Thinking of buying a freelander 1 Any Advice?

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P38_love/hatething

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Hi,
Grateful for any advice. The wife has decided she likes the look of the freelander 1, which i dont disagree with, but with the budget I've got, I'll be looking at buying something around 98-2000, probably 1.8 (around 2 grand, 3 if i really stretch to something newer)

I've got a 4.0 HSE P38 for myself, and love it (at the minute). I'm always tinkering and fixing something with it - I don't really fancy a second car to work on constantly. We need the space with a second baby on the way, and will be geting rid of a 95 toyota celica which has been bullet-proof regarding reliability.

Am i mad? should i consider something else? Answers on a postcard...
 
Don't buy a 1.8 or a 2.5 v6. You will probably be buying into major expense with the Head Gasket etc. If you get a Freelander, buy a TD4 which is the best option.

I bought the Freelander for the same reason, baby on the way etc. I really like it and it is a decent car. I have a few teething troubles but who doesn't when buying a second hand car.

Have a look on ebay you can pick up a decent one for few grand.
 
A 1.8 will probably be less trouble than a P38.
Go for a Diesel, preferably Td4 if your budget runs to it.
Ignore any comments from BofB, he's just jealous.
 
MickO'CTD4 said:
Don't buy a 1.8 or a 2.5 v6. You will probably be buying into major expense with the Head Gasket etc. If you get a Freelander, buy a TD4 which is the best option.

I bought the Freelander for the same reason, baby on the way etc. I really like it and it is a decent car. I have a few teething troubles but who doesn't when buying a second hand car.

Have a look on ebay you can pick up a decent one for few grand.
Click to expand...
wouldnt put my family in a gaylander. Better off with a golf.
 
Yeah im pretty new to Landy world and I was told to stay away from petrol ones of that age and go with Deisel TD4 only. I took that advice and so far ive had a good runner , ok Ive had a few faults amazingly that the same people on here have experienced so far Ive not had and major expense on my 2001 TD4 5 Door. Electric windows , check them as mine have gone but after a nice repair they are all working fine (Thanks to here) If they sound graunchy they may need a cable replace like mine.
 
Thanks for comments. I'm over in Norn Iron, and might well end up going across the water to pick up a TD4 - anyone any thoughts on either a good dealer to get one from (with a fair bit of choice / internet ads / ability to bring a good one back that day) or any thoughts on RAC or other inspections - are they worth anything?

Or better still, any speciailists to inspect one.
 
Beast o Bodmin said:
50% say no so as you said suck it and see!

I wouldnt bother as for that money you could get a lovley honda or summat.
Click to expand...
or you could get a landy like BoB...........
 

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Depends what you really want.
Petrol generally more trouble than they are worth.
Older diesel generally bomb proof engine that needs a very expensive cam belt change every 60K - only available in manual.
Newer TD4 - nicer drive, more power, can be more temperamental on the engine management side, go for auto if off road/towing.

Post 2003 much better brakes, lots of niggles sorted.
Look at the tyres - odd wear patterns, can be hiding transmission problems - see VCU check in other posts.
Electrics whilst not perfect are still miles better than P38, but then again that’s not too difficult.
Rust - doesn't generally happen, but if off-roaded exhaust damage can be expensive, £500+ for full TD4 system.
Get your wife to check the boot, can she life with the small size? Check carpet and under floor storage - if it’s wet you will most likely be looking at new door seal.
Manual clutches can be expensive to fix.
 
Andy & howardo, many thanks. Had kind of written off the Di early diesels, as every review you read says they are sluggish and noisy, but i like the sound of a fairly bulletproof engine.

The car is for my wife, so overall reliability is much more important than speed and the practicality is a million times better than her current 2 door celica!

There are a load of year 2000 Di's about - are these a generally a good option??

Thanks
 
The pre-TD4 diesels are somewhat "agricultural" but perfectly serviceable. As already mentioned, check for cambelt change - needs a new cambelt every 60K and it will be at least £450 even with an independent. Lots of disassembly apparently (and it's actually two belts that are changed).

The L series is neither performant nor particularly frugal, but will cruise along at 70 without leaving you needing ear defenders!

Mine's a MY99 and no major rust. Just had the VCU changed as that hadn't been done in 115K miles, and the cambelt was done when I bought it - I reduced the offer price to pay for it. The sunroof is partially broken (doesn't fully retract), but everything else is in good shape.

Whatever you get - check ALL the electrics. There are a lot of them and they can be expensive.
 
Nuffink wrong wiff the Gaylander. . . .but stick to the Doozils un all will be well , look at service history and check the vcu . . .Ird. . . .props un rear diff. . . . . . .and dont take any notice of Beasty [his Mum ran orft wiff a Gaylander driver] :D :D :D
 
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