Having just returned from a few days away in the Hippo, I have to say that, based on my personal experience, I'm now a confirmed fan of my K series.
Over the last 5 days, we have covered 815 miles, to, from and around the Lake District and it hasn't missed a beat.
Admittedly, I did do a lot of preventative maintenance beforehand - oil and filter change, cambelt change, remote thermostat kit fitted, along with a cooling system flush and new radiator - I even changed the clutch hydraulics for good measure.
Throughout the trip, the car started on the button every time, ran sweetly and (more importantly for a K series) the temperature remained below the half way point on the guage and she didn't use a drop of coolant - well, maybe a drop - and I mean, juts a drop.
In fact, the only problem we encoutered was a strange rattling noise when driving over rough ground. At first, I was worried (it sounded like an expensive sort of rattle). But a few minutes underneath revealed that some **** had not fully fastened one of the under-tray bolts when he put it back in place on the Friday before we set out!!! Five minutes with a ratchet and it was sorted.
I know that these engines certainly have a bad reputaion. And, having read all of the nightmare scenarios that people report on here, I can understand why. But my personal opinion is that if you accept it's a fragile thing and treat it accordingly, there's no reason why you can't get good service out of a 1.8 K series.
Admittedly, it's a bit under-powered for the body but even with the wife, myself and a boot full of luggage, it took the (very steep) hills of the Lake District in it's stride. It was comfortable, quite economical and afforded a much better view around the lanes than the wife's Mini, which we took last year.
You may think me strange, but I'm a real fan of my Freelander and happy with the little K series.
Long may it continue.
Over the last 5 days, we have covered 815 miles, to, from and around the Lake District and it hasn't missed a beat.
Admittedly, I did do a lot of preventative maintenance beforehand - oil and filter change, cambelt change, remote thermostat kit fitted, along with a cooling system flush and new radiator - I even changed the clutch hydraulics for good measure.
Throughout the trip, the car started on the button every time, ran sweetly and (more importantly for a K series) the temperature remained below the half way point on the guage and she didn't use a drop of coolant - well, maybe a drop - and I mean, juts a drop.
In fact, the only problem we encoutered was a strange rattling noise when driving over rough ground. At first, I was worried (it sounded like an expensive sort of rattle). But a few minutes underneath revealed that some **** had not fully fastened one of the under-tray bolts when he put it back in place on the Friday before we set out!!! Five minutes with a ratchet and it was sorted.
I know that these engines certainly have a bad reputaion. And, having read all of the nightmare scenarios that people report on here, I can understand why. But my personal opinion is that if you accept it's a fragile thing and treat it accordingly, there's no reason why you can't get good service out of a 1.8 K series.
Admittedly, it's a bit under-powered for the body but even with the wife, myself and a boot full of luggage, it took the (very steep) hills of the Lake District in it's stride. It was comfortable, quite economical and afforded a much better view around the lanes than the wife's Mini, which we took last year.
You may think me strange, but I'm a real fan of my Freelander and happy with the little K series.
Long may it continue.
