To buy or not to buy?

Hey guys,

A few years ago I came here to do some research on the Freelander. I soon discovered that Landy fans dubbed it the "gaylander" and that it seemed to be plagued with design problems, reliability issues and hefty maintenance bills. It definitely put me off. I ended up buying the newer model of my previous car instead. The problem is that I still want to have a little fun off road!

My current car is a BMW 318 E46. Not a high end model, but it drives nicely, it's well equipped, reasonably roomy, quiet inside, very comfortable and it suits me well apart from one thing. - I look like a complete retard if I ever leave the tarmac in it. Not only that, but I wouldn't achieve much in trying! That said, I would be reluctant to let it go for a car that doesn't seem to have the same reputation in terms of build quality, reliability and standard equipment. Am I right to be hesitant here?

I guess I'm not sure whether buying a Freelander TD4 would be such a good idea in the long run. I don't want a gas guzzler as I do a lot of long trips. With that in mind, the legendary and reputable Disco II TD5 is out of the question I think.

Please help convince me; Why should I buy a Land Rover TD4 as opposed to keeping my current car or buying another 4x4 in the same class?

Cheers!

Rich

depends how far off road you want to go,ground clearance isn't great.
If you want a freelander be prepared to get your hands dirty and oily .
The gaylander name is just a term of affection,you already drive a woman's car.
The freelander is a great car ,but I wouldn't try to convince anyone to go out and buy one.

The TD4 is a BMW engine, and our Freelander TD4 has done 100,000m from new and has failed us once after the fuel pump failed due to fuel contamination.

It's the most reliable car we have ever had, occasionally gets 40mph. It's suprisingly competent offroad, and we've taken our l-series 95% of the places I can go in my defender 90.

But if it is not the car you want, don't get one.

Cheers

Blippie

Cheers for your input guys

Blippie said:

occasionally gets 40mph.

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Do you drive around everywhere in 2nd gear?

Btw, do you happen to know if the hard top/soft top model is more fuel efficient than the station wagon? The book figure appears to be the same. But surely it should be more fuel efficient if it's lighter?

The smaller version is big enough for me but I don't know which to go for!

It sucks to be so indecisive.

just do not go anywhere near the Mk1 petrol version, unless you have loads of dosh and no brain

noahsgrandad said:

just do not go anywhere near the Mk1 petrol version, unless you have loads of dosh and no brain

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No go for a petrol! They are cheaper, faster, quieter, dont smell of doozal and you can have great fun moaning for the rest of ye days on this here forum. I loves mine .

DD3 said:

No go for a petrol! They are cheaper, faster, quieter, dont smell of doozal and you can have great fun moaning for the rest of ye days on this here forum. I loves mine .

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Seconded. Although the L Series freebys have good blocks in them.

I have very little dosh compared to some, but I like to think I have a brain at least and I love my K Series.

Our Freelander TD4 has done 40,000 miles since we bought it with 101,000 miles on the clock.
In that time it has had two services, a new alternator, a new battery and two anti-roll bar bushes.
It is great on fuel for a 4x4 and tows a loaded horsebox through a muddy field nae bother at all.
It's simply brilliant and we have no plans to change it.
The only slight criticism I would have is the headroom might not be too good for fairly tall peeps, I'm just over 6' and it's a bit tight getting in the door, if I forget to duck I bash my head getting in.
The wife drives it most of the time, so it's not a problem.
Apparently the Freelander 2 is improved in this area.