Thread: Should my daughter buy a Freelander?

Td4s are pretty good really. The only problems that keep cropping up are drivetrain problems. First of all, check that the propshaft is still there. If the viscous coupling or IRD has failed it is pretty common to remove the shaft and run it in front wheel drive only. If it is the a good test is to drive it in reverse, on full lock. Dip the clutch (or knock it into neutral) and see how quickly it stops. If it feels like the handbrake is on slightly then you have viscous coupling problems. Also check the rear diff mounts for movement.
Make sure it's been serviced by someone that knows what they're doing too. Most people don't know about the crank case breather filter.

DO NOT buy a petrol one.

What's wrong with the petrol ones? I know the 1.8 engine had head gasket problems but, I believe there is a new gasket that resolves this issue. So what's wrong with the 2.5V6?

Ivan

The TD4 models are a great car. My brother has a 2001 TD4 with 230000lm on it and runs perfectly.
Viscous coupling problems were with the earlier models (pre 2001) due to incorrect ratios in the IRD. Not very common in after 2001 models. But the viscous coupling does wear out, so get it checked.

Water pumps are common on TD4, so check for leaks.

As posted earlier with the crank case filter. If this has not been regularly changed it can cause turbo failure. 1st symptom of blocked crank case filter is blue smoke on start up.

Autos had some problems in earlier V6 and TD4. make sure it is serviced regularly (it is serviced for life but don't believe that) and that is changes smoothly and no flaring between gears.

The both petrol engines aren't bad after all the modifications, but require more maintenance that the diesel engines. But if the is after 2003 onwards she will only buy a TD4, as LR Australia dropped the petrol engines in 2003

The V6s also suffer from head gasket failure. There is also a plastic cooling pipe at the bottom of the vee that breaks too, needed most of the top of engine removed to get to it. That's if it didn't overheat after loosing all it's coolant..

I do agree that after the head gasket modification, with the steel dowels and later thermostat, the 1.8s are better, but still not great. I've lost count of the number of Freelanders we have seen where people have had cheap head gasket jobs (without skimming the head) come to us with problems. When we replace 1.8 engines, we only buy Genuine Land Rover engines, and even they won't give any more than a 6 month warranty with it!

If you're buying one, then Td4 is the way to go.