Freelander Van

Big Uli · Sep 22, 2012

Hi all

I'm looking to buy a Freelander Van within the next 3 month
I could convert a 3 door if need be

I'm a painter and decorator by trade and need van more than a 4x4
However I want a 4x4 and the Freelander is what i can afford to buy and run unlike a disco
I have decided on a TD4 as i get the impression that the engine and the fuel consumption are very good

What do I need to look out for?
Any common faults or problems i should know about?
i can't afford to buy a van/car that needs expensive repairs

Thanx

WLJayne · Sep 22, 2012

Big Uli said:
i can't afford to buy a van/car that needs expensive repairs

Thanx

Then a Freelander might not be for you mate. When they do go wrong they can be bloody expensive to fix uness you DIY. If you don't really need a 4x4 I'd think very carefully about it. The TD4 is a good engine but the car still suffers from the transmission problems that all Freelanders have IE knackered VCU's which can them feck your IRD and VCU. Build quality is ok, nothing utterly terrible.

I suggest you read this and pay close attention: http://www.landyzone.co.uk/lz/1620217-post9.html

Big Uli · Sep 22, 2012

WLJayne said:
Then a Freelander might not be for you mate. When they do go wrong they can be bloody expensive to fix uness you DIY. If you don't really need a 4x4 I'd think very carefully about it. The TD4 is a good engine but the car still suffers from the transmission problems that all Freelanders have IE knackered VCU's which can them feck your IRD and VCU. Build quality is ok, nothing utterly terrible.

I suggest you read this and pay close attention: http://www.landyzone.co.uk/lz/1620217-post9.html

Thanx for that
I do DIY as much as possible
Brother in law has a huge drive and extensive tool kit being an engineer

I suppose it is a gamble. Something may go wrong and then it may not.
From what I understand the VCU is more likely to fail and then knacker not only your IRD but possibly also the rear diff?

I would be comfortable to change the VCU if needed
Is there a easy test you can do
I have read your link and did a bit of a google search and it says a sign of a failed FCU are chamfered wheels

Big Uli · Sep 22, 2012

Hi
Thanx for your reply

I take it that anything can go wrong as it does on other cars but the VCU
seems to be the main weak point unique to the Land Rover.
I have done a lot of reading on top of your link and think I can keep an eye on that VCU to hopefully realise when it is gone.

I don't need a 4x4, I want a 4x4
What a dumb situation to put myself in

Singvogel · Sep 22, 2012

Big Uli said:
Hi
Thanx for your reply

I take it that anything can go wrong as it does on other cars but the VCU
seems to be the main weak point unique to the Land Rover.
I have done a lot of reading on top of your link and think I can keep an eye on that VCU to hopefully realise when it is gone.

I don't need a 4x4, I want a 4x4
What a dumb situation to put myself in

There isn't a lot of difference in load space between a Freelander commercial version and a 3-Door with the rear seats folded forward into the footwell.

Get one - it isn't dumb - it's fun.

Freelanders put fun back into driving - even with the little niggles.

I'm happy cos I can fix 99% of them myself.

Singvogel. :cool2:

skoda169 · Sep 22, 2012

Take your time when looking for one, me personally i would walk away from one that hasn't got a prop shaft fitted regardless of the sellers story.

i spent nearly 4 months trying to find the best one i could for my money high mileage isn't to much trouble to worry about my TD4 has best part of 167,000 on the clock and still going strong (finger crossed it keeps going this way)
as for VCU warning signs there are very little clues to it's self destruction normally in reverse with full lock on is a good tell tale sign (very stiff as if youv'e left the park brake on but that's it really)

Having said that they are good fun cars to drive and are not to complex to work on good luck with your search

Diesel Do · Sep 22, 2012

I've just put a van interior in my 1.8. It does make it much better to work from. I like freelanders. But as said they do have some, er, niggles

arm yourself with knowledge get a good one and look after it. That should work

Hippo · Sep 23, 2012

Not that many commercial Freelander 1's about. You could take the option of buying a 5 door and removing the seats. Then cover the windows inside. Just an idea.

thought it was mine! · Sep 23, 2012

win win you get a commercial but don't get hit with the taxes as it's reg. as an estate or suv.

Big Uli · Sep 23, 2012

Singvogel said:
There isn't a lot of difference in load space between a Freelander commercial version and a 3-Door with the rear seats folded forward into the footwell.

Get one - it isn't dumb - it's fun.

Freelanders put fun back into driving - even with the little niggles.

I'm happy cos I can fix 99% of them myself.

Singvogel. :cool2:

Hi Songbird
Fun is on the agenda

skoda169 said:
Take your time when looking for one, me personally i would walk away from one that hasn't got a prop shaft fitted regardless of the sellers story.

i spent nearly 4 months trying to find the best one i could for my money high mileage isn't to much trouble to worry about my TD4 has best part of 167,000 on the clock and still going strong (finger crossed it keeps going this way)
as for VCU warning signs there are very little clues to it's self destruction normally in reverse with full lock on is a good tell tale sign (very stiff as if youv'e left the park brake on but that's it really)

Having said that they are good fun cars to drive and are not to complex to work on good luck with your search

That is the one thing that worries me. VCU knackering the IRS
I'm happy to fix anything within my capability.
I used to fix my cars all the time until I got fed up with it and bought no car older than 3 years.
Apart from brakes and one dodgy radiator fan I didn't need to get my hands dirty

Hippo said:
Not that many commercial Freelander 1's about. You could take the option of buying a 5 door and removing the seats. Then cover the windows inside. Just an idea.

I'd be more interested in the 3 door variant for that

thought it was mine! said:
win win you get a commercial but don't get hit with the taxes as it's reg. as an estate or suv.

Thats another thing
If I go and convert a 3 door do i need to reregister it to get the commercial van tax benefit?

Diesel Do · Sep 23, 2012

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1348415706.775246.jpg

just turned this into a commercial. Got a full kit off eBay where some one went the other way! Got the hard top and window panels going spare?

Ian jones · Sep 23, 2012

Diesel Do said:
View attachment 35755just turned this into a commercial. Got a full kit off eBay where some one went the other way! Got the hard top and window panels going spare?

NICE :cool2:

Freelander vanman · Sep 23, 2012

I had an 05 td4 auto commercial until a few weeks back.
Very practical for lugging gear around and towing trailers etc.
I ended up fixing a fair bit and upgrading after reading on here.
Blanked Exhaust recirculation, fitted BMW cyclone breather, all we silicone hoses, synergy 2box. Now runs like a newish motor, despite 120k miles on clock.

Only reason for handing mine to my father is that my 2 littluns argued who was coming out in the Freelander van

I bought a new hilux doublecab. I got more mpg out the Freelander !

td4van · Sep 23, 2012

I have a wood floor, lashing points and bulkhead/cargo divider for sale if you're thinking if doing your own conversion.

I have a Freelander van and its going strong at over 195,000 miles.

Freelander Van

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