Freelander for around 4K - Possible?

Hi there,

I've just registered as I would like to ask your advice.

I currently have a Rover 75 Diesel, but it's been a very unlucky car for me. I only got it last August and it's already spent a few months off the road due to parts not being available. Everything is OK with it now, and I do love the car, but I just don't want to go through that experience again, so I'm thinking of selling it.

I've always like Land Rovers and Range Rovers and was toying with the idea of getting a Freelander. What I get for my Rover will need to buy my new vehicle outright, I have no extra to put to it. If all goes well I'm hoping to flog it for around £4500 as there is still over 2 years warranty on it.

I would like a 2 Litre Diesel hardtop 5 door Freelander. Obviously this would have to be an older model for that money, but i was wondering if anything i look at in this price bracket would even be worth it? Will I get a decent one for that money or can I still not afford a Land Rover?

Thanks for reading if you've got this far. Any advice would be great.

Hi Bradalax,
Welcome to Landy Zone
Firstly, the diesel Freelander is the best option as both the petrol models have un-reliable engines. Mine has the 2.5 litre V6 and at 37k miles needed a new head gasket. Not good in my opinion, a V6 should last well over 100k miles with no problems.
Secondly, a Freelander for £4500 is possible but be carefull as it may have hidden problems. Full service history is good but doesn't mean the car is in great mechanical shape. Check for signs of water in the oil and make sure the cooling expantion tank is full and not perished, they can crack and leak with age. Head gasket failure is common in petrol engines.
The older Diesel engines aren't as good as the newer ones (TD4).
Check for damage under the car especially the cills.
All in all, I love my Freelander even though it's not the most reliable car I've owned. When they're working as they should, they're great

Thanks for the info mate.

After reading a little bit, it very quickly became apparant that the petrol engines had issues. Plus I just prefer diesels.

I'm still a way off buying, but thought I'd get some info. Unfortunately I'm not very mechanical, So I can check body work and condition etc etc, but when it comes to the actual working gubbins underneath I'm at a loss, other than obvious stuff I suppose!

Never having owned a 4x4 before, can anyone tell me if there are any additional running costs involved as opposed to a normal road car? Servicing, Tyres, exhaust, cutch, replaceable consumer parts etc?

I would really love to get something like this, but my Rover has been very pricey to run (keeps breaking) so I really want something I can just drive and not worry about for quite a few years! I have had some very stressful motoring this year and want some fun. I'd rather not have to settle for something 'safe' like a mondeo or something.

Thanks again for reading.

If you want a stress free reliable car, don't get a Freelander. Chances are it will brake down. I'll get slated for saying it but it's true, I own a Freelander so I think I can justify it
You'll find it slightly more expensive to run than a car. Because of it's size and weight brakes don't last as long and fuel economy is worse. You have a 4 wheel drive transmission to take care of with extra difs etc.
I think as a guide, if it's bigger, it's dearer to run.

Appreciate the honesty - now lets see how many people pipe up.

I'll keep looking, but I expeced it to be a little dearer to run, just wasn't sure if there was anything in particualr I had to be aware of when running a 4x4.

I guess I need to have a look at alternatives and make up my mind. As I say I have time yet, not rushing into anything. I still have to sell the Rover, which is a real shame cos it's a lovely car, and immaculate.

I looked at replacing the Freelander with something else but nothing measured up. The Freelander has it's faults but it's a lovely car. You'll love driving it I'm sure and it has a lot of road presence. People still cut you up though and pull out on you.
Got some prices from Parkers on the net for a 98 Freelander Di.
http://www.parkers.co.uk/pricing/us...64&model=420&plate=57&pay=false&buyorsell=buy
You may get one for the price you want to pay but it could be a dog!

Hi Bradlax, i have just bought a series 1 diesel and you should be able to pick one up within budget.
The original 2.0 diesel is a very reliable and tested engine, its the Perkins they put in the montegos, and is very economical, i am getting 35 average but 40+ is not uncommon.
If you are not mechanically minded, you really need some help to check these out, and a full LR service history, a 1 owner car would be ideal and no more than 2, plus a comprehensive warranty.
Do shop around as there are loads about.
If possible, get an RAC or AA inspection, there is alot more to check on 4WD's and Freelanders need the viscous coupling checked, a very expensive job if they go.
Also make sure the cambelts have been done at about 48k on this model.
If you are unsure there are plenty of other makes depending on what size car you want, and what you will be using it for.
Mitsubishi Pajeros are a good buy at that price but they seriously DRINK FUEL,
Good luck

Once again - thanks for the info.

The good news is on the Parkers website, my Rover is worth £4500, so I might just squeak a bit more if the warranty is transferable! Must be some peace of mind for anyone buying private if the car is still covered by an extended warranty?

I have seen a few on Autotrader for between 4 and 5 grand that were worth a look, but the vast majority appear to be 1.8's - wonder why?

And yes If I go for one, I agree I'd need an independant inspection (no idea how much that would cost!)

Had an inspection done 2 years ago on a Vectra. Cost around the £200 mark. Nice looking paper though

Just been looking through the gallery.

You have a very nice looking vehicle there Mark, but the Freelander is a nice looking car.

Why Thank you kind Sir

At that price you'll be looking at something the same age as my wife's and therefore tread carefully. She travels to work 10 miles everyday down potholed country lanes with high hedges and loves the car for its height and handling. She is also in glorious oblivion to the time I have spent on this site getting great info to sort out all the problems we've had in 9months of ownership. I'll swear there is some kind of drug in the air conditioning (which is pretty poor anyway) that makes you keep liking these cars even against your better nature. As a guide for you here is our list of problems (bearing in mind car had full main dealer s/history)

Despite new engine (1.8 petrol) changed because of H gasket problems, H gasket went again.

Sunroof jammed and now disconnected electrics to stop this from happening.

Sunroof has leaked since purchase (now silicone sealed)

Rear cubby hole pointless as needs to be left open to dry out.

Heater / blower rheostat went, meaning blower operated on 3&4

LR cassette radio on last legs

In last few days I've noticed coolant loss and can't find leak (be afraid!)

All the above in addition to servicing costs including pads etc.

Would my wife part with it ? No ! As for me, my affinity is wearing thin. Anyway good luck !

GMP, just out of curiosity, how many miles has your wifes freelander got on the clock?
I agree with the point about the special Freelander drug in the air conditioning system. Against my better judgement I'm keeping her. WHY????

Thanks for the info gmp. I'll be honest and say that from what I've read on this site alone I'd be steering well clear of a petrol engine! If I do decide to get one I'd bee= looking a for a 2 litre diesel engine.

But the point about servicing and pads etc is well made. I still need to find out how much it would cost to run one. How much would servicing cost, how long could I expect from a set of tyres and how much do they cost? Brakes, clutch exhaust etc etc etc!!!

Bit wary of sitting in one now in case the drug takes hold before I decide if I can afford one or not!

It came with main dealer computer printout of all work done whether under warranty or not. First HG went at 30k, went again at 60k, new engine for previous owner under warranty and then with only 30k on new engine it went shortly after we got it. Luckily dealer I bought it from was willing to get HG repaired at his cost and didn't quibble. But if this had happened couple of days after dealer warranty expired would we still have a freelander ? Would we ***k !

Bradalax, you have also reminded me of the new rear and mid-section of exhaust we had to buy (2nd system on car travelled 90k, but that could be the norm?). That wasn't as expensive as I first feared but can't recall exactly how much (around £150?) Thought the Freelander sounded pretty sporty when first purchased, however I didn't spot the corrosion on exhaust when I first looked underneath and paid the price later.

Must get a sniff of that special stuff in the A/C soon !

going to see if I can find a freelander local in a dealer somewhere this weekend (if I get the chance) just to have a proper look round.

well I didn't make it to see anything at the weekend. Couldn't find anything 'local' and due to the weather didn't fancy driving far to see one.

I have been speaking to a nice chap at a Land Rover dealer though. Explained what I was doing and that at my budget he was never going to get a sale from me. Very helpful though, gave me an idea of prices.

One thing that alarmed me was a service cost of between £300-£400 at a main dealer!! That seems very steep, or is just my Land Rover inexperience talking?

Great Scot! £300-£400 sounds like another Land Rover **** take to me. You can't tell me that oil, filters and a check over costs that much! Unless that service included brake pads, brake fluid, new plugs etc I'd tip them bollocks.
Find another garage that will do it.

Local LR specialist round our way does 12,ooo mile service for around £150, main dealer was around £250-300. Bigger the forecourt and showroom the more you pay.

ps Coolant loss on my wifes's car may have been false alarm. Now don't know whether to keep it or sell while the going is good. Trouble is she wants another one, but newer and there are an awful lot of cheap 1.8 petrol's around at moment. The dark side of the freelander force may be taking a hold on me!