Alltmor
New Member
Hi, I've not long bought a 2000 Freelander 1 1.8 petrol.
It has just over 80k miles on the clock and comes with a full main dealer service history (12 stamps). The last service being Aug 2013.
I contacted the dealer to enquire what has been done to the car over the years and whilst it has been serviced every year, it appears the timing belt, vcu and head gasket etc. have never been replaced. In fact, other than being serviced and having the brakes etc done, it would appear that the car has never had anything major done. Not sure if this is a good or a bad sign.
I'm not particularly mechanically minded but the car runs and drives well, apart from a slight rough idling when the car is started. It's not bad but it is noticeable. The car is not losing coolant and there is no oily residue in/on the surface of the water.
My questions are as follows:
Whilst I don't want to spend money I don't have to, should I do things like the head gasket when the car runs fine and has no issues?
Also, I live in Paisley (just outside Glasgow) and would be good to know some reasonably priced local mechanics who know their way round a freelander?
Finally, when I bought the car the rear tailgate handle had been replaced as the original was damaged? My key doesn't turn in the lock and I'm not sure if it should given that the handle came off another car. Would replacing the handle include replacing the actual lock meaning my key is useless? I'm scared to force too much in case the key snaps but it could possibly be seized up inside.
Thanks in advance for any help anyone can offer.
Regards,
Gary.
It has just over 80k miles on the clock and comes with a full main dealer service history (12 stamps). The last service being Aug 2013.
I contacted the dealer to enquire what has been done to the car over the years and whilst it has been serviced every year, it appears the timing belt, vcu and head gasket etc. have never been replaced. In fact, other than being serviced and having the brakes etc done, it would appear that the car has never had anything major done. Not sure if this is a good or a bad sign.
I'm not particularly mechanically minded but the car runs and drives well, apart from a slight rough idling when the car is started. It's not bad but it is noticeable. The car is not losing coolant and there is no oily residue in/on the surface of the water.
My questions are as follows:
Whilst I don't want to spend money I don't have to, should I do things like the head gasket when the car runs fine and has no issues?
Also, I live in Paisley (just outside Glasgow) and would be good to know some reasonably priced local mechanics who know their way round a freelander?
Finally, when I bought the car the rear tailgate handle had been replaced as the original was damaged? My key doesn't turn in the lock and I'm not sure if it should given that the handle came off another car. Would replacing the handle include replacing the actual lock meaning my key is useless? I'm scared to force too much in case the key snaps but it could possibly be seized up inside.
Thanks in advance for any help anyone can offer.
Regards,
Gary.