Help with purchase advice please

Hi Everybody,
I'm currently after some buying advice for a freelander 1 for my friend.
He is currently looking for a diesel variant 5 door around the year 2000.
Is there any major issues he needs to look for? Please forgive my dumbness but I have never owned a freelander so I am a little vague on what to look for.
Also he has seen a diesel 5 door in a dealer and has been informed it's been converted to 2WD???? Why would you do this, is their a hidden fault.
Any advice would be great ladies & gentlemen.
Thank you so kindly.
Mark.

Prob needed a new vcu, , I've got 2000 L series engine and its never missed a beat I'd say L series over td4 every time..., some insures won't insure it in 2wd also, all you can do is take it for a spin get some warranty look for leaks and rust really plug a fault code reader if you can borrow one, and any other usual checks for any other motor

Thanks for the advice thequeenscheese.
Regards,
Mark

If they will do you a one wheel up test / let you do one that will help check vcu, well documented on here...

Thanks for the excellent advice.

If not check the rear tyres for scrub, and reverse on full lock to see if its tight or Judders...

They've so called converted it to 2wd because the vcu has failed and caused the ird to break, a costly repair. They're obviously pulling a fast one.

Ask them to fit a prop and a vcu and see if they will give a guarantee that will answer that...

anorakmark said:

Hi Everybody,
I'm currently after some buying advice for a freelander 1 for my friend.
He is currently looking for a diesel variant 5 door around the year 2000.
Is there any major issues he needs to look for? Please forgive my dumbness but I have never owned a freelander so I am a little vague on what to look for.
Also he has seen a diesel 5 door in a dealer and has been informed it's been converted to 2WD???? Why would you do this, is their a hidden fault.
Any advice would be great ladies & gentlemen.
Thank you so kindly.
Mark.

Click to expand...

Check out the threads in my signature. Read and inwardly digest

Thanks Epicuser.

Where do I find this signature mate? I'm going to view one tomorrow and struggling to find much info on what to look for? Thanks

Attonr26 said:

Where do I find this signature mate? I'm going to view one tomorrow and struggling to find much info on what to look for? Thanks

Click to expand...

Immediately below his post.

Used car dealers. Nuff said.

They do it all the time. "It was converted to 2WD for better fuel economy" (or something to that tune). Fuel savings in 2WD are not measurable (VERY, very minor). The fact is,.....they took the car in with a bad VCU/IRD, decided they have too much money in it, and if they repair/replace IRD, fit a new VCU, and props, they'll be in it over retail (losing money), so they get creative.

Tell the friend to walk away. IF he goes in it at retail, and fixes the 4WD, HE will be the one that's "in it" for way too much (unless the selling price is WELL below retail, and replacing the knackered 4WD makes financial sense). There are plenty of these to choose from, and they need to be "stock", with drive train as designed by the factory. Stick around, and read some "stickies" (intended pun) where the "buying guide" is well outlined.

Hippo's are nice, and regardless of the "hairdresser" - "gay" references, I like driving it, although it's my wife's vehicle. She is a short gal, and she hates climbing in my RR, but every once in a while I convince her to switch LRs with me.