4 FREELANDER 1
THESE are still seen by many as bangers, with prices held in the doldrums by a reputation for unreliability which isn’t offset by the usefulness of Land Rover’s bigger models. But every Land Rover model is collectable eventually and early Freelanders are starting to attract the attention of enthusiasts. Later models became much more attractive when the BMW diesel engine was slotted in, creating an economical and fine-performing small SUV which drives like a car, but still has enough off-road ability to ensure you can keep moving in a muddy field. For our budget you could buy two really nice examples – or buy one and kit it out for an adventure.
RON BROWN has owned a pre-production five-door EXI for four years. “They might not have the ultimate off-road ability of other Land Rovers, but they were the most capable in the sector for many years. For an affordable way into Land Rover ownership you could do worse than look at a Freelander. Prices are rock bottom, and there are plenty out there.”