New Freelander 2001 V6 SE owner

[JamesC]

Hey guys,

I have just popped my deposit down for a 2001 Freelander V6 SE... 105,000k's on clock for $9,000..

Pretty happy with the price, and it's a very clean vehicle. Engine bay looks like new!

I'll post some pics when I get it.. Just wanted to say hi!

If you have any advice on what to look out for in the early days of ownership, let me know! :)

Cheers

James

[JamesC]

So reading all the reviews and comments on this forum/internet...

There seems to be quite a few concerns!

Question 1) When people refer to "earlier model"... do they mean prior to 2001, so the 2001 models onwards are less lemon like?

Question 2) Out of the issues that are known, how many can be prevented by simple replacements/modifications, and what what are they?

Question 3) People say the V6's are thirsty... how many k's are you getting out of a tank? Because I imagine it should be about 10L/100k's?

Cheers guys!

[Scouse]

Hi James & welcome to AULRO.

Firstly, can you afford to lose the deposit because there won't be much in the way of nice things said about the petrol (4cyl or 6cyl) FL1 on here, sorry to say.

1. No. The later models usually refer to the 2003-2004 cars when they were just available in the Td4 diesel. The IRD issue should have been sorted by 2001 but that's not a given.

2. Not much really. It's mostly hit & miss from what I've seen. A low level coolant sensor might help with the engine problems but the auto can also be a problem area.

3. Fairly thirsty. I don't think you'll see 10s, even on a trip. Mid-high teens around town is more likely, low teens on a good run out of town.

Don't get me wrong, they're a nice car to drive when all is going well but can be hell when things go wrong, especially with the engine & auto.

[JamesC]

Ok...

Well I have a "cooling off" for two days.. so I get $400 out of my $500 deposit back... which may seem like a good idea.

The fuel consumption is rather frustrating to hear, considering all the "official" specs say that it has about 10.5L combined city and rural. Obviously there are no better stats than someone who has owned one.

Losing $100 sounds like a good bet at this stage.

Appreciate the honesty mate!

[Scouse]

I haven't owned one but, in my job, I've dealt with hundreds of them.

Look around for a diesel model if you're still keen on a Freelander. The early L series diesels were a basic engine & not much goes wrong. They only came out in manual transmission.

Later Td4 diesels are a bit more high tech & still very reliable + auto is available.

My pick would be a Td4 auto if your $ can stretch that far.

[101RRS]

Definitely consider the TD4 diesel. I have the earlier diesel (98) and it has 270,000km and still runs really well - the body and interior has held up really as has my upgraded drivetrain (from a TD4).

If you like the FL1 - get a TD4 - especially the later ones.

Garry

[SuperMono]

I had a V6 FL1 like the one you are looking at.
Search some posts and you will find the good, bad and ugly.

If looked after by previous owners (now there is your problem) and yourself it should be fine (remembering it is now more than 10years old and will likely have some minor issues).

However, like any 10+ Y/O car some of these issues could be frustrating.
This could include the window lifts, ignition switch and mystery water loss.

2001 will probably need (or already have) the thermostat housing attended to as well as the expansion bottle and perhaps some of the plastic water lines.
It has a more complex (than most) cam drive approach and replacement (which must be done at some point) will be more expensive than your average runabout.

Forget the 10.5L/100kms unless you happen to have a 100km slightly downhill private road.
For me I recall around 13-14L/100kms around the suburbs and 12 on the highway (unless you throw out all the loose stuff and drive oh so carefully).
I have a very light foot and generally get good fuel numbers whatever I drive.

The Diesels are the best FL1 choice, the V6 is 2nd and the 4cyl petrol last (although still many happy 1.8 owners around).

[Ausfree]

Yep, a thirsty beast. As a previous owner I was getting 14litres/100k's, for city driving. Way too much for a 2.5litre motor.;) Repairs are expensive as no mechanic wants to know you except a LandRover mechanic who charges like a wounded bull.:(
Sold mine as the costs were getting just too much!!! Do not buy, the diesel is the way to go!!!;)

[zedcars]

I can only agree with all the above posts.
The Freelander in the US was a disaster. Now it called an LR2!

Here are some pointers if you are set on keeping it and not worrying about fuel consumption.

The cam belts need to be carefully inspected at mid term use point 30,000 miles. I have seen them like lace curtains at 45,000!
A cam failure can be expensive, it destroys valves, if there is valve detachment it often cracks the wet cylinder liners.You need special tools to install the belts.

Parts are expensive--they are very proud of them .

The thermostat and tubing are all ABS plastic and like to split, pewking coolant into the valley . There was a modified expansion tank made available for boiling over problems.

The other area is the transmission and absolute care must be employed when checking the level as it is possible to open the wrong plug and let the clutch packs go.

VCU and CV joints are known to fail quite early and the rear diff mounting has been modified to eliminate thumping noises.

Not a happy car, heavy on the maintenance must be the maxim.
Dennis