Folks,

My father in law is considering buying a T reg Freelander. He likes his 4x4s, but is operating on a very strict budget...

From what I remember, it's best not to touch these with a bargepole but can any of you LR longtimers out there suggest whether this is a good idea or not?

Obviously it's not a new car anymore and I know the FL has been through at least one facelift in that time. Sensible guidance please - answers like why doesn't he buy a new one aren't going to be helpful  

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I bought Mrs G one in back in 99 T reg, had it 3 years without a single problem, I know several people who have had them with only minor probs which were rectified without any fuss. Just make sure you make the usual checks as with buying any car!

My Mother bought a 99 T reg 1.8 ES and had no problems in the three years she owned it. There have been problems with the 1.8 engine but my parents have had 2 of them over 6 years with no problems at all - if your Father does buy a 1.8 petrol I would just make sure that it has a full LR service history.

If he knows what to look for then it's a great idea. We went in with our eyes closed buyng ours, we bought the second one we saw and didn't do any research first. We thought it was ok because it had one lady owner and had only done 45,000 with FSH, however, we had to spend £1500 getting it through it's MOT. Anyone who had driven a few Freelanders first would notice the problems. It was a lot slower and noisier than it should have been. I would go for a diesel, I know a couple of people who own/have owned 1.8 petrols and they've had loads of trouble with them, a lady round the corner from us had to have a new engine at 35,000 miles. If it has to be a petrol, you can get these very cheap at the moment, but make sure it has FSH and check for a worn head gasket. 2002 Discovery Adventurer LE
1998 Freelander xedi
Ertl limited edition RRS model number 817

Thanks chaps - all useful info!

Keep it rolling in. 

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I've heard (on these two forums) of head gaskets on the 1.8 petrol going at less than 10,000 miles!! Typically they fail at around 40-60,000 miles. Therefore, look for one that has already had this job done. Matt
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RRS ownership for 1 yr, then D3 for 2 yrs. Then cut back to old bangers and working my way back up through two Peugeots in 6 months. Now got Saab 9-5 2.3t and enjoying the performance!

My first Freelander was a 1.8 petrol on a 2001 Y plate. I had it for three fun packed trouble free years. I clocked up 35,000 miles with no mechanical problems at all. That included a lot of miles with a caravan hooked on the back.

The guy I sold it too wasn't so lucky and blew the head gasket within 6,000 miles of ownership. I know a few others who all had head gasket problems at around 35 to 45 thousand miles.

Check out the service history, most 1.8's will have had a headgasket go at one time or other. There was also problems with rear diff whine on earlier models.

If possible try to go for one built after 1999, a lot of the reliability issues were resolved by then. The first real face lift took place in 2002.

The K series 1.8 engine was also fitted to Lotus, who didn't have problems with blown head gaskets. So if you are unlucky enough to suffer a blown headgasket, make sure you fit a Lotus gasket as replacement. Arctic Frost TDV6 SE. Aspen Leather, Cherry Wood, Privacy Glass, PTI, Tow Pack, Mudflaps, Tasmods, a new Fuelflap, a RRSport.co.uk umbrella in the boot & a RRSport.co.uk sticker on the rear glass.
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Some people accuse me of thinking the world revolves around me, but I'm not stupid . . . I know it revolves around the sun. Which shines out of my @rse!!!

TB i need your help !

i got a ratling noise comming from under the car (gearbox) in 1. or 2 gear when i release the throttle - i dont give gas anymore...


%&$!"&§"$!"%!§/(" sorry for my english...

Canaryman has the same prob  
L 405 2013 FFRR 5.0 SC
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Angel, have a look at this thread from Disco3 might be your problem / solution http://www.disco3.co.uk/forum/topic6043.html?highlight=

thanks alots: the rattling chainy noise that is !!  
L 405 2013 FFRR 5.0 SC
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WINNER - 2009 �Best Avatar� Award
WINNER - 2009 Comedian Of The Year Award