Considering a Freelander

Hi Guys

I'm thinking about getting a Freelander for next car. Need something economical and reliable after my current car which is an Audi TT which is turning into a money pit!!

I'll be after facelifted TD4, I've read through the review on Parkers which was informative but didn't really throw up any niggles and stuff to look for.

What sort of problems have you guys encountered, when I finally get round to viewing one is there anything in particular I should look for? What sort of tank range do you get? Getting fed up with spending £50 for 300miles tank range at the mo.

Sorry for all the questions but hopefully you guys can help.

Ta

Ken

I just bought a 98 model yesterday mate and would only suggest you check it out 100% before you buy. Pay particular attention to the rear window unit and ensure all electrics work. I got 5 miles from where I bought mine and the rear window cable broke. not too bad to fix though, any muppet with half a brain and basic toolbox could find there way around, especially with the depth of technical know how available on this site. Great to be back in a landy!!!!

do a search on "freelander problem". Sit back, relax and enjoy the reading.

Plenty to look for.

I would say...

Take it for a test drive and...

Listen for any noises coming from the drivetrain. (Find out what an IRD is and do you best to make sure that's OK!)

Take it on a car park or other solid open space and do full lock circles in both directions, listen for noise from the rear end (knocking or rattling) that might indicate a shot diff. May just be the mounts, but either way, you want several hundred quid off if you decide to go for it!

Test the clutch and all gears, by accelerating hard in them all.

Check all the knobs and buttons... especially all 5 windows and the sunroof (listen for grinding/crunching/knocking sounds).

Check the heated seats (if fitted), even if it's 90 degrees (unlikely this summer!).

When you get back... have a really, really good look underneath... check for oil at the rear diff, IRD, gearbox etc. Feel the hubs to make sure they're not scorching from dodgy bearings.


Overall, Freelanders aren't exactly as reliable as Japanese motors... but at the same time, they look better than their equivalents are a good drive. Especially off-road, believe it or not! However, most of the problems are niggly ones, as long as you look after the drivetrain.

On top of which, I would maintain that they are a darn sight better overall cars than a fecking old-shape TT.... what on earth prompted you to get one of those pieces of junk????

At the end of the day, it's about what you want and what you're prepared to trade off for it... if you never go off road, a Freelander is a bit of a waste really. If I didn't go off-road, I wouldn't have one. However, I would definitely not have an old shape TT either!

An Audi A4 avant would be my choice, I think...

Wot speed do you drive to get 300 to the tank full?
faster than a freelander im bound if I drive like a granny i would be lucky to get 300 out of my 98 petrol

i am lucky to get just over 300 miles for £50 in my 06 TD4

Bloody hell... a £55 full tank gets me around 460 miles. I must be one of the lucky ones!

ShotgunDrew said:

On top of which, I would maintain that they are a darn sight better overall cars than a fecking old-shape TT.... what on earth prompted you to get one of those pieces of junk????

Click to expand...

After reading the faults/problems that you can get with a Freelander and how much they can cost why have you got one???

Think I'll cross this of my list.

Thanks for your responses guys

Coward !

kenny ken said:

After reading the faults/problems that you can get with a Freelander and how much they can cost why have you got one???

Click to expand...

coz someone has yo keep Minge company - he gets a bit lonely now that Mondeo has left him, poor luv.

Doc_Savage said:

I just bought a 98 model yesterday mate and would only suggest you check it out 100% before you buy.

Click to expand...

As indeed is good advice for any car you buy.

Mad Hat Man said:

do a search on "freelander problem". Sit back, relax and enjoy the reading.

Click to expand...

... although the preponderance of the results will relate to 1.8 engines and early transmissions, not relevant to this guy's intended purchase.

ShotgunDrew said:

Plenty to look for.

Click to expand...

The Freelander is a relatively simple 4x4, but by nature more complex than the average car. It is sound advice to check out all the electrics, just as you would on any car with gadgets. A quick work out, as described, should reassure the purchaser that they are not buying a car with foreseeable problems.

kenny ken said:

After reading the faults/problems that you can get with a Freelander and how much they can cost why have you got one???

Click to expand...

What is clear is that once you have ruled out the publicised problems that the Freelander suffered with (which is what you are doing by looking at a late model TD4) what remains is an excellent vehicle, with a fantastic engine. They are capable, comfortable 4x4s with confident on road handling. Unique, British style and part of Land Rover's vibrant heritage and community.

We get over 40mpg from the TD4 and over 30mpg from a heavily laden and far-from-standard L-series diesel.

We are very pleased ith the reliability of our two, and theTD4 never misses a beat, despite heavy business mileage.

There is nothing that you can read here that should put you off buying a late model TD4. All cars have their particular, characteristic problems. The only one that stands out for the TD4 (whatever vehicle the engine is in, be it the Freelander, BMW 3 series or Rover 75/MG) is a malfunction in the MAF, which is rare, noticeable and easily diagnosed. In fact, knowledge makes you stronger, and helps you find a real gem.

To give you an idea of scale the problems that you consider when you buy a diesel Freelander, when I bought a second-hand Defender, I examined and tested it for the best part of two days. When I bought a second-hand diesel Freelander, we checked over it it for an hour or so, and that included two cups of tea and a play with the vendor's dog.

I get frustrated that we play the Freelander down, and put off prospective owners. Fair enough, casual buyers SHOULD be put off buying a 1.8 willynilly. That purchase needs to be well considered, but for the right person, going into it with sound judgement and knowledge, even an early 1.8 can be a sensible buy - contributors on this forum can demonstrate that! But why do we do put off potential purchasers of a late model TD4 - possibly the most relaible cars that Land Rover have ever produced?

Cheers

Blippie

Blippie said:

As indeed is good advice for any car you buy.



... although the preponderance of the results will relate to 1.8 engines and early transmissions, not relevant to this guy's intended purchase.



The Freelander is a relatively simple 4x4, but by nature more complex than the average car. It is sound advice to check out all the electrics, just as you would on any car with gadgets. A quick work out, as described, should reassure the purchaser that they are not buying a car with foreseeable problems.



What is clear is that once you have ruled out the publicised problems that the Freelander suffered with (which is what you are doing by looking at a late model TD4) what remains is an excellent vehicle, with a fantastic engine. They are capable, comfortable 4x4s with confident on road handling. Unique, British style and part of Land Rover's vibrant heritage and community.

We get over 40mpg from the TD4 and over 30mpg from a heavily laden and far-from-standard L-series diesel.

We are very pleased ith the reliability of our two, and theTD4 never misses a beat, despite heavy business mileage.

There is nothing that you can read here that should put you off buying a late model TD4. All cars have their particular, characteristic problems. The only one that stands out for the TD4 (whatever vehicle the engine is in, be it the Freelander, BMW 3 series or Rover 75/MG) is a malfunction in the MAF, which is rare, noticeable and easily diagnosed. In fact, knowledge makes you stronger, and helps you find a real gem.

To give you an idea of scale the problems that you consider when you buy a diesel Freelander, when I bought a second-hand Defender, I examined and tested it for the best part of two days. When I bought a second-hand diesel Freelander, we checked over it it for an hour or so, and that included two cups of tea and a play with the vendor's dog.

I get frustrated that we play the Freelander down, and put off prospective owners. Fair enough, casual buyers SHOULD be put off buying a 1.8 willynilly. That purchase needs to be well considered, but for the right person, going into it with sound judgement and knowledge, even an early 1.8 can be a sensible buy - contributors on this forum can demonstrate that! But why do we do put off potential purchasers of a late model TD4 - possibly the most relaible cars that Land Rover have ever produced?

Cheers

Blippie

Click to expand...

Completely agree (although reserve judgement un a 1.8 purchase)...look at any cars/4x4s history un ya will find problems...visit a ford, vauxhall, nissan forum un ya will find horror stories. If ya want something, dont be put owf by the sceptics un sarcastics...do yer research un buy wiv the confidence of knowledge. Late TD4 would be the best choice and I doubt anyone would disagree.

Well said Blippie

Blippie said:

As indeed is good advice for any car you buy.



... although the preponderance of the results will relate to 1.8 engines and early transmissions, not relevant to this guy's intended purchase.



The Freelander is a relatively simple 4x4, but by nature more complex than the average car. It is sound advice to check out all the electrics, just as you would on any car with gadgets. A quick work out, as described, should reassure the purchaser that they are not buying a car with foreseeable problems.



What is clear is that once you have ruled out the publicised problems that the Freelander suffered with (which is what you are doing by looking at a late model TD4) what remains is an excellent vehicle, with a fantastic engine. They are capable, comfortable 4x4s with confident on road handling. Unique, British style and part of Land Rover's vibrant heritage and community.

We get over 40mpg from the TD4 and over 30mpg from a heavily laden and far-from-standard L-series diesel.

We are very pleased ith the reliability of our two, and theTD4 never misses a beat, despite heavy business mileage.

There is nothing that you can read here that should put you off buying a late model TD4. All cars have their particular, characteristic problems. The only one that stands out for the TD4 (whatever vehicle the engine is in, be it the Freelander, BMW 3 series or Rover 75/MG) is a malfunction in the MAF, which is rare, noticeable and easily diagnosed. In fact, knowledge makes you stronger, and helps you find a real gem.

To give you an idea of scale the problems that you consider when you buy a diesel Freelander, when I bought a second-hand Defender, I examined and tested it for the best part of two days. When I bought a second-hand diesel Freelander, we checked over it it for an hour or so, and that included two cups of tea and a play with the vendor's dog.

I get frustrated that we play the Freelander down, and put off prospective owners. Fair enough, casual buyers SHOULD be put off buying a 1.8 willynilly. That purchase needs to be well considered, but for the right person, going into it with sound judgement and knowledge, even an early 1.8 can be a sensible buy - contributors on this forum can demonstrate that! But why do we do put off potential purchasers of a late model TD4 - possibly the most relaible cars that Land Rover have ever produced?

Cheers

Blippie

Click to expand...

Couldn't have put it better myself

Thanks for the response Blippie, you have reassured me some what.

Maybe I'll add it back to the shortlist!

kenny ken said:

Thanks for the response Blippie, you have reassured me some what.

Maybe I'll add it back to the shortlist!

Click to expand...

I thought long and hard about it and then bought one. I have an 04 plate TD4 and have owned it about 3 months now. No problems at all both on and off road.

I have done about 3000 miles in it so far and it has been a pleasure to drive and just as good on fuel as my old 2ltr diesel Ford Mondeo.

I luv it, top motor

I have a 2003 TD4 with 50K miles on it. Had it for a couple of months now and love. Smooth, quiet, looks great, practical, etc, etc. Had a couple of niggles when I picked it up but the dealer has sorted these for me and all is now well. No different to any other car I have bought; the previous owner either didn't notice the probs or didn't care cos they were getting rid of it. Comes back to checking the car out thoroughly before you buy.

Manufacturers get reputations which can be good or bad and either deserved or undeserved but this should only ever give you an overall impression. If you like a car and it all checks out OK you should go for it. Otherwise, you could spend your whole life trawling Parkers and the internet trying to find a perfect make and model.

Interestingly, my one of my most reliable cars (no faults the whole time I owned it) was a Renault Laguna. The worst car I owned was a Nissan that was plagued with issues - To the point where the dealer gave me a refund!! All the surveys tell you that those manufacturers should be the other way round...

As for fuel ecomony, it costs me about £52 to fill up from empty at Tesco and this does comfortably over 460 miles everytime. On a nice long run I have had over 600 miles from a tank.

Cheers

Rog

I agree I've had my 2001 TD4 ESX about 17 mths now 78K when I got her, Ive had to have a clutch in at 92k which is fair game considering previous owner were one o them women type drivers that finks the clutch pedal is really a foot rest in disguise. had a split vacuum pipe to turbo and thats all checked mileage on 250mile journey to my sisters 44. summat there and 43.summat on't way back. Love the car would love a new un but wi wife and three bin lids thats a long way off. We only hear about the bad uns on ere wot about all the good uns. Up the hippo !!