2002 Freelander 5 Door - Lemon or not.

[dirtsettlers]

Hi,

I just purchased a 2002 Freelander SE 5 door from Southern Land Rover. Never owned a Land Rover of any kind before. I have fallen in love with this vehicle. I have recently read a lot of on-line info about the problems these vehicles have, I hope it's not true because the one I have is such a beautiful little thing. It drives so well out on the gravel and tracks. It has pockets everywhere to store things. I sit nice and high. Parks easily in the city. Cruises beautifully on the tar. It's such a practicle 4 x 4.


Regards


George

[Scouse]

Hi George,
The important question here is did you buy a Td4 or the V6 ?

If Td4, then that is perfect.
If V6, it's still a good car but the coolant needs to be spot on. Whatever happens, don't let it overheat.

[D3Jon]

If it's the 1.8 4 cyl petrol, otherwise known as the 'K' series engine, then I'm afraid to say that they are prone to head gasket failure.

The K series engine comes in a variety of capacities and is widely used in many cars including the Freelander, Rover 200 series, The MGF and Caterham sports cars amongst others.

There is a new composite gasket available with special bonded fire rings that apparently alleviates the problem. There was an article about this in LRO magazine (UK mag) a while ago.

Jon

[dirtsettlers]

Hi George,
The important question here is did you buy a Td4 or the V6 ?

If Td4, then that is perfect.
If V6, it's still a good car but the coolant needs to be spot on. Whatever happens, don't let it overheat.


g'day Scott,

Thanks for the info.

****e, I purchased the V6. It does seem to use coolant, what is that all about. I think it may have a small radiator leak on the top left hand corner inside the bonnet. Need to take it back to Southern to have it looked at (under warranty). I smell the coolant when I activate the air mixture (inside/outside air flow) button. I also smell the coolant when I park in the carport.


Regards

[dirtsettlers]

If it's the 1.8 4 cyl petrol, otherwise known as the 'K' series engine, then I'm afraid to say that they are prone to head gasket failure.

The K series engine comes in a variety of capacities and is widely used in many cars including the Freelander, Rover 200 series, The MGF and Caterham sports cars amongst others.

There is a new composite gasket available with special bonded fire rings that apparently alleviates the problem. There was an article about this in LRO magazine (UK mag) a while ago.

Jon


Thanks for the info Jon,


I have the 2.5 V6. It really should have been at least a 3.5 (if there is such a motor). Though, I don't find the 2.5 sluggish, it cruisers very nicely at 110ks per hour, and can over take without any effort.


Regards

[Scouse]

The coolant smell sounds like it's the heater core. It's not an unknown problem but I wouldn't say it's a common problem. Get it sorted ASAP though. If the engine gets too hot, you can do irreversible damage to it.

There are a mulitude of coolant hoses & pipes too. Have it pressure tested & determine the exact leak point. Hopefully you will find one. Start worrying if you don't find where the coolant is going as it could mean an internal leak in the engine somewhere.

[dirtsettlers]

The coolant smell sounds like it's the heater core. It's not an unknown problem but I wouldn't say it's a common problem. Get it sorted ASAP though. If the engine gets too hot, you can do irreversible damage to it.

There are a mulitude of coolant hoses & pipes too. Have it pressure tested & determine the exact leak point. Hopefully you will find one. Start worrying if you don't find where the coolant is going as it could mean an internal leak in the engine somewhere.


Thanks for the info. I'll mention that to Southern Land Rover (Cannington WA), and get things sorted. I have heard about the heater core problem.
Booked it in for a pressure test, hopefully it's not an internal engine problem.


Regards

[Seahorse]

While you are having your cooling system pressure tested, also get them to test for hydrocarbons in the cooling system. This will give you an indication as to any potential internal engine problems. If it were my car I would be having these tests done at a radiator shop, independent of the workshop at the dealers where you bought tha vehicle from. Land Rover dealers know the potential problems and the expense involved in rectifying them...They may want to go for a "quick fix"...

Ask them to also check for traces of "Bars Leak", "Silver Bullet" etc in the cooling system.

Two of my work colleagues have purchased V6 Freelanders in the last few months. I have advised both to take them to a very respected Land Rover mechanic in the area for a once over. Both chose to ignore this advice. One has just collected his back from the shop after a $10,000 engine overhaul and the others is starting to lose water at a rate of knots.....

I purchased a 1.8L Freelander over 2 years ago. I researched the vehicle and its potential problems prior to purchase and was prepared to risk it. Carried out all the advised modifications including new head gasket, steel head dowels, new belts (including timing belt) relocated the the thermostat etc etc. Did all the work myself. Have now had two years of worry free motoring and the Freelander runs like a dream.

Don't be a victim. Heed this advice, get your car back in the shop and start asking questions....

[SuperMono]

I have a 2002 V6 and aside from problems induced by bad fuel and dodgy aftermarket bits I haven't struck any real problems (that have bitten me that is).

Coolant is a concern, you should pay close attention to all of the coolant plumbing.
The standard (plastic) expansion bottle appears to have a leak-free life measured in weeks. Even fitting a brand new unit they craze/crack and start to vent slightly after a very short time. You can often smell coolant on hot days.
The plastic hoses that find there way across the engine bay are suspect (had one failure through rubbing on a fixture on mine).
Twice I have had what appears to be a rapid loss off perhaps 1L of coolant (empty expansion bottle), both after extended idling and low speed work in 4WD conditions on hot days. Have never located where the water went, can only guess it has evaporated out via the cracks in the expansion bottle.

Otherwise my Freebie has been a top lightweight 4be.

[dirtsettlers]

While you are having your cooling system pressure tested, also get them to test for hydrocarbons in the cooling system. This will give you an indication as to any potential internal engine problems. If it were my car I would be having these tests done at a radiator shop, independent of the workshop at the dealers where you bought tha vehicle from. Land Rover dealers know the potential problems and the expense involved in rectifying them...They may want to go for a "quick fix"...

Ask them to also check for traces of "Bars Leak", "Silver Bullet" etc in the cooling system.

Two of my work colleagues have purchased V6 Freelanders in the last few months. I have advised both to take them to a very respected Land Rover mechanic in the area for a once over. Both chose to ignore this advice. One has just collected his back from the shop after a $10,000 engine overhaul and the others is starting to lose water at a rate of knots.....

I purchased a 1.8L Freelander over 2 years ago. I researched the vehicle and its potential problems prior to purchase and was prepared to risk it. Carried out all the advised modifications including new head gasket, steel head dowels, new belts (including timing belt) relocated the the thermostat etc etc. Did all the work myself. Have now had two years of worry free motoring and the Freelander runs like a dream.

Don't be a victim. Heed this advice, get your car back in the shop and start asking questions....


I will certainly be heeding your advise, and I appreciate your response. I actually love the Freelander but need it to run right. I don't feel excited about going bush with it just now. After my visit to Southern (WA) I will take it to an independent land rover mechanic to give it the once over before warranty runs out (3 months from purchase date for used vehicle, I think).


Regards

[dirtsettlers]

I have a 2002 V6 and aside from problems induced by bad fuel and dodgy aftermarket bits I haven't struck any real problems (that have bitten me that is).

Coolant is a concern, you should pay close attention to all of the coolant plumbing.
The standard (plastic) expansion bottle appears to have a leak-free life measured in weeks. Even fitting a brand new unit they craze/crack and start to vent slightly after a very short time. You can often smell coolant on hot days.
The plastic hoses that find there way across the engine bay are suspect (had one failure through rubbing on a fixture on mine).
Twice I have had what appears to be a rapid loss off perhaps 1L of coolant (empty expansion bottle), both after extended idling and low speed work in 4WD conditions on hot days. Have never located where the water went, can only guess it has evaporated out via the cracks in the expansion bottle.

Otherwise my Freebie has been a top lightweight 4be.


I have never owned a Land Rover of any kind before, until I bought the Freelander, and I love it. Yes, it is a top lightweight 4be. For me it's just the right size in every way. I drive it daily to work and I have this sense of freedom that I can just take to the bush when ever I feel like it...actually, I feel like that when I'm heading to work...take a detour and go bush.
I will get the 'Freedomlander' checked out.


Regards

[Turtle61]

G'day George,

I have 1998 Diesel Flandie and recently I had cooling system problems which started with the heater core leaking (fitted a by-pass as it's too much work to get it out) and then the radiator had to be replaced due to cracks.
Other than normal wear and tear it's been going great.
Get yours checked out before anything goes pear-shaped. I get mine serviced and inspected by a reputable mob and it did pay off catching things before they get bad.

We decided on the Flandie coz:
1. SWMBO didn't want ANOTHER Land Rover (got a 1961 in storage - long story) but
2. SWMBO realised our 'side trips' killed our other car (Barina) as we tended to do detours through, well, less travelled roads and therefore we needed something more ... robust
3. Reckons Discovery is "too big"
4. SWMBO knew I would not be caught behind the wheel of any other brand 4WD

Good luck sorting things out.


--Irek

[dirtsettlers]

G'day George,

I have 1998 Diesel Flandie and recently I had cooling system problems which started with the heater core leaking (fitted a by-pass as it's too much work to get it out) and then the radiator had to be replaced due to cracks.
Other than normal wear and tear it's been going great.
Get yours checked out before anything goes pear-shaped. I get mine serviced and inspected by a reputable mob and it did pay off catching things before they get bad.

We decided on the Flandie coz:
1. SWMBO didn't want ANOTHER Land Rover (got a 1961 in storage - long story) but
2. SWMBO realised our 'side trips' killed our other car (Barina) as we tended to do detours through, well, less travelled roads and therefore we needed something more ... robust
3. Reckons Discovery is "too big"
4. SWMBO knew I would not be caught behind the wheel of any other brand 4WD

Good luck sorting things out.


--Irek

Yes Irek, certainly will have it looked at. The same problems keep coming up all over the net in relation to heater core, radiator cracks and the rest.
For the age of my Freedomlander (2002) with current ODO at 112,000ks I need to have it looked at. I'm not a serious off-roader, I'm more the gravel roads and tracks type of adventurer. There is nothing I like more than driving hours on the gravel and maybe see one other vehicle on the same road. It's a wounderful feeling of freedom, and the Freelander does it beautifuly...but I don't want to get stuck out there. Need to get a CB and NextG phone set up.

Regards

[Turtle61]

CB is on my list as well.
Given the available space I'll be going for the GME TX3440 (http://www.gme.net.au/products/radio-communications/uhf-477mhz-cb-radios/TX3440) as I can put the main unit where CD stacker should go under the front seat, mic can be placed anywhere and I'll use an external speaker somewhere on the dash... but tyres are first on the list.
As for travel, the previous owner, a friend of mine, has been to the Corner Country in it and few other trips and I took the Flandie to Fraser Island - handled sand very well.

[dirtsettlers]

CB is on my list as well.
Given the available space I'll be going for the GME TX3440 (http://www.gme.net.au/products/radio-communications/uhf-477mhz-cb-radios/TX3440) as I can put the main unit where CD stacker should go under the front seat, mic can be placed anywhere and I'll use an external speaker somewhere on the dash... but tyres are first on the list.
As for travel, the previous owner, a friend of mine, has been to the Corner Country in it and few other trips and I took the Flandie to Fraser Island - handled sand very well.

Yes, tyres for me first also. Got a quote from Bridgestone Select Store (Kewdale, WA)... "The price and availability on the Desert Dueler 215/70R15 D683 is $234 ea fitted and balanced, we have them in stock here at Kewdale, and a front wheel alignment is $49". I'm assuming they are a good tyre. I like the idea about the CB under the front seat where the CD stacker is now...I heard the GME TX3440 is a good unit. I'll do some research.


Regards

[Turtle61]

Mate,

I have the following 215/70R16 tyres in mind, prices from JAX:

Cooper ATR - $208 ea
BFGoodrich AT - $254 ea
Bridgestone D694 - $183 ea (Oz made, not imports)

Currently steering towards the D694. Read some good reviews and those that were bad were usually on heavier 4WDs. I currently have old-style Coopers AT and quite happy with them, and for my needs BFGs are a bit an overkill (they are the only ones LT not passenger construction).

[dirtsettlers]

Mate,

I have the following 215/70R16 tyres in mind, prices from JAX:

Cooper ATR - $208 ea
BFGoodrich AT - $254 ea
Bridgestone D694 - $183 ea (Oz made, not imports)

Currently steering towards the D694. Read some good reviews and those that were bad were usually on heavier 4WDs. I currently have old-style Coopers AT and quite happy with them, and for my needs BFGs are a bit an overkill (they are the only ones LT not passenger construction).

Thanks for the tyres info. I have always heard that Coopers tyres are a good product (some swear by them), and I do like the Bridgestone product. I'll do some research before deciding which way to go. I guess it's how I will be using the freebie...mainly gravel roads and tracks.


Regards

[101RRS]

Mate,

I have the following 215/70R16 tyres in mind, prices from JAX:

Cooper ATR - $208 ea
BFGoodrich AT - $254 ea
Bridgestone D694 - $183 ea (Oz made, not imports)

Currently steering towards the D694. Read some good reviews and those that were bad were usually on heavier 4WDs. I currently have old-style Coopers AT and quite happy with them, and for my needs BFGs are a bit an overkill (they are the only ones LT not passenger construction).


Why are you not going for 225/70R16s - I have BFG 225/70s ATs and they are not LT construction - mine were $210 fitted and balanced. They give a bit more ground clearance and do not touch any structural bits of the car. They wear well but are a little noisy at low speed - but then my previous 195/15 Bridgestone H/Ts were noisy as well.

Garry

[Turtle61]

Legally (in NSW and other states, not sure about WA) you're allowed 15mm extra tyre diameter from the manufacturer's specifications of the largest tyre option available.

The Flandies came with:
195/80R15 - 693mm diameter or
215/65R16 - 686mm diameter

add 15mm to 693 and you get 708mm

215/70R16 are 708mm
225/70R16 are 722mm making them 29mm over the specification and therefore not quite legal.
225/65R16 would be a better option IF you can get that size.

Yes, it would be nice to get a bit more ground clearance but larger tyres increase fuel consumption and reduce effective power and so with the diesel I'll stick to 215/70R16.

I suggest you check the legality of increased tyre size before you splash out on new rubbers.

BTW, got some more quotes today and Bridgestone-owned tyre centre will match the lowest quote I got. Still not sure about Coopers ATRs or D694s...

[dirtsettlers]

Just a note to say that I had taken the freebie back to the place of purchase to check the coolant problem, under warranty work. They have advised me that they found the problem to be the 'heater core'. They are ordering the part (ex east I guess) and fitting the new unit. This is the reason I joined AULRO, to receive some down to earth honest information regarding some concerns I have in relation to my Freelander. I will heed the other advise I received and take the freebie to an independent Land Rover service centre/mechanic and get them to give it the once over before warranty runs out.

Thank you all for your help.


Regards


George