Shove over you louts, get back in yer cages go on - RAUS RAUS!!!
Welcome DH, I see you haven't strolled over to the Freelander section here but fair play to you you're still here so you've passed that test.
First orf, don't listen to anyone but your wallet about your Hippo - if you like it then that's all that matters. You WILL have some problems, but they can be fixed and at minimal cost of you are armed with knowlege.
The good news is that 2001 onward freelanders are not amazing but they are certainly a bit less ****. The engines were fitted with some of the uprated components as standard such as the new thermostat and oil rail. So if yours does get Head Gasket Failure then it'll just be the gasket and some minor bits that will need replacing. However if you chedk coolant levels religiously (every day) for a while then you will be fine, and if there is no leak then you've got a good'un. But leaks are the major cause of HGF now.
Your VCU is likely to cost you dearly, you will need at least a new VCU (230 for the part) and maybe a reconditioned IRD (650 for the part) but once that's sorted it'll be fine as long as you obey the tyre size rules.
All this and more is in the Hippo section, so start reading and start saving.
I have a 2004 1.8 SE and I have had no end of bother with it but once a problem is cured it never comes back and I love it to bits
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Will.
