Land Rover Freelander Station Wagon (2003 - 2006) 2.0 Td4 SE 5d (2005/05) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
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Summary
What does this car say about you?
I'm not a speed freak. I like my little luxuries in life.
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
They have been impressed with the car, liking the good visibility, though my sister in law, wasn't too happy as I had locked the two rear passenger electric windows. (I hate the annoying sound of air rushing in when travelling at speed).
Would you buy this car again and why?
Most definitely. Its exudes luxury, leather seats, heated seats, quality ICE, And build quality is excellent.
What are you likely to buy next?
Another Freelander, likely a Freelander 2, or money no object the newly announced Discovery Sport.
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Independent
Did you buy this car new?
No
What price did you pay?
£5,250
When did you buy the car?
July 2014
Did you get a good deal and why?
The car, although 9 years old was in very good condition with 59,000 miles on the odometer. The dealer had fitted brand new, quality tyres, and replaced two corroded front brake pipes. All at the listed price. The car was MOT'ed till June 2015.
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
I required a 4 x 4, for predominantly road use, as I live in the highlands of Scotland, in an area renowned for high snow fall.
What was the dealer like?
Dealer was friendly, and importantly took my old car as a trade in and gave a reasonable valuation considering the car though a 57 plated Vauxhall Vectra has over 123,000 miles on the odometer, the dealer being nearly 100 miles from where I live.
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
I have driven other Land Rovers, 88 Hard Top and a 90 Hard Top, in the past and found this to be by far the most comfortable. Yes it rolls a little in the corners, but it is amazingly sure footed. It's steering is much more direct, than the previous Land Rovers. The gear ratios are acceptable, the car will progress well from just over 30 mph in 5th gear. I find that if I keep to the between 50 and 60 mph I can routinely achieve 47 to 50 mpg, which considering the relatively low gearing is pretty impressive. Round town the mileage is between 32 and 37 mpg.
What's it like to park?
Remarkably easy, aided by excellent rear parking sensors, and the amazingly good all round visibility. The steering though power assisted is a little on the heavy side, my wife complains when she has to drive the car. This will mostly be due I am sure to the quite chunky rain tyres,.
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
Touch wood - nothing so far.
What's most practical about your car?
Its ride height gives one such a good view of the road, and the all round visibility is excellent, the car is compact, and actually not as tall as one feels when driving it. The load capacity with the seats up is good, and with the seats folded down, cavernous. I managed to move an elderly dining room table including leaves and a removable top, admittedly I had to remove the 60 percent seat completely, but this only required the removal of 4 bolts.
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
Folding external rear view mirrors, 6 CD autochanger, built into the dashboard, and the electric seats.