Not sure whether to keep my V6 Freelander or trade it ...

[DionM]

Recently the Freelander had a new gearbox fitted. For the last 12 months or so it has been doing funny things sometimes including massive loss of power. Finally it got diagnosed as a faulty automatic gearbox. LR replaced it recently under warranty (fault reported in warranty but not diagnosed until out of warranty).

So at 40,500 kms old I have an 02 V6 Freelander with the following replaced in the last 12-18 months:

- Gearbox
- Fuel pump
- Variable intake manifold
- Coolant bottle (it had the early style ones that crazed and cracked)

At various points in its life it has had a new ECU and other minor things changed (window regulators etc). Early on it had significant cold start issues which seem to have gone away.

Now hopefully I have taken care of the big issues that crop up with the V6 Autos. It does hardly any kms (a product of having two cars and my work not requiring me to drive much) but by the same token I am not sure whether to keep it.

The only other question mark I believe with the Freeos is the IRD. So far I have been getting great tyre wear (very even, no funny patterns) so have no reason to suspect that. Similarly the engine seems to be okay - excepting the funny behaviour early on its in life.

So I think it should be reliable ...

We have been thinking about getting a Disco 3 (a touch too expensive though), but I want to hold out for the next Freelander to see what it has to offer. I hope it will last that long without costing me a fortune, however ...

Anything else I should keep an eye on with the Freelander?

As a side note: the new autobox is fantastic. You just don't realise how bad something faulty is until you get a new one fitted.

[George130]

I would say you just answered your own question. If the frelander does what you want then Keep it, should be cheaper than the Disco's and Defenders to run (Only guessing).
If you can afford it and realy want it though get then one you want :twisted:

[Phoenix]

The new freelander is looking very nice, and a little bigger than the old one, more like the size of the old cherokee. There is a rew pics about if you have a look (spyshots that is).

[101RRS]

Originally posted by DionM
The only other question mark I believe with the Freeos is the IRD. So far I have been getting great tyre wear (very even, no funny patterns) so have no reason to suspect that.

Your model doesn't have the IRD problem - it is only the pre mid 2000 models - likewise the tyre issue is not a systemic issue for your model - again it is the pre 2000 models and only when the IRD has caused the VC to fail - the weird wear pattern is the first sign of transmission wind up caused by the VC locking up. Unless there is an unusual failure like your gearbox) you shouldn't have these problems.

I had a real nice V8 disco with an old subaru as a run around. I bought my freelander as a replacement to the subaru to basically go too and from work but I then found I wasn't using the disco so sold it. I took the freeo bush last week and I was easily able to highlight its issues off road - on reflection I should have spend another $8k and bought a Disco TD5. I have recently seen a couple of 00/01 models with under 100,000km for just on $20K.

Why not sell both the Freeo and the Jeep and buy a nice Disco TD5. I must admit that I did pass on a 98 diesel Cherrokee to buy my Freelander - the Jeep was even cheaper.

Cheers

Garry

[DionM]

Originally posted by garrycol

Why not sell both the Freeo and the Jeep and buy a nice Disco TD5. I must admit that I did pass on a 98 diesel Cherrokee to buy my Freelander - the Jeep was even cheaper.


Mmmm, nah not planning on doing that. The Jeep and Freelander suit us very very well.

The Jeep is our real offroad machine and my wife's car to drive to work. I almost bought a Disco ... but I cannot fit in a Disco so that's a moot point. The Jeep is also super simple to work on, which is great, and parts are everywhere for it. It's being kitted out with F+R bars, rock sliders, lift kit etc.

The Freelander is our tourer and my car I drive to work, and it works well for that too. It can happily tackle dirt roads and National Parks with ease, and is great on the highway - very relaxed, very smooth ride. So if I did replace it, it would be something along those lines (okay, a Disco 3 is overkill for light 4WDing, but the next Freeo probably suits us).

We like the two-4WD approach. Not interested in having two capable vehicles - one capable vehicle is enough - happy to have a compromise vehicle for the other.