Thinking of buying Freelander, owners advice needed

Hi there,

I'm a newbie (shocker).

I am seriously considering buying a Freelander and I need a bit of guidance from you guys who know their stuff.

Firstly, I have heard that Freelanders have had problems- I'm guessing as you are owners that you are happy with your choice of vehicle but I wanted honest opinions on the car itself.
I would be looking for a 1998-2002/3 model, preferably 2.0 Auto Diesel (as I don't want to be refilling every 5 mins). Are there major problems with these - head gasket, lights, gearbox etc??

Also, I am moving up form a Ford Puma and I don't want to be overwhelmed by size- are they easy to park etc?

Sorry if these questions are a bit soft, but I always think it's better to ask than not.

I look forward to hearing from you,

Clusters

the 2.0 doozil is, probly, the best of the bunch. parking - its ok if yu can park - duz it have sensors? as fur probs - lods - but fewer than the petrols.

ask Ming about hoses n stuff. watch out fur vcu, cracking chassis, tyre wear etc etc etc

Hi Clusters,

Bought a td4 freelander for the missis in april, she jumped into it from a Fiat Punto and had no problems, the only thing I noticed is that the turning circle needs 2 seperate postcodes!, so more shunts in tesco`s carpark,
As for problems, cant offer to much info as we havnt had it long enough, but would say full service history is a must.
Perhaps there are more experienced people on here with more info for you.

Regards

Hello mate

I'm a newbie too - Only had my 2003 TD4 for a month so here are some answers:

"Firstly, I have heard that Freelanders have had problems- I'm guessing as you are owners that you are happy with your choice of vehicle but I wanted honest opinions on the car itself."
All used cars can have problems. Early Freelanders especially were bad but things have got better through BMW and then Ford ownership. Maybe not perfect now but OK if you choose carefully (history, mileage, etc, etc)

"I would be looking for a 1998-2002/3 model, preferably 2.0 Auto Diesel (as I don't want to be refilling every 5 mins). "
Make sure the 2.0 diesel you go for is a TD4. This is a very smooth, reliable & economical engine. I wouldn't go for the auto if I was you though. Very, very slow and you lose a big chunk of economy. The 1.8 petrol is the one with head gasket issues.

"Also, I am moving up form a Ford Puma and I don't want to be overwhelmed by size- are they easy to park etc?"
It is bigger than a Puma (obviously!) but it is shorter and about the same width as a Mondeo. I find mine a doddle to park - light power steering and big door mirrors helps! The only thing to really get used to is that because the bonnet is higher you always look like you're nearer things than you really are!

Hope this helps

Rog

Thank you for your help guys,

I am looking at an automatic as I am a bit peddle happy (probably because the Puma is nippy and I like to make use of that) so figured the auto may actually help me use less fuel!

I understand that all used cars have their issues, had just heard the Freelanders were quite bad for it, but I still like them.

I'm going to have a few test drives, see how the vehicle feels!

Thanks again!

Clusters