So, are they any good and worth the £5000 for a 10 ish plate.
They are good vehicles, and LRs most reliable vehicle made.
They do suffer issues like all cars, but those issues are mainly down to a ridiculously long service intervals of key hard working components in the AWD system.
The rear differential is know to give issues, as is the Haldex and PTU.
The engine is pretty good, and able to do high mileages as long as it's maintained correctly.
Engine issues are normally related to emissions gubbins, like EGR valves failing, throttle body failure, and sometimes swirl flap failure.
Other issues are mainly electrical, like door actuator failure, steering lock failure (it's electronic), key dock module failure, release switch issues, fuel cap actuator failure, and other minor issues.
By comparison to the D3/4 RRS, FFRR, the FL2 is very reliable, and reasonably cheap to run and maintain, but it does need to be maintained well before LR say, or the expensive components listed above break down.
Be cautious of cheap Freelander 2s, as they could well have issues that the vendor is hiding, and doesn't want to fix.
Do a long test drive, making sure you listen for noises from the drive line, like a noisy rear diff. You shouldn't be able to hear the rear diff, and if you can, then it'll need replacing/rebuilding before it seizes.
Also check for incorrect operation of the Haldex, which shouldn't be felt if working correctly, but engagement will be rough when slow speed cornering if it's got issues.
The suspension should damp out bumps well, and be silent if going through potholes, and the steering should be light and precise. The steering wheel should also be centered correctly when going straight.
Check all electronic items work, all doors and windows work, boot latch works, seats move if electric, and no warning lights or messages come up on the instrument panel.
Also look at general condition of the vehicle, check for rust and avoid anything that looks more rusty than it should.
Don't pay a premium for low mileage, low spec models, but also don't over pay for silly high mileage top spec models.
For me the SE or XS is a good compromise of spec, without spending more on the normally over priced HSE models.
Be aware that earlier models don't have DPFs installed as standard, but later (2010 onwards IIRC do), so can suffer with issues around that.
Check for signs of bad maintenance or running on a budget, like a mix n match of cheap tyres, dirt interiors, tatty exteriors, brakes that are past their best, and generally badly looked after vehicles.
It's also essential for it to have full documented service history, although it doesn't have to be from a main dealer, but that is preferable.
The best Freelander maintenance is carried out by an enthusiast, but most enthusiasts won't sell them, because they're good vehicles, with nothing equivalent on the market place now.
