Thread: BOUGHT FREELANDER TODAY BUT HAVING SECOND THOUGHTS!!!

the two biggest issues with the freelander are headgasket and the I think its called an IRD some sort of transfer case for the fourwheel drive I dont know a lot about them but they have a tendancy to crap out.
Saying that probably not much more than any other gearbox.

Can I suggest that if you are at all unsure get an RAC inspection or at least pay a mobile mechanic to give it the once over.

freelander is a nice little car and cheap to run

......... bought mine in Feb, 2001MY ES KV6, same as you, didnt do my research til after I bought it!!

Its done 185,000+km's but no prob so far, apart from burst radiator T connection ($175 to get the parts)

Its an ex Qld Govt car, so most the troublesome work has been done on it

Does give you a lil bit of insecurity driving it, from all the feedback about inherent problems, HGF, VCU failure etc but I guess you pay for what you get!

I look at the plus side, it's comfortable to drive, has all the mod cons, and it's a Land Rover.

Trick is to treat it well and keep it serviced. It's not a Fender or a Disco so dont treat it like one! Start punishing it and it WILL break!

The 1.8 models are the worst with HFG etc, the problems arent so commonplace in the petrol or diesel V6's after 2001, most ailments were fixed by then, but the do happen!

Get your extended warranty, at least as a safeguard, and enjoy it!

All Land Rovers have their problems, at least you are aware of them now!

Hi
We have the 02 V6. (for the wife)
Has done just under 100k.
No transmission or IRD issues.
Only flappy butterflies within the inlet manifold. (Rattles or chatters from engine at idle and beyond)
(New one purchased from the states off a Rover engine)

Only other thing I would suggest is ya buy yourself a new expansion tank and cap.

Overall, excellent car. Very strong. (not as strong as my Disco though!!)

People who comment on Freelander issues should have some idea on what they are talking about. The IRD issue (it is actually the VCU that causes the failure) only apply to the L series and 1.8 engined vehicles. With the TD4 and V6 engined vehicles do not have the issue, neither will the L series and 1.8s that have had their IRDs replaced.

Garry

As an owner of a 2001 FL1 KV6 let me say this, aside from it being a thirsty beast ,we are very happy with the vehicle. It's used as daily driver, my wife drives it more than me and she loves it. We did have some initial (expensive) problems just after we first bought the vehicle to do with the Auto Tranny (do a search here and you will see my story) but all is well now. I would say use due diligence before you purchase the vehicle as you would on any second hand vehicle and good luck with your descision!!!
P.S. The extended warranties are worth bugger all, so don't let that sway your descision. The mechanics don't want to jump through all the hoops the warranty company places in front of them!!!

Nutha tip, if you go ahead with your Freelander purchase.......
or anyone else that has one for that matter........

When the window regulator/s break, (and some will!) don't don't dont' get the cheap ones off ebay from Turkey!!!!!!!

Just a friendly tip............

Originally Posted by discovery39

Nutha tip, if you go ahead with your Freelander purchase.......
or anyone else that has one for that matter........

When the window regulator/s break, (and some will!) don't don't dont' get the cheap ones off ebay from Turkey!!!!!!!

Just a friendly tip............

Interesting, I've seen them!!!..........not to be recommended by the look of it. Not having any problems on that front at the moment,all is well!!!

As Garry said the IRD failures were to do with earlier Freelanders. The modifications were factory fit from 2001.
The biggest problem with V6's are coolant leaks. Make sure you fit a low coolant alarm. They have plastic pipes and thermostat that are in the valley and are very prone to leaking.
Read Ausfrees auto troubles (do a search) A relatively cheap modification will stop this.
Think about doing the timing belts. The life of these is 120000km or 10 years.
All of drive line is service for life. Do not believe this. I would change all the drive line oils straight away.
If its at a LR dealership get them to make sure all the latest software upgrades have been done on the engine and auto.