Which Freelander TD4

simonmcghie · Sep 22, 2009

Hello Everyone,

I am thinking of buying a face lifted Freelander TD4. The questions I would like to ask is, which model is the best for value and reliability? Does the S have electric heated mirrors, or does that only come with the SE or HSE? What common faults should I look out for when viewing Freelanders?

Thank You

howardo · Sep 23, 2009

I would buy the most basic model I could find, simply because there less to go wrong.
Common faults include ;
coolant leaks
rear brake light on spare wheel carrier not working
Electric windows not working
Rear cubby box filling with water
Tailgate window leaking
VCU and rear propshaft missing
VCU seized (search tippex-test)
Clicking noises when turning on full lock (could be failed CV joint or failing IRD)
Knocking noises from loose diff mounts or subframes
Starting problems (make sure you start it from cold before you purchase it)

The Mad Hat Man · Sep 23, 2009

howardo said:
I would buy the most basic model I could find, simply because there less to go wrong.
Common faults include ;
coolant leaks
rear brake light on spare wheel carrier not working
Electric windows not working
Rear cubby box filling with water
Tailgate window leaking
VCU and rear propshaft missing
VCU seized (search tippex-test)
Clicking noises when turning on full lock (could be failed CV joint or failing IRD)
Knocking noises from loose diff mounts or subframes
Starting problems (make sure you start it from cold before you purchase it)

Good, int it?

howardo · Sep 26, 2009

The Mad Hat Man said:
Good, int it?

Well you'd struggle to find all these faults on the same vehicle.
And you wouldn't have to worry about rust.

Tomo1971 · Sep 26, 2009

Not all freelanders are unreliable...

I have a 2004 TD4 van that has 12k on it when I bought it in 2008 and now has 61k on it.... not had a single fault on it.

Had no coolant leaks,
rear brake light on spare wheel carrier still works
Electric windows all work (incl rear)
Rear cubby box is dry as a bone
Tailgate window doesnt leak
VCU and rear propshaft are present
VCU is fine, IRD is also fine

I do have some noise from underneath but think thats the prop bearings, have had them changed but with cheapo ones and im told these can be as noisey as worn ones!

I think the key is regular servicing at a specialist that knows what to look for in them.

Steve

howardo · Sep 26, 2009

Tomo1971 said:
Not all freelanders are unreliable...

I have a 2004 TD4 van that has 12k on it when I bought it in 2008 and now has 61k on it.... not had a single fault on it.

Had no coolant leaks,
rear brake light on spare wheel carrier still works
Electric windows all work (incl rear)
Rear cubby box is dry as a bone
Tailgate window doesnt leak
VCU and rear propshaft are present
VCU is fine, IRD is also fine

I do have some noise from underneath but think thats the prop bearings, have had them changed but with cheapo ones and im told these can be as noisey as worn ones!

I think the key is regular servicing at a specialist that knows what to look for in them.

Steve

I agree with you, I was just highlighting the common problem areas that should be checked before anyone buys one.

Chaser · Sep 26, 2009

Tomo1971 said:
Not all freelanders are unreliable...

I have a 2004 TD4 van that has 12k on it when I bought it in 2008 and now has 61k on it.... not had a single fault on it.

:doh: Tempting fate there Steve, don't be surprised if it has a few issues in the winter months after that.....

simonmcghie · Sep 27, 2009

Thank You everyone, your views are much appreciated. I have read that the post 2003 facelifted models, are usually more reliable than earlier models, as LR appear to have solved many of the problems (Just before discontinuing the model). I hope this is correct!

I have owned a Freelander in the past, a 2002 3 door hardback td4 which I regret selling. This vehicle proved to be far more reliable than it's Ford successor. I hope to get a station wagon this time as the squeaking from the removable roof was the most annoying thing about the hardtop, and the Kids complained about climbing in.

Which Freelander TD4

simonmcghie

New Member

howardo

New Member

The Mad Hat Man

Well-Known Member

howardo

New Member

Tomo1971

New Member

howardo

New Member

Chaser

New Member

simonmcghie

New Member

Similar threads