pastypainter · Nov 30, 2011

Hi all,

Just spent three days trying to find a suitable vehicle for us. We currently have a small hatchback, and need to get something larger. Enough room for two medium dogs in the boot, a firm and comfortable passenger seat for the missus who suffers with back pain, and an auto gearbox.

We've sat in loads of makes and models of vehicle and there was an 05 Freelander we went out in that the missus was the most comfortable. This was an 2.0 Sport (diesel, Auto), and although very tidy and low mileage, there were a couple of problems;

The brakes were aweful, the fuel gauge was all over the place, and when we got back from the test drive it wouldn't restart!!

This was the first, and so far only Freelander experience and would like to know if these are the most common faults, or did we just get a baddun'? This was from an independent dealer btw.

Hopefully looking at another Freelander 2.0 06 Sport Auto tomorrow or the next day and would be very grateful for any buying advice

OldIrishWulf · Nov 30, 2011

The sport has lower ground clearance I think.
Better to get a good one with no apparent faults.Check out the common fault sticky on the main freelander page.Stay well clear of pristine petrol nightmares .

They cost more this time of year.

Mantamad · Nov 30, 2011

Get yourself a nice TD4 and carry out the checks to make sure the VCU has not siezed and you will have a capable and reliable Freelander

Singvogel · Nov 30, 2011

That was an untypical bad un.

The TD4 is one of the best / most popular / reliable diesel engines ever made.
One or two things need to be checked/serviced for sure, but it's sound.
If you're looking for certain reliability don't buy a petrol FL

Coincidence you're looking at another Sports model?
They are 1" lower than the regular models. My wife also suffers from back pain - we were loaned a Sport when our HSE was being serviced and she was not so happy with getting in and out of it.

She prefers the FL to our BMW 528i for long journeys of several days across Europe so Freelander seats obviously score plus points - look for a car with heated seats if you can.

The brakes are normally quite good - not quite up to rally standard, but you should not have found them wanting!

As for the duff fuel gauge that's an easy fix.

I see Old Irish Wulf & Mantamad have already given you some good advice - scan through the sticky threads on this forum.

The folks on here may take the **** a bit - but the practical advice is sound.

Good hunting.

Hoo-ah!

Oh - and Welcome.

pastypainter · Nov 30, 2011

OldIrishWulf said:
The sport has lower ground clearance I think.
Better to get a good one with no apparent faults.Check out the common fault sticky on the main freelander page.Stay well clear of pristine petrol nightmares .

They cost more this time of year.

Thanks Irish, and didn't realise the Sport was lower so thanks for that, and am looking at the stickies and other threads. Was already aware that the petrol engine had problems but unsure how bad they were

Mantamad said:
Get yourself a nice TD4 and carry out the checks to make sure the VCU has not siezed and you will have a capable and reliable Freelander

UUUmmm, you know wht i'm gonna ask.......... VCU checks - what and how? Sorry

Singvogel said:
That was an untypical bad un.

The TD4 is one of the best / most popular / reliable diesel engines ever made.
One or two things need to be checked/serviced for sure, but it's sound.
If you're looking for certain reliability don't buy a petrol FL

Coincidence you're looking at another Sports model?
They are 1" lower than the regular models. My wife also suffers from back pain - we were loaned a Sport when our HSE was being serviced and she was not so happy with getting in and out of it.

She prefers the FL to our BMW 528i for long journeys of several days across Europe so Freelander seats obviously score plus points - look for a car with heated seats if you can.

The brakes are normally quite good - not quite up to rally standard, but you should not have found them wanting!

As for the duff fuel gauge that's an easy fix.

I see Old Irish Wulf & Mantamad have already given you some good advice - scan through the sticky threads on this forum.

The folks on here may take the **** a bit - but the practical advice is sound.

Good hunting.

Hoo-ah!

Oh - and Welcome.

Thanks Sing for your reply, and for the welcome

It is a coincidence that the next one to look at is a Sport, and I didn't realise that there was a height difference between models. I don't think that would be an issue for us though, as we're not serious off-roaders and the missus is a short arse lol.

I assume body roll is slightly less in the Sport model compared to others?

2.0_hippo · Nov 30, 2011

Tell you tho the sport Handles a damm sight better than the standard freebie as the suspension is also slighty firmer

They also look nice with the 17 inch sport alloys

Singvogel · Nov 30, 2011

I assume body roll is slightly less in the Sport model compared to others?

Yes - less roll due to stiffer springs & different shocks I believe. We found it bumpy. We carry heavy loads and didn't want to sink any lower.

My wife is pretty tall and doesn't like low cars she need to fold herself in half to enter - Ha Ha.

Check all 4 tyres are the same dimensions and that if any are new or have more tread they should be on the back.

Check the auto box changes smoothly. An oil change usually works wonders.

With the engine idling on a hot engine - take out the dipstick a few centimetres - no oil should come out!

Here is a list of things you should search for on the forum:

VCU - viscous coupling unit
IRD - intermediate reduction gear.
Auto box oil change.

There are lots of little things that will improve the running and reliability of the thing - you can find them on here too later. Filters, EGR mods etc.

Good luck and happy reading.

pastypainter

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OldIrishWulf

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Mantamad

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Singvogel

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pastypainter

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2.0_hippo

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Singvogel

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