G

Guitarjon

New Member
Ok, head gaskets are a PITA when they go and yes the rover engine is prone to it but is it such a big deal?

I've been on the look out for a td4. Going to look at one tomorrow. Today I found a freelander in a garage unexpected. Bodywork wise it was spot on, all windows worked etc. brakes were failure but the garage was going to put it through an MOT and get it serviced for me if I was going to get it. It's the first freelander I've seen that has been close to perfect. I test drove it and to be honest it got me excited.

So I was convinced I wanted the td4 But this has thrown a spanner in the works. Is the rover k series engine a bomb waiting to explode? Should I hold out for a good td4?
 
Yes and no. If you get a good one that's been looked after then yer ok if ypu also look after it well. If not then yer average repair costs will be higher than the average repair costs of none petrol Freelanders. That dun't mean yer can't get a bad diesel. Yer takes yer pick and gambles. Siesels are more popular due to less problems and cheaper running costs. which is reflected in higher sales prices.

http://www.landyzone.co.uk/lz/f9/what-lock-freelanders-163164.html#post1620217
 
i was told over many years that thay are nothing but trouble
but the mrs had always wanted an mgf same engine as the freelander
so i bought her one 18mths ago
it has been as good as gold in fact we have 2 and the freelander
as said above look after them and they will look after you
in fact i have had head gaskets go on other makes of car with low milage go to most forums and you will find its a common fault on all makes
the 1.8i is also very easy to work on i had a valve burn out on mine 3hr job and it was back on the road again
check your oil and water min once a week you should do this on any car but more so on the rover 1.8i
if you start to over heat dont carry on driving pull over
Ron
 
Thanks guys, I have to say I'm in a right old quandary about my next purchase. I just haven't found the perfect all rounder.

Some have had good bodywork but bad engines/ transmission problems. One yesterday was a 1.8 BT with great bodywork and engine but had a brake issue. Some are just the colour I don't like which sounds silly I know... The list of possibilities goes on.

Just another question, what is performance like when comparing these models. On paper the 1.8 petrol seems to have better bhp but obviously td4 has better torque which is what makes it feel fast. The petrol does 0-60 inn11.8 seconds where as the td4 does it in 13.2. I guess this makes the petrol faster but could the Ron box or similar rectify this?
 
Last edited:
no idea on the diesel
i am very light on the foot being a tight git to save fuel but when needed it has some get up and go i found if i use the gears as i use them on the mgf and use the revs it will go but if you stick in 5th gear at 40 put your foot down its slow to pick up
but then my 1.4 scenic is the same being such a small engine with a big car you have to use the gears
i do 120 miles to work and am getting 40mpg at 70mph
Ron
 
Guitarjon said:
Thanks guys, I have to say I'm in a right old quandary about my next purchase. I just haven't found the perfect all rounder.

Some have had good bodywork but bad engines/ transmission problems. One yesterday was a 1.8 BT with great bodywork and engine but had a brake issue. Some are just the colour I don't like which sounds silly I know... The list of possibilities goes on.

Just another question, what is performance like when comparing these models. On paper the 1.8 petrol seems to have better bhp but obviously td4 has better torque which is what makes it feel fast. The petrol does 0-60 inn11.8 seconds where as the td4 does it in 13.2. I guess this makes the petrol faster but could the Ron box or similar rectify this?
Click to expand...

In reality there is no way a standard 1.8 covers a 0-60 dash in under 12 seconds. From my own testing on my last 1.8 it would do 0-60 consistently in the mid to high 12's as standard.
However it's not as bad as it sounds if you are after more go as the K series is very well catered for if you are looking for go faster goodies. I got my 1.8 down to high 10's.
The TD4 is no road burner ether. Standard it's slower than a standard 1.8 but being a TD it's easily tuned to be pretty good but is still no match for a property sorted 1.8 if it pure acceleration and top speed you are after. If you are wanting something to use as a load lugger you want a diesel ;)
I decided to stop wringing the last ounces of power out of my 1.8 and just got a 2.5 V6, ok it's crap on fuel but it's both faster and more refined than any other freelander and often cheaper to buy!
 
If yer looking for a fast car with good acceleration then looking for a Freelander or any 4x4 oft roader int really the best choice due to aerodynamics. Unless you buy the later models with the SD setup. But gonna cost more to buy and more to run if you intend to rag it everywhere. Buy a jag.
 
Right had a good drive in a 2.0 TD4 today and powerwise it was more than enough. It isn't the sort of car you drive fast any way lol.

I've also made my mind up I much prefered the td4 to drive than the 1.8. So that is a defo!

It's hard finding one when your so picky! Saw a lovely one today but bits of rust and lacquer peel put me off. Engine pulled lovely, good tyres etc. :( Will I find one?
 
my wife has had her Freelander 1800 for about 10 years now probably just a bit longer and yes she did have the HG go but got a LR dealer NOT the main one but a small family company to do it and they charge a lot less that was about 5 years ago and touch wood it is still going strong , the only thing of late it is a bit splutter'y on start up but give it a rev and its ok I keep meaning to see to it but the old back is playing up at the moment and that was the reason for me not doing the HG
 
yes that what gets me I once replaced the thermostat on one, and I had to kneel on the engine, what a stupid idea to put it that low I would not like to be a LR mechanic .
 
teddywood1 said:
yes that what gets me I once replaced the thermostat on one, and I had to kneel on the engine, what a stupid idea to put it that low I would not like to be a LR mechanic .
Click to expand...

It's not the engine that is low, it's the engine bay that is high all around it! Lol
 
I'm used to working on mx5s and I can assure you they are at the opposite end of height and they are back breaking too. Especially changing spark plugs etc as they are right in the middle towards the rearif the bay and constantly leaning over.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Cyrus 200
Battery dead
Replies
14
Views
843
hd3
hd3
M
Crankcase breather assembly question
Replies
6
Views
331
MGT
M
C
Freelander 2 judder
Replies
7
Views
670
Nodge68
Nodge68
ggrupea
Freelander TD4 vacuum hose servo EGR and turbo
Replies
9
Views
588
ggrupea
ggrupea
T
Alternator
Replies
4
Views
519
Tizzie
T