New tyres for freelander 2001

[ligshi]

Hi all! First time poster, long time reader haha. I've come to seek some advice on tyre options. I had a freelander 2001 on Michellen synchrones sized 195/80/15, they are pretty worn so I'm looking to replace them. Now this is where the problem starts. I was looking for Michellen latitude cross and Yokohama g12'a priced at 220 and 175 respectively and I was all set to get the yokohama's until they told me there was no availability and no eta, ten ofcause I thought to myself that I'll get the michellen's and guess what, no stock either, now ive tried multiple tyre shops but it really seems like a rare size to get, Apparently it's a very un-used tyre size?? So now I want to know, what tyre size can I legally change up to?

Any help would be loved from other freelander owners!

Oh and on a side note my fl kv6 has done 142k, has any owners experienced any major problems with their cars yet? I'm absolutely horrified about the head gasket stuff.

[101RRS]

If not used offroad get any old tyre of the same same rolling diameter. You can go up to about 225 width with not issues - just reduce the aspect ratio accordingly. ie 225/70/15 or 205/75/15 etc

Garry

[SuperMono]

I agree with Garry, if you are not going off-road don't get too fussed.
If you are then the choice and availability isn't great, you may find some BFG A/Ts if you don't mind adding some road noise and a slightly 'looser' feel on road.

Sometimes it is just a case of ringing around until you find a retailer willing to do some digging for you on stock availability. If you find one, at least buy from the one that helped rather than just order from someone that is in a more convienient location - what goes around comes around.


As to the kms, I have moved on from my FL1 now but as long as you look after the V6 it should look after you.
If concerned have a LR specialist (familar with FL1s) check out the cooling system.
No different really from a lot of vehicles at a similar age.
I can't remember exactly what the kms were on mine when I sold it (I think about 110-120K) but the service list for signifcant items over the time I owned it was basically:
Water pump (weeping, had it done with the timing belts).
Expansion bottle (aged plastic started to weep).
One of the cooling system hoses developed a pin hole leak where it had been rubbed by a clamp.
The thermostat was updated before I bought the vehicle.
Timing belts (my choice).
Fuel pump (copped a tank of dodgy fuel in SA).
Ignition switch (dodgy contacts at about 100K).
A couple of rear diff mounts (this is common).
A couple of front CVs (50mm suspension lift so fair enough really).
Transmission, IRD and rear diff fluids (my choice, but recommended).
Rear hatch handle (cracked, a bit dodgy in design).
Rear door window lift cable assembly (temporary repair, never fell apart so never installed the $25 (or less I think) replacement that sat in the back for 2 years).

That might sound a bit but the only time I was ever let down by the FL1 was when the ignition switch contacts failed, the fuel pump was a pain but didn't strand me and the punctured hose just made a bit of steam.

Considering how hard I used the poor little thing on and off road I think the above is acceptable.
The horror stories you hear are mainly related to the earlier 1.8s and to individual vehicles that have not been adequately serviced.

If the vehicle hasn't however been looked after to date, all bets are off.

[Ausfree]

I own a 2001, FL1 Freelander and I recently replaced the tyres with Cooper CS4 Touring tyres. I don't do a lot of offroading and the wheels are not standard LandRover. The tyre size is 225/55/R17 and to date they are going well and have a lifespan of 80,000k's (so they say) if I rotate the tyres every 10,000k's!!Oh, nearly forgot my Freebie is also a KV6 and as mentioned here do not worry about that headgasket stuff, it can happen, but it is rare in the V6. The 1.8litre 4cylinder petrol motor on the other hand is an absolute dog!!

[woko]

The biggest problem with the KV6 is coolant loss. Fit a low coolant alarm. And also keep checking the VCU.
I have 225/70x15 Maxxis P1 on my freelander and very happy with them. I cant remember the price but weren't very expensive. I have been running the same type of tyre on a Mazda 6 and have been getting over 60000km on them.

[streetlander]

.......... My 2001 FL KV6 has over 187,000 and still going strong.

Bought it beginning of this year (ex Qld Govt - so all the major replacement work was already done - [Crank sensor plus other work was over $3000!!!])

Have replaced the tyres (NB: replace ALL 4 at the same time!!!! )

Replaced Coolant tank (was cracked but not leaking)

Replaced upper radiator hoses as plastic 'T' section broke (was rubbing on engine block) and you cant but JUST that part (its included in the $175 for the top hoses)

Head liner needs fixing cos its sagging (common thing)

Only mod I've done was making the reverse light into indicators by inserting a 15w bayonet bulb into the lens from the side (btw reverse lights still work and overpower the 15w bayonet bulb when hazards are on)

Other than that it been going fine you need to keep checking coolant bottle levels everyday or so as the level does dip slightly due to 'whatever'. HGF is scarey and I havent taken it for a very long trip (ie over 500kms) but failure seems to be limited to 1.8 model and underserviced Kv6's, also use the correct coolant fluid (should be pinkish/red in colour)

[ligshi]

ah!, thanks for all the help guys, i now semi know what size tyres and what my options are now, also what i should look out for.

needing to go get the 140k service done soon so will replace the tyres when i get that done.

i was quoted $600 from a land rover specialist in sydney for the 140k log book service. does that sound right to you guys?