Freelander diesel purchase

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britishwardog

britishwardog

Active Member
Posts
394
Location
Cranleigh, Surrey
Hi guys, may be looking at a 98 (S) 2ltr diesel at the end of the week, body wise the car looks good in the advert, the mileage is approx 138,000, are there any vices common to a diesel of that age?, sorry if this has been covered in other threads but I'm not good trawling through pages of info and having had surgery 5 days ago I'm still feeling delicate and easily tired.
Cheers in advance.
 
The 98' diesel have a very good engine. The early IRD(transfer box) have some issues with the ratio between front and rear drive. With a newer (00+) IRD its just as reliable as every other Freelander(if your lucky the IRD have been replaced at one time and you got the new one as i found on mine). If the VCU is of uncertain age i would have bought a new one.
 
I love the L series but personally I'd try to go for a lower mileage.
But definitely check that the VCU has been replaced (if it's still there - some get left off).

Mine got scalloped rear tyres when the VCU stiffened with age - not all do though so don't rely on that!

Again just personal experience but check there's no jingly noises coming from the turbo - can be fixed but costs around £110 for a turbo service kit.

Freebies are well known for leaky boots - can be a pain to fix, can be easy (mileages vary). Check the boot carpet is dry and no signs of rust stains - if it's a 5 door make sure you check the carpet under the lift-up flap in the boot.

Remember that not all pre-2000 Freebies had traction control or hill-descent control. If it has a TC dash warning light it has TC - and a yellow trigger on the gear stick means it has HDC.

Obviously check for smoky exhaust, gunk under the oil filler cap, the usual stuff for the mileage :p
 
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I wouldn't be too put off with that mileage. Average of 8k a year so aslong as it's had regular services it shouldn't be too bad. Unless it's been parked up for some reason? Read up on here about the vcu. It should probably need changing if it hasn't already. Also read up on here about the importance of tyres. All 4 same make and newest on rear.

No real problems with the L series. Any problems they have any other freelander would have the same.
 
Thanks for replies guys, having trawled fleabay this evening I've come across a 2001 GS K series 1.8, yes I know I was asking about the diesel but this one has had extensive work including HG and head rebuild in Dec '12, new rear diff mounts, new VCU bearings, new brakes, new clutch, new tyres, newly serviced, all work invoiced with a mileage of 106K, the car is clean with no obvious rust and the seller wants £1100, any thoughts?
 
Errr..... Better off with the l series IMO. All depends how much l series is. What you use your vehicles for blah blah blah.

Did it have new vcu or just the bearings?
 
I've never had a K4 but:

I'd ask if the new gasket is one of the improved (multi-layer?) ones.
I'd hope that the cylinder liners haven't dropped.
I'd hope that they replaced (or at least skimmed) the head when the gasket was done.

But if it looks like it's been looked after and has plenty of stamps, I guess it's got as good a chance as any!

I'm not a fan of that engine I have to say, but plenty seem to like them.
 
britishwardog said:
Thanks for replies guys, having trawled fleabay this evening I've come across a 2001 GS K series 1.8, yes I know I was asking about the diesel but this one has had extensive work including HG and head rebuild in Dec '12, new rear diff mounts, new VCU bearings, new brakes, new clutch, new tyres, newly serviced, all work invoiced with a mileage of 106K, the car is clean with no obvious rust and the seller wants £1100, any thoughts?
Click to expand...

mine has 10k on that and is 2 years older and the engine pulls like a train :)

l series is a good engine but neither diesels give the power output of the "K" :D
 
Whereas the TD4 I have will remap without any mods to about 144bhp.

Not sure about the L series, but I understand it is quite good for remap/mods.
 
Epicuser said:
Whereas the TD4 I have will remap without any mods to about 144bhp.

Not sure about the L series, but I understand it is quite good for remap/mods.
Click to expand...

impressive :)
but not as quick or as lively as a K

and not worth the extra expense of the purchase price, imo
 
Freelaner said:
impressive :)

but not as quick or as lively as a K



and not worth the extra expense of the purchase price, imo
Click to expand...


I enjoyed my short time with a K in 2WD. But it was a handful!!!!

I was glad to hand it back and drive home in my TD4 auto with 4wd. Felt so much better.

I'd prefer a petrol, but need auto, and doing 15,000 miles a year, I can't afford the v6 :sad
 
Epicuser said:
I enjoyed my short time with a K in 2WD. But it was a handful!!!!

I was glad to hand it back and drive home in my TD4 auto with 4wd. Felt so much better.

I'd prefer a petrol, but need auto, and doing 15,000 miles a year, I can't afford the v6 :sad
Click to expand...

mine too was in 2wd briefly when I removed my vcu whilst it was being refurbed.
steering was light, it was nippy and the tc worked well but i prefer the feel of 4wd albiet still biased to the front in normal conditions.

v6 is a superb engine and, like the 1.8, a much maligned motor ;)
 
Freelaner said:
mine too was in 2wd briefly when I removed my vcu whilst it was being refurbed.
steering was light, it was nippy and the tc worked well but i prefer the feel of 4wd albiet still biased to the front in normal conditions.

v6 is a superb engine and, like the 1.8, a much maligned motor ;)
Click to expand...

Just need to tow a petrol tanker behind you :D
 
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