I am the proud owner of a recently acquired Freelander TD4 Sport Automatic (5 door, 2004, gunmetal grey) arguably the best variant. I would say that the car is in good condition for its age with 3 owners and 79,000.
However, through research I found that there are several things about Freelanders which some might benefit from knowing in advance of buying;
1. VCU. Check this works and has it been replaced? its the bit of machinery that gives rear wheel drive when the front wheels loose traction. Some sites, mainly those that sell refurbished VCU's, say life of unit is 70k. Specialist garages say that after 70k it is wise to check VCU is operating properly, it will not necarsarily need changing. However, expect £500 bill if it does - many people said to me that if its gone dont bother replacing just convert into front wheel drive only, but I bought a 4 wheel drive for a reason !
2. Door locking mechanism. Common fault. Some say change solenoid if the remote fob doesnt work....dont bother, much easier to buy new mechanism, about £70.
3. Window opens, does not close. Common fault. Too fiddly renewing wire - they rust through- easier to change whole mechanism, about £70.
4. If automatic, change oil in gearbox which should be done at 60k. My garage woudnt do it saying I should go to specialsit garage, which I have, cost £120.
5. Check service history for cleaning of crankcase breather filter, BMW originally said good for life of engine then in 2007 changed that advice to "replace filter every 12k". I am changing for BMW vortex type which will not need servicing, about £30. Cause of much oily nastiness if not attended to.
6. Check all tyres are the same, Freelanders drive train does not tolerate different sized tyres.
7. Turbo pipes. Common fault. One pipe in particular is prone to wear as it sits on a metal thing which makes it wear quickly. Many say change to silicone hoses as a matter of course, I intend to do just that in a month or so.
8. Rear differential bushes wearing. Common fault. Garage wanted to replace with bushes costing £120, can be bought for half that.
9. Land Rover specialist history best.
Jobs to do; go round car with sticky backed neoprene tape and eliminate rattles, of which there are several. Fit side steps (bought for £100). Fit roof bars (bought second hand on eBay for £60). Fit cargo bay rubber mat.
If you want to tinker with your car a good site is www.nikrivers.com.
I looked at a lot of Freelanders up to £5,000, eventually bought privately for £2,600 (asking £3,495) with about £400 of essential work. I paid too much but I wanted sport variant in right colour (better ride and looks) and automatic (rare) and frankly, I had got bored looking !
As ever, do your own research.
Best
V
However, through research I found that there are several things about Freelanders which some might benefit from knowing in advance of buying;
1. VCU. Check this works and has it been replaced? its the bit of machinery that gives rear wheel drive when the front wheels loose traction. Some sites, mainly those that sell refurbished VCU's, say life of unit is 70k. Specialist garages say that after 70k it is wise to check VCU is operating properly, it will not necarsarily need changing. However, expect £500 bill if it does - many people said to me that if its gone dont bother replacing just convert into front wheel drive only, but I bought a 4 wheel drive for a reason !
2. Door locking mechanism. Common fault. Some say change solenoid if the remote fob doesnt work....dont bother, much easier to buy new mechanism, about £70.
3. Window opens, does not close. Common fault. Too fiddly renewing wire - they rust through- easier to change whole mechanism, about £70.
4. If automatic, change oil in gearbox which should be done at 60k. My garage woudnt do it saying I should go to specialsit garage, which I have, cost £120.
5. Check service history for cleaning of crankcase breather filter, BMW originally said good for life of engine then in 2007 changed that advice to "replace filter every 12k". I am changing for BMW vortex type which will not need servicing, about £30. Cause of much oily nastiness if not attended to.
6. Check all tyres are the same, Freelanders drive train does not tolerate different sized tyres.
7. Turbo pipes. Common fault. One pipe in particular is prone to wear as it sits on a metal thing which makes it wear quickly. Many say change to silicone hoses as a matter of course, I intend to do just that in a month or so.
8. Rear differential bushes wearing. Common fault. Garage wanted to replace with bushes costing £120, can be bought for half that.
9. Land Rover specialist history best.
Jobs to do; go round car with sticky backed neoprene tape and eliminate rattles, of which there are several. Fit side steps (bought for £100). Fit roof bars (bought second hand on eBay for £60). Fit cargo bay rubber mat.
If you want to tinker with your car a good site is www.nikrivers.com.
I looked at a lot of Freelanders up to £5,000, eventually bought privately for £2,600 (asking £3,495) with about £400 of essential work. I paid too much but I wanted sport variant in right colour (better ride and looks) and automatic (rare) and frankly, I had got bored looking !
As ever, do your own research.
Best
V
