2001 Freelander TD4 auto

[PaulP38a]

My wife wants a soft-roader but doesn't like the look of any of the current model FLs, RAV's, CR-V's etc.

Today we had a drive of a 2001 Freelander TD4 automatic as she's in love. It's red in colour and has 84,000Km on the clock. For an auto diesel it has good pickup, and I did like the triptronic gearbox. Seems to have reasonable creature comforts - cruise, A/C, ABS, CD stacker, cargo blind and roof rails. No sunroof or extra body protection though (e.g. front/side bars).

Price was $20k, but I'll get it for $18k if we proceed. I'm ok with that figure given the low Km's, original manuals and warranty.

I've had a Freelander before, a 2000 XEi convertible, but it was manual trans and petrol engine so quite different in may ways.

Doing a bit of research around here and on the web, the TD4 seems to have a good reputation. It won't be used for off-road work (I have a somewhat modifed P38A Rangie for that), mainly as a shopping trolley, "Mum's taxi" and occassional road trip to Sydney or Rhylstone. I'll probably borrow it at times when the Rangie is off to visit it's favourite LR workshop ;)

I'd appreciate the views of the FL forum whether this appears to be a reasonable deal, and if there are any things I should be looking for on the TD4.

Cheers, Paul.

[101RRS]

All things being equal - ie no underlying issue - you should have no major issues. There is nothing special about the price though - not a bargain but not being ripped off either.

If you like it - I would go for it.

Garry

[PaulP38a]

There are certainly some bottom-dollar FL1's available... just saw a 2002 ES V6 get passed-in on eBay for $9500, with only 54,000Km and 10 months rego :o

If the TD4 doesn't work out for whatever reason, I'll see if that V6 gets re-listed. The higher fuel consumption is not really that big a deal to me... my wife doesn't do that many Km's... and I drive a V8 Rangie so think anything less than 20L/100Km around town is pretty good ;)

[101RRS]

For comparison only,i know a lady with a 1999 TD4,second owner,160,000klms,wants $9000 for it.:)

If it is a 1999, it is not a TD4 - it will an L series diesel and $9000 would be about the right money for that model.

Garry

[101RRS]

The FL1 comes in three facelifted models - generally (but not quite) engines and gearboxes align with these models

1997-2000 has the 1.8 petrol and L series diesel and manual gearboxes
2000 - late 2003 - facelifted (different grill most obvious) and had V6 and TD4 diesel with manual and auto gearboxes. (earlier versions might still have had some 1.8s)
2004 - 2005 - TD4 and auto only - facelifted and have front headlights that have a resemblance to the last D2 discos.

The first two versions came in 2 door versions - not sure about the last version.

Garry

[101RRS]

The TD4 did not come out until later 2000 and into 2001. It is the BMW twin OHC common rail 2 litre diesel. The L series was the first Freelander engine was in the XEDi and Di from 97 to 00. It is a perkins derived 2 litre diesel that lives in various forms in different british cars. It is direct injection but not common rail. The XEDI and the Di have no special badges on the car but the TD4 has a TD4 badge on the rear tailgate.

If the car is a TD4 it will have the updated grill and TD4 badges - the odds are it may also be an auto - it will also be a late 2000 or later model. $9000 for a good TD4 would be a good price.

Garry

[101RRS]

Guess you guys know these things:TakeABow:Rang her,she said no badge on rear door so not a TD4,my apologies to all.:twobeers:Will now go back to where i know a little bit about what i'm talking about.:angel:

Nothing to apologise about:D. The L series is a TD 4 cylinder as the TD4 and the term TD4 is often used as a generic term.

Cheers

Garry

[Jojo]

The FL of this vintage is usually a rather reliable means of transport (in comparison to other LR products anyway). The engine, as already stated of BMW-origin, is quite bullett-proof, although the fact that the Lord of Darkness and his staff had a go with it gives reason for the usual caution. Faulty engine control sensors aren't unheard of, and, although reasonably easy to locate and replace, can cause some nuisance. Similar caution applies to the fuel lift pump.
In general, a cheerful and easy-to-drive Land Rover vehicle that is much more capable than most people think. We are quite happy with ours (since we have sorted out the bugs).

Cheers

[PaulP38a]

Thanks to all for your useful information. Looks like we will be collecting the "little girl" tomorrow :cool: assumiing it gets a clean bill of health from the local LR specialist.

Cheers, Paul.

[PaulP38a]

The deal is done. We picked up the TD4 late this afternoon after it had an inspection by Canberra Motor Works and then a "blue slip" inspection so we can transfer rego from ACT to NSW.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/
a few more pics here (http://www.cordwell.net/paulp38a/2001-freelander-td4/)


Director of Wellbeing Infrastructure Fornication Expenses is happy with her purchase and I do like seeing another Landy in the garage.

Interesting to note that several of the interior parts appear to be swappable with my P38A Rangie e.g. front/rear/boot lights.

The only items of note from the pre-purchase inspection were:


front mounting on rear diff to be replaced
suggest swap heater hose clamps with worm-type
front disc rotors getting low
flush fluids - p/steer, coolant and brake
transmission service due

Any suggestions on the degree of difficulty and priority for a keen amatuer such as I to perfom these tasks?

Cheers, Paul.

[Jojo]

Congrats to the purchase, mate! She looks a beauty!
Working on the FL is quite easy, the brakes are nothing compared to the other LR models you may be used to. It takes much less of time and effort to change the discs and pads (after you have worked out how...).
The engine compartment is quite cramped, though, and items such as the air filter less easy to access (some bl**dy fasteners on the rear of the casing will teach you new swear words each time you have to relese them). Likewise, if you want to change the oil and your vehicle is equipped with the plastic tray underneath you will have to remove it first (which is a major job), so you may well invest in a suction pump and suck the oil through the dip stick channel.
The oil filter is situated awkwardly in a tray behind the right rear wheel (as is the fuel lift pump) and very difficult to access, although as yours is a 2001 MY it might have these still within the engine compartment.

Getting yourself a Haynes manual will help considerably. Good luck with the FL!
Cheers

[PaulP38a]

Thanks JoJo - looking under the bonnet of the FL it is all completely new to me. I've never had a diesel before. I'm sure that plastic shroud over the engine has some purpose but all it does for me is hide the interesting stuff.

Have ordered a newer copy of RAVE from this site (http://www.davesitshop.com/davesitshop/) to get a better understanding of how the FL TD4 hangs together.

I look forward to expanding my vocabulary/vulgarity under the bonnet of the FL :D
Cheers, Paul.

[101RRS]

If you hear any knocking from under the car near the rear it will be that diff mount. The design is crap and all the weight ends up on the front mount and chews it out. Relatively easy to replace - just a bit fiddly - need small fingers. The other two rear mounts rarely fail so don't worry about them.

garry

[Junosi]

Replaced my front diff mount last week - Melb Landrover price was $57 or ebay via UK was $40 inc postage.