Hi all.....
Apologies for the late post, but it was of interest particularly when talking about MPG.
As well as overall use, especially after the comments about coming from a Series to a Freelander!
A good Freelander is much better than many give it credit for, Ok they dont have Low Ratio Box, (but ultra low first gear which is not commonly known) allegedly Low Ground clearance (mines not that bad, with low profile exhaust and tall tyres) measured the ground clearance and its about the same as a Discovery, from the lowest point on the front and back axles (including sump guard)
Agreed they are not Discoveries, and not suggesting for one second that are a direct match, but with good axle articulation, independent 4 wheel suspension, HDC, short front & rear hangover, they are very capable indeed
And you can get off-road Mods, but they tend to be more expensive, i.e. Sump/Diff Guards, Lift Kits, Uprated Suspension, Wheels/Tyres etc
but with low running costs (i.e. MPG) AND No Welding Each Year as they DO NOT RUST AT ALL, if you factor these costs in over an extended period these costs can be better value?
I have done the following to my MY02 TD4 3 Door:
Allisport EGR Bypass, DPH Full Silicon Hose set, K&N Performance Air Filter, Inlet Manifold Clean, BMW Crankcase filter, TDI-Tuning.co.uk add-on box.
The transformation in overall performance is remarkable, much improved low down torque, better pick up at all revs with much reduced turbo lag, a much freeer revving engine (to well over 4,000 rpm with ease) smoother tick-over AND improvement in MPG too!
Probably what The engine was originally supposed to be like!!
Until I had done the Mods, I averaged about 30-32mpg, since then 38.3mpg! (tank to tank over 2,500+ miles) all roads, including West Country, Scottish Highlands, A Roads, motorways, Greenlaning and daily commuting and Towing a 300kg Trailer!
Plus with the performance increase Im driving a lot quicker, so may be even better with a light right foot.
One Tank full coming back from Scotland I got 42.6mpg!
I can go from Hampshire to North of Edinburgh easily on One Tank Full with just under a ¼ of a tank left!
For me the TD4 engine is excellent, chain driven so no Cambelt worries, more tunable, gutsy, and probably more reliable?
But I am lucky as my lump is exceptional, absolutely no Oil use, never had to top up the oil/water or other fluids between services!
I have been shouting about how good the FREELANDER is on other sites and in Publications, I have even considered setting up my own website dedicated to FREELANDERS
.
Credit where its due
