Potential New Owner

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throwyourbike

throwyourbike

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Posts
12
Hi all,

Current owner of a Vauxhall Monaro, a Vauxhall Astra GTC VXR and most recently, a Suzuki Jimny.

I use the Jimny as a daily around town and the Astra for anything further afield.

The Astra is a great tool when you’re in the mood to be a hooligan but the ride is ridiculously harsh and my obsession with keeping the bodywork and wheels in pristine condition has become a bit of a chore.

Maybe I’m just getting old?

Anyway, I’m considering trading it in for something a bit more utilitarian.
After much research and many reviews I think I’ve finally settled on a Freelander 2.

I test drove a 2014 GS SD4 model a couple of weeks ago. Pic attached.

56k miles, £12,750

I understand the GS trim is lower spec and I actually like the like the 17” wheels and unpainted plastics.
It also has the cold climate and clear view packs fitted.

However it has no armrests, sat nav or front parking sensors, which I originally thought would be nice to have.

So my question is… do you think it’s worthwhile holding out for a higher spec model?

I understand the HSE model is top of the range and while the interior toys interest me, the exterior styling doesn’t.

Any help or advice for a first time LR buyer would be greatly appreciated.
 

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I have the SE, which at the time missedthe arm rests, full leather (mine has half) and I think a different audio system, though the one in mine is very capable indeed, with a large sub-woofer in the back. CD’s sound superb in it, with no distortion.
Mine is a ‘08 but a very comfy and fun car to drive. Ovb a 2014 will be facelifted and have a more modern feel inside.

Front parking sensors are not a biggie - I have them, but the elevated position means you rarely cannot judge something 4 foot in front of you! Sat nav will likely be out of date anyway.

I have an FL1 too - they are both very capable vehicles, both on and off road.

Look for a well maintained example, with lots of history that is documented. You also want evidence of the timing belt being done (10 years).

At that price, I’d want a full JLR service history.
(Well, at that price, I’d probably walk away and look further)
 
Thanks for your response.

That particular example seems to be in fantastic condition with a comprehensive service history. I think only the first few were JLR but it’s been serviced annually.

There’s a whole bible of receipts and I spotted one for £1800 from 2022 for work to the diffs which I originally considered a bad thing however after some research, it’s probably a bonus.

I didn’t happen to notice if it had the timing belt and water pump done but I called the dealer who said if it hasn’t been done, it would be done before it leaves them.
 
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Remember just because a car is low mileage does not always mean it's a good car, low miles over that period of time, could mean it's coked up, been used for just running around in, keep your mind open and check out others with a little more mileage and better spec, have a good look on the bay you will soon find some that will match it or beat it, both on spec and price.

What you wnat is belts to have been done in the last 12/24 months.

Diff oil, Haldex service, engine oil, gearbox oil, PTU oil changed again with in the last 2/3years, fuel filter changed in the last 12months, etc.

A few to compare with, nowt to do with me just a quick search on the bay.

www.ebay.co.uk

2013 Land Rover Freelander 2 2.2 SD4 HSE SUV CommandShift 4WD 5dr Diesel (190 ps | eBay

TOP RIGHT CAR CENTRE - Call us on +441917317930 or click here to find out more.
www.ebay.co.uk

www.ebay.co.uk

2013 Land Rover Freelander 2 2.2 SD4 HSE Lux CommandShift 4WD Euro 5 5dr | eBay

F G Cars ltd - Visit us for a test drive - Call us on 015 09276780 or click here to find out more.
www.ebay.co.uk

www.ebay.co.uk

2013 Land Rover Freelander 2.2 SD4 HSE 5dr Auto ESTATE Diesel Automatic | eBay

Harkis LTD - Call us on +441782969810 or click here to find out more.
www.ebay.co.uk

do you want a manual or Auto all SD4 are Auto i think.

TD4
www.ebay.co.uk

2014 Land Rover Freelander 2.2 TD4 XS 5d 150 BHP Estate Diesel Manual | eBay

Nuneaton Car Sales - Visit us for a test drive - Call us on +442475189134 or click here to find out more.
www.ebay.co.uk

The £2000 plus you could save on certain cars would go towards doing all the services above if they needed doing.

Make sure all tyres are the same and have the same tread also same depth.

Get one without swirl flaps, which most after 2012 are.

Lots of reading and looking dont be in a rush there are hundreds out there.
 
Thanks for your advice.

I’m from Northern Ireland and while I don’t mind travelling for the right car, it would be much easier to find one locally.
As you say though, there are loads around.

I’m pretty set on an auto and I would much prefer the SD4, although I understand it’s the same engine as the TD4 only with a bigger turbo.
I won’t be towing but a bit of extra grunt is always appreciated.

I’ve never owned a car with more than 70k on the clock, so I have to be honest, high mileage does worry me. Although point taken about short trips not being a good thing either.

I’m a stickler when it comes to service records and I have to say, I was blown away by the paperwork with that example.

I reckon I need to go back and take a good look through it all, see what’s been done and what hasn’t.
 
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throwyourbike said:
Hi all,

Current owner of a Vauxhall Monaro, a Vauxhall Astra GTC VXR and most recently, a Suzuki Jimny.

I use the Jimny as a daily around town and the Astra for anything further afield.

The Astra is a great tool when you’re in the mood to be a hooligan but the ride is ridiculously harsh and my obsession with keeping the bodywork and wheels in pristine condition has become a bit of a chore.

Maybe I’m just getting old?

Anyway, I’m considering trading it in for something a bit more utilitarian.
After much research and many reviews I think I’ve finally settled on a Freelander 2.

I test drove a 2014 GS SD4 model a couple of weeks ago. Pic attached.

56k miles, £12,750

I understand the GS trim is lower spec and I actually like the like the 17” wheels and unpainted plastics.
It also has the cold climate and clear view packs fitted.

However it has no armrests, sat nav or front parking sensors, which I originally thought would be nice to have.

So my question is… do you think it’s worthwhile holding out for a higher spec model?

I understand the HSE model is top of the range and while the interior toys interest me, the exterior styling doesn’t.

Any help or advice for a first time LR buyer would be greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...
Ex astra vxr owner here too I went for a 2007 se. No dpf to worry about has the climate pack but I'm not worried about armrests. Se has sat nav too.
 
WhiskyLassie said:
Ex astra vxr owner here too I went for a 2007 se. No dpf to worry about has the climate pack but I'm not worried about armrests. Se has sat nav too.
Click to expand...

This is a good point… a lower than average mileage with DPF could be cause to look closer, as @Arctic2 says. They need a good run to regen and keep them clean.

You can remove the swirl flaps if you are ok with a little diy. They are great cars to work on due to the size of them - room to get to (most!) things.

A well-looked-after, regularly serviced example is good for 200k+ miles, including the turbo.
Known ‘mistakes’ that can cause problems are people using the wrong fluids in them, especially in the Haldex and the power steering systems, which are VERY fluid-specific, so look closely at paperwork for these.

I have the MY09 SE and I’m very happy with the spec. I can live without an armrest, and I could buy an after-market thing for the centre if I was that fussed.
 
Not exactly sure, but I think mines a GS spec, so hasn't got the bells and whistled I won't use. It's still got a much higher spec than my F1 and flys by comparison even though its only a TD4.

Who ever bought it new though, splashed cash on really nice leather seats with arm rests.

So basic spec with nice leather and arm rests are out there... or retro fit from a dismantlers.

My 2010, just fully serviced and new belt, cost what that one is up for, but in $ - so half that price with about 75k miles on the clock, and I still thought that was top $ even here in NZ.
 
I think anything with less than 60k miles on it here varies between £11k-£16k.

One reason I have been looking at lower mileage examples is because owners still tend to maintain them well (generally).

If you’re not an enthusiast and your car has 100k on the clock you tend to be less fastidious.
Often, as a car depreciates, owners are less willing to maintain it to a high standard.

That’s not always the case of course though.
 
Freddie17 said:
They sound very expensive indeed
Click to expand...

That was my initial thought but it seems to be the going rate for a late model SD4 of any trim level?

Examples attached.

Is the general consensus that spending that kind of money is of little benefit?
 

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throwyourbike said:
That was my initial thought but it seems to be the going rate for a late model SD4 of any trim level?

Examples attached.

Is the general consensus that spending that kind of money is of little benefit?
Click to expand...
Personally I'd avoid lower spec cars, the SE being the lowest I'd buy. Low spec cars aren't so desirable on the second hand market, and get lower trade in values too, dispite dealers putting them up for top money.
I'd not spend anything like £12k on a 10 year old FL2, especially as they'll likely be taxed off the road in the next few years. Just my prediction of course.
 
throwyourbike said:
It’s a very good point and I totally agree with your prediction, but then, what car that isn’t electric or hybrid won’t be?
Click to expand...
IMO it's better to look for a higher spec, well cared for older example, say a 2010 SE or HSE, which is pre-DPF. These are more reliable than the DPF equipped cars, but are cheaper to buy, so there's money left for tinkering later on. The FL2 doesn't really care about mileage, actually it prefers to be used on decent journeys, rather than round town pottering, which clogs up the intake system. There are plenty of FL2 driving about quite happy with over 250k on the clock, so they're capable of decent mileage. Servicing above that of the LR intervals is important, so it's best to get a car that has been maintained by an enthusiast, rather than someone who just takes it to a garage, when the service indicator tells them too.

I'm personally moving away from ICE powered vehicles, and on to electric. I replaced the FL2 with an EV in back in the spring, and I'm now looking for a second EV, to replaced our last ICE car.
For me, an EV just makes more sense, and gives me more time for projects instead.
 
throwyourbike said:
I think anything with less than 60k miles on it here varies between £11k-£16k.

One reason I have been looking at lower mileage examples is because owners still tend to maintain them well (generally).

If you’re not an enthusiast and your car has 100k on the clock you tend to be less fastidious.
Often, as a car depreciates, owners are less willing to maintain it to a high standard.

That’s not always the case of course though.
Click to expand...
Mines got 150k and I've had to put alot of work into it but the drive isn't too dissimilar to my newer Kuga. But I have overhauled it as the owner before didn't really take care of it.
 
throwyourbike said:
I think anything with less than 60k miles on it here varies between £11k-£16k.

One reason I have been looking at lower mileage examples is because owners still tend to maintain them well (generally).

If you’re not an enthusiast and your car has 100k on the clock you tend to be less fastidious.
Often, as a car depreciates, owners are less willing to maintain it to a high standard.

That’s not always the case of course though.
Click to expand...
They guy I bought mine off used it to put the bikes on the back to go mountain bike riding. He got to old to ride the bike.

His car was a pristine Porsche 911, that he was very proud of as owner and enthusiast, her car a Boxter.

He had the Freelander serviced at the same outfit that he sends the Porsches, they also service JLR.
 
So I went back and had a proper look around the car.

It has a main dealer service history for the first three years of its life, then the same independent garage until now.
The standard stuff seems to have been done every 5-10k miles: engine oil, filters etc.
There’s also an invoice for a new Haldex unit at 43k miles in 2022 for £2,600.

Interior and paintwork are unmarked.

Underside is what I would expect for a 10 year old car but took a photo to get some opinions as you guys would know better than me.
I reckon a few hours with a wire brush and some Dinitrol would tidy it up nicely.

Only other thing I spotted was a tiny bit of rust starting on the inner lip of one of the rear arches.
 

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throwyourbike said:
So I went back and had a proper look around the car.

It has a main dealer service history for the first three years of its life, then the same independent garage until now.
The standard stuff seems to have been done every 5-10k miles: engine oil, filters etc.
There’s also an invoice for a new Haldex unit at 43k miles in 2022 for £2,600.

Interior and paintwork are unmarked.

Underside is what I would expect for a 10 year old car but took a photo to get some opinions as you guys would know better than me.
I reckon a few hours with a wire brush and some Dinitrol would tidy it up nicely.

Only other thing I spotted was a tiny bit of rust starting on the inner lip of one of the rear arches.
Click to expand...
Can't really tell much but I'm half asleep. If worse comes eurosubframes do brand new rear subframes for the fl2.
 
Hard to tell from 1 pic, but it looks normal in terms of surface rust. As WL says, new sub frames can be readily obtained, and 2nd hand ones are available if needed.

I’d still question why you are being asked to pay top dollar for something of that spec and that only has 30% main dealer services.

And I’d also look closely at that rear diff casing - hard to see, but looks like it has had a whack in the picture? You said before it had £1800 worth of work to the diff. Is that on top of the Haldex for £2600? I’d want to know what and why, as that suggests there was some serious issues going on with the rear drivetrain/4x4.

throwyourbike said:
There’s a whole bible of receipts and I spotted one for £1800 from 2022
Click to expand...

throwyourbike said:
There’s also an invoice for a new Haldex unit at 43k miles in 2022 for £2,600.
Click to expand...
 
I should clarify, I originally saw the invoice with loads of items listed. One of the items that caught my eye when I first viewed the car was removal of rear diff, which it turns out was part of the replacement Haldex work.
So the diffs are original, the Haldex unit was replaced. The total bill for the work came to £2,600.

Regarding the damage, it’s just the angle of the pic. I don’t think the car has ever been used off road.

The dealer has 4 Freelander 2’s in stock. That one is definitely the cleanest, with the most comprehensive service history.
It’s also the most expensive.
Of course I don’t have to purchase any of them but having 4 sitting side by side for comparison, I can understand why (on the face of it) that one is worth £3-5k more than the others.

From my research, many of the areas that seem to fail weren’t deemed service items by Land Rover, this lack of maintenance ultimately contributing to failure.
Is a main dealer service history worth a premium?
For example, the official service intervals are huge at 15k.
The fact that one has been serviced every 5-10k seems like a bonus.

I apologise for all the questions, just trying to understand what’s worth paying a premium for and whats not.
 

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