Thread: Return to Freelander?

Now driving a Defender 110 but looking for a second car drive to work every day. I'm weighing up a return to another Freelander.

Have they improved and are they now cheaper to repair?

Should explain that we purchased our first Freelander in 98. It was a 1.8 Xei and although a great car it suffered with every known problem that was genetic in those early models.

I see in the SMH car page that models can now be picked up from $3000 upwards. I'm torn between steering well clear or jumping in again with both feet.

Have parts and service costs come down now they have been around for a while?

Looking through the posts on the forum I think I should stay well clear but would be interested in your views.

There's certainly a lot more knowledge out there about them now, and a lot more parts catered for by aftermarket suppliers.

There are still some things that will cost a fair amount to sort out if it all goes wrong (knackered head on a K Series for example) but things are better.
Later engines and gearboxes are generally reliable, and the later 1.8's are a lot better.

Buy a facelift car and you should be laughing, but don't discount a well looked after earlier model, although the V6's are probably best avoided if you don't want potential for big bills.

For strictly road use the L Series diesel with the back prop removed will give long lasting reliable service with no driveline issues, but even that's not an issue/requirement of you keep an eye on things and sort problems before yet have a chance to develop into something serious.