robby

i'm looking at buying a freelander (around 1999my), i've heard of some 1.8 petrol models having headgasket probs, is there anything else to look out for?

does anyone know of any freelander forums, accessories online suppliers, etc

cheers

RRH

The K-Series can be a bit ropey over 50,000 if you don't keep an eye on the water level- we're selling the wifes 1999 softback XEi 1800 if you're interested?

S2_Neo

The head gasket Failure has pretty much been sorted by landrover.

The primary reason that they went was that the Locating Studs for the Engine head were made from alloy I think.

Then consequently when the water Ran low and the engine overheated, they warped and therefore created a large problem.

Now are made of Steel again, and have not had many problems with them.

Things to look out for are:

1. Lots of Ex company cars around, allways been thrashed and never in top condition.
2. Check for any leak's, especially water as these can lead to expensive repairs.
3. Water Leaking into rear of car, a widespread problem, check the storage box in boot for any signs of water.

Then check what you would normally check when buying used car!.

http://www.landyzone.co.uk/lz/ - Landrover Owners Forum.

Lots of good ones about, but choose carefully, there will be lots of abused examples around too!.

Dont rush in!

Peter

(Landrover Mechanic)

Fuchsrohre

girlfriend had one last year - total nightmare. Took it back and exchanged it for something else after problem after problem. Avoid.

RRH

tbh we've never had any trouble with ours, which we've had since new.

S2_Neo

They Do vary alot, most will be okay, but now and again, you do the problem ones!

Sounds stupid, but true!

P

Alas

What a coincedence. Was looking at one today. Opened the boot storage box and 2" of water in there. Guy then says oh they were powerwashing it today. At that I left laughing

RESSE

iTrader: (1)

There was a factory recall a couple of years ago, and I think it was for the seat mechanism and rear door locks (or something similar).

DJ140

Wife bought her 2001 model at 30K miles, TD4 ES and has had no problems at all. Now 61K.

Servicing costs are cheaper than mine, tyres every 20K approx and 30MPG, no matter how it's driven. Low 20's for the 1.8 petrol.

The main problems seem to be with the petrol versions, but IMO the diesel engine suits the car better, with plenty of torque to pull it along.

Dan

S2_Neo

Yeah, there have been many Re-calls, including the ones mentioned.

Front seat was for 3 door, as seat Mech would not let the seat pull forward for access to rear seats.

Rear door latch only fell into certain VIN Range.

It will be unlikely that you will find any recall's uncompleted.

As for water in the boot, there's the proof, Leaks like a biatch! (not all though!)

Now on the engine side of it, I find that the Perol 1.8 can feel underpowered, you will have less problems with the diesel TD4, but still, I dont feel that the TD4 has much power either!.

Personally, if you can put up with the fuel cost's and can stand a Auto - Go for the V6 Version, plenty of go in that one!.

Peter

scooby-si

we had the 2ltr XEDI my98 and what a tool only down side was the height for off roading,but apart from that it was a very good car not probs at all

S2_Neo

Well, off-roading wise, you would not believe how good they are, They will pretty much match what the Disco Can do!.

I have been round the test track at Gaydon, Landrover Testing 20miles Off road, and they really hammer them round, amazing!. I was really surprised!.

But offroading, what a great Laugh!



When Me and my mate went off-roading got stuck in a Very deep Ditch!

Peter

robby

So if i found a 1.8 for sale (around 99my) and it hadn't had the head gasket sorted would it still be covered by the recall or would it have to be paid for if it went wrong?

the water leak in rear storage - is this the 1 in the rear door itself?

must admit they look ok with the side steps and bars, etc, wouldn't be using it offroad so i wouldn't be bothered by the ground clearence.

Thanks for the replies

robby

RRH - whats the spec on yours - mileage, colour, etc - would you consider a p/x swap for a 2001 Astra 1.8sxi, 15k, silver, 5 door, fsh?

S2_Neo

Hi mate

There was No Recall on the Engine, they just started making them with new location Studs. Im not sure on when they started doing this, but 99> should be okay!.

Leak is in rear door itself, Usually from poor seal. but sometimes comes in from trim just above the door itself.

Peter

sillysi

We have a 3 door 2001 model and never had any problems other than a leak in rear. The seal went where the removable roof joins the main roof. Had it resealed and been OK since.

I was led to believe that the 2001> models were the ones that had the head gasket fix. There was never a recal for the older ones but Land Rover did foot the repair costs for many of the faulty ones.

We do find the 1.8 petrol a bit lacking in go but we are used to the P1

S2_Neo

You may be right there about 2001> I was not too sure TBH!

Yeah, if you treat them well, then they'll be okay back, Lol.

Very tempremental you see, Lol

P

*Jen*

Try www.freelanderclub.co.uk Julian and Vicki in our Landy Club (www.shirelrc.com) race them quite successfully

Jen

300TDi Disco
V8 SIIA

robby

Been looking at diesels for the last week but aren't sure on the specs - do all 3 door models have the removable hard top (are these noisy on motorways)?
I've seen a 3 door DI with 75k, 99V, dark green, seems to have all the bits - does anyone have a rough idea on price as they seem to vary by upto £1500

cheers

sillysi

IIRC all three doors have the removable roof. Our three door suffers from tyre noise and a few "Land Rover" rattles but I would not say it was anything to worry about.

Can't help with DI prices, we got a 2001 1.8 GS 20K miles for under £10K about 6 months ago. It's mint, not a mark on it.

robby

Do you get any wind noise from the rear roof as with some convertables?

sillysi

No noticeable noise, remember the roof is a hard top. As long as it seals properly it should be like any normal roof IMO.

robby

well found a 3 door XEDi today which was nice - not much power though (couldn't feel the turbo), put down a deposit ready to collect next weekend
now just need some 17" 3 spoke alloys, stainless side bars