2001 Freelander 2.5KV6 - troubles?

Hi,

I have been looking through all the postings in the forum and it is clear that there are a number of experts out there, especially on the topic of (un)reliability.

I have just left the UK to spend some time in Oz and thought I'd buy a Freelander to keep me company on my travels around Queensland.

She's was built in 2000, registered in 2001, 3-door Softback, with a 2.5L V6 engine. She's only done about 20,000 miles and has a FSH.

The question I have been asking myself is whether there is anything i need to look out for?

The head gasket was my primary concern as this was the problem with the old 4-cyl K-series, but this doesn't seem to have been reported much in the KV6.

It also seems pretty loaded with electronics (used to have an '88 Pajero - which was VERY crude by comparison), so I am curious how well things keep going and what sort of mileage I can expect out of her.

Any advice much appreciated - want to keep her on the road and flying the flag!

There were early KV6 engine troubles when this lump was in the Rover 600/800 bu these have been resolved for the Freelander. It's a cracking engine but does offer poor fuel economy about 20mpg.

But fit a stainless steel exhaust and listen to that V6 growl........

thanks, treev, glad to hear it.

i may just take your advice... the engine already has a nice sound, but i can just imagine how it could sound...

If performance tuning is your thing then this is the best lump to play with as it is found in the MG ZS. It has one of the most fantastic engine management systems ever developed that gives the engine fantatsic tunability.

I could go on forever on this subject if you're interested.

Treev150 said:

If performance tuning is your thing then this is the best lump to play with as it is found in the MG ZS. It has one of the most fantastic engine management systems ever developed that gives the engine fantatsic tunability.

I could go on forever on this subject if you're interested.

Click to expand...

I am listening !!

i'm curious too. although i wouldn't want to do anything that might reduce the mileage i'm likely to get out of the engine - want this car to be with me for the next two years, and there are a lot of places i want to visit!

I'll write a comprehensive list of tuning the Freelander KV6 would this be any good?

I'm not interested in modifications that will require the engine to rebuilt every 1000miles, but just general good increases in useable power (not at the red line).

Watch this space.

Treev150 said:

I'll write a comprehensive list of tuning the Freelander KV6 would this be any good?

I'm not interested in modifications that will require the engine to rebuilt every 1000miles, but just general good increases in useable power (not at the red line).

Watch this space.

Click to expand...

I am all ears (not a pretty site)
re Stainless exhaust - any recomendations?

20 MPG ? WHAT ARE YOU DOING WITH YOUR V6 ?
iv had mine for 2 years now, the only time i ever got 20 mpg was pulling a caravan up hills in cornwall, and at 130 mph ( not with caravan ).
i dont drive it slow, far from it, i like to use that bhp, but i get on avrage 25 to 27 mpg !

theres some thing not right with your 2000 v6 ?

the v6 was never on the market until mid/late 2001, and only on a my02 vin ! check your vin plate and reg docs.

You asked for things to look out for......
VIS valves in inlet manifold rattling
Heater matrix leaking (complete dash dismantle to get to)
Thermostat housing leaking (difficult to get to)
centre prop shaft bearing
gearbox electronics (HDC funnies)
The "three Amigos" - lights on dash
Rear Chassis cracking


this should keep you busy for an hour or 2 :>

(to music..."These are a few of my favourite things!!")

thanks for the responses.

V6FORU - had a sinking feeling when i read your post, but have checked the log book and a V6 SE - was first registered at the end of may 2001. have to admit that i had trusted the garage a little too much regarding the spec.

TMHM - thanks for the list!! a day or two, is clearly an underestimate.... although it has to go in for a service next months so i may get someone else to do a couple of the more tricky checks for me.

So I take it that these models are quite highly regarded then - 130mph sounds promising!

@V6foru:
My Freelander V6 was first registered in September 2000. Before buying it I had it HPI checked and it was listed as fine.
Should I be worried?

My Freebie was registered in 2000 (Y reg) and it is definately a V6. so not sure where you get your not made till 2001 from.

A number of KV6 problems may be related tot he crankcase breathe rsyste that tends to suck too much oil into the inlet manifold resulting in gummed up VIS valves, actuators and sensors. The fitting of 1 or 2 oil catch tanks is considered to be a solution to this.

just reading all these posts and have no ides on the v6 engine setup, but.. is it similar to the vauxhall / peugeot V6's where the inlet manifold covers the rear bank of spark plugs? if so most garages dont replace these as they are too lazy.... just wondering? always wanted the V6 but the petrol cost frightened me!

Reading this thread with interest as i own a td4 but the best has got to be the v6 but the down turn is the fuel consumption, hence my thread on LPG conversion, any v6 's running on LPG out their be nice to get feedback on mp/ gas and conversion cost. . . Ming

If I could find a decent priced conversion I'd more than likely get my V6 converted to LPG. I also want the tank under the car not in the boot as I think the boot is small enough all ready. I got quoted just under £3k for an under car conversion No Thanks !!
I looked at the TD4 but it didn't sound quite the same as the V6

Hi marksurry. . .yes i agree 3k is a bit scary , there must be a cheaper conversion on the market, and some converters do like a split tank, if they could do this on a freelander it would be the way to go . . .Ming

Labiarat said:

just reading all these posts and have no ides on the v6 engine setup, but.. is it similar to the vauxhall / peugeot V6's where the inlet manifold covers the rear bank of spark plugs?

Click to expand...

Yes it is mate, very similar to the Vauxhall and Pug V6's. It is an inlet manifold off to change the rear spark plugs.

What you need to remember is that the KV6 has the most state of the ECU and the ability to change it's own fuel mapping to suit the driver and conditions and how good the state of tune of the engine.

But with 4 cams and 24 valves it's no wonder it makes the same power as a 3.9 V8!!!