Which 4WD SUV to replace my Freelander?
Against my better judgement I have owned two Land Rover 1.8 petrol Freelanders and, as predicted, both have been unreliable with many problems over the years. Despite that I still like the car. It is the right size, powerful enough and very good in snow and ice and off road. The latest is now over nine years old and I need to change it but the Freelander 2 is too big. Can you please suggest suitable alternatives, preferably three or four years old?
Asked on 31 March 2012 by CH, Shrewsbury
Answered by
Honest John
Suzuki Vitaras are a bit rougher, Suzuki SX4 4WDs are closer. Nissan Qashqai 4WDs are closer still (and very popular) and the Toyota Urban Cruiser 1.4 D-4D 4WD is also a contender. Most other mid-size 4WD SUVs have grown up a bit, like the Freelander II, so X-Trails, CR-Vs and RAV4s are all bigger. The new Range Rover Evoque is probably the size you need and makes sense as a £30,000 five-door 4WD, but, of course, there aren’t any three or four years old.
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