Freelander 2 buyers guide needed

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hotgjc

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Hi all, been a looong time since I've been on here. It's good to be back. Right, down to the matter at hand. I'm thinking of buying or rather we're (my partner and I) thinking of buying a face lifted freelander 2 and were hoping there would be a buyers guide for it on here but after a search didn't find one. If someone could point me in the right direction or give me some advice on it I'd be most grateful. Many thanks in advance.
 
Your budget has an impact on what you’ll get.
As with most motors go for the top spec, low mileage, full service history, good tyres and a long MOT. Check it’s MOT history on the DVLA website. Take it for a good long test drive and test every switch, button, and lever function does what it should. Drive over potholes and drains and listen for clunks indicative of worn bushes etc. Do the brakes pull it up straight and progressively?
Look through this forum at some of the FL2 problems and check if they exist on your prospective purchase.
Finally, offer a lot less than the asking price.
 
Your budget has an impact on what you’ll get.
As with most motors go for the top spec, low mileage, full service history, good tyres and a long MOT. Check it’s MOT history on the DVLA website. Take it for a good long test drive and test every switch, button, and lever function does what it should. Drive over potholes and drains and listen for clunks indicative of worn bushes etc. Do the brakes pull it up straight and progressively?
Look through this forum at some of the FL2 problems and check if they exist on your prospective purchase.
Finally, offer a lot less than the asking price.
Many thanks for that. Any specific problems to look out for with the face lifted vertion? I read the 2.2 diesel engine is a Ford one and a good unit, is that the case. Also we want automatic, any ideas who makes the gearbox, ZF perhaps? Any major issues with it? Any other niggles to bear in mind before purchase would be much appreciated. Thanks again.
 
Can't speak for the facelift version. Mine is a '57 plate, 2.2 SE Auto, no DPF, EGR blanked, with 180k miles on the clock. Other than things you can expect to wear out it's been remarkably trouble free.
 
I read the 2.2 diesel engine is a Ford one and a good unit, is that the case
It's a Ford Duratorque engine, which is generally pretty reliable, although there are issues with swirl flaps and EGR valves, and the occasional thrown rod, although that's not common.
Also we want automatic, any ideas who makes the gearbox, ZF perhaps? Any major issues with it?
The auto box is the WTF-80_SC, it's made in Japan by Aisin Seiki. It's well tried and tested, and used by loads of manufacturers, in dozens of different vehicles.

It claims to be sealed for life, so no fluid changes are needed. That's stupid in my opinion, as not changing the fluid will shorten its life.
Any other niggles to bear in mind before purchase would be much appreciated

Just check everything, as parts can be expensive to replace, especially if it's something that was missed when buying.
 
It's a Ford Duratorque engine, which is generally pretty reliable, although there are issues with swirl flaps and EGR valves, and the occasional thrown rod, although that's not common.

The auto box is the WTF-80_SC, it's made in Japan by Aisin Seiki. It's well tried and tested, and used by loads of manufacturers, in dozens of different vehicles.

It claims to be sealed for life, so no fluid changes are needed. That's stupid in my opinion, as not changing the fluid will shorten its life.


Just check everything, as parts can be expensive to replace, especially if it's something that was missed when buying.
Many thanks for your useful comments.
 
rust is starting to appear on rear arches on the ones ive looked at up to and including 60 plate ones at dealers are still asking top prices for them so check carefully, my next door neighbour has just bought an 58 plate hse from a local dealer in matlock that looks good from a distance but has had the rust blown over with a spray can to hide it so keep a sharp eye out for it
 
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