The book time on the v6 0-60 is only 0.4 seconds faster than the 1.8.......
I would love a v6 in many ways but for the foreseeable I am very happy with my 1.8, I sure as hell wouldn't swap it for a diesel......
But to be fair if I was buying it for my stepdaughter. I would be getting her an L series........
In my experience you can't rely on others to check levels as often as needed, also I listen to my cars noises and smells... And I act on them straight away.. Other people don't seem to notice things....
This^^^^
However the book 0 to 60 timings are very misleading. If you put a correctly running 1.8 and V6 on the drag strip. The V6 will beat the 1.8 as it has 50% more power, it has 10% more weight to lug about though.
This extra weight shows its self at take off but once the V6 is moving, it's much faster than the 1.8. In overtaking, say 50 to 70, the V6 really shows what it's all about.
I'm not anti the K4, don't get me wrong but the V6 is a better performer.
I feel that in the Freelander, the 1.8 is just a bit to small.
However in a lighter car like my VVC MGF, the 1.8 is a peach. And yes I have had to change the HG in that, at 48K miles!! The 1.8 can just pop HGs for no good reason. Some don't, but sadly, lots do.
On the plus side, the 1.8 HG is very easy to change, whereas the V6 is a nightmare!