Thread: Freelander information on buying

Nothing specific, but where I take my Rangie for work, there is a Freelander 1 graveyard - while I was there, another one came in on the back of a truck - they pushed it to one side, and just said "another one for the collection", but I'm not sure what that meant. There were more busted Freelander 1's and P38's than any other car there...

Cheers - Gav.

I wouldnt touch one if it was free, dont go near them.

My neighbour, against my advice, bought a Freelander 1 a few years ago, to date it has cost him more in repairs than he paid for it, stay as far away from them as you can. Haven't heard much about the Freelander 2

Cheers Jhonno

I believe the diesels are all good, but the petrols, either 4 cyl or V6 are very problematic.

A guy I know successfully transplanted an MGF (variable valve version) of the infamous Rover K series engine to replace the dead one in his Elise. Apparently it solved a lot of problems he was having. Perhaps a similar transplant could be done in a Hippo, or a Kia or the numerous other cars these engines are in.

As a former owner of a 2002 V6 I suggest ignoring those who say they are all evil. Ask about the bad things of any vehicle and you will get a long list from someone.

1st preference: Get a diesel model.
2nd preference: Get a V6 with full service history.
Last preference: Find a 1.8 with full service history and an honest previous owner.

The 1.8 did have it's share of problems and these are generally what makes up the largest pile in the Freelander salvage mountains.
The V6 would be next from people who ignored regular service (at their peril) and take Landrover at their word when it comes to the transmission (sealed for life).

My V6 was tortured on and off-road and did have some issues, but these were largely of my creation (like the 50mm suspension lift hurting CVs).
It was generally reliable (aside from the ignition switch failing) but wouldn't be my choice for a first vehicle for a number of reasons.
Mainly fuel and service costs (can't be ignored).

If you can find a clean Diesel auto and understand the service costs will be higher than a Suzuki it would be a good thing if you are out of the city.

Can anyone let me know of any pitfalls with say 98-2004 freelanders? Thinking about one for my daughters first car. Looking at a 2002 V6 atm for $6k. Anything specific to look out for.

MAAATE buy her the original a Honda CRV. They were developed in tandem but Honda got to put in an engine and a transmission that actually worked. LR wanted to delay the launch for another year as they knew of the immature development of the Freelander but AFAIK Honda got sick of waiting and launched themselves earlier than LR.
I would be very confident that a CRV would cost almost nothing in repairs and a Freelander will send her or you broke.
Regards Philip A

I agree with Supermono and as an owner of a V6 I can say proper service is a must!! The V6 is a thirsty beast, so be prepared for that and if you are like me and run it only on Premium, that also adds to the cost. Don't take any notice of this "sealed for life" crap put out by LandRover, service of all fluids is a must. I recently changed the Diff oil which had been in my car since new (I am the second owner) and when it came out it was like tar. I also did the IRD unit (it was OK because services had been done on it before) also keep the engine maintenance up to date, I use a Nulon brand synthetic oil for the engine.
If it was me looking for a Freelander 1 again I would go diesel as a first choice and a year model after mid 2001 when they had problems with the IRD sorted!!
Thats my 2c worth and good luck in your search!!
ps. A 2002 model V6 at $6 seems to be a very good price. Is it high mileage???