Yeh, they are just the early 'yellow indicator' models - cept mine as been 'upgraded' to the clear lenses. I got them off a wrecker car that I also took other higher spec bits off that weren't on mine like the big console, roof rails, cup holders (removed quickly as it was a backwards step!). Some of the goodies that were on/options for the later models may take more effort to fit - such as heated seats and windscreen.
ABS was an option on the early models - but I'm sure almost all of them were fitted with it.
I've not heard of the older cars having a poorer build quality leading to rust - but they are older, so more likely for the worm to have set in. Freelander in general suffers rust nowhere near as bad as, for example Discovery. They're pretty good. Check the sills and, if you can, the bottom front of the rear wheel arch behind the plastic liner.