swap Disco v8 for diesel F1?

[Dannyroger]

I've conquered my 98 D1 LPG v8 220Km - runs nicely, comfortable, economical on gas, fixed all the usual disco issues.
But I'm finding it uncomfortably large when city driving, and frustratingly short range before needing a gas refill. And if I'm gonna travel anywhere distant, then the gas thing will be a burden.
Now I've found a 2000 Freelander TD4 also 220Km at about the price the Disco is worth. So the question is - would you or wouldn't you?

Know nothing about Freelanders or diesel - just like the idea and am Land Rover broken in.

Thanks
Tim

[101RRS]

Having had both at the same time - the Freelander is larger than you think - a smidgen wider than the D1 but not as long or high. Build quality in the FL1 is far superior than the D1. The standard loaded diesel FL1 will pull a bit better than a similar loaded V8 D1.

The TD4 Auto - particularly the latest version would be the pick of the FL1s.

Garry

[camel_landy]

If it's a TD4 Auto, I'd say go for it.

M

[101RRS]

Now I've found a 2000 Freelander TD4 also 220Km at about the price the Disco is worth. So the question is - would you or wouldn't you?

Are you sure it is both a 2000 and a TD4. They certainly exist but I believe that the TD4 was not released in Australia until late in the year and was in fact the 2001 MY.

There are far more 2000 L series diesels out there than there are 2000 TD4 diesels. Not that there is anything wrong with the L series - it is a great engine with just a little less power than the TD4 but a bit simpler with no Common Rail but was in manual only.

The easiest way to tell the difference between the two is that the L series has no engine badge on the rear door where the TD4 does have a TD4 Badge.

Cheers

Garry

[Dannyroger]

Thanks for all your info, guys.
I blew it with this one - too slow - but now I think I may be on a mission. F1's have a reputation among non LR owners that they're lemons - my sense now is that, like a disco, find a good one and it'll have it's quirks but can be a good strong reliable beasty.

[101RRS]

The lemons are the petrols - 1.8 in particular and a little less so the V6.

Diesels are different - very reliable. My L series was about the most reliable vehicle I have owned - certainly more reliable than the D1 V8 that I had at the same time.

Garry

[Dannyroger]

Seeing as I'm here, i may as well ask -
Diesel fuel economy and range?
How capable off road?
Do they leak when it rains?!
Do they come with a sunroof?

[101RRS]

Diesel fuel economy and range?
How capable off road?
Do they leak when it rains?!
Do they come with a sunroof?

Fuel economy is about 9.5l/100 around town and I regularly got 6l/100km (45mpg) on a freeway cruise with A/c on.

If careful, ground clearance is OK but not great - I had bigger tyres to give a bit more clearance. The main issue is no low range and a relatively high first gear. If you can keep revs up they do well but where they come unstuck is slow uphill work where you may have to stop, climb over rocks etc and then continue - hills need to be tackled with a little speed and momentum but that is often not possible. The suspension is relatively supple so rides quite well.

The rear door does leak and water fills the rear glovebox (under the floor). Is a design issue and I just drilled holes in the bottom of the glovebox so the water just ran in and out. Not really an issue.

I don't know about sunroofs - I haven't seen any in the earlier models but they may exist - I believe the front roof section on the 3 doors could be removed separately to the rear removable section.

Cheers

Garry

[camel_landy]

Like Garry says, the old 'L' series diesel is bomb proof but the petrols are lemons!!

The rear door seal was re-designed to stop the leaking and I've found a few things fail with age (power steering, electric window cables) but simple enough as a DIY.

TD4 Auto is the one to hold out for... ;)

M

[Dannyroger]

Thanks chaps. All good info.
Now all I gotta do is find as good a deal as the one I just blew.
T