WHAT IS IT?
The Land Rover Freelander (sometimes derisively referred to as the “Freeloader”) was LR’s attempt to get back to basics with its first unibody SUV, and compete with the likes of the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CRV. While it couldn’t match the Toyota’s reliability, the folks at JLR figured they could beat it with cachet and more potent powertrains which included the Rover Group’s 2.5-liter KV6. Although it sold well in Europe, when word got out in North America that the Freelander was essentially an even less reliable Jeep Liberty, sales dropped off a cliff.
WHY THIS CAR HAS BEST ONE ON THE PLANET CHOPS
The cynics among us (which pretty much describes the entire TBOOTP editorial team) would say this submission sticks because it may be the only running one left in the Western Hemisphere. While it may be among the last 100 or so, we’re frankly amazed by the condition of this 56,000 mile example in nearly every respect. The horrid, hard interior plastics look impressively fresh as does the engine compartment and interior. Paint, wheels, and trunk are all impressive leading one to wonder if this is the mythical “one good one” in North American spec. It’s even a three-door soft top, the most desirable body style if one can use the word desirable in connection with a Freelander. It’s for sale for just under $9,000 in Washington State.
The cynics among us (which pretty much describes the entire TBOOTP editorial team) would say this submission sticks because it may be the only running one left in the Western Hemisphere.
While this incredibly clean Freeloader is not without its charms, I know better. Still, it’s tough to imagine there’s a better one out there. I just wish it was a 5-speed manual, the automatics go through valve-body solenoids like a Doberman goes through a box of Beggin’ Strips.