Used car buying guide: Land Rover Freelander 2

Around this time, the Freelander began to feel the heat from more modern, premium rivals so Land Rover sprang a further facelift (revised styling, new centre console, more features, a more space-efficient electronic parking brake and Passive Start) on an unsuspecting public in 2012. The unloved eD4 was dropped, leaving the TD4 and SD4 to fight on.

From launch, the Freelander 2’s trims ranged from basic S through popular GS and XS to HSE. However, that 2012 facelift was notable for some of the run-out trims it brought, including Dynamic and, as the end beckoned, Metropolis.

As the finish line drew near, Autocar summed up the Freelander 2 as having class-leading off-road ability while judging it to be at least competitive in most other areas. As used ones get ever cheaper, you can add good value to that rosy report.

An expert’s view

Sue Maddock, co-director, freelanderspecialist.com: “The Freelander 2 is very different from the original model – much more reliable and higher quality. The diesels are very good but the rare 3.2 petrol is a dream to drive. If its economy bothers you, have an LPG conversion fitted. We rarely see the eD4 because its drivetrain is so much simpler and that’s the real issue with four-wheel-drive 2s: the drivetrain. It’s very sensitive to tyre condition, quality and pressure. Any issues here and the system thinks it has detected wheel slip and engages four-wheel drive. You might be doing 60mph and suddenly it kicks in, when it can cause all sorts of damage.”

Buyer beware

■ Engine: Watch for oil leaks around the intercooler, and when switching off the engine that the throttle emits a high-pitched noise followed by a click. If it does neither, expect running problems. Be sure oil-change intervals have been followed correctly and only high-grade oil has been used. Diesels need a new cambelt every 150k miles.

■ Transmission: Autos are generally okay but manuals can suffer problems with the dual-mass flywheel. Ensure the Haldex coupling has been treated to fresh oil and a filter every 20,000 miles.

■ Drivetrain: Listen for a whining diff and a crunchy power transfer unit and feel for the front wheels juddering in corners.

■ Steering, suspension and brakes: The steering rack can give trouble so check the wheel turns smoothly from lock to lock. Be sure the electronic handbrake works and the discs aren’t scored. Watch for broken springs and worn bushes.

■ Body: Rust is rare except on vehicles used near the coast. Check the underside for off-road damage and the sides of the body for scratches. Make sure the central locking system works.

■ Interior: On the test drive, ensure the fuel gauge moves. On top-spec versions, check the climate control and powered sunroof and seats work as they should.

■ Also worth knowing: Generally speaking, the Freelander 2 is a reliable SUV easily capable of six-figure mileages. However, it’s sensitive to oil changes on the button.

How much to spend

£2000-£4499: Launch to 2009 high-mileage (many up to 170k) 2.2 TD4s.

£4500-£5999: Same range of cars but mileages now closer to 100k.

£6000-£7999: Lower-mileage (around 80k) 2008-09 TD4s plus some facelifted 2010-11 cars, including SD4 autos with reasonable mileages.

£8000-£9999: Lots of 2012-13 TD4s and SD4s with less than 100k miles and good histories.

£10,000-£13,999: Low-mileage (50k) 2012-14 TD4s and SD4s with good specifications and watertight service histories.

£14,000-£19,000: The best late-plate Dynamic and HSE Luxury cars.

One we found

Freelander 2.2 TD4 GS, 2011/61, 74K miles, £7795: “Full and faultless service history,” claims the advertisement for this facelifted example. The car comes with its rear load cover (they’re often missing) and parking sensors all round. Being white suggests it has seen little, if any, off-road use…