What's good?

[V8Ian]

My wife has taken a likeing to Freelanders, her taste must be improving. What problems do they have? Apart from not touching the four cylinder petrol with a barge pole, I know nothing about them. We've seen (not in the flesh) some nice 2000-2003 V6 semi-auto petrol ones sub $20k. What box is this, how does it work? Any known problems with this model? It looks as though it might be a pleasant little brother for the Disco Matching colour would look good in our garage

[beforethevision]

Well, if you dont really want to touch a 4cyl, then the v6 isn't far behind. They are part of the same design family. Admittedly it has less problems, usually the only issue being poor quality of the inlet manifold requiring servo motor replacements. Otherwise, get a diesel of either variety and it will love you. The v6 is definately the fastest engine however, and still a lot better than the 4cyl (unless you like engine rebuilds, like i some how end up).

Cheers!

EDIT: in terms of gearboxes, its very tough, but with poor maintenance the solenoids can wear. Its a cheap part (sub $100) but service centres (especially dealers) will try and sell you a new gearbox in stead, becuase of the labour of removing the box and replacing the solenoid. If it shifts smoothly, and service is regular, then thats all you can hope for.

I have also told you the worst that can happen, for many they will never see it.

[SuperMono]

My V6 has been trouble free (touch wood) aside from a corroded fuel pump from having been fed a diet of water laced fuel at some time.

It does like it's fuel, a lot, preferably 98 octane in short lived tankfulls.
Uses a little more than my BA Fairmont did around town and a lot more on the highway.

My feeling is that if you buy a good one keep feeding everything that uses oil fresh stuff on a regular basis and don't stretch the service intervals, this is my rule for all vehicles, not unique to Freebies.

Choosing again I would probably buy an oiler.
For the moment I am keeping the little fella having now ditched the idea of upgrading for a while.
I have started down the lift kit route (ordered) and will replace the M&S rubber to get a little more bite on the ground.

Not sure what others feel about tyre choice but I think the Freebie responds well (on road) to low profile tyres on 17inch rims. Only takes 20 minutes with the standard tools to swap 5 wheels over.

[V8Ian]

Choosing again I would probably buy an oiler.

I'm not a fan of diesel, dearer initial cost and dearer fuel with higher maintanence costs for less umph. How does the semi auto work? Thanks for your input.

[big harold]

I bought the bride a 2001 TD4 Freelander 12 months ago for $9500.
It has 230000km on the clock. The body has a few small dints but we live on a farm so looks are not that important. I gave it a full service when we got it.
Found the pollen filter had not been changed since noah was a boy very disgusting. It goes like stink (she used to drive a 2004 GT Falcon) flat out everywhere. 800km to a tank and uses not a drop of oil.Came with a new set of geolanders fitted they seem like a good compromise for road and trail.
I have found it a very comfortable car even know I am 6"1'. It even has a switch to lower the headlight beam when you have the back loaded, I have never seen this on a vehicle before. I would like to fit a lift kit and performance chip. I would recomend this model.

[Grasshoppr]

I'm searching for a free lander and asking the same things.
What did you deside on doing?
Regards
Bruce

[V8Ian]

not rushing into anything, took 12 months to find the disco 1st time I spent longer than 10 minutes to buy a car! good move