2003 - Freelander
Author
Discussion

Jonjo91

Original Poster:

1,886 posts

188 months

Wednesday 2nd September 2015
quotequote all
I'm thinking of selling my Saab 9-3 Aero and getting a 2003 onwards 2.0 Diesel freelander.

The reason;
1 - Why not?
2 - Will be handy for towing motorbike trailer / trailer tent

My budget isn’t the biggest but having a quick look online 2-2.5k gets something decent, so this brings me on to the question what sort of things should I be looking out for?
If anyone is in Hertfordshire that owns one fancy letting me have a look around theirs?

Cheers,

camel_landy

5,512 posts

213 months

Thursday 3rd September 2015
quotequote all
TD4 Auto... Don't look at anything else. The Freelander is a cracking motor and seriously under-rated off-road. To familiarise yourself with the Freelander 1, 'Google' the following:

  • IRD
  • VCU
  • Tyre wear
  • TD4 engine breather
Finally, be realistic... A 2003 car is now 12yrs old, so expect things to be going wrong.

M

300bhp/ton

41,030 posts

220 months

Thursday 3rd September 2015
quotequote all
Auto's are fine, but sluggish. Manuals drive IMO a lot nicer on the road.

Don't be put off by the K-Series, it's a cracking engine and you'll likely buy more FL for your budget. Just read up on HG issues and how to sort them properly.

If you don't mind the fuel bills then the 2.5KV6 goes well, but is auto only.

FL's are very good vehicles that have generally got a bad rap on the internet. They do have some issues (show me a car that doesn't!!). So well worth doing a little research before going to look at them.

skeeterm5

4,592 posts

218 months

Monday 12th October 2015
quotequote all
Sorry late to the party.

The wife wanted something cheap the 'shed' around in and we purchased a 2003 FL TD, the facelift model. It has heated seats, PDC, heated front screen etc. Nothing has gone wrong at all and now the wife uses it as her DD.

Do you research, get the TD model and hold out for the extras, they are worth it.

S