Advice on Buying

I'm looking for a low cost tow car, for small caravan max budget 5K
Can anyone tell me the main difference in type 1 and 2 Freelander models
are the type 2 bigger inside? more comfortable?
The face lift model and years introduced.
Any mechanical improvements from mk1 to mk2
Am I right in thinking the HSE is the highest specification.
I personally prefer automatic gearboxes, are the boxes fitted to the Freelanders suitable for towing (I hope they don't have the sealed for life they cost 350 for an oil change)
Are the GPS in the earlier models upgradable, if so how and how much
Points to check when buying?
anyone have a HSE for sale (Diesel Auto)
any information or links gratefully received

I'm looking for a low cost tow car, for small caravan max budget 5K
You won't get a Freelander 2 for that budget. Freelander 1 only.
Can anyone tell me the main difference in type 1 and 2 Freelander models
Freelander 2 was a completly new design, which is betterer than the Freelander 1, and replaced the Freelander 1.
are the type 2 bigger inside? more comfortable?
FL2 is slightly bigger. Boot is slightly bigger. Certainly more comfortable than a FL1.
The face lift model and years introduced.
FL1 from 1997 to 2000, then major changes in 2001, with facelift coloured bumpers in 2004, and stopped in 2006. FL2 started in 2006 and had major changes around 2011 and stopped late 2014. Both FL1 and FL2 had minor changes each year.
Any mechanical improvements from mk1 to mk2
Yes, everything was updated and made betterer on the FL2.
Am I right in thinking the HSE is the highest specification.
On the FL1 ES or the later renamed HSE was the highist spec. FL2 were named slightly different.
I personally prefer automatic gearboxes, are the boxes fitted to the Freelanders suitable for towing (I hope they don't have the sealed for life they cost 350 for an oil change)
Both FL1 and FL2 auto's are good, and yer can change the oil yerself but you have to do it correctly. They will both tow but you need to be careful the the tow limits.
Are the GPS in the earlier models upgradable, if so how and how much
You can probably upgrade maps I guess - someone else will confirm. I can't remember them being fitted.
Points to check when buying?
Link below
anyone have a HSE for sale (Diesel Auto)
any information or links gratefully received
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Some answers above in blue

https://www.landyzone.co.uk/land-rover/what-to-lock-for-on-freelanders.163164

I'm looking for a low cost tow car, for small caravan max budget 5K
No chance of a Freelander 2. My family have had most of the options over the years and the summary is the 1.8 wasn't great for towing but the Freelander 1 facelift TD4 that replaced it was fine. The Freelander 2 that replaced that is much better again - will find out later this year how much better the Disco Sport is from all of them

Can anyone tell me the main difference in type 1 and 2 Freelander models, are the type 2 bigger inside? more comfortable?
The Freelander 2 actually feels a lot bigger. I regularly switch between our 1 and my parents 2 and it is noticeably larger and the trim much more modern. The boot is also bigger! The FL2 is also quicker and much quieter at motorway speeds. The layout inside makes more sense as well for the most part, an example is that with the Facelift FL1 in HSE guise the seats were fixed height and being quite tall when I put the sun visor down I couldnt see, not an issue in the FL2!

Essentially the FL2 was a completely new car and it showed it. The FL1 though is still very good, we drove ours to the Alps and back and other long journeys and its comfy and stable. I would recommend the TD4 engine but would worry less about the pre or post facelift and more on getting one that is in good condition.

The GPS in the face lift FL1 HSE was pants as I remember - I wouldn't worry about that, just get a cradle for your phone and use CoPilot or get a TomTom! If you must use it then I seem to remember it was a DVD based unit.

When we bought out TD4 FL1 earlier this year we looked at some local cars, one was from a dealership that seemed to sell decent looking modern cars and had a black 2003 facelift 3dr TD4 listed at £4995. Drove it and it was in a poor state, the interior had also been silicone sprayed to death to cover all the marks. It had done 120000 miles. We actually bought a private sale 2002 pre face lift with 148000 on the clock which was pretty much spot on and just needed a good clean for £1500. Apart from one sensor failing on the french motorway (got home though) its not put a foot wrong.