Thinking of buying a freelander but...

Just thought i would introduce myself, Names Alan but call me spoony (everyone else does), im 36 and live in the north east of england (UK).
Looking to upgrade and get a 4x4 in the next 3 months, so hoping to find out as much as possible about the freelander.
I have been looking at other models, grand vitara (GV), terrano2(T2) and the x trail(XT). I have had a quick test of a GV and a T2, both seemed ok, no off road though. Not had the chance to test a FL yet, but i do really like them. Thing is when i start looking it, seems a lot of people have had some serious issues.
I dont really want a car that i have to mess around with everyday just to get it going or keep taking it back to the dealers all the time.
Are the head and cam belt issues sorted on certain models??
Would have to be the diesel engine, but what year?? some have rover engines and some have BMW (or is it the same engine)
I have a rover 200 2lt TD now and have 100,000 miles trouble free, can i expect this with a FL??
I spend a lot of my free time in woodland (bushcraft) or in wales or the lakes, so a hard core offroader is not needed, just something capable if needed.
But on another note i also do a lot of motorway miles, 15000-20000 a year would a FL cope with this ok??
Also what MPG do you get on long trips out of a diesel and are they permenant 4x4, if not how does that work.
Also what are the pros and cons, and how do you rate them next to the models above or others you have owned.
And would you buy another??
Look forward to hearing from you guys.
Sorry for all the Qs it just seems all my searches lead to unhappy owners and constant problems.


Spoony

I have a 2000 model 2.5 litre V6 petrol. It drinks fuel like it's going out of fashion. Arouond 19 mpg around town and 24 mpg on a long run. It eats motorway miles very easily and in my opinion is great for these runs. Wouldn't use a 1.8 litre petrol on long runs.
Both the petrol engines have serious issues as to the head gaskets. Mine had just blown and could cost around £2000 to put right. Only 37000 miles on the clock too.
If I had the choice now I would probably get the TD4 model as it's a much better engine (BMW I believe). Not as quick as the V6 but economical and more robust.
The Freelander is front wheel drive but will engage the rear wheels when needed. It's also good on AND off road. On road ability is surprisingly good but you have to remember you're driving a rather heavy vehicle, especially in the wet.
I also think they're one of the better looking 4x4's on the road

marksurry said:

I have a 2000 model 2.5 litre V6 petrol. It drinks fuel like it's going out of fashion. Arouond 19 mpg around town and 24 mpg on a long run. It eats motorway miles very easily and in my opinion is great for these runs. Wouldn't use a 1.8 litre petrol on long runs.
Both the petrol engines have serious issues as to the head gaskets. Mine had just blown and could cost around £2000 to put right. Only 37000 miles on the clock too.
If I had the choice now I would probably get the TD4 model as it's a much better engine (BMW I believe). Not as quick as the V6 but economical and more robust.
The Freelander is front wheel drive but will engage the rear wheels when needed. It's also good on AND off road. On road ability is surprisingly good but you have to remember you're driving a rather heavy vehicle, especially in the wet.
I also think they're one of the better looking 4x4's on the road

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Re the red part above:

This is incorrect, the Freelander is a permanent 4WD with about 96% to the front wheels and the remaining to the rear wheels, when wheelspin is detected the forces are distributed between front and rear axels as needed. It is not the system "on demand" as others have (Honda amongst others) where only after detecting frontwheel spin the 4wd becomes active.

Willo, I stand corrected. I thought I had read that the rear engages when needed.
Learn something new every day, cheers

Hi marksurry,

Glad I was able to let you know you own and drive a much more sophisticated and better means of transportation than you thought.

I own but don't always drive a sophisticated vehicle It's spent the last 3 weeks off the road with first a broken starter motor then BANG, head gasket failure. Can't wait to get it back

marksurry said:

I own but don't always drive a sophisticated vehicle It's spent the last 3 weeks off the road with first a broken starter motor then BANG, head gasket failure. Can't wait to get it back

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I do believe you, once you're used to it it's hard when you have to miss the Hippo. Now after +5 years (purchased jan 9th 2001) it's still a delight when I can back it up out of the garage to have a drive with it.

Good luck with the repairs, I hope these will be the last ones you will suffer of.