A LAND Rover model that once received high praise from Jeremy Clarkson can be picked up second-hand for a bargain price.
The Freelander 2, released between 2006 and 2014, was heralded upon release for being a comfortable and practical family off-roader.
But 10 years after the Freelander 2 came off the market, the much-loved small SUV can now be picked up for just around £3,000.
It was a particular hit with Clarkson when he reviewed the eD4 model in 2011 for The Sunday Times, despite his initial scepticism.
He was ready to ridicule the motor over it being front-wheel drive – with the eD4 being the first motor in Land Rover‘s history to revert from four-wheel drive – claiming the move was “idiotic.”
However, Jeremy did see the sense in producing a two-wheel drive motor for its “better fuel consumption and more ecoism.”
And the surprises didn’t stop there, as Clarkson was impressed with the overall look and feel of the Freelander 2.
He said: “It may only be a hatchback on stilts but it looks expensive, regal almost.
“And although it may be hard to load an elderly dog, those stilts do make you feel imperious as you drive along.
“There are many ‘soft roaders’ on the market these days but none offers such a commanding view as the Freelander.”
Inside the car is just as impressive; full of the best tech and a luxury trim you’d expect from Land Rover.
Clarkson added: “Inside, many of the features are lifted directly from the Range Rover, which can cost nearly three times as much, so again, you don’t feel like you’re driving around in something from the pick’n’mix counter at the pound store.”
But his main source of praise came from the way the car was like to drive, saying: “The removal of the four-wheel-drive system has resulted in a weight reduction of 75kg and you can feel this as you bumble about.
“I’m not going to suggest for a moment that it feels sporty, but it does feel agile.
“The steering in particular is delightful and the ride is sublime.
“Driving this car is like lying in the bath. It’s brilliant.”
While it was priced at nearly £30,000 from new in 2011, today the Freelander 2 eD4 can be bought for as little as £3,000 – and we were even able to find one for the bargain sum of £2,250.
It was recently announced that the Freelander model, which was discontinued in 2016, is set for a revival.
And a car expert, who claimed he’s “not usually that lucky,” bought a Freelander 2 for just £950, and he claims it’s worth five times that.
