Thinking of buying a TD4

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mikescuba

mikescuba

Well-Known Member
Posts
2,731
Location
France, Loire, Rhone Alpes
Hi all, I have a Defender 110, 200tdi and I am thinking of trading it in against a TD4. My main reason is mainly I want car like performance and economy. I only really get the benifit of a 4X4 in the winter months where we offten have snow on the ground here in this part of France. The last two bad winters in the UK is about our norm for over here.
I'm thinking about something around a 2002 TD4 but I seem to be seeing a lot of negetive comments about the Freelander. Most of the ones I have read about on ebay seem to have problems with the back electric windows. Smoky engines on start up, problems with hot starting, and the list seems to go on. Are they really that bad. What I need is something that can get me through the snow and good mpg , Oh and something warm in the winter.
I do enjoy driving the Defender but it is cold in the winter but unstopable in the snow.
What other problems should I look out for in a TD4.
 
Freelander excellent choice – one of the best for snow. Not too good at serious off-road, but that’s what the Discos/ Defenders etc are for. Also there was a good upgrade in 2004 (exterior, interior, +misc). Engine to go for is TD4 and go for a high version like HSE to get leather (heated!) seats. Do the mods (EGR, breather, solenoid), look after the VCU, service it and it should all be great. Sunroofs rarely work. Get a set of 15” spare rims for snow tyres (much cheaper). The only thing is you really have to go outside of the mountains to get a non-shagged one (Paris/ Lyon). Look on Petites annonces gratuites d'occasion - leboncoin.fr
 
I have had almost 3 years good service so far from my 2005 TD4, 1 fuel pump failure and that has been it. Its a good engine, check that the VCU is not seized but I would say go for it. They are ideal for the normal winter snow we get here.
 
would your 110 try to BBQ you

[nomedia="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PgwwYEzwskU"]YouTube - Car on fire[/nomedia]
 
having had both fuel pumps the maf sensor and rear passenger door regulator fail in less than 12 months is making me consider how long i should keep mine, that said it managed to pull my 1 ton water trailer through snow about 8 inch deep on tar tyres to my horses. was no match for our disco up the hills purely because it was too light but when you get stuck it digs its self out eventually whereas the disco had to be towed once stuck (in snow). good points tho is fuel economy and performance of a car with good looks inside and out and is a good starter regardless of temp.
 
Yeah go for the facelift model 2004 onwards. Definitely TD4 as stated already. Rear window has issues sticking in really cold weather, but grease them up on the cable inside and they should last longer. Mind you, if you do find it sticking and so preventing opening the rear door its quite easy to just pull it down manually... once you have operated the door release of course :D
 
Hi they are ok ...... but watch fuel pumps......avoid the twin pumpers.....if it does not start from cold on the nail first crack walk away. Also bank on replacing VCU, engine breather and EGR blanking kit...........other than that like any other car.........
 
Had 6 years great service from my Disco 300TDi auto, didnt need a 7 seater bus any more, so got a TD4 auto Freelander, 02 plate. Great in the snow, and we do get proper snow here in the Peak District. They have their erm idiosyncrasies, but so did the Disco!
Just check all the known problem areas and buy a good un.
 
I just gave the 110 a clean and I thought to myself, I don't think I can get rid of it. I get the feeling that it is part of the family which I don't get when I look at freelanders. I think I will just have to have the two. Or just buy some warm clothing for the winter for travelling in the 110.
Seems to me what you save on fuel with a Freelander you spend out on repairs. I got the 110 from a friend who left it to me. He had it for 18 years and other than oil changes and Cam belt changes it had nothing done to it other than a Clutch slave cylinder repaird.
I have done a bit of work on it. New poly bushes, Exhaust, ball joints,snorkle, Altenator,battery, wheel bearings all round, A joint ball joint and I now need to get the rear x member replaced then I am sure it will go for several more years. Not bad considering it has crossed Marocco several times. I can't see a Freelander coping so well with that sort of punishment.
Yep, just convinced myself I'm keeping it.
 
I once heard of a bloke that laid 1/4" pipework around his car through the sills (old Ford Anglia I think) to help dry out his body work in crap weather. No underbody protection at that time. Maybe worthwhile having a similar arrangement running from the heater matrix prior to returning to the engine ;)
 
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