Freelander2 or new shape Santa fe

[john_374305982]

Hi

Does any one tow with either car are they stable when towing

give a good ride,pull well,good or bad on juice. I tow a 1400kg van any response would be great thanks

regards

John

 

[MikeG2]

I have the Freelander 2. So far I've towed once - Norfolk to Derbyshire - and was very impressed.

It's an expensive car, and is much better than my previous Freelander - which I loved - and I guess when comparing it to something like the Santa Fe, price has to come into the equation.

Personally I dislike the styling of the Santa Fe - and the CRV actually.

The Freelander is very stable, and I got mid 20's on what was a tight engine. It's loosening up now and is a pleasure to drive.

For me, I had to consider the all round abilities of the car - not just towing - and the Freelander ticks all the boxes.

 

[Fourtrack]

I have had the latest SantaFe for 6 months now. CDX7. I am very impressed all round. Pulls our van no problem. My only gripe is the cheap radio they put in it. No RDS or TP

 

[DJM]

I have the Freelander 2. So far I've towed once - Norfolk to Derbyshire - and was very impressed.

It's an expensive car, and is much better than my previous Freelander - which I loved - and I guess when comparing it to something like the Santa Fe, price has to come into the equation.

Personally I dislike the styling of the Santa Fe - and the CRV actually.

The Freelander is very stable, and I got mid 20's on what was a tight engine. It's loosening up now and is a pleasure to drive.

For me, I had to consider the all round abilities of the car - not just towing - and the Freelander ticks all the boxes.

Mike,

Is your Freelander 2 a manual or automatic?

I'm considering buying a new one in Sept and require the auto.

 

[John_374224558]

John,

I too have a Freelander 2 manual diesel (SE model), and found its towing ability to be superb. Have only used it so far with a loaded van on a 250 mile round trip but it was excellent and also got mid 20's towing on what again was a tightish engine, and now that it has got a few miles under its wheels I am getting nearly 35mpg in everyday driving. My Van is a 1500kg Abbey Expression.

I dont know much about the Santa Fe so can't compare but I love the driveability of the Freelander generally and in particular its comfort. I realise the cost may be an issue with the Freelander, but I also believe that the long term residuals may hold up well, particularly as the build quality now seems to be well up there...touch wood.

Good luck with whatever you decide on.

 

[john_5040775]

I have the Santa Fe CDX 5 seat version. I pull a Bailey Pageant mplw 1400kg and this is a very stable outfit. I get 37/38mpg at motorway speeds, 34/35 in mixed driving and 26/27 towing mostly along motorways at around 65mph. These figures are from brimming the tank rather then the computer. The gearing is just right for towing, very little changing down from 5th. One criticism, first and second gears are too low for solo driving but conversely ideal for towing and one negative, the lack of RDS radio. Reliability and warranty a plus for me, too many bad reports of LR reliability influenced me.

 

[Pelyma1]

I have a FL2 auto and can heartily recommend it, I haven't towed with it as that jod falls to the Disco3. But as a road car it is great and haven't had any issues with it (not forgeting this is the first LR not built in Solihull) but then in 22K miles I haven't with the Disco either.

As far as comparing it to a Santa Fe I'd have to say drive them both and see which floats your boat, but there must be a pretty big price difference.

 

[john_374305982]

Hi guys

Thanks for the replies, both cars seem to be equal in all areas i have driven both, the Freelander2 having the edge and the extra torque is usefull but a five year warranty and what seems like more space inside (both nearly the same on paper)and more toys for your money and a good drive is hard to beat. Is the Freelander2 warranty on everything for the three year or just drive train or does it cover interior aswell because Fords three year does not.

I am leanining towards the Freelander2 because it just felt so right as soon as you sat in it and for everyday driving as well as being a very regular tug and besides her in doors likes it better.

Thanks again for your replies

regards

john

PS what is the nose weight for f2 (still waiting for the brochure)

 

[John_374224558]

john,

Believe it or not, the noseweight on the FL2 is 150 kg (same as the Disco I believe).

I havent tried to get anywhere near that, I checked my van when loaded and the noseweight was 95kg, and it just sat dead level on the back of the car.

With regard to the Freelander warranty, I think after the first year it is on major components etc, but I have been so impressed with the build quality to date on mine touch wood... that I dont forsee a problem.

Your'e right about the torque-just wait until the engine has loosened up, it feels like it could pull a train!

 

[Pelyma1]

No the LR warranty is on everything for 3 years unlimited mileage

 

[MikeG2]

I have the Freelander 2. So far I've towed once - Norfolk to Derbyshire - and was very impressed.

It's an expensive car, and is much better than my previous Freelander - which I loved - and I guess when comparing it to something like the Santa Fe, price has to come into the equation.

Personally I dislike the styling of the Santa Fe - and the CRV actually.

The Freelander is very stable, and I got mid 20's on what was a tight engine. It's loosening up now and is a pleasure to drive.

For me, I had to consider the all round abilities of the car - not just towing - and the Freelander ticks all the boxes.

Mine is a manual.

 

[WilliamTups]

Hi,

Until recently I had a Honda CRV diesel and was very happy with it and even toyed and had a three day test drive with the new version of the CRV until I tried the Freelander 2, WOW what a car........

After shopping around I manged to get a FreeLander 2 HSE TD4 with some extra toys fitted (ex demo car) 3 months old with 4k on the clock for

 

[John_374224558]

William-

ENJOY.

Another big plus with the FL2 that I had taken for granted until today is the seat comfort. Ive done my back in which is particularly painful and worse having driven a firms Astra today. Got into the Landie to come home and oh joy what a brilliant seat with superb support just where I needed it!

 

[WilliamTups]

William-

ENJOY.

Another big plus with the FL2 that I had taken for granted until today is the seat comfort. Ive done my back in which is particularly painful and worse having driven a firms Astra today. Got into the Landie to come home and oh joy what a brilliant seat with superb support just where I needed it!

John,

Enjoy the car that I am........

I must say that during my 14 year driving career this is the first car that I have ever driven that makes me smile every time I sit behind the wheel.

Regards

Bill

 

[tom_374305664]

hi see you choose a freelander very nice too silver isnt it

 

[John_374224558]

John,

Enjoy the car that I am........

I must say that during my 14 year driving career this is the first car that I have ever driven that makes me smile every time I sit behind the wheel.

Regards

Bill

Bill,

Yes, I know exactly what you mean, I am just waiting for the chance to go on a very very long drive in it.