There's nothing wrong with the Freelander 2. Most who moan about them online have never driven them. Most who moan about the problems they had don't realise all cars have problems. There was around 450,000 produced. The Free2 forum has been repairing and keeping FL2's going for nearly as long as they have been about.
The FL2 was a complete rebuild from new when LR was owned by Ford. Ford could see the FL1 doing well but wanted to take it more up market. It does share components from the Ford empire like the EUCD platform also used in the Mondeo but the FL2 was first to use it before other cars. LR chose that platform over two other options. One of them a joint venture with Mazda which would have seen it structurally weaker than it is. Ford preferred the Mazda option.
The DW12 diesel engine came from Peugeot/Citroen/Ford partnership. Far more Peugeot than anything else, which is good as they make good diesels generally (disco 3/4 owners may not agree with their lump but they did buy the wrong vehicle). Ford did a few minor changes and so did LR. It costs a lot to design an engine, platform, abs... from scratch. If there's one on the shelf which is suitable then it makes sense to use it. Same for EUCD and all the other items available to LR via Ford. Ford want you to use what's already available unless you can prove there's an alternative betterer option. No different to the FL1 taking parts from the Rover range when suitable.
The difference between the FL1 and FL2 is quite big. The FL2 is faster. Not just 0 to 60 but more responsive at 50 to 70+. More economical anorl. Power and torque are increased and it will tow betterer. Betterer refined with less cabin noise from the road. More stable at speed with betterer suspension and feels more sure footed to drive. Less body roll when cornering (bear int mind it's not a sports car) compared to the FL1. All but the lowest spec and eD4 models had terrain response fitted. The eD4 is a front wheel drive only model (no rear diff/haldex reapirs). All other models are electrically selectable 4x4 when sensed it's needed. As perfect as the FL1 is, the FL2 is an all round improvement. Yer has the option of the TD4 across all years or the later 2011 model year onwards had the more powerful SD4 available. The SD4 is on a par with the i6 six cylinder petrol (for eggscelleration) which disappeared from uk markets early on as the diesel was so good and economical int comparison. i6 petrol engine came via Ford anorl. All models are six speed regardless of auto or manwell. SD4 is auto only. Significant updates for the 2011 model year gave a betterer refined finish.
The FL2 did have problems like all cars. The Haldex unit filter can become blocked which puts strain on the pump and feks it. The original bearing in the rear diff is said to not be up to standard to take the force/pressure applied. LR made changes to this on later production models but some still failed. Less than before, but it was felt by some the problem was never got rid of. In general there's a lot of electrical items on the FL2 compared to other cars but the FL2 tends to behave itself. LR parts dept staff will confirm of all the models LR produce, the FL2 was the most reliable. Info based on what they had to supply to the workshop for service/repair/warranty, after talking to several dealer parts dept's. Lots of diagnostic options available for the home diy repair. Yer can always buy a bad one which needs more hugs to put it right. But the same can be said for any vehicle.
In comparison to other vehicles about... the FL2 option is older. Later engines for model year 2011 onwards are EU5 compliant. EU4 before this. Technology has moved on a bit since FL2 development. It's still a good car but others offer better fool economy and handling. Less road and engine noise.
If yer can afford it then a FL2 it's a good vehicle to buy. A nice upgrade to the FL1 and nicer to live with. Try and get one with a good service history and make sure it's got receipts for repairs, like with any vehicle yer buy. Auto, eated seats, eated screen... are all available. Check the options. The FL2 is a proper 4x4 estate with full view out the rear mirror/window.
The Freelander 2 is the bestist vehicle everer produced, with the Freelander 1 closely following it. It is also true of both the FL1 and FL2, blue ones are betterer.
