Hi Everybody, I'm after a new car for the missis. We're about to move to the middle of nowhere, down some narrow single track roads which are very exposed to snow and ice in the winter. I'll be fine of course, but we're thinking of something with 4 wd for her, and the Freelander is looking like a good option.

Does anybody have one? Is it true that the diesel is not great on the motorway? Any other observations? Any buying advice?

We've seen a 2006 car for just under £7k, one owner full history, that we're planning to view. Needs to be auto, so that limits our choices.

TIA. Range Rover-less at the moment - Pining!

I had one for a (short) while... Noisy and slow. Thirsty. Surprisingly small inside.

Apart from that it's fine. You need to try (extended test drive) I think before you part with your readies. Graham

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Gone: 10MY L320 RR Sport HSE, Ipanema Sand
Gone: 20MY Jaguar iPace HSE, Silicon Silver
Gone: 17MY RR Evoque SE Tech, Loire Blue
Gone: 08MY Discovery 3 XS, Stornoway Grey
Gone: 07MY FFRR TDV8 Vogue, Stornoway Grey

How very gay of you sir

However if its for the wife then a one owner with fsh should be a good choice in that price range

PS: Do not be tempted to drive it yourself sir.....

That must be Freelander 1 you're looking at?

got a 2002 TD4 5door freelander as well. had it since 2003. the TD4 engine has been ultra reliable easy to service and pretty good on fuel and not bad on a run, however had a couple of issues - n/s front and rear window regulator o/s front window regulator have been changed,wiper motor changed,drivers door lock replaced (that went kaput two days after my warranty ran out) its only done 55000 miles. ive been offroad, nothing serious though and in the heavy snow that we,ve had it never got stuck.

Yes, Freelander 1 Martin, must be one of the last.

Thanks for the feedback Andy, sounds good. Range Rover-less at the moment - Pining!

If its a Freelander 1 avoid the petrol with the MGF engine at all costs, they blow head gaskets and engines like thay are going out of fashion.

I have several freinds who have owned them and every single one had issues, one even had his engine replaced twice, once under warranty and once out!

The diesel is bomb proof.

what about a panda 4x4...

Disco 2?? FFRR TD6 HSE
Adriatic Blue with Parchment leather.

I'm with Scarey on this one - wouldn't touch a Freelander 1 with the world's longest barge pole. We use a Panda as "Thunderbird 1" (FF is Thunderbird 2) and it's superb ! honest !
If I was after something larger, I'd go for Rav 4 mk2 - again, brilliant cars.
If you do go looking for a Panda 4 x 4, good luck, they're like hen's teeth

 Where do you go after one of these . . . ?

ford maverick ?
 "RANGEISM WILL NOT BE TOLERATED"
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Pretlove says , '' I want my car back "

Audi allroad?? FFRR TD6 HSE
Adriatic Blue with Parchment leather.

Kia Sorento? 'er indoors has just bought one (auomatic XS) and she loves it.

my wife has had a freelander 1 54 plated td4 and had it for 3 years now, its not missed a beat  ONE LIFE LIVE IT

Disco 2 for definite. TD5 motor is virtually unburstable. No issues on them that hasn't been sorted now and they're very good value for money. The amount you're looking to spend on a gaylander would get you a late D2 with plenty of toys and lowish mileage.
FL1 is still a lot of pot luck as to whether you can get a good one. They are ultra picky about tyres and can eat the viscous couplings. Petrol engines are best avoided and the diesel is like driving a slug on valium. The whole car (for me personally) is a kind of "Less-Than" experience.
Another option is the Rav-4. Solid and reliable. Fun to drive as well.