Buying Advice Please

Evening everyone....

I'm a newbie to the forum so apologies if my questions are well answered already!

I'm thinking about buying a Freelander 1, TD4 sport, probably an 2004 -05 year. I've been reading a little bit about them with mixed reviews but was hoping to get some real advice from owners about whats good, whats not and what to look out for.

Thanks in advance for your help

Hello m8,

I've just bought an 04 sport on Monday, I'm no expert but I checked all the usuals, service history, no leaks, had a good look underneath for any off road damage, checked everything was working inside, have a good feel of the carpets inside for damp, check the cubby box in the boot, had some water in mine, so all normal!!!! Lol
I had a freelander a few years back then bought a BMW 3 series, worst car I've had, so back to the hippo (with indoor pool) cracking motor

Dont!!:d

Do!!!
but read around on this forum. The Td4 is a good engine and if the car is looked wel after why wouldn't you. I bought mine at a dealership with full history. Before buying learned a lot on this forum and others fora in Belgium and Germany. I drove around for testing in several Freelanders TD4. Know that most owners who visite a forum, visite it because they have a problem That's no diffrent with other types or makes. I first wanted to have a Td4 Sport but drove with a few and decided not to take one. I want to go off road/greenlaning and then every " is an ".

Search the forum, check the weaker points & enjoy your new wheels.

Depends on what ya gonna do with it - the Sport has a lower ground clearnace (not a lot, but lower), so if you are going off road, worth checking it out....

I've had my TD4 Auto 6 weeks, ok, its an ES 02 reg, but most if not all of the weaknesses are the same. Check everything electric/electronic works, from sunroof to HDC, seat heaters to mirrors. Make sure you understand what the warning lights sequence at start up is and make sure NO lights come on whilst driving. Check the VCU for becoming too stiff. Then double check it. Anything more than the slightest of braking/ slowing effect on full lock reverse turns means its getting tired. Odd noises from the transmission, it should be quiet, ie no noises other than normal tyre roar on the road, even in tight turns.
Its a Landrover, they have good points and bloody awful ones too. Be prepared to sort niggles yourself if you have the ability/time.
I love my Freelander, its my third LR it's replaced a 300TDi Disco which I had for 6 years and put 60k on, not completely without incident, but it never cost me too much to keep going. It suits me fine, I dont need a truck/ tractor with a plush interior any more, just a vehicle that can deal with the snow, floods and rough roads which happen here. Being a bit smaller, lighter and better on fuel compared to ol' disco is good too, shame the VED is more tho, lol.
regards, Bill