Interesting in getting my first Freelander

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Mentat

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Hi all,

I'm new here and just wanted to start my search with the basic advice about looking for an older Freelander. I'm wondering what I could get for around £2000 or less? Ideally I want a diesel as I'm just a diesel fanatic. I don't care about having the gadgets and bells and whistles on. I want a comfortable road cruiser with the ability to handle basic hills and fields.

What should I be looking for when viewing them? I've read Honest John and What Car so I have an idea but it's the owners who'll know the little niggles better than a quick review.

Thanks in advance to anyone who replies, I'm sure these threads are tedious for you guys.
 
So a look around has told me that the VCU and IRD are major issues that I really have to make sure are ok. Seems like owning a Freelander can be a chore!
 
Yer, i'd agree with that, it seems that the VCU can be a big and expensive problem on them. Also clutch's don't seem great. I've had the master cylinder go on mine, luckly the master cylinder is the cheaper half, it's the slave cylinder that is expensice (think i got that the right way round). Also from owning a freelander and knowing a few other other people who own them it seems that central locking can be problematic. Genrally though i think there great cars. from my experence my freelander has been the most reliable car i've had (although all the others weren't exactly straight out the show room). Mine is a TD4, i'd try and avoid the petrol engine if i were u, seem to need head gasgets changing more often than the oil...
 
Mentat said:
So a look around has told me that the VCU and IRD are major issues that I really have to make sure are ok. Seems like owning a Freelander can be a chore!
Click to expand...

Admittedly I've only had mine since March, but it's an '06 TD4 with about 57k on the clock, but I've never had a problem with it. Drove it down to the south of France 2 weeks after getting it and it was perfect. Only thing I've done is fit the EGR mod and fit side-steps and wind deflectors - non-essential additions.

Have a small issue with the rear demister at the mo, but just need a bit of time to have a look at it - just think it's the relay.

Whatever you buy - you'll either get a good 'un or a bad 'un!! :D
 
Might be difficult/near impossible with your budget but aim for a TD4 MY01 or later.
 
I've spotted one in a local dealership for just under 2k MOTed for a year. Hoping to get out a run to see it on Saturday.
 
The doozle td4 are good try for a 2002 on ,as they modded the gearing ratio's seemed to sort out vcu problem ,have a good read on this forum and know before you buy ,like all cars it has ups and downs. . . .oh and check the doors dunt fall off wen wet :D :) :) :)
 
Mentat said:
On a first test drive, what are the main faults I should be looking for?
Click to expand...

No clonks, rattles or bangs. Drives smoothly, especially in tight circles forwards and backwards. Check tyre wear, especially check for saw toothing and blocking on inner edges. No excessive smoking. Smooth gear changes - If it's an auto, put it in sports mode and check changes don't falter when driving it hard.
 
It's a '99 XE di. 130k on the clock but just MOTed this month. Price is £1995 but I obviously wouldn't dream of offering ticket.

I guess I need to make sure all the extras work like ABS and HDC but not totally sure how to do this. I've read a little about checking certain lights should come on... which am I looking for on this car?
 
It was very tatty, even for a car of its age and I just didn't do it for me. However the 2001 TD4 for £3k was in great nick but need to make sure I want to be spending that much.
 
The Old L series were a good reliable engine, just traded mine in for a 06 TD4 sport and it only had 78000 on the clock. They are sellin on ebay with 150,000 on the clock !

and only about £1,500 quid ! :D
 
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