freelander2 alternative?

facade

BeenThroughItAll wrote: »

I know someone who runs an off-road course, and there's virtually nothing except one deep wade really only suitable for lifted vehicles which will stop a Freelander 2. With non-100% road-focused tyres on, they are very much a capable 'proper' off roader. Even on standard factory boots they're a world away from the other soft-roaders on the market.

More to do with the driver I think than the car.

I was on a LandRover experience once and whilst one of the drivers was struggling the Renault 4 van behind overtook and trundled past

Also makes a big difference if it isn't yours

When walking The Dog I sometimes find burnt out stolen cars in places that you would think a LandRover couldn't get to, standard ones, not 4wd :cool:

BTW, isn't the Tiguan fitted with that engine where if you lift off at speed the timing chain comes off and scraps the engine :eek:

sillygoose

facade wrote: »

More to do with the driver I think than the car.

I was on a LandRover experience once and whilst one of the drivers was struggling the Renault 4 van behind overtook and trundled past

Also makes a big difference if it isn't yours

When walking The Dog I sometimes find burnt out stolen cars in places that you would think a LandRover couldn't get to, standard ones, not 4wd :cool:

BTW, isn't the Tiguan fitted with that engine where if you lift off at speed the timing chain comes off and scraps the engine :eek:

I know the diesel feels 'old school VW' if you try and pull away fairly quickly and smoothly there is that big all-at-once lump of torque low down that all too easily gets the wheels scrabbling but at speed in the upper revs it runs out of puff surprisingly soon. No linearity at all.

BeenThroughItAll

facade wrote: »

More to do with the driver I think than the car.

I was on a LandRover experience once and whilst one of the drivers was struggling the Renault 4 van behind overtook and trundled past

Also makes a big difference if it isn't yours

When walking The Dog I sometimes find burnt out stolen cars in places that you would think a LandRover couldn't get to, standard ones, not 4wd :cool:

BTW, isn't the Tiguan fitted with that engine where if you lift off at speed the timing chain comes off and scraps the engine :eek:

Driver certainly helps, or at least having some idea how to drive off-road. A certain proportion of off-road capability can be summed up as sheer bloody-mindedness; but latent capability is still valid.


A Freelander 2 is a very capable vehicle even in the hands of a relatively inexperienced off-road driver - more so than most of the other SUVs on the market - because Land Rover do at least understand how to build a capable off-road vehicle.


End of the day, doesn't matter how 'proper' your off-road vehicle is; as you say, a numpty can get even a Defender, Land Cruiser, Jeep Wrangler, Range Rover, Unimog stuck; but you pick the best tool for the job, and if you want a car-like 4x4, you can do a LOT worse than a Freelander 2.

facade

BeenThroughItAll wrote: »

A Freelander 2 is a very capable vehicle even in the hands of a relatively inexperienced off-road driver - more so than most of the other SUVs on the market - because Land Rover do at least understand how to build a capable off-road vehicle.

I agree, all those driver aids make a big difference for the inexperienced driver :cool:

JJ1974_2

How about an X1 or Mini Countryman?


I've got two rear-facing baby seats in a Countryman at the minute and it's ideal, ceiling height is good too, important when you're wrangling kids in and out.

tykesi

JJ1974 wrote: »

How about an X1 or Mini Countryman?

I think the OPs need for child seats suggests he's heterosexual?

loskie

Octavia Scout

JJ1974_2

tykesi wrote: »

I think the OPs need for child seats suggests he's heterosexual?

Oh sorry, I hadn't taken into account those who use their car as a way to assert/represent/desperately convince themselves of their sexuality. My mistake.

BeenThroughItAll

facade wrote: »

I agree, all those driver aids make a big difference for the inexperienced driver :cool:

But isn't that exactly the point? Who cares whether it's a 'proper' off-roader or not - what is the definition of that?


Times have changed. Electronics make it easier for someone to use their off-roader to travel across difficult terrain. The new Range Rover has all kinds of driver aids - is it no longer a 'proper' off roader?


If we applied the same rules to everything that's made easier by change, this forum isn't a 'proper' one, as we don't all meet up in a central location to argue about this stuff, having arrived there in our Austin 7s - because we all know 'proper' communication can only happen face to face.

stargazer001

Thanks for helpful info, definitely some other options to consider.
The mini is too small, already had one of.those
I want the height of the Freelander and the extra grip in the bad weather especially with the routes I travel and kids on board. The husband will have an estate eventually so I can get something smaller.
Off to the garages this weekend to try some of those suggested