[Lauren88]

Hello, I am new to the site and new to buying Land Rovers!

I am looking at a Freelander 1, 2004 plate (facelift) TD4 HSE with 130k on the clock.. Because i'm new to 4x4s I'm not sure what i should be checking or looking for on a car this age with the mileage - please can someone advise me?!

 

[Nodge68]

Check whatever you see out very carefully. Check to see that the propshafts are fitted and reject any you see where the props have been removed for "fuel economy". The props normally get removed because the tyre replacement hasn't been too the book. This shortens the life of the VCU, which then trashes the IRD (Freelander's transfer box) and/ or the rear diff. For the record. Removing the props makes no difference to the economy, regardless of what BS the seller tells you.
Make sure the tyres are all the same make, type and size, or expect transmission trouble round the corner.
At those miles, a VCU is about due, so check that out. Injectors will be about done too, so again check for recent replacements being fitted.
If you are looking at manual gearbox then the clutch normally lasts 70,000 to 90,000 miles. Make sure the clutch is light and bites about halfway up the pedal travel.
If you are looking for an auto (my preference) then make sure the fluid has been changed. It's due at 70K intervals.
Make sure all windows and door locks work. Two keys and fobs are a must, if you want to avoid a £200 bill for replacements.

 

[Lauren88]

Thank you Nodge68, I appreciate your quick reply

 

[Nodge68]

Thank you Nodge68, I appreciate your quick reply

I personally think that the HSE is over priced for what you are getting over the SE.
Basically you are getting full heated leather, over the headed leather / Alcantara of the SE. The HSE gets a useless satnav audio system, which most owners remove anyway and that's it. The SE has a double DIN 6 disc multichanger head unit as standard, which I prefer. Both get rear PDC and the desirable heated front screen was an option on both SE and HSE.
I'd go for the auto because I think they are nicer to drive and cruise control is only available on the auto transmission model.

 

[Lauren88]

I say HSE because i've seen one a distance away that i was interested to look at.
I'm not overly desperate for a car, so i may hold off and gather more info, also look for an auto as i also feel they drive nicer!

 

[saxavordian]

Car tax £295 12 months £162.25 6 months DD £309.75 monthly (£25.81) £154.88 6 months £295 12 months. Insurance with Adrian Flux £630 odd covering a modified Freelander 1 ie no props (my fault not knowing much I guess). But Car Tax is payed on purchase regardless. Have someone with a bit of knowledge to search the vehicle properly first AA RAC can do this also. Do not buy on first looks unless you know the person selling or the company reputation is good your money is your money. Put aside £1000 for future or possible repairs depending on age and make sure you get the seller to give you a breakdown of the history and full service records. Mine is 2002 and I have spent nearly £1000odd on parts. Make sure you have a good or find a good garage to assist in repairs. Mine has been a trial but I like the solid feel and tight control regardless lack of props. I used to drive a 90 and 110 then due to family medical concerns i chose Freelander 1 that has better comfort and no leaks on the knee and on the head. They are worth a punt and there are alot out there still so research is a must. Hopefully welcome to the club when you decide to purchase as we on the site will be happy to help.

 

[Joe_H]

Car tax £295 12 months £162.25 6 months DD £309.75 monthly (£25.81) £154.88 6 months £295 12 months. Insurance with Adrian Flux £630 odd covering a modified Freelander 1 ie no props (my fault not knowing much I guess). But Car Tax is payed on purchase regardless. Have someone with a bit of knowledge to search the vehicle properly first AA RAC can do this also. Do not buy on first looks unless you know the person selling or the company reputation is good your money is your money. Put aside £1000 for future or possible repairs depending on age and make sure you get the seller to give you a breakdown of the history and full service records. Mine is 2002 and I have spent nearly £1000odd on parts. Make sure you have a good or find a good garage to assist in repairs. Mine has been a trial but I like the solid feel and tight control regardless lack of props. I used to drive a 90 and 110 then due to family medical concerns i chose Freelander 1 that has better comfort and no leaks on the knee and on the head. They are worth a punt and there are alot out there still so research is a must. Hopefully welcome to the club when you decide to purchase as we on the site will be happy to help.

Yikes !, I have been away from the UK too long Saxa'....
Yearly costs - Insurance here is 160 Euros, tax is 35 Euros. IPO (Mot) 32 Euros. Insurance is 3rd party F&T and Screens, you cannot get full comp here on any vehicle over 10 years old. We havea lot of toll roads here though if you are going any distance so as far as road tax goes -- you really pay more as you use more - which is fair me thinks. (we have a little auto box on the screen for tolls but only go on those roads when going into the city).
I agree with the 1000 quid allowance for 'repairs / replacements' it can soon eat into the dosh. Also the corrosion issues in the UK as well. I would want to see it on ramps as well prior to buying (providing one knows what to look for ) Kwik fit etc will usually lift it for 5 mins for a couple of quid. Even worth taking ti to a land rover dealer and paying for an hours worth of inspection - probably worth every penny and will the buyer slightly better peace of mind and probably a few really good bargaining chips that more than make up for the cost.

 

[saxavordian]

Yikes !, I have been away from the UK too long Saxa'....
Yearly costs - Insurance here is 160 Euros, tax is 35 Euros. IPO (Mot) 32 Euros. Insurance is 3rd party F&T and Screens, you cannot get full comp here on any vehicle over 10 years old. We havea lot of toll roads here though if you are going any distance so as far as road tax goes -- you really pay more as you use more - which is fair me thinks. (we have a little auto box on the screen for tolls but only go on those roads when going into the city).
I agree with the 1000 quid allowance for 'repairs / replacements' it can soon eat into the dosh. Also the corrosion issues in the UK as well. I would want to see it on ramps as well prior to buying (providing one knows what to look for ) Kwik fit etc will usually lift it for 5 mins for a couple of quid. Even worth taking ti to a land rover dealer and paying for an hours worth of inspection - probably worth every penny and will the buyer slightly better peace of mind and probably a few really good bargaining chips that more than make up for the cost.

Yep a real bum squeaker when the tax and insurance comes a knocking. At present moment I am just surviving on £62 a week as a homecarer and savings accumulated. So really need the car but reality will need to bite next year.

 

[Joe_H]

Yep a real bum squeaker when the tax and insurance comes a knocking. At present moment I am just surviving on £62 a week as a homecarer and savings accumulated. So really need the car but reality will need to bite next year.

That is crazy mate - absolutely disgusting. I used to love the UK but have been away 12 years now, would never go back. 62 quid a week is a joke ! isnt that about 1 days pay on minimum wage ?
Jeez.. - (anyway - sorry OP for straying off topic...)
I feel for ya mate !
Joe

 

[Nodge68]

That is crazy mate - absolutely disgusting. I used to love the UK but have been away 12 years now, would never go back. 62 quid a week is a joke ! isnt that about 1 days pay on minimum wage ?
Jeez.. - (anyway - sorry OP for straying off topic...)
I feel for ya mate !
Joe

I agree. Carer's are the unsung heroes of health care. Yet they get practically nothing for the time and care they put in.
It's a disgrace that hard working, honest people have to scrape by every week, on less than a day's equivalent at minimum wage .
Disgusting