Replacing my Freelander tow car
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My 2nd hand car came with an off road pack (I can lift it higher, front/rear diff lock + other stuff ??) that I'm never likely to use.
When you say 'park assist', do you mean where it'll do the steering when parallel parking? Mine will too, it's clever, but I rarely have the need to use it. Try it on yours ... you might like it .. you'll never know till you do
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Thanks for all of your comments and advice.
I am still investigating and have a few vehicles to look at before making a decision whether to change or keep my Freelander for a while longer, (it's likely to be far cheaper than changing even with any unexpected repair bills!)
The car I want ideally doesn't seem to exist and most of the better options are well over the £40k threshold the government has set for new cars above which they take an extra £320 a year on the road fund licence for 5 years!
I nearly bought a well equipped one year old Skoda Kodiaq but then found out the max tow ball loading is 80kgs and not only think this will be hard to keep under without emptying the caravan front locker, but also wonder what the reduction in stability will be. I tow at around 95kgs with the Freelander.
Another frustration is the lack of rear visibility with the latest generation of 4x4 SUVs with thick pillars, dipping roof line and high door waists and I am not a big fan of privacy glass that doesn't help either.
I don't need 7 seats but most suitable vehicles seem to have these as standard at the detriment of tow ball max loading weight and spare wheel. I don't like the idea of a tin of glue in the boot if I have a puncture and find the tyre is too damaged to repair!
Ah well I'll keep looking.
P.S. The J. D. Powers reliability report also makes interesting reading, the car with most faults per 100 is German!
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“above which they take an extra £320 a year on the road fund licence for 5 years!”
I realise it might be a matter of principle, but for the sake of £1600, is it really such a big deal in the scheme of things to get the car you really want? Just a thought.
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My local pub full of farmers . I have 2 old discos , love em to bits they mainly have defenders ,but wifes cars are freelander .Double use , small enough for wife and kids , but can tow well . They have not upgraded , 40 k you could keep yours going for many a year .There is always a proper mechanic doing these cars that doesnt charge stupid money . Derek
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I had a Freelander for several years, excellent performance as a tow car and totally reliable. I have since towed a 1900 kg Hymer with a Discovery Sport 2-0lt auto which also has proved effortless at towing and no warranty work required in 3 years. Ignore the Landrover knockers who repeat the same nonsense on various posts, they probably have never owned one and are perhaps envious.
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Decision made ..... I'm sticking with the Freelander for at least a couple of years and see how it goes, whatever I have to spend in running and maintaining my current car it's going to be cheaper than swapping for a newer vehicle!
I looked at all of the current alternatives and couldn't find one that I didn't have reservations about. In respect of what I want the car to do and what I've currently got, the Freelander suits me just fine. It tows brilliantly, is a good everyday vehicle and is well equipped.
I've found a local Land Rover specialist garage to avoid the astronomically priced main dealer but hope that it's only routine servicing and replacing any worn out parts I have to use them for.
Thanks for all your interesting suggestions and comments
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We are picking up a new Sorento on 3rd March. Very interesting reading all the posts. We ended up choosing between GLE, Touareg and Sorento, Sorento won on mix of price, spec and warranty. Will let you know how we get on with 1660kg single axle.
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I am in a similar position, I have a 2014 Freelander 2 SD4 2.2 litre diesel auto which I purchased in Jan. 2015. It is a stunning metallic red with beige leather heater seats.
It seems well built, lovely to drive and tows exceptionally well. Due to it's age I thought about changing it but to what ? Does anyone have real driving experience with a Volvo XC40 with auto gearbox either a 1.5 or a 2 litre petrol engine
I am also tempted to keep the Freelander another 2 to 3 years.
We tow a 2018 Lunar Clubman CK which weighs about 1350kg
PS my user name is Disco as I had a discovery 3 before the Freelander. The Disco was beginning to cost me money with 95,000 miles on the clock. Nothing major but a few niggly things.
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They are not LR knockers they are people who read automotive trade figures for reliability and warranty costs and not lifestyle pap. LR products are consistently at the bottom end of reliability surveys, I have published the links on this forum before.
Envious of what, a pretty people badge, get real. A standard KIA Hyundai is more expensive than the commonly purchased LR products and comes with 5 or 7 year warranty. The have a reliability index that LR can only dream of. https://www.whatcar.com/news/the-uks-most-and-least-reliable-car-makes/n20072#22
Start with that one and if you want then there are plenty more out there that show the feedback from owners.
I am not a knocker, I love their product, I get to drive a number of their products which are glorious. The cabin and ride are unrivaled but I value reliability above all else and they just don't deliver.
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