I'm hoping to buy a freelander or other light SUV over the weekend. There are a few clear options and i am unsure which is best long term or spec wise.

4-5k - newer freelander 1 with 70-80k miles. Tons to pick from, HSE etc..

5-6k - older freelander 2 S model with 100-120k miles. Good amount of choice, but it's the basic model, not sure these have the fancy traction settings.

5.5-6.5k - older freelander 2 GS model, 130-150k miles. Limited selection.

Obviously I can go auto or manual, but not sure if auto is really needed for me. I also read the S model has no off road settings, again, not sure if needed. Another uncertainty is whether I intend to resell in a year or so, or run it into the ground.

Use: 70-90 miles daily. I will have to deal with ford crossings, floods, muddy trails, ice/snow where needs be (surprisingly often in rural cumbria). Mostly on road, but sometimes off road (not rock crawling, fields + green lanes etc).

Which would you choose and why?

Cheers

Freelander 1, hse. Why? Because I prefer the look over the freelander 2, and that's more of a priority for me.

If you're going for the Freelander 1 check the state of the fuel tank cradle for rot. I agree with Discokids re looks.

Never had a freelander but if I did it would be a td4 freelander1 auto just cos l prefer the looks. But it does have the potentially troublesome vcu and I imagine there's no low mileage ones left.

If you go Freelander 1 then it has to be a TD4 Auto , if its over 70,000 then budget for replacing the VCU , with a new gen unit £400 . That way you will prevent possibly damaging the IRD or rear diff . Go for a ES premium or HSE . a low mileage F1 will represent better value for money than a high mileage F2 , 200,000 is quite achievable , and run it till its finished best VFM