Its not my old Freelander is it - must still exist between Canberra and the coast somewhere - is a gold XEDI.
As with most vehicles like the FL1 the front and rear diff ratios are very slightly different - helps handling and how quickly the centre viscous coupling (VCU) locks up. But in the early FL1s the difference was too much leading to the VCU failing and locking up causing transmission windup leading to IRD (transfer case) failure. Expensive to fix but cheaper now. These cars are almost 20 years old so the IRD may have been replaced or the VCUs replaced regularly. Mine failed soon after I got it and I replaced my IRD with one from a later TD4 which has better ratios. So do a search under my user name and you will see plenty on this issue on this forum.
The engine is nearly bullet proof and while not the all that powerful has great economy - I used to get 46mpg on a long run.
The rear door window can be problematic as it has to lower a little to open the rear door (tailgate). It does this automatically when you go to open the door but this can play up so check. Also the rear door leaks big time when parked downhill in rain - it is a design feature and the water runs into the little cubby under the boot floor - I drilled holes in mine to let the water out - so check this area for rust.
I owned mine for 9 years - buying it with 165,000km on it and sold it with just under 300,000km. Other than the early issue I had with the failing VCU and IRD (fixed with TD4 parts), I really did not have and issues with it. They are solid, well build and ride well.
Never ever ever get a petrol one though as they spoilt the FL1 good name.
Garry
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