Looking to buy...

Hi All,
I've just hopped across from the Defender forum where I normally live. I am after some advice on Freelander ownership. My partner is considering changing her car and quite fancies a Freelander 2 TD4. We are looking to spend up to £6000 on a 10 year old low mileage example. This is for purely on road use.

Is there anything we should be looking for, or steering well clear of? Your advice would be welcome. Thanks.

Get the lowest mileage along with the highest spec you can find. I'd personally only go for an SE or HSE. The highest spec models will hold there value better than lower spec models. If you're not bothered by the spec, then don't over-pay for a low spec model.

The early F2s have terrible rear diffs. Most of them will probably have been repaired/upgraded by now - but I still wouldn't trust one.

I think you need to go to a 2010/2011 car to get the better diff. I'm not sure if they came with an upgraded Haldex unit as well. Worth getting a fluid flush/service on the Haldex when you get it cos they sound like they are overlooked for maintenance and can lead to expensive repairs.

Other than that, F2s appear to be like most 'modern' cars - very reliable all the time they are working! But when they go wrong, can be a pig to diagnose and fix - specifically relating to electrical faults.

£6K sounds like a lot of wedge for a 10 year old F2, I'm sure you could get one over here for that sort of price

Make sure you test drive it, the diff problem is a fault with them, it tumbles away sounding a bit like a rear wheel bearing at first but then gets louder, be sure to roll back the luggage space cover when you try it.

Thanks guys.
All useful stuff, I'll bear all that in mind. Might be going to look at a 2010 HSE later this week.

Thanks.