Originally Posted by ralphhardwick

Coming to this thread a bit late I can give some personal perspetive on all the LR vehicles mentioned.

My wife owned and ran a 2004 HSE Td4 Freelener (1) for several years and we found it to be a very good vehicle. It ventured off road only a couple of times (greenlaning) and was very capable. However they're a lot smaller than you think. The boot is not that practical (by some hatchback standards) as the distance from the rear seat to the rear door is quite short. They still have their fair share of electronics and I would worry about their 'robustness' for any kind of extended long distance overland trip.

Last year we replaced this with a 2010 HSE TD Freelender 2. This is in a completely different league. It is bigger and more luxurious. It is a stunning car to drive and has terrain reponse to assist off road. Again we have greenlaned it and it coped with no problem. It does sit higher than the freelander 1 but has a lot (lot) more electronic bits.
In keeping with the disco 3 etc. etc. you would have to carry diagnostic equipment if you were going to go far off the beaten track. Size-wise it is comparable to the disco 1 and much more practical.

Speaking of a disco 1, this is my 'weapon of choice'. The 95 model year was the last to use the 300Tdi without any electronic management control. It has a mechanical injection pump and, as long as the fuel solenoid is open, will keep running without a battery.
Most overland journey require miles and miles of travel on motorway and tarmac and the disco is far more comfortable and quiter than a defender.
By carefull planning it can be kitted out to carry everything you need for an extended journey and will be as capable in the rough stuff as an expedition preped 110.

I have done over 100 000 miles in mine. It has had it's fair share of abuse and has driven through some pretty extreme terrain. Lately it has become our overland home and we hope to have many more years living with her.

See the link below for more info.
It has taken us to Tunisia (no carnet) and back and in less than 2 days will be taking us to Morocco (no carnet again).

I hope that helps.

Cheers
Ralph