Freelander 2 (LR2) Deep Pockets Required.

A Freelander 2 2008 manual 2 previous owners, found its way onto our drive 6 months ago. Because the engine oil was rather mucky I had the oil and filter changed, forgot how expensive LR stuff really is. Although it had 117,000 miles on it, it drove really really nice, and it had a fully stamped service book and had had the rear diff changed, a weak point on them I was told. Complete with three month warranty, what could go wrong, nothing of course until after the three months and the novelty of owning it wore off. But as it was such a nice drive decided to do the work on it and make it even better. Thought it was a keeper.

In the dark, headlights like candles - new headlight bulbs.
New bulb for rear door high brake light.
Indicator bulbs showing whiteish yellow, solution 4 new indicator bulbs.
Rear 5th door handle failed. New handle and number plate bulbs.
Three interior bulbs, dim as dim can be, three new led bulbs.
Rear door, missing rubber seal, forgot how expensive LR bits are, new seal.
Rear door stopped opening, LR bits again, new locking mechanism.
Wiper blades start squeeling, front and rear blades.
Realised drivers arm rest is missing, Jaysus LR bits are dear, new arm rest.
Checked tyres one morning, 2 rear tyres required. 2 Replaced.
Puncture out fit missing in boot. Decided to buy wheel and new tyre.
No jack or wheelbrace in boot. Both purchased.
Parking sensor faulty, new sensor.
Head light washer jet, failed, new washer jet sourced.
Handbrake failed. Handbrake repaired and serviced.

Looking at service book, major service due.

Cam belt. LR parts
Aux belt. LR parts
Water pump. LR parts
Trigger wheel. LR parts
Tension pulley. LR parts
Ordinary pulley. LR parts
Anti freeze. LR AF
Engine oil and filter. LR Parts
Diesel filter. LR part
Air filter. LR part
Pollen filter. LR Part
Gear box oil change. LR oil
Front/Rear diff oil change LR oil
Centre box oil top up. LR oil.

Haldex service.

Parts supplied by Bell Engineering, Freelander Transmission Specialist.

Oil filter
Oil, Special oil only
End cap & studs.
O ring

ALL SERVICE ITEMS DONE. LR parts and fluids used.

Here is the rub, at 70 reg disabled and having a motobility car of my own, the Freelander 2 is my missus's run about, purchased for the winter really. Do we really need the hassle and expense of having a LR that admittedly we both love driving, but in the 6 months we have had it, it's been a real expensive pain. We will keep it until the MOT is due, last day of May, have it tested then make a decision, unless the corovirus gets us beforehand. Ha ha.

You need to decide what is important to you?

Big Phil said:

A Freelander 2 2008 manual 2 previous owners, found its way onto our drive 6 months ago. Because the engine oil was rather mucky I had the oil and filter changed, forgot how expensive LR stuff really is. Although it had 117,000 miles on it, it drove really really nice, and it had a fully stamped service book and had had the rear diff changed, a weak point on them I was told. Complete with three month warranty, what could go wrong, nothing of course until after the three months and the novelty of owning it wore off. But as it was such a nice drive decided to do the work on it and make it even better. Thought it was a keeper.

In the dark, headlights like candles - new headlight bulbs.
New bulb for rear door high brake light.
Indicator bulbs showing whiteish yellow, solution 4 new indicator bulbs.
Rear 5th door handle failed. New handle and number plate bulbs.
Three interior bulbs, dim as dim can be, three new led bulbs.
Rear door, missing rubber seal, forgot how expensive LR bits are, new seal.
Rear door stopped opening, LR bits again, new locking mechanism.
Wiper blades start squeeling, front and rear blades.
Realised drivers arm rest is missing, Jaysus LR bits are dear, new arm rest.
Checked tyres one morning, 2 rear tyres required. 2 Replaced.
Puncture out fit missing in boot. Decided to buy wheel and new tyre.
No jack or wheelbrace in boot. Both purchased.
Parking sensor faulty, new sensor.
Head light washer jet, failed, new washer jet sourced.
Handbrake failed. Handbrake repaired and serviced.

Looking at service book, major service due.

Cam belt. LR parts
Aux belt. LR parts
Water pump. LR parts
Trigger wheel. LR parts
Tension pulley. LR parts
Ordinary pulley. LR parts
Anti freeze. LR AF
Engine oil and filter. LR Parts
Diesel filter. LR part
Air filter. LR part
Pollen filter. LR Part
Gear box oil change. LR oil
Front/Rear diff oil change LR oil
Centre box oil top up. LR oil.

Haldex service.

Parts supplied by Bell Engineering, Freelander Transmission Specialist.

Oil filter
Oil, Special oil only
End cap & studs.
O ring

Here is the rub, at 70 reg disabled and having a motobility car of my own, the Freelander 2 is my missus's run about, purchased for the winter really. Do we really need the hassle and expense of having a LR that admittedly we both love driving, but in the 6 months we have had it, it's been a real expensive pain. We will keep it until the MOT is due, last day of May, have it tested then make a decision, unless the corovirus gets us beforehand. Ha ha.

Click to expand...

I admire your dligence and thoroughnes, but it strikes me you bought the FL2 at the most expesnive part of its ownership. But, given how much of the servicing and repairs you've done yourself, I see no reason for you not to be able to do all of the next service items yourself using pattern/oem parts. You are basically looking at a cam belt service (inc waterpump), a usual service (oil/air/fuel filter plus fluids), and a change the transmission fluids. I'm guessing from the fact the gearbox oil is a service item its an Auto Transmission, google the right fluid for it and price run the fluid of that spec.

Yes, yoy've got a big service looming, but it is to be presumed that you like the vehicle, selling it now with that service looming would knock a grand off the resale value, doing that service would be about £400 tops...
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LAND-ROV...epid=0&hash=item1c86457a73:g:kUwAAOSwd0pdnx1J
air oil fuel & cabin/pollin filters + engine oil £64
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Land-Fit...nder+2&hash=item5471db6cbf:g:-M0AAOSwD1ldE0nc
timing belt, waterpump, tensioner £59
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LandRove...304626?hash=item34230c3f72:g:tksAAOSwScNdif8c
FL2 gearbox oil and filter kit £70
I'm a marine biased clanky, so I prefer the thickest oil I can force into an application, ergo I treat my FL1's diff and IRD with 320w oil, y'all might prefer lighter grades like 75/90w, however the price is roughly the same,
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Millers-...995227?hash=item4667ab601b:g:rbMAAOSw4oFdly79 £32 per gallon...

And there is nothing stopping you doing it in stages, say engine and timing belt in a oner, gearbox in a second step, rear diff and haldex in a second step....

Three problems:

1. Paying someone else to do the work.
2. Using all LR parts.
3. Having a Freelander 2. By all accounts these are quite tricky and expensive cars to own. I would never have one. If you want a cheap and easy car to run and service, get a FL1. If you want a bit of luxury with (slightly) fewer problems, get a Disco 3/4.

You may not be able to do anything about (1), but many have come on here and surprised themselves. Doing one simple job gives you the mental and physical tools to do another... and so on.

As for (2), the reason I keep Land Rovers is because of the enormous aftermarket parts industry and good advice forums , neither of which you get with other makes. You don’t need LR everything, and can save huge amounts on parts.

A case in point: whoever told you the FL2 needs ‘special oil’ for the engine is most likely pulling your plonker. You can pick up appropriate oil from your local auto factors, or even online.

A more succinct solution: stop using LR main dealers. They call them main stealers for a reason.

Assuming you are, of course. Ask on here about a good independent LR garage.

Had mine for 3 years now and I find it to be one of the most reliable and easy LR vehicles, possibly due to it being built in the days when Ford owned LR, and it has a Ford/Peugeot engine Ford/Volvo transmission.

I have had the diff issue and I did it myself cost about £250 to get the diff rebuilt with 12 month warranty, Haldex unit I serviced myself pretty easy and about £35 for parts as I recall, change the oil and filters myself (filter is a pig), changed some tyres it seems that the continental ones don’t last well.

Considering cost of owning other vehicles I am reasonably happy and it does 30+ mpg and up to 40mpg on a long run

Big Phil said:

A Freelander 2 2008 manual 2 previous owners, found its way onto our drive 6 months ago. Because the engine oil was rather mucky I had the oil and filter changed, forgot how expensive LR stuff really is. Although it had 117,000 miles on it, it drove really really nice, and it had a fully stamped service book and had had the rear diff changed, a weak point on them I was told. Complete with three month warranty, what could go wrong, nothing of course until after the three months and the novelty of owning it wore off. But as it was such a nice drive decided to do the work on it and make it even better. Thought it was a keeper.

In the dark, headlights like candles - new headlight bulbs.
New bulb for rear door high brake light.
Indicator bulbs showing whiteish yellow, solution 4 new indicator bulbs.
Rear 5th door handle failed. New handle and number plate bulbs.
Three interior bulbs, dim as dim can be, three new led bulbs.
Rear door, missing rubber seal, forgot how expensive LR bits are, new seal.
Rear door stopped opening, LR bits again, new locking mechanism.
Wiper blades start squeeling, front and rear blades.
Realised drivers arm rest is missing, Jaysus LR bits are dear, new arm rest.
Checked tyres one morning, 2 rear tyres required. 2 Replaced.
Puncture out fit missing in boot. Decided to buy wheel and new tyre.
No jack or wheelbrace in boot. Both purchased.
Parking sensor faulty, new sensor.
Head light washer jet, failed, new washer jet sourced.
Handbrake failed. Handbrake repaired and serviced.

Looking at service book, major service due.

Cam belt. LR parts
Aux belt. LR parts
Water pump. LR parts
Trigger wheel. LR parts
Tension pulley. LR parts
Ordinary pulley. LR parts
Anti freeze. LR AF
Engine oil and filter. LR Parts
Diesel filter. LR part
Air filter. LR part
Pollen filter. LR Part
Gear box oil change. LR oil
Front/Rear diff oil change LR oil
Centre box oil top up. LR oil.

Haldex service.

Parts supplied by Bell Engineering, Freelander Transmission Specialist.

Oil filter
Oil, Special oil only
End cap & studs.
O ring

Here is the rub, at 70 reg disabled and having a motobility car of my own, the Freelander 2 is my missus's run about, purchased for the winter really. Do we really need the hassle and expense of having a LR that admittedly we both love driving, but in the 6 months we have had it, it's been a real expensive pain. We will keep it until the MOT is due, last day of May, have it tested then make a decision, unless the corovirus gets us beforehand. Ha ha.

Click to expand...

I will give you £500 for it

Madmustang said:

I will give you £500 for it

Click to expand...

Sadly I had all the above work done on it, seems some posters think the work is due, it's not it's all done. Problem with your kind offer of £500, the bloody thing stands me at £6500 as it stands. I know, never going to get anything like that back if we decide to sell it come end of May.

Jayridium said:

I admire your dligence and thoroughnes, but it strikes me you bought the FL2 at the most expesnive part of its ownership. But, given how much of the servicing and repairs you've done yourself, I see no reason for you not to be able to do all of the next service items yourself using pattern/oem parts. You are basically looking at a cam belt service (inc waterpump), a usual service (oil/air/fuel filter plus fluids), and a change the transmission fluids. I'm guessing from the fact the gearbox oil is a service item its an Auto Transmission, google the right fluid for it and price run the fluid of that spec.

Yes, yoy've got a big service looming, but it is to be presumed that you like the vehicle, selling it now with that service looming would knock a grand off the resale value, doing that service would be about £400 tops...
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LAND-ROVER-FREELANDER-2-2-2-TD4-DIESEL-FULL-SERVICE-FILTER-KIT-INCLUDING-OIL/122511784563?fits=Model:Freelander+2&epid=0&hash=item1c86457a73:g:kUwAAOSwd0pdnx1J
air oil fuel & cabin/pollin filters + engine oil £64
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Land-Fits-Rover-Freelander-2-2-2006-Timing-Belt-Kit-And-Water-Pump/362687458495?fits=Model:Freelander+2&hash=item5471db6cbf:g:-M0AAOSwD1ldE0nc
timing belt, waterpump, tensioner £59
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LandRove...304626?hash=item34230c3f72:g:tksAAOSwScNdif8c
FL2 gearbox oil and filter kit £70
I'm a marine biased clanky, so I prefer the thickest oil I can force into an application, ergo I treat my FL1's diff and IRD with 320w oil, y'all might prefer lighter grades like 75/90w, however the price is roughly the same,
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Millers-...995227?hash=item4667ab601b:g:rbMAAOSw4oFdly79 £32 per gallon...

And there is nothing stopping you doing it in stages, say engine and timing belt in a oner, gearbox in a second step, rear diff and haldex in a second step....

Click to expand...

Apologies for my original post, badly written it seems. I have actually had all the work done. Been disabled it's not possible for me to do any of it, checking the oil and water is about my limit. The LR is manual by the way. I was advised to only use LR fluids and LR parts for the service items, which we duly did, all bills retained. Just to add, sent off for 2 new bonnet gas struts, non LR but £35 anyway.

Nae bother Phil, for future maintenance, some of the advice in this thread still stands, use the wide network of aftermarket parts manufacturers, use compatible fluids from reputable manufactrers rather than buying the same stuff in a bottle with a green oval on it at 3 times the price, and get a good independent mechanic, those three things will save you a fortune over the years of ownership. Also, since you've now spent those thousands of pounds getting all that work done by LR dealership, keep the car, and enjoy it. As a result of having all that work done on it, its going to be very reliable and won't cost anyone alarming money on maintenance for the next few years, so you are as well being the one who benefits from that reliability, rather than your money effetively paying for someone else to get a motoring experience that is both trouble free and inexpensive.

A lot of the items the OP has had solved were missing so not really the fault of the car. Like the arm rest and door seal. The rest of the stuff is general wear and tear items like bulbs failing. That happens as cars age. He won't be changing them in the next 5 years at least. Same for the bonnet gas structs. A new set at 12 years old.

Freelander 2's are not as eggspensive to maintain as some suggest. Yes there will always be one that needs an engine and gearbox and everything else. But on the whole they're the most reliable of the modern LR vehicles. You can always buy a bad one but most of what he's upset about is general service and wear and tear. A cost of motoring in general. Like wiper blades.

Its not like they snap cranks like the Disco 3/4 and range rovers where yer buy a crashed jag as its a cheaper way of sourcing a replacement engine...