WLJayne
Well-Known Member
I think it did comes first yep, it was plug ugly.
RichStone
New Member
Although I drive a TD4 now, I do have three other vehicles all fitted with K Series engines on my driveway - my wife's little Rover 25 runabout and my two MGFs. All have had the head gaskets replaced with the MLS version as an upgrade and not because of failure and none of them have ever given any trouble. Worth noting that the MLS gasket was developed by Land Rover and was used by Lotus too, along with the uprated oil rail.
I actually run a local MG club and so know a lot of K Series engined cars, nearly all of which have been totally reliable after the HG issue has been addressed.
Oh, and another thing shared my Mk1 Freelanders and MGFs is the designer with the frizzy perm, Gerry McGovern, designed both! So he might not be the best when it comes to hairstyling but his car designing gets my vote! I met him at a Car Show once and he's a really nice and very interesting guy to talk to.
I actually run a local MG club and so know a lot of K Series engined cars, nearly all of which have been totally reliable after the HG issue has been addressed.
Oh, and another thing shared my Mk1 Freelanders and MGFs is the designer with the frizzy perm, Gerry McGovern, designed both! So he might not be the best when it comes to hairstyling but his car designing gets my vote! I met him at a Car Show once and he's a really nice and very interesting guy to talk to.
hsp
Member
I did not realise the freelander got WHAT CAR , car of the year 1998 awardand you could have the optional HDC for a grand extra
Not only the car, the k-series engine got also an award: "The K-Series engine was launched in 1989. It won the Queen's award for Technological Achievement soon after its introduction" (Freelander - 1.8 K-Series Engine - Land Rover)
Later they used plastic dowels and put the thermostat in the wrong place........hence HGF problems
Freelaner
Landy Driver
In my mind the Freelander was the first compact 4x4 and started it all off. I has re-written history and taken out any facts I think are insignificant.
a bit like the american war film version
i like it
DD3
New Member
Very good. Seems odd to think that it was once brand new and winning awards.
DD3
New Member
Indeed. But at launch it was a big deal for LR, easy to forget that. I've stated looking at BMW chat sites and they have there problems of course but you only hear the problem cases and the real enthusiasts - same as here!! Point being, for all the good these forums do, they can also leave you totally paranoid - or is this just me - who said that, are you looking at me?
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tacr2man
Well-Known Member
Indeed. But at launch it was a big deal for LR, easy to forget that. I've stated looking at BMW chat sites and they have there problems of course but you only hear the problem cases and the real enthusiasts - same as here!! Point being, for all the good these forums do, they can also leave you totally paranoid - or is this just me - who said that, are you looking at me?
Same with prettywell any vehicle , eg supposed super 4WD toyota, I had to tow in enough of those in australia to scotch that belief . But Landrover owners tend to too easily acknowledge problems , whereas Toyota owners work hard to support the myth JMHO
DD3
New Member
Interesting - I think you start out dismissing criticisms and defending your choice of vehicle to the hilt but after time and problems and shared anxiety of forum it gets harder. Does not help that Freelander is the baby LR and was always promoted as a soft roader. Lets face it, comparison with a Defender (as an off roader) are pretty meaningless. I do still like mine.
WLJayne
Well-Known Member
No argument from me on that one, superb engine by all accounts - wish I could put one in my 1.8 Hippo
.All that matters is whether the car puts a smile on your face when you drive it. If it does that you'll forgive anything. But you're right, there comes a point where the love starts to wain with all the problems.
tacr2man
Well-Known Member
A lot of probs with defenders are caused by poor maintenance , by the owners ! as they are considered "meccano" vehicles , so people are not so frightened to have ago at DIY .
As you mention comparing freelander with defender off road is pointless IMHO as they fulfill a different market perception , most defenders hardly get their wheels dirty , slightly more than RR probably , the freelander is a much better "road" vehicle than the diesel defender. Mind you if it came to it I would sell all the others before my110 CSW
As you mention comparing freelander with defender off road is pointless IMHO as they fulfill a different market perception , most defenders hardly get their wheels dirty , slightly more than RR probably , the freelander is a much better "road" vehicle than the diesel defender. Mind you if it came to it I would sell all the others before my110 CSW
DD3
New Member
No argument from me on that one, superb engine by all accounts - wish I could put one in my 1.8 Hippo
All that matters is whether the car puts a smile on your face when you drive it. If it does that you'll forgive anything. But you're right, there comes a point where the love starts to wain with all the problems.
Still not sold on complicated Doozals myself, so will stick with normally aspirated petrol for next purchase (still hanker for a V8 Disco!) - cant find a bad word re BMW's straight six engine or the cars it goes in, 328,330,530 etc.
Smile on face factor is a good measure but has been replaced by please hold together for the next couple of months face - whatever that is
