Considering a Freelander 1

[crackers]

I'm considering a Freelander 1 - can't afford a 2 (will be limited by what I can get for the MG and that's not likely to be more than $7,000)

From what I can gather, the petrol versions are to be avoided at all costs. That's fine because I want a diesel anyway.

Use will be mainly city running, weekend exploring on dirt roads and getting to fishing spots along the river, no real off road use. I'd like to help my daughter's scout troop by towing a trailer to and from camps and if you've ever seen the way scouts load up trailers The two tonne towing capacity is a big attraction. I'm not likely to go pulling caravans at this stage.

I was thinking the BMW diesel with a manual gearbox. Manual because I've heard stories about unreliable autos.

Any thoughts on this?

I keep coming across comments about reliability and drive trains crunching, etc. I really need a reliable vehicle. The alternative is the Subaru Forester with its much reduced towing capacity but known reliability.

[woko]

Both diesels are good engines. 1998 to 2000 Lseries Rover engine 2001 to 2006 m47 bmw engine. But the bmw engine is less maintenence due to no timing belts. It is a lot more refined with more power also.

There was issues with the auto when it was 1st released, mainly a wiring harness inside the box. They are no more troublesome than any other auto. I do recommend regular oil changes though. Must use correct oil. LR has the whole dive train service for life. They are an expensive box to repair due to being a difficult Bic to work on. V6 autos had trouble with coolers cracking and filing auto with coolant. Td4 use a oil to air cooler.
Clutches on the td4(bmw) are expensive due to having a duel mass flywheel. You can get solid flywheels for them now.

IRD and rear diff issues are due to the viscous coupling in the drive shaft seizing. Pre 2001 had a to greater ratio deference in the ird and it accelerated coupling wear and it seized. With the post 2001 a coupling will last approx 200000km and will require replacement. Subaru have a similar coupling and have similar issue.

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