Freelander Worries!

Hello all!

I bought a Freelander recently AFTER reading all the negative write-ups as I won't be doing many miles in it, it looks great and is ideal for taking my dog for walks in The New Forest.

I am just concerned with all this talk of the head gasket failing and was wondering if there is anything I can possibly do to prevent this happening?

Could I get the car checked over by a garage perhaps? The previous owner claims the head gasket was changed 2000 miles ago along with the cambelt but I'm dubious.

Any help would be greatly received as I love this car and don't want to get rid of it just yet, I want to give it a chance!

Cheers.

I think, apart from burn it, the general idea is to keep an eye on the coolant levels and start saving. If it isn't HGF then something will cost you.

We have just picked our 2004 1.8 Freelander up this afternoon. Although we have a 3 month warranty from Stratstone, we declined their 2 year warranty and bought an AA one for £11 a month - which includes their full breakdown recovery as well.

I have an MG with the same engine (although a VVC) and the advice for headgasket longlivity from the MG guru's is not to rev the engine too hard when cold and dont go above 3000 revs until the oil is up to temperature. The freelander doesnt have an oil temp gauge where the TF does, but it takes about 8 miles to get to a temperature where its safe to 'push it'. After 3 years (touching all wood I can find) mine has been ok.

Also, keep an eye on the coolant and if it starts to drop dont drive it until you cure the leak - there isnt enough coolant to be lost in the K to risk it!

Yu believe wot yu want. I wont touch one.

get a diesel instead

http://www.landyzone.co.uk/lz/f9/bit-confused-104515.html

Have a read of some other posts on here. There's some cracking posts about the K series, among the not so cracking ones dissing it.