2005 Freelander 1.8 XEi, are we safe?

£6900?? seems alot does that!

Petrol freelanders dont go past 70,000 miles.
Leave the deposit or buy a td4.
You do get extra luggage space under the bonnet with a petrol model.

I once went to look at a facelift 1.8 at the local landrover dealer. I asked about the head gasket problem, they told me that they used a different gasket on the newer 1.8's. So we bought one, it was ok just expensive to run. We had it 18 months and had no problems, still it was only 4 months old when we got it. Having had one of each id take the TD4, any day!

people never learn - no matter how many of us tell them to avoide 1.8's ! lmao

having owned a 1.8 freebie all I'd say is keep some money in the bank for when it goes because it is a case of when not if and using it for short journeys won't help either, add to that the fact that its a little overpriced and you'll get diddly squatt for it when you do come to trade it in...20 mpg at best etc etc... i think you can see what most of us are trying to say here....

EDIT!!! Hang on...just read your post about the coolant level sensor!!! Walk away....

OldIrishWulf said:

Petrol freelanders dont go past 70,000 miles.

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Mines done nearly 100k and still going strong

Bought it cheap and spent a bit of time on it though .

OldIrishWulf said:

Petrol freelanders dont go past 70,000 miles.
Leave the deposit or buy a td4.
You do get extra luggage space under the bonnet with a petrol model.

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I was going to say mine is now at 116k (i think) but then I remembered it had a new engine fitted at, yep, 70k

2.0_hippo said:

people never learn - no matter how many of us tell them to avoide 1.8's ! lmao

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and I'll take criticism from somebody who spells avoid with an 'e', nice one my friend, nice one :doh:

planeblly said:

and I'll take criticism from somebody who spells avoid with an 'e', nice one my friend, nice one :doh:

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It's your money, but you have been warned many times in this thread... £6900 with coolant issues already (it may just be the sensor...)

Good luck :doh:

planeblly said:

and I'll take criticism from somebody who spells avoid with an 'e', nice one my friend, nice one :doh:

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:doh:

planeblly said:

and I'll take criticism from somebody who spells avoid with an 'e', nice one my friend, nice one :doh:

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Not meaning to pick holes, but you did say you would listen to 'advise'...

As with everything in life, provided you don't mistreat it, and keep on top of maintenance jobs, you'll be ok. Know that the engines don't last all that long, and as others have said, definitely look at that coolant sensor quickspot!

I did a lot of research into our freelander, and in the end settled for a 2005 TD4 @ £4,650. It's got 120K on the clock and we've just had to fit 4 new injectors, but there sits the point of this sentence - Every car will cost you money, and if you're prepared to fork out a bit to keep it on the road, I'm sure you'll be more than happy with your freebie

With regards price, obviously, we're now in December so the price of 4x4s is rocketing! We were sensible and purchased ours in May.

Enjoy your wheels!

If I were you I would get the car checked over now by a garage that at least knows K series engines very well, and ideally a Land Rover specialist. It may give you some reassurance before you buy it - afterwards its only reassurance if they say its a good un (and are right).
From my point of view if the price differential between a petrol and a TD4 was enough to allow me to bank enough to cover possible problems then the the petrol can still be good value so long as you go into it with your eyes open.
£6900 does look a bit top heavy though - there`s a red 03 1.8 Hardback in a dealer near me on 35000 miles with FSH, and its on at £2500 and not selling.

planeblly said:

any advise is completely taken on-board and appreciated!

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Schumm mishteak hear schureleee?

We all take the **** here and most of our mis-spelling is quite deliberate.

I'm careful to try not to offend people too much 'cause I'm quite new here too.

We are very sensitive on here sometimes, believe it or not, so when someone new clashes with an old soldier, need I say more.

The 1.8 engine has head gasket failure history in other vehicles too - ask a Rover 75 or an MG ZT owner.

I think you've made up your mind to buy the 1.8 so as I said before go ahead.

It's not what most people with knowledge and experience of Freelanders would do - but in the end it's your decision.