anubis757 · Mar 31, 2021

2004 HSE TD4 Manual 121k

Hello
In July I'm going to drive my FL from Santander to Lisbon. Around 530 miles.

Mine is a front wheel drive.

I would like to ear your comments about driving in the motorway, best speeds for best economy? Mine being a manual doesn't have cruise control. Is it the kind of car that keeps always loud pulling?

How is driving it for long distances?

And what to prepare and be careful with mechanically

If you guys could give your thoughts and experiences

Many Thanks

PRO · Mar 31, 2021

I've seen cars more comfortable on long roads. And definitely safer.
Without the vcu/4wd you have no esp or any sych safety features, abs only.
Fuel economy advisable 60 mph instead of 70 you will see a small difference.
Dunno about the rest, make sure the clutch is alright, and no screaming issues.

Wet Cubbyhole · Mar 31, 2021

You absolutely don’t need to worry about this journey. The car will enjoy it. It’s the easiest 530 miles it will ever do. Cars do nothing on straight, flat motorways. For example, brakes and clutch are hardly used. Engines can get warm on long stints but even that helps blow off the heavy carbon deposits and it might feel more ‘alive’ by the end of the journey.

Check oil level and tyre pressures, fill with fuel and let it do it’s thing. 60mph is widely accepted as an economical flat road travelling speed.

anubis757 · Apr 1, 2021

Many thanks,
SO far for preparation I already....
Change and clean the cooling system , intercooler all clean, new air and fuel filter new crankcase breeder filter (mine still has it and egr also), new 4 injectors (well used ones but reconditioned) a few days before I will do an oil change and filters
Front disk changed and pads, back brakes also replaced. new control arms. new drop links, new bushings on the torsion bar , new track rod ends. 4 new tyres. 225.
Next it will be MOT and I guess it will be ready

Below that's my boy....

kermit_rr · Apr 1, 2021

around £55 per tyre, fitted and balanced? that sounds very cheap!!

Wet Cubbyhole · Apr 1, 2021

You’ve done a lot of work on it then. Looks mint. Love that orange detailing. Would be interested to know the colour code?

anubis757 · Apr 1, 2021

LOL !!!!
Kermit 225 its the how wide the tires are because the with is important on mpg.

Thank you Wet. I bought a gloss orange (photo) out of Ebay. 2 cans
I clean it then 1000 sand paper just to take the shine. Then plastic primer. Then the orange (3 coats) then Semi Gloss varnish (4 coats)
Im glad you like it.

Snaggapuss · Apr 1, 2021

anubis757 said:
Many thanks,
"SO far for preparation I already....
Change and clean the cooling system , intercooler all clean, new air and fuel filter new crankcase breeder filter (mine still has it and egr also), new 4 injectors (well used ones but reconditioned) a few days before I will do an oil change and filters
Front disk changed and pads, back brakes also replaced. new control arms. new drop links, new bushings on the torsion bar , new track rod ends. 4 new tyres. 225."
wow all I do is have a ganders in the engine bay, check oil and tyres and lights and off I go, It will easily cover that range, I live in Sweden and it is a looong country, so in my time had to travel south which involves a 1100k journey and okay I've a f2 but it takes it all in its stride. Best speed to take, I believe it is 56 mph or around 85-90 kph but that is all relative to the driving conditions, but a steady cruise at 90 on a motorway should return a reasonable ltr per kilometre, take your time and take a break ever couple of hrs and you be there nice and safe. Enjoy your journey and stay safe.

GrumpyGel · Apr 1, 2021

Snaggapuss said:
wow all I do is have a ganders in the engine bay, check oil and tyres and lights and off I go, It will easily cover that range, I live in Sweden and it is a looong country, so in my time had to travel south which involves a 1100k journey and okay I've a f2 but it takes it all in its stride. Best speed to take, I believe it is 56 mph or around 85-90 kph but that is all relative to the driving conditions, but a steady cruise at 90 on a motorway should return a reasonable ltr per kilometre, take your time and take a break ever couple of hrs and you be there nice and safe. Enjoy your journey and stay safe.

Blinking heck - you should rename your account slowpuss!

If you did that in the UK, you would have juggernauts rear ending you.

Coming from UK/Europe I struggled to keep to the 100kmh limits here, it felt like town driving on the open road! After lots of speeding tickets, I got used to it after a few years and just poodle around at the 100. Not sure I'd get much better economy from the motor if I dropped it another 10/15 kmh - well I suppose I would because I might as well take my push bike.

Nodge68 · Apr 1, 2021

anubis757 said:
Kermit 225 its the how wide the tires are because the with is important on mpg.

Not just width, but profile makes a difference too.

I'd fit 60 or 65 instead of the standard 55, as it makes the vehicle much nicer to drive, and helps MPG a bit too.

anubis757 · Jul 28, 2021

HELLO TO ALL FROM PORTUGAL!!!
Well I am in Portugal with my FL. It was a lovely trip.
Never went above 65 and 3000 rpm. 2 Tanks to get here and 560 miles after here we are. I t was heavy and with a roof box so i guess it wans bad.
Now it will be the process of changing the license plate and all. ~
I already have an issue there not many face lift around and im going to change the head lights....
Its very hard to find. Im trying even on the UK to find them...
BUt i will get there.
But just for you guys to know it was a lovely trip. The freelander is great fun....it would be even more fun if there are a cruise control...but its great fun

Pluribus · Aug 7, 2021

anubis757 said:
How is driving it for long distances?

I took my 2001 K-series on a european road trip several years ago. 4,000 miles through 9 countries over 14 days. Never missed a beat. Also done several much longer trips in the UK. Perfect each time. As long as it's kept maintained, it'll last forever. I've owned mine since 2006. I've also had a Range Rover in that time, but I'll spend anything I need to to keep my Freebie on the road.

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