A bit concerned...

[esg]

I have just put a deposit down on a 2000 SE 2.5lt V6 Freelander.

Having just done some googling... there appears to be huge problems with the K series engines.

However, most references seem to be referring to the 1.8lt engine.

Is this car likely to be a complete lemon? I will buy a 3yr warranty with the car also. But I'm a bit nervous about going through with the purchase after what I have read.

Are my concerns legit? Or is the 2.5lt K series ok?

Ta

[Psimpson7]

Hi,

You should be fine.

the 2.5 v6 isnt a K series engine. The v6 engines are pretty good.

Rgds
Peter

[esg]

Thanks for that.

I assumed it was K series because the VIN starts with 25K..

Ta

[101RRS]

There are a number of threads in the Freelander section - just scroll down and there is one with 2.5 V6 in the heading - as well this thread in the General Chat section is almost asking the same question as yours Please HELP! Should I buy a Freelander V6 2001-02????

Garry

[Psimpson7]

Apparently according to a post on another thread the v6 is a derivative of the K series.

Scouse on here posted this:

"Unfortunately, the V6 shares a lot of features with the 4 cylinder. They are both K series engines.

As a result, the V6 suffers from dropped liners too .

That's one of the reasons why the V6 was dropped from sale here."

You do hear much less problems with them however. I wonder then if this is because there are less of them......

[Scouse]

Can you afford to lose your deposit ?

The car is very nice when all is going well but the engine can cause big headaches if/when the liner problems develop.
As with any engine, keep an eye on the coolant level (every day if possible if it's a daily driver).

Also, make sure that the auto has nice smooth changes. Virtually every V6 will have the auto replaced sometime in it's life so hopefully yours has been done already.


Can you send me the VIN via PM? Hopefully I can put your mind at ease with some additional info.

[beforethevision]

I kind of disagree Scouse. The US variants ONLY came in v6 auto, and only a small portion of those required major work. The gearbox issue is usually a solenoid failure (but the dealers swap the box), and the engine only has problems when abused.

With a good mechanic and consistent servicing, it is a good combo. Remember its a sportscar engine, not a rough old land rover engine.

But I agree, get one thats well looked after and checks out well with a mechanic.

cheers!

[Scouse]

I kind of disagree Scouse. The US variants ONLY came in v6 auto, and only a small portion of those required major work. The gearbox issue is usually a solenoid failure (but the dealers swap the box), and the engine only has problems when abused.

I work at a large LR dealership. I see the problems first hand. I would not call it a small proportion.
I would like to explain why the V6 was dropped from local sale but I won't do that here.

Sure, there was a solenoid fix but that came out late in the piece. That was shown not to be a full fix & an exchange gearbox system was put in place.
The engine problems appear anytime. We dread summer though when they get worse. The car gets towed in, a quote done & the car gets towed back out again (if no warranty coverage).

[SuperMono]

I tend to over service mine somewhat, in particular engine and transmission oil changes.
I have had two cooling system related problems; both are design/material selection related.
The expansion bottle in every Freelander will crack and start weeping, you will notice a long time before it is likely to present any big issue.
Failure of a plastic pipe that shouldn't be plastic, rubbed through by the clip meant to hold it safely in place.

I say go in with eyes open but suggest a good service history is preferable plus a detailed inspection should be undertaken.

As far as I know the transmissions in all of them are harsh when cold and require a 'supportive' driver until warmed up, selection of 4th gear in any of have driven has come with a clunk when cold.

I did much the same as you, bought it then got worried about what I had done, then stopped worrying.
Look after it and it will look after you.