Used cars of the week: cheap Land Rover Freelanders

* Used versions of the Land Rover Freelander 2 starting at less than £10,000 * Real-world examples  * All part of What Car?'s Approved Used scheme...

Used cars of the week: cheap Land Rover Freelanders

The Land Rover Freelander 2 went on sale in 2006. It's sold well but is now ready for the revamp that arrives next year in the form of the Discovery Sport. If you can't wait for that or aren't looking for a new car you can now pick up the Freelander 2 from just £10,000.

It might be the smallest Land Rover on sale but the Freelander is every bit as capable off-road as its larger siblings. It's comfortable, easy to see out of and roomy up front. Those in the rear seats aren't quite as well catered for because knee room is a bit compromised. However, the rear seats do fold almost flat to boost practicality.

All models come with a CD player, air-conditioning and alloy wheels. We'd recommend buyers go for GS trim, which comes with cruise control, rear parking sensors and Terrain Response which allows the driver to change the four-wheel-drive system to meet current conditions. Most buyers are best steering clear of the thirsty petrol models in favour of the more economical and very popular 2.2 TD4.

Land Rover Freelander problems

The Land Rover Freelander 2 is more reliable than the previous-generation car but there are still things that buyers need to look out for.

There have been two recalls. The first was to fix a problem which could cause the sunroof to detach and the second was to fix an issue with the booster heater in diesel cars, which could cause a fire. It's important to check that these fixes have been done.

Electrical problems can affect the stereo, airbag warning lights and headlights. Look out for warning lights in the instrument display when you start up.

Owners have also complained of problems with the gearbox and clutch. Check that the gearchange is smooth. Problems can be worsened if the car has been used for towing.

Problems with the air-conditioning have been known so check that the system cools the cabin as it should on a test drive.

Service intervals for the Land Rover Freelander 2 are one year or 16k miles.

Here's our pick of the best Land Rover Freelanders in the What Car? approved used classifieds:

2007 2.2 TD4 GS

The cheapest model in our preferred specification is this 2007 2.2 TD4 GS that's done 58,000 miles. It's a manual car fitted with a towbar and it's yours for £9991.

2008 2.2 TD4 GS auto

This 2008 model is fitted with the optional six-speed automatic gearbox. It's covered 52,000 miles and is on the market at £12,492.

2010 2.2 TD4 GS

If you're looking for something slightly younger, there's this 2010 2.2 TD4 GS with the standard manual gearbox that has 51,000 miles on the clock and costs £14,000.

2010 2.2 TD4 GS

The most expensive model in this round-up is this 2010 2.2 TD4 GS. It's covered just 18,000 miles and is on the market for £15,990.

Visit our Approved Used Cars finder to uncover hundreds of other choices from Trusted Dealers.

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