potentially stupid sugestion, but if the problems typically related to the thermostat... er can't you just run the engine without one and let it warm up before use in cold weather?
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potentially stupid sugestion, but if the problems typically related to the thermostat... er can't you just run the engine without one and let it warm up before use in cold weather?
Its funny all the opinions you hear, I had a Discovery that was 2 years old and spent 17 weeks of last year in at land rover getting fixed, and I had a 1999 Freelander that gave me absolute trouble free motoring for 2 years and has gone on to give my parents good service, the only real fail has been the gear linkages (the only reason I got rid of it is because I got a job which required me to move and I got a company car, I should have sold the disco and kept the freelander). Its funny how such a supposed crap vehicle gave me better service than a 2004 discovery.
Freelanders are a great vehicle to drive and I would say are the most capable in their class, what some people dont understand is that not everyone likes defenders and finds them a little cramped to drive. The Freelander requires some TLC if you have a petrol one or a pre 1999 with the VC, but if you like it you will drive it. I have had 7 Land rovers and the worst one that I have owned is a Discovery series 2.
Stefan,
I have the 98 Flandie diesel. It had it's share of problems with the previous owner (good friend of mine) under warranty including the VC. Cracked rear diff housing was driver error (high speed over rocky ground) and failure to check it on their way back from the Corner Country.
It is ageing now so a bit more TLC is required to keep it in top condition inside and out. Major hassle I have right now is the tailgate handle which decided to remove itself from the rest of the door...
It is a REAL 4WD. Those Land Rover enthusiasts (aka nuts, fanatics etc) who own a Freelander are man (or woman) enough to admit they do not need low range for day-to-day work and family holidays. Freelanders are as good off-road where low-range is not required as any other Land Rover and do it in style. They are a good compromise between what SWMBO and me wanted for a family 'car'. I still have my old Series II for the real off-road work and play.
I guess the only draw-back I find with the Freelander is lack of accessories and if they are available they are VERY pricy. A snorkel would be nice to keep the dust and sand out of the filter and what I found on the web is mainly for the later models (2001+). Tyre choices isn't bad either.
--- Irek
No low range, very little ground clearance and you would have to be crazy taking it somewhere that the RACV/NRMA couldnt get to it with a tow truck.
If your talking top in it's class, what about the subi Forester, reliable, about an inch or so more clearence and has a resale value.
I know we all love our cars and defend our decisions to buy them and I also realise there had to be 1 or 2 freo's that left the factory that didnt break anything for a while but the truth of the matter is that they are not as good as some people make out and if you were to look at buying a S/H car you would steer clear after know what you know now.
97/98 D1 was the last reliable/ bomb proof disco they made, Fenders went a bit sideways with the TD5 but everyone knows how to fix these problems these days.
S2 Discos can be troublesom but much less than Freeloaders.
By the way, No low range means not a 4 wheel drive, means it's all wheel drive and that means built for hwy not for bush, this doesnt say you couldnt make it up the howqua track to frys hut or even to where Craigs once stood but we wouldnt bother taking one down to UJH as it would was down the river and wouldnt make the climb out.
Irek, YEP!!
I have removed the door handle from the rear door by accident. A little to much force and a little too little time for the latch to release.
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Originally Posted by Defender=1st
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Originally Posted by Blknight.aus
How do these in any way help?:(
They offer a very good suggestion, BUY A DEFA Lol.Quote:
Originally Posted by Pedro_The_Swift
If you like driving a dinosaur that virtually no one buys new these days anyway :eek:Quote:
Originally Posted by mcrover
There is a good market in second hand fenders but if the new car rego figures are an indicator - vitually no one is willing to buy them new.
This thread is getting into an argument along the lines "mine is better than yours" :o
Good stuff - at least we have answered the original questions raised by the thread before hijacking it with baseless emotive comments. :cool:
don't let anyone fool you, every land rover model range rover, discovery, defender, freelander has expensive repair issues lurking, just read the posts relating to TD 5 engines, Range Rover P38 repairs.
its a question of get a good mechanic, get regular servicing, replace before repair required and enjoy your life savings disappearing into repair bills if you don't
Resale value, something a Freo will never have lolQuote:
Originally Posted by garrycol
As far as the mines better than yours argument, Mine will always be better than yours Gary as long as were talking Landrovers but really Im just taking the ****, you guys are so much fun to stir up as there is soooooo much you cant defend with a free lander that this is what ends up happening.
Dont get upset Gary, one day you will go back to a real Landy, one that you dont have to pray to every morning to make it go....
LOL LOL LOL LOL
So I take it Gary that by purchasing a Freelander you loose your sense of humor, is it the climate controled air con that sucks it out of you or the continully draining bank account lol.