Pre-purchase Freelander advice

Hi guys

Have been looking for my first Freelander for a while now & am going to look at one tomorrow. I wondered if there was anything in particular I should look out for.

It is a 2005 commercial TD4 with 100k on the clock. Full service history but not sure yet whether all main dealer, assume not. 2 previous owners and no tow bar.

Any advice would be gratefully received.

Cheers

How much might help

Please feel free to use our ample search function

After trawling through the various fault issues with examples that have been poorly maintained you will have a good idea of what to look for.

Make sure the doors are well attached

:welcome2:

I took the tow-bar off my wife's Freelander before we sold it. Just coz there aint one fitted doesn't mean its not had one.
Good motors, didn't have any problems with hers but then again it was bought new and sold after 5 years.

Read EVERYTHING about the transmission and if the seller won't let you do all the tests that you want to do, then walk away. Make sure the tyres are well matched, if newer on the front, be cautious.

There's plenty of them about for sale; although at slightly inflated prices no doubt due to the snow related travel chaos so prevalent in the news, so don't feel pressured into buying the first one you see

Have a look at the common faults section - make a pot of tea, there's a lot to look at

:welcome2: Never Jump In And Buy The First One You See There Are Plenty Out There And If Your Buget Allows Go That Bit More On Price and Get A Good One Preferably With Lots Of History Also Make Sure VCU Works Ok There Are Lots Of Good Threads On Hear About Freelanders But Sometimes Be Prepared To Recieve Some Stick For Owning One As I Have Experienced.

Phil0114 said:

Sometimes Be Prepared To Recieve Some Stick For Owning One As I Have Experienced.

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They're only jealous though so cut em some slack

Phil0114 said:

:welcome2: Never Jump In And Buy The First One You See There Are Plenty Out There And If Your Buget Allows Go That Bit More On Price and Get A Good One Preferably With Lots Of History Also Make Sure VCU Works Ok There Are Lots Of Good Threads On Hear About Freelanders But Sometimes Be Prepared To Recieve Some Stick For Owning One As I Have Experienced.

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How come all your words start with a capital letter - is there a subliminal message there?

No Sorry didnt realise what i had done

Take it for a good test drive, and as stated above check the tyres, all need to be the same tread depth.
Put it on full lock and test it in reverse both directions.

Search terms worth using, for faults, including how to diagnose and fix...

VCU
IRD
HDC
Three Amigos

There are others, but that will get you started, after that you'll either be hooked or looking for a different type of 4x4

Cheers for all replies, I have read up on many VCU & IRD threads on here & appreciate comments. Price seemed reasonable maybe too reasonable at £3800 with no VAT. BTW - only other experience of 4x4 was my Navara D40 which I just sold as it turned out to be a serious money pit.

I paid £3800 + vat for an 05 td4 auto commercial recently.

Try and make sure everything works (rear wiper, hill descent etc) check service history.

Good luck.

I've got a 2003 td4 commercial, rock solid, great for work, mines on 99k now and still going strong.

the fact it's the commercial makes no difference for the common failure points, they are the same as for the car version. mainly drivetrain related as previously stated.

When you look at it, get a rag and gently lift the dipstick out partly with the engine running, covering it with the rag. If oil starts to come out of the dipstick hole, the crankcase breather is blocked, and is the sign of potential neglect.

Cheers again everyone, appreciate it.

don't forget when you do take the plunge, there is a forum full of advice and help just waiting for you.

I won't forget will let you know what happens once I've seen this one, hopefully going on Saturday now, cheers again.

Phil0114 said:

:welcome2: Never Jump In And Buy The First One You See There Are Plenty Out There And If Your Buget Allows Go That Bit More On Price and Get A Good One Preferably With Lots Of History Also Make Sure VCU Works Ok There Are Lots Of Good Threads On Hear About Freelanders But Sometimes Be Prepared To Recieve Some Stick For Owning One As I Have Experienced.

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think yu might hive missed summat

look for a VCU and both props - if they aint there - walk.

Just about to buy one myself, so some great advise.