Early v late model freelander 1 - which year is the best?

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CarsandWrenches

CarsandWrenches

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Tarporley, Cheshire
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Early model
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Late model

So a bit of a debatable topic I’d like to bring up, what’s everyone’s thoughts on the best freelander 1 model year? I know from the research I have done that the 04 onwards facelift models seem to have many of the little issues early models had fixed by Landrover, such as:
1) rear subframe mounting points in chassis made stronger
2) electrical gremlins fixed
3) possibly revised body with improved crash protection?
4) possibly revised body with added strength improvements?
5) interior quality the same, better or worse on later models?
6) rust treatment process improvements?
7) the scuttle panel and mirrors where improved on later models MY2001/2 I believe
Here’s some pics of early v late model front chassis differences between an early and late car front chassis, there’s clearly a design change here (circled), so is this for improved safety or chassis rigidity? My guess is the change was made after MY2001 vehicles?
Also did Land-rover try to improve their product or just skimp to save money later on?
Thanks for all the help and knowledge from you amazing members ;)
 
I dunno, but that top pic is a cracking motor :D

I don't think there's much of a change in the area you've circled, the chassis remained pretty unaltered through the life of F1.
 
GrumpyGel said:
I dunno, but that top pic is a cracking motor :D

I don't think there's much of a change in the area you've circled, the chassis remained pretty unaltered through the life of F1.
Click to expand...
Thanks mate, I know there’s probably little to no significant difference it’s just other vehicles (and products) I have researched in the past show small improvements, changes or sometimes cost cuttings over its lifespan so wondered if the freelander had anything similar, cheers;)
 
The later models were better equipped, or at least had higher spec models (eg HSE) over the early pre MY01 cars.

Things like the fuel burning heater and heated front screens were just not available. As you say, foldy in wing mirrors. All sorts of things extra to go wrong :D
 
Well my penny-worth based on 7+ years of enjoying my '98 FL1 K1.8:
It's fairly quiet, comfortable, good rear passenger leg room, not that thirsty [ 33MpG or better on a run 28 or so with a trailer], easy to work on with parts readily available and reasonable prices, quite good 4WD ability [ do miss a low range when rock crawling] and acceptable performance. Factory extras: sun roof [crap & never used], tow bar [ VG & in regular use], LR spot lamps [ good] as are the main lights, A/C = good but the heater is pretty average, PAS = good, remote locking [ very short range! ie right beside the car:(] fabric upholstery which is in pretty good nik! electric windows in the front [ I'm absolutely fine with that], early model brakes are not startling :|

your points 1 to 7
1 yes I've had my RH front subframe mount point welded and a plate put over it.
2 can't say I've had many = any electrical gremlins [ drivers window motor is a bit slow and the rear glass is out of adjustment but they both work].
3 no comment
4 no comment
5 carpets = good [ as are the rubber mats] cloth upholstery good, seat adjustment good, would like dimmable dash lighting, ICE LR speakers fairly good Sony head unit - load space head lining beginning to sag :(
6 no rust issues but then we don't put salt on our roads here :)
7 scuttle issue? foldy mirrors would be nice.

Would like heated seats and a heated from screen and better window tinting - hmm cup holders too
I keep it well serviced - motor has had some wee tweaks mainly aimed at reliability with maybe a small performance gain too.
 
CarsandWrenches said:
I know there’s probably little to no significant difference it’s just other vehicles (and products) I have researched in the past show small improvements
Click to expand...


There were body strength improvements which came into effect with the 2001MY revision. These included better front crumple zones, which were able to absorb a higher impact loading. Also there were some minor changes to the body structure, which included some thicker steel in key areas, and some higher strength steel in some places too.
The passenger airbag became standard equipment too, instead of optional, as did ABS with traction control.
These differences increased the crash worthiness to a Euro N CAP ☆☆☆ rating, from it's previous potential ☆☆ rating, if Euro N CAP had tested it, which I don't believe it ever did.

Also the rear subframe to chassis rails were strengthened, although that was out of necessity, to avoid expensive warranty repairs.

In other areas, the facelift models decreased in quality, mainly the interior, which although better looking, is more susceptible to creaks, squeaks, and rattles than the pre-facelift models.
The facelift has much better headlamps and the tail lamps look more integrated, but otherwise changes on them was mostly cosmetic.
 
htr said:
Well my penny-worth based on 7+ years of enjoying my '98 FL1 K1.8:
It's fairly quiet, comfortable, good rear passenger leg room, not that thirsty [ 33MpG or better on a run 28 or so with a trailer], easy to work on with parts readily available and reasonable prices, quite good 4WD ability [ do miss a low range when rock crawling] and acceptable performance. Factory extras: sun roof [crap & never used], tow bar [ VG & in regular use], LR spot lamps [ good] as are the main lights, A/C = good but the heater is pretty average, PAS = good, remote locking [ very short range! ie right beside the car:(] fabric upholstery which is in pretty good nik! electric windows in the front [ I'm absolutely fine with that], early model brakes are not startling :|

your points 1 to 7
1 yes I've had my RH front subframe mount point welded and a plate put over it.
2 can't say I've had many = any electrical gremlins [ drivers window motor is a bit slow and the rear glass is out of adjustment but they both work].
3 no comment
4 no comment
5 carpets = good [ as are the rubber mats] cloth upholstery good, seat adjustment good, would like dimmable dash lighting, ICE LR speakers fairly good Sony head unit - load space head lining beginning to sag :(
6 no rust issues but then we don't put salt on our roads here :)
7 scuttle issue? foldy mirrors would be nice.

Would like heated seats and a heated from screen and better window tinting - hmm cup holders too
I keep it well serviced - motor has had some wee tweaks mainly aimed at reliability with maybe a small performance gain too.
Click to expand...
I agree with almost everything you say there - down to the drivers window winding slowly, especially as it get towards the top :D

Can't say I'd want heated seats - maybe if I had leather seats and wore shorts in winter - but they wouldn't make my motoring enjoyment any better. The fabric upholstery in my car is terrible. The stitching between panels has come away on the rear seat, both front seats have marks/stains on that won't come out and have wear tears in them.

Totally agree on the heated front screen, when I see Freelanders listed on TradeMe (and there's so few of them these days!) the first thing I look for is whether it has the heater screen button :D Down here on the SI where we have (heavy) frosts for 3 (or more!) months of the year, it would be a great benefit. Very rare to find it on a car down here though.

I think you might find that you only want the extra cup holders all the time you haven't got them. My MY01 parts car came with them, so they immediately went in the car... and almost as quickly were taken out again. The holders in the door sufficed and I missed the place to put 'stuff' :D The cup holders are curved, so even when they are not in use, you can't put anything on there - it just falls off.
 
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GrumpyGel said:
The F2 is a "much better" vehicle all the time it doesn't need fixing.
Click to expand...
:D
GrumpyGel said:
The later models were better equipped, or at least had higher spec models (eg HSE) over the early pre MY01 cars.

Things like the fuel burning heater and heated front screens were just not available. As you say, foldy in wing mirrors. All sorts of things extra to go wrong :D
Click to expand...
Me likes simples:)
 
htr said:
Well my penny-worth based on 7+ years of enjoying my '98 FL1 K1.8:
It's fairly quiet, comfortable, good rear passenger leg room, not that thirsty [ 33MpG or better on a run 28 or so with a trailer], easy to work on with parts readily available and reasonable prices, quite good 4WD ability [ do miss a low range when rock crawling] and acceptable performance. Factory extras: sun roof [crap & never used], tow bar [ VG & in regular use], LR spot lamps [ good] as are the main lights, A/C = good but the heater is pretty average, PAS = good, remote locking [ very short range! ie right beside the car:(] fabric upholstery which is in pretty good nik! electric windows in the front [ I'm absolutely fine with that], early model brakes are not startling :|

your points 1 to 7
1 yes I've had my RH front subframe mount point welded and a plate put over it.
2 can't say I've had many = any electrical gremlins [ drivers window motor is a bit slow and the rear glass is out of adjustment but they both work].
3 no comment
4 no comment
5 carpets = good [ as are the rubber mats] cloth upholstery good, seat adjustment good, would like dimmable dash lighting, ICE LR speakers fairly good Sony head unit - load space head lining beginning to sag :(
6 no rust issues but then we don't put salt on our roads here :)
7 scuttle issue? foldy mirrors would be nice.

Would like heated seats and a heated from screen and better window tinting - hmm cup holders too
I keep it well serviced - motor has had some wee tweaks mainly aimed at reliability with maybe a small performance gain too.
Click to expand...
Thanks mate, a good bit of info there:)The original
Scuttle panel was one piece originally and had crappy foam blocks which rot and fall off, whereas the later ones are 2 piece design with i believe rubber seals instead of foam:)
 
CarsandWrenches said:
Thanks mate, a good bit of info there:)The original
Scuttle panel was one piece originally and had crappy foam blocks which rot and fall off, whereas the later ones are 2 piece design with i believe rubber seals instead of foam:)
Click to expand...
The main scuttle on my '99 car is fine (I believe) - but the bits on each end around the bonnet hinges are both perished.
 
Nodge68 said:
There were body strength improvements which came into effect with the 2001MY revision. These included better front crumple zones, which were able to absorb a higher impact loading. Also there were some minor changes to the body structure, which included some thicker steel in key areas, and some higher strength steel in some places too.
The passenger airbag became standard equipment too, instead of optional, as did ABS with traction control.
These differences increased the crash worthiness to a Euro N CAP ☆☆☆ rating, from it's previous potential ☆☆ rating, if Euro N CAP had tested it, which I don't believe it ever did.

Also the rear subframe to chassis rails were strengthened, although that was out of necessity, to avoid expensive warranty repairs.

In other areas, the facelift models decreased in quality, mainly the interior, which although better looking, is more susceptible to creaks, squeaks, and rattles than the pre-facelift models.
The facelift has much better headlamps and the tail lamps look more integrated, but otherwise changes on them was mostly cosmetic.
Click to expand...
Thanks nodge, just what I was looking for, I did notice that the fixture points for the rear bumper changed with the facelift and some people have to cut part of the body to make it fit. I know some have said the interior quality got worse, which is strange becuase the only difference is the cup holders, instrument cluster, seats and door cards on 5 door models, so did they somehow make a flimsy creaky dash or are the “creaks, squeaks, and rattles” from somewhere else do you know? Thanks mate:)
 
CarsandWrenches said:
I know some have said the interior quality got worse, which is strange becuase the only difference is the cup holders, instrument cluster, seats and door cards on 5 door models, so did they somehow make a flimsy creaky dash or are the “creaks, squeaks, and rattles” from somewhere else do you know?
Click to expand...

The facelift interior looks better IMO, however the fit n finish decreased massively, particularly the plastics, which were made of a harder and more durable plastic, but those increased the vibration in the panels, which then makes all the fittings of the door cards in particular to came loose, giving the rattles previously described.
It's possible to fix these issues, with some well placed 2 part epoxy, and some vehicle sound proofing materials, which is what I did with mine. It was definitely better, however the FL1 doesn't come even close to the FL2 in build quality, so feels old and loud by comparison.
 
Nodge68 said:
The facelift interior looks better IMO, however the fit n finish decreased massively, particularly the plastics, which were made of a harder and more durable plastic, but those increased the vibration in the panels, which then makes all the fittings of the door cards in particular to came loose, giving the rattles previously described.
It's possible to fix these issues, with some well placed 2 part epoxy, and some vehicle sound proofing materials, which is what I did with mine. It was definitely better, however the FL1 doesn't come even close to the FL2 in build quality, so feels old and loud by comparison.
Click to expand...
Thanks nodge, I know the FL1 (particularly 3 door without the headliner) gives you the feeling you could almost wash it down with a hose(NOT RECOMMENDED), if it has leather/vinyl seats and no carpets- almost like the original rangerovers;)
Whereas the newer landrover products are far more plush but feel less robust imho, although they still stand up pretty darn well from experience:)
 
CarsandWrenches said:
Whereas the newer landrover products are far more plush but feel less robust imho, although they still stand up pretty darn well from experience
Click to expand...
There's nothing less robust about the FL2, its miles ahead of the FL1 in every way, fit n finish, materials used, body strength (it's a Euro N CAP ☆☆☆☆☆) rated vehicle, however it is much more expensive to maintain, especially if things go wrong. ;)
 
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