Land Rover Freelander - Talk to me

[Hertz]

We have just sold the VW T25 (sad to see it go but it was just too small for the 4 of us). Back to statics and cottages for UK breaks now which suits my back down the ground.

 

So Mrs Hertz wants a Freelander. 3 Doors, I prefer the facelift from 2004 but it's no biggie. Would be nice to keep the pennies around £1500 or below.

 

I have no experience at all apart from a pal who had one with rear diff issues. Is the 1.8 the Rover "Kettle" and the Diesel the BMW unit? She won't be doing too many miles so the petrol would be my preference. Any pointers from the autoshite massive what to look for?

[Asimo]

A Suzuki Vitara.

 

Or more helpfully see:-

 

http://autoshite.com/topic/21177-swmbo-still-wants-a-freelander-sensible-advice-please/

 

http://autoshite.com/topic/10715-freelander-love-talk-to-me/

 

http://autoshite.com/topic/23338-any-love-for-a-gaylander-diesel-around-here/

[Mr A Lawrence]

Ive had 3 3door ones, 2 td4's and a pez.

 

Things to look out for is the centre diff thing, to test, go on a gravel surface and put it on full lock and drive round, if it drags its inner wheel then it's on it's way out.

 

Also, check if it's got it's rear prop as removal is cheaper than repair although if you don't intend to go off road then it's no biggie!!

 

Check the boot floor lock box for water ingress, I ruined a cd changer in there, the seal between the hardtop and body is shit and leaks water into the boot, I had all 3 of mine replaced even on the 9month old one I bought.

 

Other things to check is the same with any car.

 

The bodywork is pretty robust so there shouldn't be any rust worries.

 

The 1.8 pez is just wrong in that kind of car and the only reason I got rid of mine is it was thirsty!!

 

The facelift model has a nicer interior if that's important but the phase 1 isn't all bad.

 

Their easy to work on ad are a nice drive.

 

Avoid the 2.5v6 ans they're a ticking, thirsty time bomb!!

[Hertz]

OK thanks guys, sorry forgot about doing a search for old threads.

 

I must admit I would prefer a RAV4 but once a lady has made up her mind...

[Lacquer Peel]

L-series & tuning box

[AnthonyG]

Avoid petrols, neither the 1800, which is too small and gutless for these, or the KV6, which is thirsty, is much good in the Freeloader.

 

To be honest most ones left are the diesel, although I suspect there are a few hairdresser special 1800 3 drs out there. Check the tailgate window goes up and down as if should, and for leaks from the hardtop.

 

I'd much rather a nice Mk2 RAV4 though, the three door models are comparatively rare but they are out there, I saw two last weekend.

[Urko]

As I think Lacquer Peel was alluding to - pre-2000 diesels were the L-Series (i.e. not BMW) which by reputation last forever (the engine not the rest of it).

 

Never had a Freelander, but my experiences with the contemporary KV6 2.5 in my MG have put me right off it so I guess your best bet will be the post 2000 BMW diesel ones.

[forddeliveryboy]

Buy an L-series-engined one. With decent M+S front tyres, you shouldn't need the 4x4 unless towing up slippery slopes. It always breaks, but shouldn't cost an arm and a leg to resurrect if necessary.