THE Land Rover Freelander outsells all other smaller off-roaders and there are loads to choose from.

That means you should only buy the best with full service history. It's a true Land Rover and will go just about anywhere off-road but it also makes a good road car and is very car-like and easy to drive.

Reliability is good in later models and refinement is also well up with most cars, as is interior quality.

Ride and comfort are the same as those in a car but there is much more roll - as with almost all off-roaders - and corners cannot be taken as fast as in a saloon or hatch.

Since 2006, there have been just two engines available - a 3.2-litre V6, which is to be avoided unless you can afford the low economy, or an excellent 2.2-litre turbo diesel. This offers good performance along with excellent economy, and is very smooth and quiet.

Just one bodystyle has been available since 2006 which has plenty of room for four, or five at a pinch. The boot is huge and there's a cover, the rear seats split-fold and it comes with stability and traction control, stop/start and a good level of other kit.