Hi,

Am new to the Land Rover world, so be gentle

I'm looking to get myself something a bit more robust for my increasingly 'country lifestyle'. Have a Alfa Mito at the moment which I love and is a blast to drive but with my changing needs it's coming up short (literally when I scrape the bottom...). I've only had it a year but I think it's time to change.

Been looking around the usual 4x4/crossover suspects: Audi, BMW, Nissan, Toyota etc. but I'm drawn to a Freelander

This community seems really cool too, got a similar vibe to the alfa bunch: passionate about their cars but (mostly) not fanatical and defensive.

I've spent a bunch of time scouring through the forums and found a ton of useful info on how to pick a model, new vs used, manual vs diesel etc. etc.

So I'm currently looking at a 2 to 3 year old HSE or XS with a budget around 21k. I'm planning to focus my search around Land Rover dealers to get that extra peace of mind (and the 1 year warranty).

One question I have is on timing: With the new plate coming in March, and then an end of financial quarter that same month, I'm wondering if I should wait a bit until that period to drive the best bargain? Anyone have any experience with LR dealerships getting more flexible around those events?

Any advice much appreciated!

Welcome!

Totally biased opinion, but you should definitely get a Freelander

Although I haven't bought used at that point, 4x4 values, and specifically Land Rovers, are strong used so I don't think waiting would achieve a much better deal.

Personally I'd go for an HSE, you'd be able to get an 09/10 year car for you budget as an estimate. Freelander's are fairly plentiful so take your time in finding your ideal car. Mine: 2012 Golf GTI Edition 35
Family's: 2009 Freelander 2 HSE TD4 Auto, Stornoway

Yorkshire - God's County

Welcome to the Forum and hopefully to Land Rover.

Currently LR are on a roll in terms of sales both in UK and overseas and are pretty much selling every car they can produce before it is produced. Dealers are not having to work too hard to shift their stock and in some cases this makes them rather complacent and reluctant to do deals. There are obviously exceptions but you need to track them down - James at Hadley Green (Forum sponsors) is reputed to do good deals and I'm sure other dealers will do a deal if they think you're a serious buyer.

As to options HSE or XS, auto or manual, TD4 or SD4 there is plenty on the forum for you to digest.

My best suggestion would be go along to a dealer, have a look at what he's got and see if you can test drive an auto and manual and then an SD4 (auto only), only then will you be able to judge which is right for you. A manual TD4 will have lower road tax and in theory do more mpg, if you're towing then an auto might suit you better.

Also try and get a half day Experience voucher from the Dealer so you can see what the Freelander is capable of and it will give you the chance to get a reasonably balanced view from the instructor.

All the points made about LR sales are valid - the firm is cresting a wave of deserved popularity. However, you are right about the new registrations producing more choice in the second-hand market and traditionally the best time to buy a 4*4 is just before summer. You could well be right to wait until April.

Whatever you decide, I can recommend an HSE Automatic  Ours - 2008 Stornoway Grey HSE Auto
Tricia's - 2006 Royal Blue Beetle Cabriolet Auto
Mine - 2014 Vespa GTS 300 Super Sport Matt Black
Ours - 2007 White Bailey Pageant Champagne

I bought a MY 10 HSE in August 2011 - i.e. it was 1.5 years old and got a very good deal (2 K off book price). I wanted an XS but at the time 1-2 year old ones in the colour I wanted were non-existant and so I had to get an HSE (I really did not want a sun roof!!). I think if you stick to main dealers and be patient you should get what you want. Neither of the last 2 landrovers I bought used were on that dealers forecourt - both times they went out and sourced the vehicle for me so patience is key.

Also, I am on other car forums and a motorbike one and this forum is as good as it gets !! FL2 HSE Auto Galway Green
Evoque SD4 Auto Blue.
FL1 HSE TD4 Manual Black - Gone.
RR Classic V8 EFI - Gone

Hi and welcome.

You should be aware that on this site, like any other, there are those whose views (particularly on automatic gearboxes and HSE spec) verge on fanaticism! They're all nice people just a little obsessive. So don't rule out a manual, or a GS/XS, based on that alone. I have a manual XS (by choice!) and am more than happy with it. The HSE has some things I'm not bothered about, some I don't actually want, and very little I'd be prepared to pay for. You need to look at the different specs and decide what you're prepared to spend money on and what you're not. It's the same with the manual/auto option. True, some manuals have had clutch issues, but then some autos have had problems too. Overall the figures show it to be pretty reliable. The manual is actually a nice box, with ratios which are well chosen for road use (first could be lower for off-road and towing, which may or may not be an issue for you) and a nice solid feel to the change. Plus, it will give you an extra 5mpg or more, which is not to be sniffed at.

Bottom line, though, is that the FL2 is a great car and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it.

Hi Yanwoo

I got my Freelander 18 months ago, after years of BMW driving since, like you, my lifestyle changes demanded its capabilities. I LOVE driving the Freely. My wife loves driving the Freely as well!

I chose an SD4, auto and it's a good choice.

I endorse others on this forum - go to your local dealer, try some stuff, try & wangle an Experience Day (great fun, and good edu!). I think the second hand market has some choice in it now ...

Good luck and DO choose a Freelander.  ...

Be true to yourself. That way happiness lies...

Hi I got my 2011 sd4 xs from a citroen dealer 6 months a go £22.000 so have a shop around in other dealers other than land rover

Thanks everyone for the warm welcome!

I'll be taking the advice and get out there and start test driving the different versions there does seem to be quite a lot around that fall within my budget and needs.

My gf is a big fan of the sunroof otherwise I think I'd be happy with an XS. That's one to be resolved later...

we got a 60 plate 24k miles td4 XS manual from a dealer for £20k a couple of months ago. Your budget gets you quite a lot.

On the whole about the freelander ? Its a very very good car. Coming from range rovers previously and a number of land rovers over the years which included thrashing them off road sometimes, its far a better vehicle than I gave it credit for before getting it.

Hard to describe, but there is something about it, a little bit of sense of occasion to it that the big range rovers have.

I've finally taken the plunge and put a deposit down on a green 2011 SD4 XS with sunroof and full almond leather. Was looking for a HSE but when I found an XS in great condition with the bits of the HSE I wanted it was a perfect match.

Hoping to take delivery next Wed. Very excited!

Thanks all for the input!