new to freelander advice needed

Hello all,
First post so be gentle with me. 4 Weeks ago I bought my first freelander. 2000 w-reg, 63k,FSH 1.8 xei station wagon. I bought it from a garage for £3500. Before buying I researched as much as possible and knew about the history of head gasket failures, overheating etc. The head gasket was replaced by the garage as well as doing a full engine and cooling system flush. Also a rear diff mount was replaced. Since using the vehicle I have noticed a couple of things that I am concerned about.
1. The temperature gauge doesn't take long to move to the middle. It never overheats or shows signs of overheating though whether in town or on the open road. Every other car I've owned has taken 10-15 minutes, all old bangers though.
2. When turning a tightish corner there is a loud juddering type noise from the rear end.
3. Some days the gearbox is terrible to use and others its fine.
4. How long will the new head gasket last? I suspect the previous owner was a townie who never looked under the bonnet.

Thanks to anyone that can help

to answer to number 1 question is that the temperature gauge does go up to the middle quite quick this is normal.

Adam

thanks adam .

In a Freelander the transmission incorporates an Intermediate Reduction Drive unit which provides the 4WD capability. The lubricant in this gets very hot and so is passed through a heat exchanger connected to the engine cooling system. This is fed by comparatively small bore coolant piping and is located lower and further back than the rest of the cooling system. If the engine coolant is drained for any reason (and of course the service advice for the all aluminium K series engines recommends draining and flushing the cooling system at least every 24,000 miles I believe) air locks can develop in this heat exchanger. This causes the engine (and the transmission) to overheat causing head gasket failure and probably other damage. The heat exchanger has separate bleed points to prevent air locks but these are apparently fiddly to get at (and not obvious from an under bonnet inspection) and thus this service item often does not get done. This set me thinking. I have a full warranty for 3 months and I can extend it to 12 months for about £200. Is this good value?

cooperkerr said:

I have a full warranty for 3 months and I can extend it to 12 months for about £200. Is this good value?

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Check the small print before you sign but if it covers all the areas where gaylanders usually go bang. than £200 could save you a lot of money.

Red's right, if it covers the ugly bits then 200 notes is worth it....well worth it.