andymac1966 · Jun 5, 2012

Hi Folks,

I'm new to the forum and to Land Rover, having just bought a 2003 Freelander TD4. The car seems to be in great condition, however it only has a partial service history and with 145k on the clock it doesn't seem to have had the cam belt done.

I was looking for some recommendations for local garages to do this work (near Banchory or Aberdeen would be best). I've also read a few posts recommending that owners do servicing themselves - is this a better option than using the likes of 'servicing stop' ?

Thanks in advance,
Andy

cox325 · Jun 5, 2012

doesnt have a cam belt, it has a timing chain, id certainly do the servicing myself, some garages i have entrusted a service to have messed up, namely the fuel filter didnt get done. Wrong clutch fluid put in, even glow plugs one got changed. Done my own stuff for years and i wouldnt haave it any other way. Besides it helps you bond with her and get to know your way around her bits n pieces.

andymac1966 · Jun 5, 2012

cox325 said:
doesnt have a cam belt, it has a timing chain, id certainly do the servicing myself, some garages i have entrusted a service to have messed up, namely the fuel filter didnt get done. Wrong clutch fluid put in, even glow plugs one got changed. Done my own stuff for years and i wouldnt haave it any other way. Besides it helps you bond with her and get to know your way around her bits n pieces.

Thanks for the advice (also a bit embarrassed about the cam belt bit

).

Are these kits from BritParts any good ?

Andy

dave21478 · Jun 5, 2012

Greenbank 4x4 in Aberdeen, somewhere in the Tullos industrial estate, had a good reputation. I havent lived there for years though......

cox325 · Jun 5, 2012

andymac1966 said:
Thanks for the advice (also a bit embarrassed about the cam belt bit ).

Are these kits from BritParts any good ?

Andy

Hey, dont be embarrassed mate, thats what this place is about, finding out 'bout stuff!! have a good read through pages of previous posts and you'll see so much about these vehicles. It'll save you a bloody fortune!!

cox325 · Jun 5, 2012

as for BritParts, well some call em ****parts, but seriously you do get what you pay for. I personally have had loads of stuff from britpart, never had any issues others have though. You'l have to make your own mind up on that one. Get a Haynes bible and have a good read, upgrade ur crankcase filter to the BMW one and get the inlet manifold off, give it a bloody good clean bet its furred up a treat!!! Thats for starters!!

Singvogel · Jun 5, 2012

Hi Andy, and welcome to landyZone.

I'm based in Aberdeenshire, and I do almost everything myself - because I enjoy doing it, and I like knowing things have not been 'missed' or skimped.

Sound advice there from cox325 - Read up / search on here for pcv - that's what can be upgraded with the BMW part, and also search for info on EGR - which will need cleaning and deactivating for a start.

I would not buy Britpart.

Routing servicing is easy - as suggested get a Haynes manual and you'll be able to at least tackle oil and filter changes etc. yourself - no problem.

For other work that you may not feel confident to tackle yourself there are several reliable garages around that know how to properly deal with things like VCU bearing changes etc.

I always feel that I would be paying through the nose for work that I could do myself. especially at the main dealerships.

Singvogel.

Cagey · Jun 9, 2012

Hi Andy

North East 4 x 4, Hindwells Garage, Fetteresso near Stonehaven, Prop Iain (Titch) Wright, highly reccomended, ex Land Rover & another LR Independant, and my mate. All types of Land Rovers & most other 4 x 4's repaired & serviced....

andymac1966 · Jun 9, 2012

Thanks for all the feedback folks. I followed up on Dave's mention of Greenbank 4x4 as it's only just up the road from my work. Pretty good set up and lots of cars in of all ages.

I've booked the Freelander in next week to have the air con and the car generally checked out. Once that's done I'll take to doing the servicing myself I think.

Cagey, thanks for your suggestion - unfortunately I'd already booked into Greenbank. With NE4x4 do they give you a loan car or run you into Stoney while the works getting done ?

Cheers,
Andy

Cagey · Jun 9, 2012

Hi Andy

Don't know as they are only a small garage with Titch & an apprentice during the week but ask him, you'll find them on Google or pm me and I'll give you their number.

Regards

Ivor (Cagey)

P.S.I worked in Tullos, now Altens for all my working life & also know the Greenbank guys.

andymac1966 · Jul 1, 2012

Meant to feed back on my experience at Greenbank 4x4.

All in all it was very good. The car was ready on time and was given a complete going over & service (stamped the book too). They also vac checked the air con & refilled/pressurised it. All work great now. The only item of concern on the car was the condition of the rear brake pipes. Will replace these for the MOT (in 4 months).

The lads were really helpful and clearly enthused by Land Rovers

Andy

Rose TD4 · Jul 10, 2012

Pity I did not know that, in Jan we were over with our daughter she lives near Aberdeen, I went to an Indp. L.R. dealer in Banchory for a auto. gear box oil change, I have the receipt here 7ltrs. oil plus labour £179.92. Boy did get a shock. Malcolm.

Singvogel · Jul 10, 2012

Rose TD4 said:
Pity I did not know that, in Jan we were over with our daughter she lives near Aberdeen, I went to an Indp. L.R. dealer in Banchory for a auto. gear box oil change, I have the receipt here 7ltrs. oil plus labour £179.92. Boy did get a shock. Malcolm.

That is nothing short of a bloody disgrace.

You cannot replace more than about 4.5 litres at a change and the whole job should take under an hour.

5 Litres of the genuine N402 ATF cost me £68 from the main LR Agent in Aberdeen - so that's over £100 an hour you've been charged.

Shameful.

Singvogel.

Rose TD4 · Jul 12, 2012

Thats what I thought Singvogel. RIPPED OFF. Malcolm.

Cagey · Jul 14, 2012

Next time you are over & need any repairs, give me a p.m. I know a lot of L.R guys here (And garages) And I live in Banchory & know who you went to, not surprised !!

Rose TD4 · Jul 16, 2012

Thanks for that Cagey, I'll take you up on that. Malcolm.

Singvogel · Jul 16, 2012

Cagey said:
Next time you are over & need any repairs, give me a p.m. I know a lot of L.R guys here (And garages) And I live in Banchory & know who you went to, not surprised !!

Can I be included in that invite too please, Cagey? I'm only 40 mins from Banchory.

I have decent, honest ,local i independent garage but they are not so hot on L.R. special stuff.

Touch wood I don't need anything done at the moment.

Singvogel.

Rose TD4 · Jul 18, 2012

Thanks Singvogel, next were over I'll let you know. Malcolm.

farmers_wagon · Jul 19, 2012

Hi Andy, welcome to the wonderful world of the Green Badge! If you're looking for a good garage in Aberdeenshire try Kirkstyle Garage in Kemnay, they specialise in all things Land Rover and helped me out with a tricky fuel filter on my 110 years ago. I can also highly recommend Jim King Autotune at Lethenty just outside Inverurie, he is an independant garage for all marques but have been a real help to me in keeping my 88" in shape.

kev1968 · Aug 24, 2012

Hi. I'm new on here and a first time owner of an 05 freelander td4 xei. I live in drumoak and like to get mine looked over and serviced so banchory is very handy for me. If that offer of repairs extends to a newbie then id be grateful.

Kev.

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