Replacing my Freelander tow car

Stewart P replied on 28/01/2020 18:18

Stewart P

Posted on 28/01/2020 18:18

I've been towing a caravan for almost 6 years, the first 3 with a Freelander 2 XS TD4 manual and the balance with one of the last Freelander's built, a SD4 Metropolis that only came with an auto gearbox and has a high spec with lots of features that would normally come as extras, including a full sized spare wheel. The current car has 190bhp, 420Nm of torque, approx 1800 kerbside weight and can take a tow ball loading of 150kgs. Both cars have been fantastic towing vehicles of the two caravans we have owned, both single axles and slightly under 1500kgs weight.

However, now that our current car is 5 years old and is well out of warranty I've been looking at replacements but am struggling on finding a car with similar properties. I'm resigned to having to have a "skinny" spare wheel and 100kgs max tow ball loading but most potentially suitable cars seem to be longer, (and clumsier), with 7 seats I don't need, have a list price with the essential features over the £40,000 threshold that means you have to pay the government a significant premium on the road fund licence for the first 5 years.

Any sensible suggestions? I would like to buy an almost new, up to 2 yrs old to keep the cost down, keep the list price new under the £40k threshold, with a reversing camera, heated seats and leather trim if possible.

77 replies

Tirril replied on 08/02/2020 19:09

Member

Tirril

Caravanner

Posted on 08/02/2020 19:09

I had a Freelander for several years, excellent performance as a tow car and totally reliable. I have since towed a 1900 kg Hymer with a Discovery Sport 2-0lt auto which also has proved effortless at towing and no warranty work required in 3 years. Ignore the Landrover knockers who repeat the same nonsense on various posts, they probably have never owned one and are perhaps envious.

1 person likes this

Stewart P replied on 13/02/2020 17:50

Member

Stewart P

Caravanner from West Midlands

Posted on 13/02/2020 17:50

Decision made ..... I'm sticking with the Freelander for at least a couple of years and see how it goes, whatever I have to spend in running and maintaining my current car it's going to be cheaper than swapping for a newer vehicle!

I looked at all of the current alternatives and couldn't find one that I didn't have reservations about. In respect of what I want the car to do and what I've currently got, the Freelander suits me just fine. It tows brilliantly, is a good everyday vehicle and is well equipped.

I've found a local Land Rover specialist garage to avoid the astronomically priced main dealer but hope that it's only routine servicing and replacing any worn out parts I have to use them for.

Thanks for all your interesting suggestions and comments

1 person likes this

The Spuds replied on 28/02/2020 19:38

Member

The Spuds

Posted on 28/02/2020 19:38

We are picking up a new Sorento on 3rd March. Very interesting reading all the posts. We ended up choosing between GLE, Touareg and Sorento, Sorento won on mix of price, spec and warranty. Will let you know how we get on with 1660kg single axle.

Glenn T replied on 09/03/2020 18:34

Member

Glenn T

Caravanner from Kent

Posted on 09/03/2020 18:34

Well said Freddie55.
I held back for almost 9 months because of the £320 x 5 road tax rip off.

Its a bit like starving yourself because of the high price of food.

Now very much looking forward to my new car next week

Disco_Cameo replied on 01/04/2020 21:11

Member

Disco_Cameo

Caravanner from Buckinghamshire

Posted on 28/01/2020 18:18 by Stewart P

I've been towing a caravan for almost 6 years, the first 3 with a Freelander 2 XS TD4 manual and the balance with one of the last Freelander's built, a SD4 Metropolis that only came with an auto gearbox and has a high spec with lots of features that would normally come as extras, including a full sized spare wheel. The current car has 190bhp, 420Nm of torque, approx 1800 kerbside weight and can take a tow ball loading of 150kgs. Both cars have been fantastic towing vehicles of the two caravans we have owned, both single axles and slightly under 1500kgs weight.

However, now that our current car is 5 years old and is well out of warranty I've been looking at replacements but am struggling on finding a car with similar properties. I'm resigned to having to have a "skinny" spare wheel and 100kgs max tow ball loading but most potentially suitable cars seem to be longer, (and clumsier), with 7 seats I don't need, have a list price with the essential features over the £40,000 threshold that means you have to pay the government a significant premium on the road fund licence for the first 5 years.

Any sensible suggestions? I would like to buy an almost new, up to 2 yrs old to keep the cost down, keep the list price new under the £40k threshold, with a reversing camera, heated seats and leather trim if possible.

Posted on 01/04/2020 21:11

I am in a similar position, I have a 2014 Freelander 2 SD4 2.2 litre diesel auto which I purchased in Jan. 2015. It is a stunning metallic red with beige leather heater seats.

It seems well built, lovely to drive and tows exceptionally well. Due to it's age I thought about changing it but to what ? Does anyone have real driving experience with a Volvo XC40 with auto gearbox either a 1.5 or a 2 litre petrol engine

I am also tempted to keep the Freelander another 2 to 3 years.

We tow a 2018 Lunar Clubman CK which weighs about 1350kg

PS my user name is Disco as I had a discovery 3 before the Freelander. The Disco was beginning to cost me money with 95,000 miles on the clock. Nothing major but a few niggly things.

Phishing replied on 01/04/2020 22:27

Member

Phishing

Caravanner from Merseyside

Posted on 08/02/2020 19:09 by Tirril

I had a Freelander for several years, excellent performance as a tow car and totally reliable. I have since towed a 1900 kg Hymer with a Discovery Sport 2-0lt auto which also has proved effortless at towing and no warranty work required in 3 years. Ignore the Landrover knockers who repeat the same nonsense on various posts, they probably have never owned one and are perhaps envious.

Posted on 01/04/2020 22:27

They are not LR knockers they are people who read automotive trade figures for reliability and warranty costs and not lifestyle pap. LR products are consistently at the bottom end of reliability surveys, I have published the links on this forum before.

Envious of what, a pretty people badge, get real. A standard KIA Hyundai is more expensive than the commonly purchased LR products and comes with 5 or 7 year warranty. The have a reliability index that LR can only dream of. https://www.whatcar.com/news/the-uks-most-and-least-reliable-car-makes/n20072#22

Start with that one and if you want then there are plenty more out there that show the feedback from owners.

I am not a knocker, I love their product, I get to drive a number of their products which are glorious. The cabin and ride are unrivaled but I value reliability above all else and they just don't deliver.