Hi guys, not quite an owner yet but I'm in the market for my first Freelander, did initially post this in the introductions page but it appears to have fallen on deaf ears!. I'm looking at spending around £10k and have decided I want the HSE. But, as is always the case in these matters have an abundance of questions and I'm hoping those of you in the know can help me out. I've trawled the hours looking at various right ups and reviews, but would prefer unbiased (as a forum of lovers can be) real world opinions and facts.

My budget means I reckon I'm looking at around an 07-08 plate and preferably a manual(might be being a tad optimistic with the 08 bit I know!).

So here goes:

1. HSE, top model? All the ones I have seen boast the "Alpine upgrade". Is this the 7.1 surround sound upgrade or merely door speakers? How can I tell?

2. Does the Alpine upgrade include the rear audio as standard or is that only with the 7.1?

3. Is iPod connectivity "as standard"? Again not everywhere mentions it.

4. Nowhere seems to state whether the 2.2 diesel is 5 or 6 speed. I'm assuming the auto's are a 5 speed and reverse?

5. None of the 07 plates I find are the SD4 (my preferred engine). Research I have done tend to lean to the SD4 only being on 08+? Is there a performance difference amongst the TD4 range, what are they and again, how can I tell?

6. Economy wise the specs tend to point to a 30mpg combined. What are the real world figures? Daily drive would consist of a 30 mile motorway round trip and 4 miles in pretty fluid town driving (two sets of traffic lights on a B road).

7.Common faults and issues to look out for when test driving and inspecting?

8. Overall reliability, service and repair costs?

9. Any additions that make one more desirable as a purchaser?

10. Cost to fill tank? Sounds obscure I know but currently running a 2.2d Jag that stands me about £60 to fill and stands me around 600 miles.

Sorry to bombard you with my first post, but as I tend to keep my motors a while I want to make sure I'm as clued up as I can be and buy the best motor I can. I'm sure the above list will be added to!

1) HSE is the top model and comes with the Alpine 7.1 system which is a different amp and speaker setup

2) what rear audio upgrade are you referring to?

3) 3.5mm jack plug is standard

4) both manual and auto Freelander 2 are 6 speed plus reverse

5) SD4 only came in at 11MY and before then both manual and autos were 160bhp. TD4 at 11MY was 150bhp but on a 07/08 you'll be 160

6) economy would be around 30-38 mpg depending on how heavy right foot is and manual or auto

7) steering noise, rear diff noise other then that normal stuff to look out for when buying a car ie electrics work etc

8) overall reliability is good apart from the above mentioned issues

9) none really all down to personal preferences and needs

10) cost you about £75 to fill and do about 450/500 miles

Hope that helps!

td4van said:

1) HSE is the top model and comes with the Alpine 7.1 system which is a different amp and speaker setup

2) what rear audio upgrade are you referring to?

3) 3.5mm jack plug is standard

4) both manual and auto Freelander 2 are 6 speed plus reverse

5) SD4 only came in at 11MY and before then both manual and autos were 160bhp. TD4 at 11MY was 150bhp but on a 07/08 you'll be 160

6) economy would be around 30-38 mpg depending on how heavy right foot is and manual or auto

7) steering noise, rear diff noise other then that normal stuff to look out for when buying a car ie electrics work etc

8) overall reliability is good apart from the above mentioned issues

9) none really all down to personal preferences and needs

10) cost you about £75 to fill and do about 450/500 miles

Hope that helps!

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It does indeed thank you. Regarding the rear audio I've seen headphone inputs fitted on a couple for rear passengers. Are all the TD4 definitely 160 as one I am keen on is listed at 113bhp, which I can only assume HAS to be wrong.
Also, and I have seen this is quite controversial but the same vehicle is listed as DAB? It also appears to have the xenon upgrade which I like the sound of too.

I'm after a FL2 to. Thanks answered all my questions.

Rear headphone sockets were standard on HSE (and maybe lower specs as well)

DAB was a factory option but can be easily retrofitted if you know how and have the right parts.

All 2.2 were 160bhp from launch until 2011 so either you're looking at a 2.0 Td4 Freelander 1 or the seller has made a mistake.