Help a fresh driver to avoid overspending on something that he doesn't need

Hello everyone!

I just got my driving license yesterday. I'm 24 and applied for the license only to go off the beaten track (I work from home permanently, so no commuting involved). As a result my next car has to handle some light to medium off-road conditions (nothing crazy as I don't plan to cross Mordor to destroy The One Ring).

My current choice is a Freelander 2, but here's the question: "Which configuration and year?". Will a manual 2011-2012 with TD4 (150 HP) be enough? I'm watching Powerful UK and Simon managed to do some very impressive stuff with this configuration.

The alternative is the 2013-2014 facelift with the auto transmission and the SD4 engine (190 HP) but I really don't want to overspend just for the sake of the numbers. I heard that the auto simulates the low range and could be useful, but will it actually enhance the capabilities of the car that much in off-road conditions? Actually, I found a 2014 SE with high mileage (205k) for a very good price, but I think that the mileage it's a bit too much.

Do you think that another model would be a better choice (e.g. high mileage 2008 Discovery 3 or Range Rover Sport)? Please help a complete beginner to make his first purchase of a Land Rover.

Thank you very much!

Welcome to the landyzone cat litter box. Feel free to dump your contribution in the Freelander section for a better answer.

Hello and welcome

Hi and welcome!

Welcome to the asylum, lol

personally think ur be better off with a FL2 over a D3 as ur first landy , insurance and upkeep on a D3 will slaughter u , particularly as you’ve just got ur licence, plus what’s ur budget and can u do all the work urself plse

as others have said , go over to the freelander section where ur find very helpful members to guide u

https://www.landyzone.co.uk/forum/land-rover-freelander.9/

hope that also helps and congrats passing ur test

Welcome to the forum

The auto will make up for lack of low range oft road, a bit. Saves having to slip thr clutch. Auto available on TD4 and SD4. A FL2 is a big car to own as a first car. Also powerful so insurance wont be cheap. FL2 is capable oft road. Pick yer route carefully and you'll get through.