Looking to buy a Freelander

Hi there,

Just discovered (see what I did there?) this forum and I thought I would ask you folks who I am sure know much about these vehicles for your advice.

I'm looking at a Freelander as a winter vehicle. I've been looking at a few already and the first two I saw I'm pretty sure had gearbox related issues; one was hard getting into 2nd and 4th and the other had a thudding sound what letting out the clutch.

Anyway I saw one today, a 1998 (S reg) 1.8 petrol version (XEI), 84k on clock. It seemed to drive well, I had a look around, checked for white goo on engine cap, all clear, all electrics seemed to be working fine, drove nicely, no gearbox issues I could feel/hear.

However I thought I'd ask here to see what I missed and if you good folks could give me some tips on where else to look?

This is what I know about service history

3116 miles 5/1/1999
9732 miles 6/9/1999
20314 miles 8/9/2000
34600 miles
40662 miles 18/2/2002
56863 miles 1/3/2005
CAM BELT CHANGED AT 60263 MILES-BILLED LAND ROVER SPECIALIST SERVICE
68389 miles 15/3/2006
72728 miles 9/3/2007
74949 miles 22/2/2008
77239 miles 10/3/2009
79756 miles 17/02/2010
82234 miles 3/3/2011
Alternator belt changed last week

Other info

Few more things:
No problems with head gasket - never
Never been overheated
good condition tyres
good looking 16 inch alloys
SRS
traction control
ABS
SONY CD PLAYERS WITH AUX (MP3)
electric sunroof
electic front windows
electric rear door window
electric mirrors
full size spare wheel

Let me know what you think, is the petrol OK, or should I insist on the TD4? They are more expensive I have seen. This one is mine for £1550.

Only thing bugging me is he said he was selling for more room as he ran his own business, he had an Estate in his drive, but when I asked about folding rear seats if they folded flat he said he'd never tried to do it? Also he's only owned it since March and he's selling, could be a red flag, what do you think?

would'nt touch any of um but definetly not a 1.8 petrol

:welcome2:

Welcome to the mad, bad LandyZone.

Be sensible and go for a TD4 - unless you like taking a big gamble - and you have a fat wallet.

As others will tell you -it's not if, but when the head gasket will fail.

Apparently the usual failure mileage is about the 70K so this one is on borrowed time already.

TD4 - much, much, more reliable engine.

Other bits and pieces may need attention or replaced - but most unlikely that the engine will fail you.

Keep looking mate.

Good luck,

We bought our 51 plate Td4 for £1750 after a thorough going over, but with our eyes wide open for what it could cost us in the long run. All in all the maths made sense - we didn't want a "serious" off roader (we already have one) but we did want a reliable day to day comfy mid sized car for work on a daily basis. So far we've been ok....

Personally, after reading through this forum (and others) I'd never consider a 1.8 petrol Ladylander. Each to their own but there are vehicles available in all price brackets which might (only might mind you) make me consider a non diesel.

Fingers crossed for you if you go for it but don't buy the 1st one you see - have a drive of a few and a right good check round; underneath, VC etc... etc...

Hi,

Thanks for the feedback so far. OK you've changed my mind about that motor. What do you think about the V6? What's it like in power in comparison to the turbo diesel? Any reliability issues with this one? Obviously it will use more fuel but my other car is a Porsche so I'm used to that.

I'd rather have the 1.8 than the V6

I don't think you like diesels!

Have you driven a TD4?

As long as you don't rev it like a Porsche you'll find they can get a move on OK.

Change up about 2200 to 2500 and it'll pick up well.

Rev the nuts off it and you'll be disappointed.

My TD4 has a few easy, not too expensive, tweaks and is the equal of the V6, in power, but without the thirst or the probs.

GET a TD4 auto you will never get stuck (at least I never have) and there are quick of the mark and good for 115 mph you can not go wrong I have had mine nearly 8 years and no real complaint I will not go for any performance chip s or things like that I have tried one and boy did it eat the diesel and not much more power either hope this helps

Whats wrong with the early L series diesel engines? Mines on over 200K now and it still ticks over nicely, from all the service history Ive got, the car has had 2 IRD's and VCU's fitted, tonnes of other stuff but as far as I can see, apart from timing belts and servicing, the engines totally untouched.

Mine was a grand, a month ago, so scout about a bit and see if you can find a early diesel, Td4's are great, I had the same engine in my MG ZT I had before the freeloader, but if it does go wrong, its costly. Depends what the car is going to be to you I guess. Mine is just a hack, as cheap as possible and just thrash about in it as much as I can. If your looking to keep one for a while as a everyday motor, then spend the moneys, get a tidy TD4 and have a pot sat aside for when it needs injectors or a turbo.

1.8 and V6 both avoid !

Td4 is the best but the L series is also a very good engine it's just a little sluggish. But their much better after you fit a synergy to it

Hi, I'm not against the diesel engine at all, the only reason is it seems the TD4 is too expensive for what I want to pay.

I am now looking for a diesel. So any info about what to look for on this would be appreciated. What's this VCU business people are talking about?

Good man - go for a diesel.

The VCU (Viscous Coupling Unit) is the techy bit in the middle half-way back underneath, with a prop-shaft going in and another prop coming out, connecting to the rear diff.

It's the clever thing that ensures that if one, two, or even three wheels have no grip, you keep going forward.

Search on here for info threads about how to check it.

I have a 1.8 petrol and a TD4. I bought the 1.8 as it was cheap last winter and I needed a decent car for the winter. The 1.8 is worth considering it the price is right and you bear in mind that you may need to do the HG at some point.

If you have the budget for a TD4 or the earlier L series diesel engine then go for one instead, in the case of the TD4 you will get considerably better fuel consumption and its much quicker than the petrol if not as smooth an engine lol.

Hippo is right, my 99 L series diesel has 136k on it now, idles and pulls lovely, and aside from servicing and a cambelt at 96k, is untouched!!! i average 39 mpg!!

It can tow my trailer and two 16hh horses no sweat, and is still very refined in the cabin..

I fitted a synergy box for a little extra ooomph, but make no mistake, it still drove, towed and performed well without one..

I only added it due to lots of people recommending it.. Its worth the money, lots more bottom end torque, and better mid range acceleration.. but dont get ideas about it turning a freelander into a pocket rocket!! Most hatchbacks will absolutely wax a freelander off the lights.. bet it L series, Td4, V6 or K series... Synergy box or not!

Just avoid ALL petrol freelanders and plump for a diesel... They are reliable and robust.

Good luck!

teddywood1 said:

GET a TD4 auto you will never get stuck (at least I never have) and there are quick of the mark and good for 115 mph you can not go wrong I have had mine nearly 8 years and no real complaint I will not go for any performance chip s or things like that I have tried one and boy did it eat the diesel and not much more power either hope this helps

Click to expand...

You tried the old style performance chips. A synergy on the other hand will give more go with better economy if you drive with a light foot. Better economy with a performance boost when needed is hard to beat.