This is a real off roader, not a shopping trolley (Land Rover Freelander in general)

Member Name: nickp1234

Product:	Land Rover Freelander in general
Date:	25/06/03 (989 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Comfortable, Reliable, Excellent 4x4

Disadvantages: Petrol, Purchase price

The Freelander is not a Honda, it is not a Mitsubishi or a Hyundai or a Mercedes. It is an excellent off roader, a genuine town and country estate, and not a shopping trolley or glorified handbag.

Unlike it's MPV cousins, the Freelander has HDC (Hill Descent Control) which enables you to eliminate overrun when going down steep slopes. Excellent for when towing. It also has full traction control, virtually eliminating slip in snow, ice and mud. On top of everything else, it has extremely well damped steering, so that the wheel doesn't spin in your hands when you hit a pot hole. To some the steering may feel a but spongey - but to country users this is essential.

There is no comparison between the Freelander and (say) a Honda CRV. We have both, and the CRV is the better for journeys into town or to the supermarket. It is a total liability when the going gets tough.

We have had no problems with ours (year 2000 1900 cc petrol) with the exception of air conditioning. We take the manufacturers handbook seriously and use distilled water with inhibitor to top up the cooling system. Being a mixed alumium/steel engine this is essential.

The car is wearing excellently. It is quiet, economical and extremely comfortable. It performs equally well on motorways and off road. Most importantly it is very resilient to impact and a crash last year with a drunk driver at a combined speed of 95mph left us the only uninjured parties. Yes, we are still driving the same car, and that is more than can be said for the Mondeo, the Volvo or the BMW also involved.

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