Thinking of buying a freelander 1 Any Advice?

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...

a doisel disco will be as cheap and same cost in knuckles so i would go old skool disco.

Don't - get a Discovery

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.

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wouldnt put my family in a gaylander. Better off with a golf.

goonarmy said:

wouldnt put my family in a gaylander. Better off with a golf.

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eat leon
s

Please buy the 1.8 petrol Gaylander. I haven't had a good laugh in ages!!

redhand said:

Please buy the 1.8 petrol Gaylander. I haven't had a good laugh in ages!!

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we could set up his own webby page....:lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::der::lol::lol:

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.

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.

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.

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or you could get a landy like BoB...........

I have got a xedi year 2000 freelander,had it for two years and so far I am
well pleased with it
good luck

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.

Try to buy one with a warranty from a dealer rather than a private sale.
My save you a small fortune.

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]

L series diesels camshaft belt, fip belt and ancillary belt change is every 48k.