General Buying Tips For Land Rover's All Models Needed

There's probably a sub section for this that I have overlooked.

But anyway I'm looking to but a 4wd.

For Example, possibly a Freelander with the XEDI Engine, don't know why but the Land Rover seems to have a poor rating score on the Which Car Magazine.


So on that note, before I hand over any cash for something I don't really know about, could someone persuade me as to why I should buy a Land Rover?

Which is the most reliable model, preferably DIESEL for around £2000?

Also which is the best engine?

What model could I find the M51?

(BMW 325 E36 2.5TD Engine as used in the Vauxhall Omegas)

What should I be looking for when buying?

I've read that a lot of Turbo Problems & Head Gasket Problems for the Discovery/freelander??

Thanks in advance anyway.

Freelander 1
Petrol models prone to HGF
Pre-2000 models had ratio issues with IRD/VCU
Diesels have decent record, BMW TD4 engine is most popular.
Good on road, decent off road BUT not got body clearance for extreme stuff.
Does not have rust issues other LR's known for.

I've driven many LR's and am happy with my current choice for what I need it to do.

Thanks Skynet

I'm not looking to do anything extreme with the vehicle, just interested in buying a rugged vehicle that can withstand the lumps & bumps on our UK roads not to mention a vehicle that can safely manoeuvre through the ice & snow should we get any more!

I've narrowed it down to either:

2002 Toyota Rav 4 Petrol VVTI 2.0 lt (Has the Cam Chain - Not Belt)
1998 - 2001 Honda CRV Petrol 2.0 lt
1998 - 2000 Land Rover FreeLander 2.0 lt XEDI

Do any of the Land Rovers engines have the timing chain instead of belt, if so which model?

Does the XEDI have a TD4 engine in it?

If not are there any downsides or known problems with it?

Which is better 'Discovery' or 'Freelander'?

I know this is a Land Rover forum site, I just want to ask out of the 3 vehicles I've mentioned above.

Which is most reliable & cost effective in the long run?


Or should say why would you choose a Land Rover Freelander or Discovery over the other 2?


Thanks for any more answers or advice.


Just found out the XEDi engine has a 2.0 lt - L series engine that was used in the Rover 220??

Are these good engines?

Would choose a LR because parts are cheaper to replace.

Not considering serious off roading? Freelander (TD4 is a chain) Do a search on this forum for specifics.

Want a tow vehicle? Disco

End of the day, drive them all and see how they feel to your style of driving.........

Can anyone tell me if or how you can tell if a seller has wound back the mileage on the clock of a freelander van?

I don't want to know how it can be done, I want to know if its possible, as I have come across a very low mileage 1 van owner, that has had to have a new clutch at 45 thousand miles along with a new fuel pump too.

I just find it difficult to believe a low mileage vehicle at low price would need that work so early on its life??

As for most adverts I have seen for freelanders they all seem to have had a replacement clutch before 100k, as well as many other parts needed - turbo's, injectors, peak air flow meters etc

Thanks in advance.

Buy mine

Whats your for sale?