need advice on buying a freelander

[matt_t]

hello there,

this is my first post on the forums.

i've been car hunting for a while, i'm coming up for 32yo and to be honest have survived in melbourne on PT & bicycles since my ford telstar carked it in 2009.

so i've been looking at a fair range of vehicles that suit my interests, sporty SWB off roaders, good for round town and good for out bush or camping.

models i'm considering are sierra/jimny, pajero 3 door, maybe even a jeep wrangler (but probably not), and the freelander 3 door.

actually the 3 door freelander and jimny soft top convertible from 2001 have a quite a similar look...

but since i'm in the freelander forums i'll keep my questions to that car... and as far as i can tell the verdict isn't good.

so i'm wondering, is there any way to win with this car? and also, from what I can tell it stopped being imported to AUS around 2001. I see it still got produced in 2004 - '07 in the UK and OS, but otherwise it looks like we're stuck with the 2001 in AU and the problems it apparently has.

Which is a shame because I really like the interior, the ability to take the top off (much like the Wrangler), and the roof rack option even as a convertible.

What are peoples thoughts on the vehicle?

[snowbound]

All I hear is the chirping of crickets!

Rarely discussed on here to be honest. Not to say they are all bad mind you!

[Homestar]

Welcome to the forum.:)

They're not all bad, just most of them. IMO the only way to win with a Freelander 1 is to buy something else. The 2 is a whole different story. Someone is bound to come forward with a good news story though.

I was at an independent LR repairer some time back when a 1 turned up on a tilt tray. The mechanic commented it was in its natural habitat up there on the truck and told the driver to 'put it out the back with the rest of them'.

[101RRS]

I am not sure where you got this idea that the FL1 stopped being brought in in 2001 - FL1 stopped coming just before the FL2 first came out - maybe a year before so about early 2005.

FL1 is simple - buy a diesel and if you are able the later TD4 . Never, never, never buy a petrol. Contrary to what people say (most have never had one) the FL1 diesel is a very reliable comfortable car - they are now getting to be around 10-15yo so getting on.

Like buying any older car - do your checks. Early FL1s did have some drivetrain issues but given their age these would have come and gone long ago. Likewise the much later TD4s did not have these issues.

Garry

[Ausfree]

Welcome to the Forum. As already mentioned stay away from petrol models and if it is the 4 cylinder 1.8 litre, run away as fast as you can. Diesels are another matter and if the car looks reasonable (remember, they are getting old) do your normal vehicle checks, but expect to spend money on repairs and maintenance, as you would on any older vehicle.:D

[Roverlord off road spares]

If only we had LEMON laws in Australia, LRA has a lot to answer for by offering the 1.8 Freelander to unsuspecting buyers.
Regulary see Freelander 1.8 petrols offered on Ebay, and "I don't have time to fix it," seems they want to off load the blown heads and "disconnected rear drive for economy", yeah right, the rear is stuffed, that's why they made it front wheel drive.

sorry but true

[BigJon]

I am not sure where you got this idea that the FL1 stopped being brought in in 2001 - FL1 stopped coming just before the FL2 first came out - maybe a year before so about early 2005.



I think the reference might be to 3 door soft tops. Moot point anyway, OP has one post and not come back since.

[matt_t]

Still about :)

Been doing so much research on cars. Still haven't bought one.

From hacthes, to Jimny, VW, Holden Frontera, Wranglers, ... I kinda know the vague thing I want, but I do like the freelander.

Maybe I will look into the Diesel 2.0 option.

Thanks!

[matt_t]

What about manual vs auto on the diesel?

[matt_t]

The reason I got it in my head about 2001 was the 3 door. No more recent models in that variant, no? And by the looks not a diesel?

[matt_t]

I see a few 2.5 6cl petrols getting around, no good?

[mikehzz]

Do not buy a petrol....unless you like aggravation of course. :D

[101RRS]

If you want a good Freelander the one to get is a 2004 on TD4 Auto 5 door - all the design issues had been sorted by then - though you could, like any vehicle get a dud if they have not been serviced properly.

Garry

[Ausfree]

I see a few 2.5 6cl petrols getting around, no good?
The KV6 is a better motor than the 1.8litre beast. I have owned the 6 but I found it is a thirsty engine, even though it performed flawlessly. My recommendation is to only consider the diesel model!!!:)