G
GadgetRick
Guest
I've got an '02 Freelander SE. I got it for my wife to drive in '02 because we were expecting our first child and I wanted my wife to have something she could drive in just about any weather if/when I was out of town (used to travel for my job a LOT). I also wanted something which could get me through some serious snow because I also an a volunteer ski patroller. Anyway, we've had it almost 3 years (lease is coming up) and I wanted to post the things I like and dislike about it for anyone considering a Freelander.
First of all, overall, it's been a great vehicle. Have only had two problems, which the dealer was able to fix right away and they were relatively minor (a blown speaker and the rear wiper not working properly). The engine seems to run just fine with regular maintenance. As you all know, the LR service is on the expensive side but, as long as you do it, the Freelander seems to hum right along.
The thing has been nothing short of spectacular in the snow. We live in Northern NJ and I patrol in upstate NY and have been through a few severe storms. I've tried (yes, actually tried) to get it stuck during one storm just to see if I could. I could not. I've not had a chance to do any offroading as I'm inexperienced in that and have not been able to make one of the training days my dealer offers (always had something planned for the day they scheduled) so I can't vouch for it's offroad capabilities but I have to believe it should do quite well in the hands of someone experienced in offroading.
I've also always liked the look of it. When they first came out I felt they were somewhat unique. Now, others have copied (somewhat) the styling but I still like it.
It rides surprisingly well. It's not as smooth as my Saab 9-5 but it's not as bad as you might expect from a truck. It's a nice balance of a decent ride without making it too soft.
Being in a cold climate during the winter here, I must say I absolutely LOVE the heated windshield. It is rather expensive to replace, however. We found out our first winter when we caught a rock from the rock salt they put down on the roads. It's a beautiful thing when we get ice since I just start her up, turn on the front windshield heater and come back to easily remove the ice. Much better than scraping!
Now, what I don't like about it:
For me, it's just too small. I'm a big guy--six feet tall and a weight lifter so I'm wide. The seats aren't really made for a larger person. They're not uncomfortable but they don't provide the support I'd like. I also don't like that the seats can't be raised and lowered. I'm tall enough that I can't use the sun visors because they obstruct my view if I do. If I could lower the seat I'd be fine. I'd also like to see a telescoping/tilting steering wheel for similar reasons.
Overall the vehicle is just not big enough for someone with a baby. Once you put a stroller in the back there's no room for anything else. The back seats have ample leg room, however, which is nice.
I also didn't care as much for the interior. The seats were fine but the dash has a slightly cheap feel to it. For what I paid for it I would like to see a little nicer interior. I know it's being a bit picky but that's the way I feel.
Now, I understand some of these things have been addressed in the newer versions of the Freelander. However, my biggest complaint is the size. I wanted to get a Disco since the lease deal we were getting wasn't all that much more for the Disco but my wife thought it would be too big. Now she's kicking herself for not getting it. We're probably going to pick up a used Disco once the lease is up (or a little sooner).
Overall I can't really complain about the truck. It's been a great vehicle. I would tell my friends to buy one if they asked. I think it's better than the other trucks in its class for the money. Honestly, if it were bigger, we'd consider either another one or buying this one out from the lease. We just need a bigger vehicle.
Hope this helps.
The Rickster
First of all, overall, it's been a great vehicle. Have only had two problems, which the dealer was able to fix right away and they were relatively minor (a blown speaker and the rear wiper not working properly). The engine seems to run just fine with regular maintenance. As you all know, the LR service is on the expensive side but, as long as you do it, the Freelander seems to hum right along.
The thing has been nothing short of spectacular in the snow. We live in Northern NJ and I patrol in upstate NY and have been through a few severe storms. I've tried (yes, actually tried) to get it stuck during one storm just to see if I could. I could not. I've not had a chance to do any offroading as I'm inexperienced in that and have not been able to make one of the training days my dealer offers (always had something planned for the day they scheduled) so I can't vouch for it's offroad capabilities but I have to believe it should do quite well in the hands of someone experienced in offroading.
I've also always liked the look of it. When they first came out I felt they were somewhat unique. Now, others have copied (somewhat) the styling but I still like it.
It rides surprisingly well. It's not as smooth as my Saab 9-5 but it's not as bad as you might expect from a truck. It's a nice balance of a decent ride without making it too soft.
Being in a cold climate during the winter here, I must say I absolutely LOVE the heated windshield. It is rather expensive to replace, however. We found out our first winter when we caught a rock from the rock salt they put down on the roads. It's a beautiful thing when we get ice since I just start her up, turn on the front windshield heater and come back to easily remove the ice. Much better than scraping!
Now, what I don't like about it:
For me, it's just too small. I'm a big guy--six feet tall and a weight lifter so I'm wide. The seats aren't really made for a larger person. They're not uncomfortable but they don't provide the support I'd like. I also don't like that the seats can't be raised and lowered. I'm tall enough that I can't use the sun visors because they obstruct my view if I do. If I could lower the seat I'd be fine. I'd also like to see a telescoping/tilting steering wheel for similar reasons.
Overall the vehicle is just not big enough for someone with a baby. Once you put a stroller in the back there's no room for anything else. The back seats have ample leg room, however, which is nice.
I also didn't care as much for the interior. The seats were fine but the dash has a slightly cheap feel to it. For what I paid for it I would like to see a little nicer interior. I know it's being a bit picky but that's the way I feel.
Now, I understand some of these things have been addressed in the newer versions of the Freelander. However, my biggest complaint is the size. I wanted to get a Disco since the lease deal we were getting wasn't all that much more for the Disco but my wife thought it would be too big. Now she's kicking herself for not getting it. We're probably going to pick up a used Disco once the lease is up (or a little sooner).
Overall I can't really complain about the truck. It's been a great vehicle. I would tell my friends to buy one if they asked. I think it's better than the other trucks in its class for the money. Honestly, if it were bigger, we'd consider either another one or buying this one out from the lease. We just need a bigger vehicle.
Hope this helps.
The Rickster
