, gives decent MPG, is comfortable, and is a high spec model..

Just pay attention to what santa fe said.. you will get nowhere near 52 MPG out of one.. Its a 2 ton box shaped slab of metal..

My wife still doesnt understand why het 57 plate scenic diesel does 57 MPG and the land rover doesnt.. She thinks just cos the landy is diesel, it should do 55MPG... It wont.

If you want one with leather/heated seats, try and get an ES model, or kalahari special edition.. Sport models are also nie inside, but have lower stiffer suspension, so be mindfulof that..

Also check all the usual stuff VCU etc etc.. plenty of threads on here..

Good luck!

I have a 2001 td4 auto and do not want to ever part with it only time will tell

Go for a 2006 Freelander 1 TD4 Auto, HSE is the top spec, SE is the next one down but comes with cold climate pack ( Fuel burning heater, heated seats & heated front screen ), peferably with full LR service history.

As above, I have the 2003 TD4 SE model, no heated screen but black leather seats which are heated.

Whichever one you get make sure the larger diameter wheels are on the back and keep a close eye on the coolant tank. Enjoy

As the others say go Td4. If going for the excellent auto then go for a pre March 06 one as the road tax jumps up to over £400 after this date for the mark 1 models.
Also be aware that the Freelander doesn't like driving over potholes every day & it will affect your suspension with lower wishbone balljoints being prone to failure not to mention what it'll do to the upper strut mounts. The Freelander has excellent suspension (handling/ride wise) for a small 4x4 but it isn't the most durable in such a harsh environment.
Best of luck as they are good cars though.

Morning all....Just reading your threads..your all such helpful folk (well apart from one!!), I will very much take your advise on board...Thanks again!!
:cheer2: