Advice for buying a 03 freelander. Pics!

Found a freelancer I quite like. 2003. 90k miles. Has service book stamped by garages but nothing to document anything major.

Props are still on with the vcu & ird. Looks like there is a slight leak from the rear diff. Not sure if any amount of what is in the pictures is normal if anybody could advise please!

Steering wheel wits at 11 o clock when driving straight too which I suspect will drive me insane. However. The rest of the motor looks in good nick and bar a bit of usual rust underneath looks and sounds perfectly serviceable.


I plan on doing the one wheel up test if I go back for another look.

If lord hippo is about please read this and advice. I’ve read your posts and they are pretty epic (and not just from a sense of humour side!)


Thanks a lot guys (and girls)

Picture attached

The main chassis rails are pretty rusty, and will need treating before you have holes to fix. Make sure it has 4 identical tyres fitted with least worn on the rear.

Yes it does I checked all 4 before I looked inside. Back left I think is slightly more worn from what I remember.

I was a little concerned with the oil on each side of the IRD. I am not sure if a little is normal?

I already have half a 5l tin of waxoyl and a 1l pot of similar stuff to qurust to treat with before I waxoyl it (from work). So I will be giving it a full treatment before I let it go through another winter.


It’s only for sale for £1000. I had a test drive today and everything seemed pretty good to be honest. Normally I can pick faults with everything!

Any advice for the wee bit of oil on either side of the IRD. Pretty please? Thinking of going and buying this tomorrow and don’t want to get a dud

When you say either side of the IRD, isn't it on the rear diff?

If so you can get replacement seals that I don't think are to expensive. I believe they can be fitted without dismantling the diff, just remove the drive shafts - but I'm not sure on that, need someone to confirm.

Sounds like a plan to have the seals changed. Just finances won’t permit me to get it done straight away. Sorry for my mechanical naivety I assumed the IRD was the rear diff. That’s what I meant by the IRD if I was incorrect there. It does look like there is oil weeping from either side. The car is in pretty good nick bar a bit rust underneath.

Thank you for your reply mate very much appreciated!!

Bblublu3 said:

Any advice for the wee bit of oil on either side of the IRD. Pretty please?

Click to expand...

The picture is of the rear diff. If the driveshaft seals are weeping (that's what it looks like), then they can be left until they start dripping. The seals are cheap and reasonably easy to change.

You should have a read of this thread, probably before buying....

https://www.landyzone.co.uk/land-rover/tests-new-freelander-1-owners-should-do-on-their-car.312863/