Freelander 2 (LR2) 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!

I should think what tyres you put on it and how you drive it would have more of an influence on its off road abilities.

If you're worried about power - a diesel Series LR only had 60hp and they are pretty good. Mind you they do have a low-range box.

If you want a car for everyday use, then get a Freelander.
If you want it for off road only (keep in mind that many off road places are being closed to 4X4s), then you'd be better off with a Discovery 2.
The D2 is the last proper Land Rover, which was designed to go pretty much anywhere.

I'm not saying a Freelander won't do it, it's just it's not the best tool for the job. The Freelander was designed as a motorway mile muncher, with some mild off road ability, and as such it's a good vehicle.

For serious off road, the suspension is too stiff, and it cocks its wheels as a result, and a wheel in the air doesn't give you any grip.

It's not about power, it's about getting the power to the ground.
When Powerfull took their FL2 off road, he drove it like a dick, with no regards for the mechanical components underneath, and he was lucky he only bust a tyre.

IMO you'd be better off with a nice condition D2, or maybe even a modified FL1, as they're actually pretty good off road too.

Oh, and if you've only been driving for 5 minutes, then get some off road lessons on how to handle the vehicle on the terrain you want to drive.
Doing so will help you understand what to do, and more importantly what not to do.

D2 may have low range, but I recon is possibly the worse off road vehicle LR have made.

I relies on the TC/HDC at the wheels instead of a center diff lock - so in my view rubbish. Freelander with its VCU/Haldex is better.

For mild off roading as well I'd say Freelander is better than D1 as you don't have to faff around with diff lock, its automatic.

Ultimate would be a late RR Classic/P38 that has the 'proper' center diff but automatically locked when needed with a VCU.

I believe you can get diff lock for D2, but its not standard.

Congratulations on passing your test.
Buy the best you can afford, whether it be an FL1, FL2, D1, D2 or series, and learn to drive it both on and off road until you have the experience yourself to judge what's best.
I see you're in Romania, in which case go for one with a good heater (that rules out a series ).
Is your off-road terrain full of ruts? You'll need the ground clearance of a D1 or D2.
Got a girlfriend? You'll need softer suspension . An FL2 will fit the bill.

Thank you very much folks for the valuable info!

In the end I've decided to go with a 2008 Freelander 2 HSE with automatic gearbox.

Let us know how you get on.