Freelander Buying Options

Newbie here looking for a bit of advice:

Got a budget of 2.5k and looking at two 52 plate Freelanders, one a TD4 with 120k on the clock and the other a 'K' series 1.8 with 60k on the clock. Both exactly the same trim specs etc.

I know the TD4 is going to be more fuel efficient, but that's not a massive issue for me. From what I have read, the TD4 is less likely to cause problems that the 'K' series engine, but the TD4's drivetrain etc. has double the mileage.

I should add that though I'd like a Defender or a Disco, I would like to drive on the motorway/fit it in my garage, which is why I am looking at a Freelander instead

What would Freelander owners recommend?

Thanks in advance.

Burn the 1.8 k series, buy a td4 or disco

storm99 said:

aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaagggggggggghhhhhhhhhh

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stub your toe???hit thumb with hammer???

td4 every time, maybe worth a look round to see if you can find a td4 with a lower mileage.

however, there are some really high recorded mileages for td4's on here.

My head crashed into the keyboard at the thought of a k series 1.8.

storm99 said:

My head crashed into the keyboard at the thought of a k series 1.8.

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be carefull dont blow a gasket! or was thinkng k series???

storm99 said:

aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaagggggggggghhhhhhhhhh

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So we're saying forget the 'K' series then?

Might hold off for a lower mileage TD4 instead. Are there any known issues with this engine? I would have thought a BMW-sourced unit would be pretty bullet proof.

Read all the stickies and you'll have a bloody good idea what to expect/look out for. If you get a goodun it's a peach but a budget of 2.5 is not going to get you top spec/low mileage obviously.

dazjam said:

Read all the stickies and you'll have a bloody good idea what to expect/look out for. If you get a goodun it's a peach but a budget of 2.5 is not going to get you top spec/low mileage obviously.

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I agree - that's where the attraction of the 'K' series models comes from, in that you can have decent spec and low mileage, but the tradeoff is an engine that seems to have proved itself more unreliable in service than the TD4, 'L' series or the V6 models.

The drivetrain if it worries you is remarkably simple and can easily be changed in whole or in part. The components are also readily available provided you steer clear of the suppliers named and shamed on this forum.

And yes, get the TD4.

I was in this position a few years back. Not enough budget for a TD4 so bought the k-series lost a fortune as it ended up virtually scrap. Head gasket went, etc was hardly worth repairing.

Having saved up, bought a decent 51 plate TD4 kept it nearly 3 years and devaluation of just £1000 in that time.

My advise would be keep saving, and don't buy in winter. They have gone up £3-500 at the bottom end of the TD4 market

richardn said:

I was in this position a few years back. Not enough budget for a TD4 so bought the k-series lost a fortune as it ended up virtually scrap. Head gasket went, etc was hardly worth repairing.

Having saved up, bought a decent 51 plate TD4 kept it nearly 3 years and devaluation of just £1000 in that time.

My advise would be keep saving, and don't buy in winter. They have gone up £3-500 at the bottom end of the TD4 market

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Thats a good point made about not buying like ... now, prices will be at a premium from any form of recognised dealer.

Not sure if same is true of the private seller though.

been covered many times, but basically

choose a doozil - TD4 preferred - DO NOT TOUCH A PETROL ONE.
2002 or later.
check it has propshafts underneath
check the tyres are not "sawtoothed" ()
check that it drives forward and reverse on full lock easily
check for any clonks and bangs on take-up.
try and get one with FHS.
get as long a warranty as yu can (and make sure it includes all the drivetrain).

was going to say why look at just 52 plates then saw 2002 or later (whats wrong with the earlier TD4's?)

I say with a slight hint of panic.

anyways I bought my 2000 X plate td4 5dr in Aug 2009. it is ES model so all leather etc and had 63k mileage. I paid 2.5k for it then and I have not had a single problem with it in the year + I have had it and the 7k I have covered.

so I would say why not get an older td4 with lower miles higher spec (until someone tells me why pre 02 are terrible )

VCU/IRD changes

fair enough, when mine break then can i replace them with the new improved ones..... when they break not if actually that reminds me I havent checked my haynes but at the 70k service am i suppose to be getting something done regarding them? or is it the autobox fluid at 70k?

j0hnbarker said:

Newbie here looking for a bit of advice:

Got a budget of 2.5k

What would Freelander owners recommend?

Thanks in advance.

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This Subaru Legacy Outback for sale in Sligo: €4,495 - DoneDeal.ie is beyond your budget.Iknow nothing at all about them but I would do some research and stay well clear of the freelander,unless you enjoy lots and lots of hard graft maintenance .O r look for a disco ,dunno what £2.5k will buy probably a bucket of rust.Doubt if you'll get much of a defender on that budget either.

good luck.







do not buy a 1.8 .

Cheers for the advice - I see the consensus is to avoid the 1.8!

If I stretch then 3k brings a couple of decent TD4 Freelanders up locally as options. Unfortunately I can't wait until summer to avoid the slight premium payable for 4x4s in winter, but there you go

Thanks again!

j0hnbarker said:

Cheers for the advice - I see the consensus is to avoid the 1.8!

If I stretch then 3k brings a couple of decent TD4 Freelanders up locally as options. Unfortunately I can't wait until summer to avoid the slight premium payable for 4x4s in winter, but there you go

Thanks again!

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read, read and read again the gaylander section