Might be buying a Freelander ...

I know next to nothing about freelanders, and never really followed threads to find anything out as I've never been that interested in one ... so I'm after some advice ...

Sister now wants a Freelander, she loves the looks, dislikes her Kia, wants another 4x4 and because I'm a 'Landy-nut' thinks I know all about them!! She has no interest in a Disco or Defender, or anything too big, especially after having a drive in a friends TD4 freelander.

Background is that we, as a family and friends, go caravanning all over. I take the Disco and do some green-laning while away, Brother and his family have a Nissan X-trail that he occasionally green-lanes when it's farm tracks etc, similarly my sis has a Kia Sorrento, mate has another X-trail and another mate has a Disco 3 ... Only me does any gnarly laning, they all have the 4x4's for towing the 'vans off wet pitches and for onroad stability whilst towing and all work well and mostly never get muddy, scratched etc so the Freelander we buy will be a mainly on-road vehicle to tow a caravan and manoeuvre it on sites, which can also be grass fields when we go rallying. It is extremely unlikely to ever go properly (deeply rutted, scratchy) laning or offroad. It will be the main car in their family, carry two Labradors and occasional horse tack, haybale. They've done a mileage of about 8k a year for the last 10 years basically all of it on-road other than across the occasional field or camping, caravanning site. They do occasionally tow a horse box and 2 horses to local gymkhanas but rarely further than 20 miles.

So, with a budget of around 4k to 7k what would be a good model Freelander? Any bad years or particular models to keep away from? Is there a list of known bad points to look for, checks to do etc?

I've seen a few problems in passing, ref the transmission, VCU etc but would appreciate a fools guide, if possible, to buying a second hand Freelander.

I haven't looked or searched yet, but will do when i get chance, for articles myself.

PS, it won't be for burning, Bob, and I know to check the doors are attached properly if it's wet and/or raining ....

Shame on you, A gaylander-you should now better
Only a td4 and IRD and VCU And dodgy auto boxes-caused by people loosening wrong bolt or just ****ed out

I already suggested I know the TD4 is pretty good to her ..

Consider ther L series engine its a very reliable and proven engine, other than that TD4 is good too.
If you go and have a look at one, check out all the toys: windows, HDC all works properly.
Tyre wear is a massive indicator of any transmission problems, particulary saw tooth patterns on the rear tyres.
Give it a good drive and listen for any banging or creaking, make sure you include some low speed manouvering with plenty of turns.
If its got good service history, drives well and everything checks out ok, than they are as reliable as any other vehicle.

I have had my 5 door TD4 freelander now since Oct 08 and the thing has never let me down whatever the weather. Great car!! Thought that performance was a little poor for what it should have been so bought a Synergy box. Vastly improved things and apparently helps when towing. Not something I do though so can't speak from experience.

Great for putting the dog in the back or loading things in.
Have a look on parkers guide for different specs of Freelander, I would advise buying a five door facelifted freelander personally. 53 (04) onwards.

Up to 7k is enough to get you clear of some early issues (transmission, cracked chassis) and enough to get a facelift Td4. The earlier L series being a good motor but with it you get the early IRD ratio which is more likely to fail. So stick to a facelift Td4, SE is good with heated half leather, heated screen and FBH and an auto is best for towing and any gentle offroading that may be encountered. Manual is ok but clutches are weak and not up to heavy towing. An Egr bypass and Synergy 2 module are musts have for Td4s, the difference is amazing. Not sure about towing a horse box with 2 occupants, may just be too much weight to be safe and stable.

Thanks a lot, that's helped tremendously.

TD4, with good service history, automatic and as late as possible sounds good. Their current kia is 55 reg so they were hoping to get similar age which after looking around I think they might stretch it. My suggestion was that condition is a better indicator than mileage or age .. same as any other Landrover really ..

Many thanks ..

saw a luverly auto 300tdi disco es wiv leather today......that would suit her better no?

Beast o Bodmin said:

saw a luverly auto 300tdi disco es wiv leather today......that would suit her better no?

Click to expand...

That's what I suggested to her, but no, she wants a Freelander.

Whilst it must do what she wants it for, she also wants the look of the Freelander. After coming from a Kia Sorrento, which to be fair is pretty good for a cheap onroad 4x4, she doesn't like the feel of the Disco .. she isn't impressed with the D3 either .. and since having a sneak test drive in a Freelander2 she's really fallen for them ..

Burn It


The Disco then the caravan

One thing to keep in mind is that the boot is fairly small. I walked by an X-Trail the other day and took a look in the back, the boot is MASSIVE by comparison. I have a Basset hound (smaller than a Labrador) I definitely would be reluctant to put 2 Bassets in the back of my TD4 for any great distance. My dog actually refused to be seen in the back of my Freelander until I tinted the rear windows.

Has your sister considered an X-Trail? You can get a decent one for 7 grand. They're arguably better than the Freelander, at least for your Sister's needs anyway.

Despite what I said though, I do like my Freelander.

Rich

My Bro has an X-trail and while they're damn good she's adamant on a freelander! However, she's likely to take the rear seats out anyway, it's what they've done in the Kia, 'cos the labs go in a large cage type thing for transport and to use as a kennel while on site.

Good point though, best check sizes of the cage/kennel, it might just not fit, thanks ..

The X-Trail has a bigger boot then the freelander, so they will loose room.

If yu go for an auto hippoo, tgen get a bigger gearbox cooler, coz they are knownfor frying.

Hi!

I have an Auto 2001 TD4. A few problems due to some previous owner and dodgy mechanics' abuse. However it drives great and has never let me down

I also have a Golden Retriever and it fits well in the boot. It can lie down, have its water bowl there, etc. Can't imagine two Labs fitting comfortably there. But with a cage and the rear seats folded it might just work.

I agree with Mick0 and Chaser - go for a facelift TD4. Preferably with leather seats

You can get some good bargains on commercial Freelanders. They come without rear seats as they are a three door van version which might suit your needs.

They vary from high mileage abused commercial examples, through to ones that gave belonged to single tradesmen who have cared for them. Worth a look.

Cheers

Blippie

She got one .. a vehicle that is, but not a Freelander.

She bought bro's X-Trail fairly cheaply and he's bought a brand new one .. well, got a cracking deal on a 6 month old one whose owner has to move abroad quickly. less than 2000 miles on the clock.

Thanks for all the comments and help .... much appreciated ...

deffo burn the caRAvan....

and the rust monster will scoop up the disco...

2000 td4 auto and never had any issues and tows my 1400kg van lovely.
would avoid towing box with 2 horses tho, the max tow weight is 2000kg VOSA know this and will get you should they see you. but other than that i like the freebie