New TD4 owner.. nervous... Help

Hi I bought a 2001 TD4 ES privately last week brought it home about 150 miles, everything in the world is great except after have it I decided to do a quick fuel consumption check and its got me a bit worried. Over 60 miles mostly shorts (1-4 mile) trips and 2 x approx 20 mile fairly open road trips it returned a mpg of a bit under 25mpg.

What should I do? I know the manufactuers figures are alway rose tinted but I must admit I was expecting a bit better.

I have search the forum and read everything from MAF sensor to diesel injector cleaner recommended but I don't want to tread down the seemingly expensive diagnostic path without some facts. The vehicle has 62000 miles on it and I have checked and ensured tyres are pumped up.

Advice and the best route to follow for a brand new owner would be a great help. Oh I'm in Wiltshire if that helps at all.

Burn it

Prehaps you should have done a bit of research first. Freelanders are 4x4's so they are going to be more juicier than a 'normal' car. Short runs are the worst for fuel economy for sure. Try some Millers in the tank, go for some long runs.....and :welcome2:

Sounds a bit low.

Generally at worst got 30mpg, with short journeys, but depends on your driving style.

Best ever 42 mpg

Mainly 34 - 36. Did do less in winter than summer.

Thanks Nige yeah did do quite a lot of reserch as it happens and previous vehicle was a scenic Rx4 so I was fully expecting less mpg than a 2WD... but still I just felt 24-25 might be somewhat on the low side.

Has it been properly serviced? Not just main dealer service intervals, but proper maintenance? How old are the oils, filters etc etc?

Perhaps get a proper health check on it done, and then consider a remap... modern turbo diesels are prime for mapping, choose a reputable company, and get it done. You'll have more oomph, and better mpg to boot.

This lot are expensive, but very good Diesel Performance Vehicles supported by Tunit Performance

They did my Saab company car

jamin101 said:

Hi I bought a 2001 TD4 ES privately last week brought it home about 150 miles, everything in the world is great except after have it I decided to do a quick fuel consumption check and its got me a bit worried. Over 60 miles mostly shorts (1-4 mile) trips and 2 x approx 20 mile fairly open road trips it returned a mpg of a bit under 25mpg.

What should I do? I know the manufactuers figures are alway rose tinted but I must admit I was expecting a bit better.

I have search the forum and read everything from MAF sensor to diesel injector cleaner recommended but I don't want to tread down the seemingly expensive diagnostic path without some facts. The vehicle has 62000 miles on it and I have checked and ensured tyres are pumped up.

Advice and the best route to follow for a brand new owner would be a great help. Oh I'm in Wiltshire if that helps at all.

Click to expand...

I assume it is a manual? Automatic cars are never as fuel efficient compared to their manual counterparts.

According to Autotrader, the book figures for the manual Freelander TD4 are:

Fuel consumption (urban) 31 mpg
Fuel consumption (extra urban) 42.2 mpg
Fuel consumption (combined) 37.2 mpg
0 - 62 mph 13.2 seconds

Click to expand...

So yes, 25 mpg is on the low side. Are you sure you're doing your calculations right though? Also, if you're heavy footed, it will make a big difference too. I have a friend who has a new Fiat Grande Punto 1.4T. (Petrol) It is supposed to average slightly above 40 mpg, yet he gets around 30 mpg. He is very heavy footed though and revs much higher than necessary, and this is the reason why he only gets 30 mpg. Many people don't realise how much a difference their driving habits can make.

I bought my Freelander TD4 51 plate on Friday, so I'm also interested to see how mine compares with the book figure. (I sometimes drive long distances and wanted a 4x4 which is relatively fuel efficient) The last time I took it out for a ride, the a fuel hose had worn, causing fuel to literally leak all over the place! I'm glad it wasn't petrol, else I may have followed robint's advice. Albeit unintentionally!

Rich

Hi fellow Wiltshire man!!

My L series does 35MPG consistently. You're is burning too much. The others have got the main answers. It needs a service and a general check over to see whats up. Another thing to think about is the Fuel Burning Heater, if you have one and I think the ES does. If you don't know then its a Diesel burning coolant preheater that sits in, I think, the passenger side wing area. It should wake up and heat the engine up when the ambient temp is below 5 degrees C. Yours could have gone wrong and is running regardless. This will dent your fuel consumption. Might be up the wrong tree with this but worth a mention.

Other thing is, is it an Auto? That will dent yer figures anaw!!

Good luck. Dave

Hi to you fellow Wiltshire'ite' and all others who have chipped in the car is a manual and I have a receipt from an independant vehicle repairs place used by its previous owner in plymouth showing a annual service in Feb 2010 this included oil filter, air filter, fuel filter, fuel conditioner(forte), 2 quite cheap front tyres(roadstone?)

I have a place local that is an independant 4x4 Specialist (Wildmans, Urchfont) do you think they would able to diagnose effectively or is it a Dealership only job requiring specific diagnostic kit?

Put those new tyres on the back or you will be having VCU probs too.

park it on a train crossing and leave the car promptly

blocked crankcase breather, clogged/faulty egr, dodgy (or even unplugged) MAF, dirty injectors all lead to poor fuel consumption.

What size deep socket do I need for the TD4 plastic engine cover can't find it anywhere?

look in your tool box or try and c which fits it or how about 10mm

Long nose pliers in my case.

Our TD4 manual is only used on rd and averages 38mpg, 100k on the clock and due for a service...

I do a long run to work and when i was once particularly interested, i spent a week driving like a nun, giving me 44mpg and a week driving like a nob, 32mpg.