Are freelanders any good?

[Departed 32016]

There's a good one coming into work a 2005 1.8 Xei 5 door 73k miles for £2500 are they any good? I know the k and head and thermostat issues but has anyone have any good reviews?

[ashleywood.ash]

i had a 2000 TD4

they are renowned for VCU issues which then can result in IRD issues, but this was greatly improves and therefore the risk reduced 2002 onwards, but just to be sure if you test drive it put it on full lock in both directions in reverse and forward to ensure no juddering and check underneath that the prop shaft is connected as people would disconnect them and run them 2 wheel drive. if this is done and they say its to save fuel they are lying.

sun roofs are **** so check it works and isnt leaking

electrics and switches need checking electrics meaning windows etc and ensure back electric window in boot works as it should.

check the little compartment in the boot where the warning triangle is etc to ensure it is dry

other than that I loved mine and wish I hadnt sold it, but it was an auto doing 23mpg and I couldnt cope

[Jake]

Once bought a Frontera from a DTi specialist who had 4 Freelanders sitting on his pitch, all of them either had already had or needed transfer boxes and from friends in the landrover groups, they are prone. I've been in an XDi and a 2002 TD4 and wasn't overly impressed. My Aunt also had a 06 TD4 and the RFL was atrocious.

This could be an imrpovement on 2005 cars, I'm not sure. Personally I'd not bother and get an older Disco or even dare I say it a P38.

[Ragman]

Originally Posted by kieranswood

but has anyone have any good reviews?

erm.................... no

[FLYER]

Iv,e never had one and reading some of these posts OP i dont think you should

[marinabrian]

Originally Posted by FLYER

Iv,e never had one and reading some of these posts OP i dont think you should

My Wife has one, BRILLIANT, just the job for the predicted harsh winter ahead, on saying that she's taken quite a shine to my tourer
Brian

[James.uk]

I know Scribler had one on loan and couldn't get his 75 back fast enough.
...

[ashleywood.ash]

discos are rot boxes so i would suggest avoiding unless you want an affair with your welder.

I think you cant judge until you have owned a Hippo for 6 months + as its a car that grows on you, you cant compare it to zt / 75 as they are completely different cars obviously, its a 4x4 for a start.

as said freelanders do not have Transfer boxes they have VCU ans IRD which is like a transfer box in a tiny way, but not one. and these were improved in 2002 and dont cause too many problems for the 2002 onwards models. and dont all cars have their faults ??? 'looking at our cars'.

on the plus side VCU / IRD dont just go, they give warning signs shown in what I say to check in first post.

I can only give my opinion but having owned Freelander, Disco, Fourtrak, Grand Cherokee, Cherokee, Vitara, Grand Vitara, Compass, Rav 4, I can still recommend a Freelander.

however i would not recommend a 1.8, just the TD4, good strong engine.

with the right tyres they are pretty much unbeaten in snow too and forums will confirm this, although not for heavy off roading like the disco, there more nibble lighter weight makes them better in the snow.

they have faults but I just like them and would definately have another one day

[Borg Warner]

Originally Posted by kieranswood

There's a good one coming into work a 2005 1.8 Xei 5 door 73k miles for £2500 are they any good? I know the k and head and thermostat issues but has anyone have any good reviews?

They are brilliant.

Had three from 2003 to 2010, two auto diesels and one manual. Went from the West Mids to the Welsh Borders in Feb 2008 when we had a wee bit of snow. Passed a snow plough who the then very sensibly followed in my tracks.

Plus points:

Very comfortable
Good load space with the rear seats down.
Cracking in the snow

Bad points:

Poor turning circle
Expensive RFL

Would have one today but a V6 (and hang the expense). Would not have a 1.8 not for the HGF issues but because a little underpowered, had one for a day whilst mine was being serviced.

£2.5k seems a little on the pricey side to me for a 1.8, can pick up V6 for that sort of money.

Have been thinking about buying one recently. But.....

As someone has said don't go for the "2-wheel" conversion excuse the IRD has gone.

Agree with the electrics comments I think they can be er tempremental shall we say but all cars have their faults.

Check this out:

http://www.landyzone.co.uk/lz/

Mind you they seem to loathe the petrols even more than some on here

[bluey9]

NO NO NO NO NO NO NO!

Don't, it'll be a whole new world of pain. It'll make you hate cars and you'll probably go and buy a Toyota Prius.

I bought one for the bad weather last year... eats petrol like you wouldn't believe... badly finished.... prone to problems with rear diff... which are expensive to rectify.

When I went to sell mine I discovered that to get round the expensive repairs on the 4wd system the previous owner had just removed the drive shaft and diff, thereby rendering it a 2wd pile of c**p.
I'd guess the person is trading it in because it has some awful fault lurking, waiting to make itself known.
I told my mate about my experience... he dismissed it as unlucky and went ahead with the purchase he was considering and ended up splashing hundreds on repairs... like I told him he would. Also, people call them Gaylanders... which gets on yer wick.

Cheers
Bluey