Thinking of buying a Td4 Freelander

Hi all,

I'm hoping I could maybe get some advice on buying a Freelander and was wondering if some of you guys could maybe give me some hints and tips on what to look for when buying 1.

My missus currently currently drives a '97 RAV4 (Please stop sniggering!) and was looking to get a newer "Jeep" type motor. She was initially wanting another RAV4/Shogun/Vitara type car, long story short at 1 of the garages we visited I spotted a 2.0 Td4 Freelander ES Premium SW in Metallic Black on an 2003 plate with 31000 miles on the clock.

The trader had just got it in and it was immaculate outside only real fault I could see was some water stains on the inside of the rear window (I don't know if there was a small leak possibly?) and some staining on the top of the trim on the rear door. Interior was full cream leather (trimmed steering wheel as well) and in really good condition apart from being a bit grimy (I think it was being used for the "school run" but I know with even a half decent valet the interior will come up mint.

Amazingly the missus really liked the style of the car inside and out (it was specced up with wheel arch trims, SW Rims etc), so we took it for a test drive, I was surprised how good the ride quality, automatic gearbox, and the diesel motor was pretty quiet when it was warmed up, all seemed ok, and I was thinking this would be a good car for the missus as she has an 80 mile commute to work every day so the diesel should be more economical.

I'm going back Friday to talk with the sales guy certainly with a view to buying it, but was wondering if any of the forum members could advise me of anything I should be looking out for, maybe a rough idea of servicing costs and any other advice particularly on the mechanical reliabilty would be much appreciated.

I'm off to backread the forum now for more info!

Many Thanks,

J.

tell her to stick with a rav or a ****ara, Infact anything is better than buying a gaylander. If she wants a landrover get her a discovery.

redhand said:

tell her to stick with a rav or a ****ara, Infact anything is better than buying a gaylander. If she wants a landrover get her a discovery.

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I'd prefer a Disco (coz I might have to drive this on occasion! aNd would prefer something that can go offroad so I can have a laugh in it) but she thinks the Disco's are too big etc etc....

jaygee said:

I'd prefer a Disco (coz I might have to drive this on occasion! aNd would prefer something that can go offroad so I can have a laugh in it) but she thinks the Disco's are too big etc etc....

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Compared to the Rav the Td4 has a smoother ride but is slower. Fuel consumption is better with the Td4 & they are cheaper than the equivalent Rav as you've discovered. Points to watch out for are VCU, IRD, Crank & cam sensors, MAF, Injectors can fail & are £150 each minimum. Do a search for the above items for more detail. The cars can & do leak water inside, the heater isn't half as good as the RAV & condensation inside the front screen is a problem though I believe higher spec ones have a heated front screen.
I owned two "M" reg Ravs before & loved them but I also love my "03" Td4 Auto. Despite the possible problems, regular servicing & checks will keep things good. Mine has been very reliable, just needing the infamous new crankcase breather filter/valve assembly & a MAF compensator fitted to restore the MAF function. Always use a good quality injector cleaner like Millers Powersport 4 diesel additive to keep the injectors clean.
You will be pleased with the car if it's a good one.

We have an 02-plate TD4 and it has never missed a beat. We replaced one of the rear diff mounts (£20) at 60,000miles. We sometimes get 40mpg.

It's a good on-road car, nicer than the Nissan X-Trail or Honda CRVs that I have driven. It is also capable and fun off road. It can tow 2,000kg but practically it is limited to 1,800kg otherwise you can exceed the gross train weight.

Cheers

Blippie