rock said:
I think most people would agree that of all the models - the TD4 is the best bet.
Said it before, the TD4 has more threads and more problems than the 1.8. Given that there are loads more 1.8s on the road than TD4s it looks like on average the TD4 has more going wrong, costs more in servicing, and is only superior if you want to tow something the size of a house. If DP only wants a CAR and thats what they basically are then unless he's very unlucky the 1.8 should do him fine....

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TD4 more threads? Maybe
TD4 more problems? Possibly - but the seriousness & expense of these problems against the K Series engine?? hmmm I would have thought that the 1.8 would come out as the worst option of the two.
As the
original purpose of this thread was to advise somebody who is looking to buy a Freelander (and not to squabble over which is worse, who's point of view is the most valid, who has the biggest willy etc) the latest version of the current Freelander is powered by the same BMW unit found in a 320 Beemer. This unit proves to be capable, reliable and relatively economical - dont expect 320 performance though, this is now pulling a heavy lump with all the aerodynamic properties of a brick and an extra 2 wheels to power. I am unsure as to exactly how long this engine has been in use but I reckon its a least a couple of years now - combined with an auto-box it really is a great car to drive and there are plenty of aftermarket goodies if you want a little more power.
Also worth bearing in mind is the fact that LR are about to start selling the Freelander 2 - they have been offering some cracking deals on brand new motors and this has had the effect of lowering the price of motors about 18months - 2 years old. If finances will allow, a two year old FL with the neew Beemer engine and a decent service history will still be under warranty and should be a good buy. The two door has the same wheelbase as the four-door and also has the option of being able to take the lid off during the summer. The Sport has larger wheels and stiffer suspension and it will give most other cars a good run for money on little roundabouts. I dont know about the out & out off-road ability but one of the main reasons I bought mine was because my Mom lives in a pretty isolated part of Wales and often gets snowed in - I have yet to get stuck on some pretty steep slopes in the snow and the HDC is a great back-up if you dont feel quite confident enough to take full control yourself.
Its up to you what you spend your dosh on, but experience tells me that you will struggle to get a
balanced view on here - by its very nature, a car forum will tend to attract more people who have problems with their car than people who are perfectly happy.
Yes, some of the early versions had some pretty bad problems but there are some equally problem free ones around. Its worth bearing in mind that the Freelander remains Europes best selling 4x4 since its launch!
PS mine is the biggest willy!!