landieguy wrote:

This week's Auto Express magazine reviews the FL2 as a used car buy. One of the four "buyer beware" messages identifies the fact that clutches and gearboxes can be weak - it continues by suggesting potential buyers listen for rumbling on the move and clutch slip under acceleration and jumping out of gear.

A further buyer beware suggests towing can cause premature brake and clutch wear.

So while we can imagine CG chuckling to himself - the message I feel is simple - go Auto for towing and in my opinion, go Auto for a smoother vehicle and less costly option in the longer term.

Auto's rule - you know it makes sense  Freelander 2 TD4 Auto, SE, Narvik Black, Alpaca full leather, Rear Headrest Entertainment System, 6 CD, 18 HSE Wheels, Privicy tints

sportsman wrote:

Keep the replies Comin manual people...

Noooo - if you want a proper FL2 that drives like it should you need an Auto!

Also no need to worry about clutches or dodgy gear changes or squeaky clutch pedals  Freelander 2 TD4 Auto, SE, Narvik Black, Alpaca full leather, Rear Headrest Entertainment System, 6 CD, 18 HSE Wheels, Privicy tints

The Doctor wrote:

sportsman wrote:

Oh noooo why did i read this thread... Its got me now looking at Autos...

Unless you really need auto, dont throw your money away. Manual is smoother and more controlled but obviously more involving (which i prefer). Unless you need the towing advantages of auto there is no point spending extra money on something that will then cost more to run.

No brainer with increased fuel prices and as Tandemman has said, no issues for him.

I actually swapped my manual for an auto

As said earlier, dont waste money on the inferior auto.

Towing aside, the manual is streets ahead and lets not forget that the auto only makes towing easier. Tandemman commented he has had no issues having towed with his manual. Although he then went downmarket and got an auto

No contest, choose manual LL.B (Hons) - University of Derby
LOT (Lord of Time) - University of Gallifrey

I know a farmer who goes off road EVERY SINGLE day in his FL2 2007 S manual. Now done 45,000 and never had a clutch problem and never got stuck. Based on his experience I'm looking at an . . . . . . . auto !!! Horses for courses !!

Just changed my manual for an Auto, what a smooth box, just glides through the gears, loving it, manual pah.  p****d off with a Digital Keyboard Warrior

Auto jerks through the gears. Manual far superior.

I pmsl@autos LL.B (Hons) - University of Derby
LOT (Lord of Time) - University of Gallifrey

Oh dear confused.com....

sportsman wrote:

Oh dear confused.com....

The Doctor wrote:

Auto jerks through the gears. Manual far superior.

I pmsl@autos

I really don't understand this "Jerks through the gear" I have now driven three differant Freely auto's and none of them have jerked through the gears, as I stated in a previous posting on the auto box, its a peach  p****d off with a Digital Keyboard Warrior

It jerks when accelerating quickly and kick down is hideous. Its ok at normal speeds but I simply cannot take to the auto. LL.B (Hons) - University of Derby
LOT (Lord of Time) - University of Gallifrey

Doc - I think even you have got to admit that there are merits to driving the auto and whilst the manual is a very good car is not necessarily better than the Auto...

Put it this way; there are lots and lots of excellent drivers who would enjoy a nice manual who prefer to drive an Auto FL2 because of the refinement, ease and better offroading and towing ability, not to mention the slightly increased fuel consumption and lack of a squeaky 3rd pedal.

At the end of the day it comes down to preference, budget and….. the fact that the auto just suits the FL2 better than a manual!

Put it another way… would you buy a manual Range Rover? Freelander 2 TD4 Auto, SE, Narvik Black, Alpaca full leather, Rear Headrest Entertainment System, 6 CD, 18 HSE Wheels, Privicy tints

Cant compare to Range Rover, different vehicle.

The fact is the manual suits the FL2 better IMO.

Let me put my hatred for the auto in a scenario:

Someone turns up at my house tomorrow from LR and says congrats you have won a brand new HSE auto. The only stipulation is that you must hand over your GS manual and keep this instead. I would honestly say go away!
Even the HSE spec would not compensate for the auto box. I will never budge from manual. LL.B (Hons) - University of Derby
LOT (Lord of Time) - University of Gallifrey

Apart from auto trade and eBay and dealers is there any other decent websites where I should be looking..Answers please again to reallyconfused .com

sportsman wrote:

Apart from auto trade and eBay and dealers is there any other decent websites where I should be looking..Answers please again to reallyconfused .com