Freelander query
Discussion
Hi, thinking of buying the wife a freelander circa 2001-2004 5 door model, ideally a td4, thing is it's not easy to find one of these in Malta where i live.
I have come across a few 1.8 petrol and was wondering are they really that bad? if the cyl head gasket does go is the fix easy or an expensive job, and whats the job like to change it over to a td4 ?
I had considered buying a UK import since the prices in the UK are cheap compared but the import and license fee killed off that idea.
I have come across a few 1.8 petrol and was wondering are they really that bad? if the cyl head gasket does go is the fix easy or an expensive job, and whats the job like to change it over to a td4 ?
I had considered buying a UK import since the prices in the UK are cheap compared but the import and license fee killed off that idea.
I've had one, don't touch it, get something like a Nissan Xtrail or something japanese.
we had our 1.8 for a year with full service history.
had problems with:
rear door seal.
doors not unlocking properly
rear diff mounts
rear diff
clutch
gearbox
airbox and kinglead issues leading to cutouts while driving.
headgasket issues
ignition switch breaking resulting in starting issues.
but apart from that it was fine, slow and thirsty, ~30mpg on the motorway run.
older cars are always going to have problems but these had them from factory....
we had our 1.8 for a year with full service history.
had problems with:
rear door seal.
doors not unlocking properly
rear diff mounts
rear diff
clutch
gearbox
airbox and kinglead issues leading to cutouts while driving.
headgasket issues
ignition switch breaking resulting in starting issues.
but apart from that it was fine, slow and thirsty, ~30mpg on the motorway run.
older cars are always going to have problems but these had them from factory....
I,ve got a 54 plate Td4 Auto sport now imported to Crete. A wonderful car, the only glitch has been a turbo pipe (note a BMW item!) which was a Euro 700 job for a Euro50 part!
Great car, good on fuel and comfy for the occasional pan euro drive back to the UK.
Auto reccomended as no viscous coupling problems. Import of a UK vehicle within the EU is no problem but you MUST have owned it for a minimum of 6mths prior. Also you must obtain a certificate of EU Conformity from Land Rover.
Great car, good on fuel and comfy for the occasional pan euro drive back to the UK.
Auto reccomended as no viscous coupling problems. Import of a UK vehicle within the EU is no problem but you MUST have owned it for a minimum of 6mths prior. Also you must obtain a certificate of EU Conformity from Land Rover.
Thanks for all your input guys, td4 versions are over priced in malta as are jap second hand. Went to see an 03 petrol with 60k in mint condition always serviced at landrover and according to my mechanic the engine looks ok. At the end of the day he said if it all goes pop go to the uk get a td4 engine /wireloom and well do the swap. I'll keep u lot posted. Tks again.
jaymzfc said:
Hi, thinking of buying the wife a freelander circa 2001-2004 5 door model, ideally a td4, thing is it's not easy to find one of these in Malta where i live.
I have come across a few 1.8 petrol and was wondering are they really that bad? if the cyl head gasket does go is the fix easy or an expensive job, and whats the job like to change it over to a td4 ?
I had considered buying a UK import since the prices in the UK are cheap compared but the import and license fee killed off that idea.
My Mum had a 1.8i up until just before Christmas when it was in a raod accident. The engine actually goes very well in the Freelander and feels far more beefy and grunty than a 1.8, it's not as revvy as you'd think, although moves quite well for a 4x4 if you do thrash it.I have come across a few 1.8 petrol and was wondering are they really that bad? if the cyl head gasket does go is the fix easy or an expensive job, and whats the job like to change it over to a td4 ?
I had considered buying a UK import since the prices in the UK are cheap compared but the import and license fee killed off that idea.
HG failure is an issue with these and more prone in the Freelander due to the vehicle weight and people revving the motor more when cold. That said, if repaired correctly it 'shouldn't' be a frequent problem and costs no more than doing a cambelt on a V6 Pug (less infact).
There are some things you can do to help prevent it happening, change the T-stat either for the later type or I believe there are conversion kits so it measures engine water temp and not influenced by the cold rad temp (as is the standard design). Using metal locating dowels, the proper stretch bolts and head gasket.
Then make sure the rest of the system is up to par, a small rad or heater leak will produce similar symptoms to HG failure and can actually cause them.
Personally I wouldn't shy away from a 1.8, but you do need to buy with the expectation of doing a HG on it at some point. Repeated HG failures would indicate someone is not actually fixing it properly or there is something else wrong causing it.
As a side note, while the K Series has the public domain reputation, it is not the only engine to suffer HG issues and is indeed not the most prone either. It's just the most publicized (likely due to the number of K-Series engines in use and the stereotypical Brit way of dissing ourselves).
While I suspect it is possible to convert a 1.8 to a Td4 I think it would likely be a lot of work and all up cost of doing so would likely far exceed any HG replacement costs you are realistically likely to see (if done correctly).
If you want a diesel don't neglect the L-Series though, they are a fine engine in their own right, just not quite as refined as the Td4. Power is down slightly, but not a huge amount and they can easily be remapped to exceed the performance of a stock Td4. The L-Series is a proven durable and reliable engine.
300bhp/ton said:
jaymzfc said:
Hi, thinking of buying the wife a freelander circa 2001-2004 5 door model, ideally a td4, thing is it's not easy to find one of these in Malta where i live.
I have come across a few 1.8 petrol and was wondering are they really that bad? if the cyl head gasket does go is the fix easy or an expensive job, and whats the job like to change it over to a td4 ?
I had considered buying a UK import since the prices in the UK are cheap compared but the import and license fee killed off that idea.
My Mum had a 1.8i up until just before Christmas when it was in a raod accident. The engine actually goes very well in the Freelander and feels far more beefy and grunty than a 1.8, it's not as revvy as you'd think, although moves quite well for a 4x4 if you do thrash it.I have come across a few 1.8 petrol and was wondering are they really that bad? if the cyl head gasket does go is the fix easy or an expensive job, and whats the job like to change it over to a td4 ?
I had considered buying a UK import since the prices in the UK are cheap compared but the import and license fee killed off that idea.
HG failure is an issue with these and more prone in the Freelander due to the vehicle weight and people revving the motor more when cold. That said, if repaired correctly it 'shouldn't' be a frequent problem and costs no more than doing a cambelt on a V6 Pug (less infact).
There are some things you can do to help prevent it happening, change the T-stat either for the later type or I believe there are conversion kits so it measures engine water temp and not influenced by the cold rad temp (as is the standard design). Using metal locating dowels, the proper stretch bolts and head gasket.
Then make sure the rest of the system is up to par, a small rad or heater leak will produce similar symptoms to HG failure and can actually cause them.
Personally I wouldn't shy away from a 1.8, but you do need to buy with the expectation of doing a HG on it at some point. Repeated HG failures would indicate someone is not actually fixing it properly or there is something else wrong causing it.
As a side note, while the K Series has the public domain reputation, it is not the only engine to suffer HG issues and is indeed not the most prone either. It's just the most publicized (likely due to the number of K-Series engines in use and the stereotypical Brit way of dissing ourselves).
While I suspect it is possible to convert a 1.8 to a Td4 I think it would likely be a lot of work and all up cost of doing so would likely far exceed any HG replacement costs you are realistically likely to see (if done correctly).
If you want a diesel don't neglect the L-Series though, they are a fine engine in their own right, just not quite as refined as the Td4. Power is down slightly, but not a huge amount and they can easily be remapped to exceed the performance of a stock Td4. The L-Series is a proven durable and reliable engine.
For the td4, there are a few mods to make it better.
1. Blank the EGR valve. £45.
2. Replace all engine hoses with uprated silicone ones as the standard ones leak/split over time. £100-120.
3. Replace the crankcase breather for the BMW vortex oil seperator. £23.
These 3 mods will help the engine and give better fuel economy. If you want to go further then you can get a tuning kit sent to you from the uk, it's a synergy2 box and gives 10 different tunes for power/torque and an eco mode for better fuel economy.
Otherwise, make sure the tyres are all good, the best ones are on the back, and give it a full service and dont use cheap oil.
Look after it and you will have a decent car.
300bhp/ton said:
Peely said:
Nissan XTrail = twice the car for the money !!
But bigger, bulkier, not as nice to drive, no good off road, don't go as well as some claim and they rust and still break down too.Bigger, yes = more room inside !
No good off road ? Where have you been living for the last 10yrs, they're brilliant off road, in fact one of the best unless you're comparing it to a Defender/Disco !
Don't go as well as some claim ? Had one for 3yrs with the 170bhp motor, wasn't much could touch it to be honest, never broke down, in fact visited the dealer twice for a service, everything worked and still did 3yrs later when sold !
Everything rusts if not looked after and they are no different !
Peely said:
Please tell me you're joking ?!!
Bigger, yes = more room inside !
No good off road ? Where have you been living for the last 10yrs, they're brilliant off road, in fact one of the best unless you're comparing it to a Defender/Disco !
Don't go as well as some claim ? Had one for 3yrs with the 170bhp motor, wasn't much could touch it to be honest, never broke down, in fact visited the dealer twice for a service, everything worked and still did 3yrs later when sold !
Everything rusts if not looked after and they are no different !
I won't say I was unimpressed with the X-Trail but I certainly wasn't as wowed by it as the media led me to believe I would be. Bigger, yes = more room inside !
No good off road ? Where have you been living for the last 10yrs, they're brilliant off road, in fact one of the best unless you're comparing it to a Defender/Disco !
Don't go as well as some claim ? Had one for 3yrs with the 170bhp motor, wasn't much could touch it to be honest, never broke down, in fact visited the dealer twice for a service, everything worked and still did 3yrs later when sold !
Everything rusts if not looked after and they are no different !
As I said above my Mum had a 1.8i Freelander that was written off, so earlier this year we went on the hunt for a new 4x4. The X-Trail was on the list, so we drove one. I admit I really liked the seat fabric and it was airy inside. But it didn't go as well as I thought it would and handled no better than a Freelander. It also didn't feel like a 4x4, which to me seems somewhat pointless, if I want a car I'd buy a car. If I want a 4x4 then that's what I expect to get.
As for the off road ability, I admit I didn't take it off road, but having now driven one and crawled under one I wouldn't through choice take one where I'd happily take a Freelander. A TCS equipped Freelander will pretty much the same places a Disco or Defender will if driven properly, better so on some terrain if you are comparing to non TCS Disco's and Defenders. In fact I can attest to this as I have taken a Freelander such places and I wouldn't dream of trying to use an X-Trail on the same terrain.
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES buy a 1800 K series. You have been warned.
The cars are all very poorly assembled many items will fail.
If you can afford the repairs and are lucky the cars are brilliant transport.
Grace, Space and Pace. In profusion. Wonderful drive and totally surefooted.
Superbly accommodating and easy to drive. Not bad on fuel either.
But expect repairs: you will need them.
The cars are all very poorly assembled many items will fail.
If you can afford the repairs and are lucky the cars are brilliant transport.
Grace, Space and Pace. In profusion. Wonderful drive and totally surefooted.
Superbly accommodating and easy to drive. Not bad on fuel either.
But expect repairs: you will need them.
300bhp/ton said:
won't say I was unimpressed with the X-Trail but I certainly wasn't as wowed by it as the media led me to believe I would be.
As I said above my Mum had a 1.8i Freelander that was written off, so earlier this year we went on the hunt for a new 4x4. The X-Trail was on the list, so we drove one. I admit I really liked the seat fabric and it was airy inside. But it didn't go as well as I thought it would and handled no better than a Freelander. It also didn't feel like a 4x4, which to me seems somewhat pointless, if I want a car I'd buy a car. If I want a 4x4 then that's what I expect to get.
All depends on which model you are comparing, early model Xtrails did have a more 'lush' car like feeling, but even those where decent off road vehicles, would run forever and as you have already mentioned, never failed to get a good press report.As I said above my Mum had a 1.8i Freelander that was written off, so earlier this year we went on the hunt for a new 4x4. The X-Trail was on the list, so we drove one. I admit I really liked the seat fabric and it was airy inside. But it didn't go as well as I thought it would and handled no better than a Freelander. It also didn't feel like a 4x4, which to me seems somewhat pointless, if I want a car I'd buy a car. If I want a 4x4 then that's what I expect to get.
300bhp/ton said:
As for the off road ability, I admit I didn't take it off road, but having now driven one and crawled under one I wouldn't through choice take one where I'd happily take a Freelander. A TCS equipped Freelander will pretty much the same places a Disco or Defender will if driven properly, better so on some terrain if you are comparing to non TCS Disco's and Defenders. In fact I can attest to this as I have taken a Freelander such places and I wouldn't dream of trying to use an X-Trail on the same terrain.
The new one's are even better, better engine, better gearbox and all the TCS you could ever need, try one a little more next time, you might surprise yourself !By the way, no Freelander will go where a Defender/Disco will go, ............there is no substitute for ground clearance !
Peely said:
300bhp/ton said:
won't say I was unimpressed with the X-Trail but I certainly wasn't as wowed by it as the media led me to believe I would be.
As I said above my Mum had a 1.8i Freelander that was written off, so earlier this year we went on the hunt for a new 4x4. The X-Trail was on the list, so we drove one. I admit I really liked the seat fabric and it was airy inside. But it didn't go as well as I thought it would and handled no better than a Freelander. It also didn't feel like a 4x4, which to me seems somewhat pointless, if I want a car I'd buy a car. If I want a 4x4 then that's what I expect to get.
All depends on which model you are comparing, early model Xtrails did have a more 'lush' car like feeling, but even those where decent off road vehicles, would run forever and as you have already mentioned, never failed to get a good press report.As I said above my Mum had a 1.8i Freelander that was written off, so earlier this year we went on the hunt for a new 4x4. The X-Trail was on the list, so we drove one. I admit I really liked the seat fabric and it was airy inside. But it didn't go as well as I thought it would and handled no better than a Freelander. It also didn't feel like a 4x4, which to me seems somewhat pointless, if I want a car I'd buy a car. If I want a 4x4 then that's what I expect to get.
Peely said:
300bhp/ton said:
As for the off road ability, I admit I didn't take it off road, but having now driven one and crawled under one I wouldn't through choice take one where I'd happily take a Freelander. A TCS equipped Freelander will pretty much the same places a Disco or Defender will if driven properly, better so on some terrain if you are comparing to non TCS Disco's and Defenders. In fact I can attest to this as I have taken a Freelander such places and I wouldn't dream of trying to use an X-Trail on the same terrain.
The new one's are even better, better engine, better gearbox and all the TCS you could ever need, try one a little more next time, you might surprise yourself !Peely said:
By the way, no Freelander will go where a Defender/Disco will go, ............there is no substitute for ground clearance !
I would beg to differ. Clearance is important, but there are many types of off roading. Also a 2" lift and some bigger tyres on a Freelander will give it very good clearance. What separates it from other soft roaders is the TCS system. It doesn't need to keep all the wheels on the ground with long suspension travel to maintain traction. Being crossed axled will catch a Disco 1 or non TCS Defender out with ease. Or on slippery surfaces, without locking axle diffs (which Landies don't have) or an off road biased TCS they can't spin all 4 wheels, they'll spin 2 or 3 at a time with the centre diff lock engaged.Dry conditions, mild AT tyres (M&S rated) Jeep Cherokee - live alxes - very similar to Landy in many ways. Stuck at the first obstacle. I admit stock clearance on the Cherokee is pants too though, but even so. It totally failed at the off section I was tackling. 2" lift and a set of MT's later it did as well as any Land Rover I've owned or driven.
Freelander 1, 100% standard on winter tyres. Very wet. Breezed over all the same obstacles the Jeep failed on the dry.
Gassing Station | Land Rover | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff