Buying tips for Diesel's

Hi,
I'm looking to buy a secondhand Freelander diesel, unfortunately my budget restricts me to 98-00 model (Xdi, XEdi) with mileage of around 75-85k. Can anyone give me any idea of what to look out for when choosing one of these? Are there any common faults on Freelanders of this age?
Are there any high mileage (>100k) owners out there who can recommend one of these?
Thanks in advance.

Purchased my Freebie at Xmas - 90k miles.

2.5k later - I have replaced the cambelt - own choice - I intend to keep the vehicle.

What I hadn't intended / expected was to have to replace the radiator, heater matrix, and expansion tank...still haggling with the warranty company...apparently they don't trust Landrover Franchises to assess and carry out required works without one of their engineers seeing the vehicle in bits....

Watch out for sticky VCU (propshaft assembly) - check by reversing on full lock, symptoms similar to having the handbrake on. Cost for part alone is £350-£750 depending where you look. Add labour.

Also check tailgate door handle - they've been known to come adrift (plastic).

Sunroof - also a well known weakpoint.

Check vehicle service history there are still recalls out there that the previous owner(s) may have missed. I got a new set of rear brake shoes FOC when I got the cambelt done - nice surprise - handbrake works 100% better.

At these sort of mileages, expect to set aside some hard earned readies to get the vehicle sorted. Most are only up for sale because of looming service costs.

Mmmm doesn't sound great, but cheers anyway. Can I ask why you decided to buy one in the first place? Would you do it again?

Why? - It seems to be a best seller for Land Rover, good pedigree, a robust 4WD that should handle pot-holed roads of the NW, should also hold its value, so can't be all that bad (oh yes, and my wife liked the colour).

Would I? - Yes probably, it's really great fun to drive, and now the little "niggles" are being sorted, we're gonna hang on to it - for all the above reasons.

Loads of good points on these vehicles - ABS, Air Bags, Air Con, & Leccy Windows - not what I'm used to ...
But have a good drive around though. Some people can't get used to the high seat (not adjustable), and the screen pillars can obscure vision for some.

(not a problem on later versions - but I think the electric window switches were positioned by someone with a serious sense of humour...)

Cheers H, appreciate your replies. The missus likes em, but it seems I need persuading!

Go on, go on, go on.... let her have the Freelander, and drive around in an old Disco (like me).

You'll be pleased to know that I've given in to the missus and bought us a R-plate, silver, 2.0l diesel with 38k on the clock!

Thanks again for all your advice.

Hi

Why don't you buy a range rover ? they're cheaper & bigger and parts are super cheap for them

Charlotte

sarcasm is the lowest form of wit charlotte!

saying that i wouldnt swap my rangie for all the tea in tescos.

If someone offered me a early 90's 110 long wheelbase Auto I'd swap my Range Rover tomorrow (today infact)

Charlotte

Hairdresser said:

Watch out for sticky VCU (propshaft assembly) - check by reversing on full lock, symptoms similar to having the handbrake on. Cost for part alone is £350-£750 depending where you look. Add labour.

Click to expand...

ooo eck...errr just bought our 2.0 xdi freelander, what does a vcu do and is it terminal? ours feels as if the handbrake is on on full lock in reverse and forward gears, i foolishly put it down to the 4wd system having just come from 2wd vehicles