Track, Daily, Burn: 2003 Land Rover Freelander vs 1995 Jaguar XJS vs 2009 Ford Flex

Good morning, and happy Friday! We’re back, after a day off to celebrate a bunch of guys signing some paperwork. Since it was a short week, with only three Showdowns, it feels like we’re due for another game of Track, Daily, Burn.

But first let’s officially crown Wednesday‘s winner. There was very little doubt in my mind that the Flex was going to walk away with this one. Sometimes it’s a close race, sometimes not. Wagon good, GM compact bad. And no one is surprised.

I guess that’s the right call. The Flex is a more useful vehicle, probably better built to begin with, and a whole lot nicer place to spend some miles. But I am a cheapskate at heart, and I don’t need the extra room, so I think I’d save a grand and go for the Cobalt. It’s a perfectly serviceable little car without many miles on it, and it’s burnt-orange, which I like.

Now, if you haven’t seen this game yet, let me explain: It’s like fuck, marry, kill — only with cars. You will choose one of this week’s winners to be your track toy, and for these purposes, “track” has a broad definition that can include anything from actual track time to rallycross to a Gambler 500. You’ll choose another to be your daily driver, the one you take to work and to the grocery store and whatnot. And sadly, the car you don’t pick for either of those roles must perish in flames. It’s harsh, I know, but it must be so.

Let’s review the week’s winners so you can see what you’re working with.

2003 Land Rover Freelander

This baby Land Rover has a terrible reputation for reliability, halfway decent off-road capabilities (though nothing like its larger siblings), and a cool style you don’t see often. Because of its propensity for breakdowns, you’d have to be very brave or very foolish to daily it – but you’d also be a hero. It would be a natural for a rallycross circuit, with all-wheel-drive and plenty of power for some sideways shenanigans.

Personally, I’d hate to see a rare and cool vehicle like this go up in flames – but then it is a British car. Wait long enough and its electrical system might very well self-immolate anyway.

1995 Jaguar XJS Convertible

And speaking of Brits, Tuesday’s winner was this sporty red number, with a reasonably reliable inline six in place of the expected V12. The XJS is still no slouch, but it handles more like a Buick than a BMW. You could probably hustle it around some cones – and in fact, I’ve seen it done – but that’s not its forte.

The Jag’s cozy leather interior would make for some relaxing commutes, I’m sure, and it would turn any milk run into a special occasion. But the ad for this particular XJS feels a little hinky, so it may not be all it appears. You might end up wanting to torch it out of sheer frustration.

2009 Ford Flex SE

This Ford Flex is the newest car here, both by model year and original design. As such, it’s sure to make a comfortable daily driver, with all the bells and whistles to which we have all become accustomed. On the other hand, it’s just a Ford wagon, so if you chose to save the other two more unique cars, one less Duratec V6 in the world wouldn’t be a tragedy.

But someone, somewhere, will look at this thing and want to rip out all the excess seats along with all the interior trim and carpet, weld a roll cage into it, lower the suspension, and go turn some hot laps with it. And that person, I salute.

So there you have it! I’ll keep this short and sweet. One of these becomes your race-day plaything, one is your grocery-getter, and one goes up in smoke. Which is which is up to you. No poll today; just duke it out in the comments. Have a great weekend!

(Image credits: Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace sellers)

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