Mk1 Freelander, Abandoned project, 2nd posting

Hello,
I have tried posting this in the Freelander section but thought it might have a wider appeal.
About 6 months before I retired in Jan(13) the car that I used to get to work died on me. I had to replace it VERY asap and the Freelander was the first available vehicle that came to light. I bought it with the intention of selling it on when I retired but (second mistake) decided to keep it to see out the Winter. Some time in Feb the Head Gasket gave up the ghost and I (third mistake), having been a hgv mechanic some 35 years ago and now having the time, decided to break out my tools and have ago.
Engine stripped down, Head skimmed, all new gaskets etc. rebuilt, started and run (3 times) it now refuses to fire up.
I'm now running out of time to spend on it. The old saying of the retired 'I don't know how I had time to go to work' comes in with a vengance very shortly. Which leaves me with three options. 1. to sell it as it is// 2. to get someone to repair it and then sell it// 3. to leave it stood on the drive until I get time. It seems to me that all three options have the same financial outcome.
The bodywork is good condition and all the electrics etc work. the mileage is low for it's year and several new parts have been fitted, including a new Engine Management System and front and center exhaust pipes.
If there is any body interested in this vehicle I would be happy to discuss it further. I have no idea of its worth but I am prepared to haggle. Sooner rather than later as the sun and foreign climes are starting to becken.

Ducks :behindsofa:

tow it to nearest out of sight layby and burn it

Hi, welcome to the LZ forum and sorry to learn of the probems you have with your Freelander. perhaps not the best vehicle with which to pop your Land River DIY cherry.

As a newcomer to the forum you are well advised to read the rules. New members with less than 50 posts cannot sell items, and whilst you are not strictly selling your Gaylander (yet) your post is pretty close to an advert to incur the wrath of the members who cherish this site as more than a marque specific Autotrader lookalike.

As to your options; You will receive other advice (invest in a box of Swan Vestas and a gallon of petrol) , but as I see it you really have limited choice if you don't want to just scrap your vehicle (or put it on ebay with fault unspecifed) producing the same value.

Alternatively you can invest a few pounds (£60?) getting your dealer to diagnose the fault(s) with your Gaylander. You can them make a decision on whether it is economical to repair. If it's an affordable remedy, particularly if you can fix it yourself, you van then at least sell it as a working vehicle.

Then, you invest your money in a Defender or Series Land Rover, and lean about the true enjoyment of owning a proper Solihull product.

^ well said

As above^^ A none running gaylander is £500 really.

Sorry if I've stepped on anybodies toes. Always been a happy dinosaur, starting to learn the language bit by bit which is helping when it comes to understanding the rules.
Thanks for your advice, something to think about, pity I'm running out of time.

Alansan said:

Sorry if I've stepped on anybodies toes. Always been a happy dinosaur, starting to learn the language bit by bit which is helping when it comes to understanding the rules.
Thanks for your advice, something to think about, pity I'm running out of time.

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Alan, it is really against the rules to try and sell with under 50 posts !

ask away for any advice or help, but if i were you i'd chuck it on ebay, or stick another engine in it

You mention it started 3 times and now it doesn't. So realistically it shouldn't be anything major??
Can I ask why you are running out of time to fix it? Are you moving abroad?

Hi.(the egg),
I did take your advice but I didn't understand the 50 posts, just a case of learning the language. I do now and as I said earlier I'm sorry if I've inadvertently stepped over the line.
thanks for your tolerance.
Hi, (Tomp),
Recently retired with plans that have been formulated over many years, enough to say that the Motor Home is stuff to the Gunnels and the ferry is booked. Our return will be to short days and cold winds. the Freelander could sit on the drive whilst we're away but it won't do it a lot of good, best if I could dispose of it before we leave.

Oh ok, I understand, makes sense now. Do you need the money? if not, I wouldnt stress about it, wait till you come back, put a cover over it etc, work on it when you get back, give you something to do It wont do much harm leaving it standing mate

Every day makes that the most likely outcome. didn't realise that retirement would be so time consuming. how did I ever find the time to go to work?
Once again thanks to all for their comments, this really is a brilliant site.