Thread: need advice on buying a freelander

All I hear is the chirping of crickets!

Rarely discussed on here to be honest. Not to say they are all bad mind you!

Welcome to the forum.

They're not all bad, just most of them. IMO the only way to win with a Freelander 1 is to buy something else. The 2 is a whole different story. Someone is bound to come forward with a good news story though.

I was at an independent LR repairer some time back when a 1 turned up on a tilt tray. The mechanic commented it was in its natural habitat up there on the truck and told the driver to 'put it out the back with the rest of them'.

I am not sure where you got this idea that the FL1 stopped being brought in in 2001 - FL1 stopped coming just before the FL2 first came out - maybe a year before so about early 2005.

FL1 is simple - buy a diesel and if you are able the later TD4 . Never, never, never buy a petrol. Contrary to what people say (most have never had one) the FL1 diesel is a very reliable comfortable car - they are now getting to be around 10-15yo so getting on.

Like buying any older car - do your checks. Early FL1s did have some drivetrain issues but given their age these would have come and gone long ago. Likewise the much later TD4s did not have these issues.

Garry

Welcome to the Forum. As already mentioned stay away from petrol models and if it is the 4 cylinder 1.8 litre, run away as fast as you can. Diesels are another matter and if the car looks reasonable (remember, they are getting old) do your normal vehicle checks, but expect to spend money on repairs and maintenance, as you would on any older vehicle.

If only we had LEMON laws in Australia, LRA has a lot to answer for by offering the 1.8 Freelander to unsuspecting buyers.
Regulary see Freelander 1.8 petrols offered on Ebay, and "I don't have time to fix it," seems they want to off load the blown heads and "disconnected rear drive for economy", yeah right, the rear is stuffed, that's why they made it front wheel drive.

sorry but true

Originally Posted by garrycol

I am not sure where you got this idea that the FL1 stopped being brought in in 2001 - FL1 stopped coming just before the FL2 first came out - maybe a year before so about early 2005.

I think the reference might be to 3 door soft tops. Moot point anyway, OP has one post and not come back since.

Still about

Been doing so much research on cars. Still haven't bought one.

From hacthes, to Jimny, VW, Holden Frontera, Wranglers, ... I kinda know the vague thing I want, but I do like the freelander.

Maybe I will look into the Diesel 2.0 option.

Thanks!

What about manual vs auto on the diesel?