Head Gasket on 1.8 petrol engines

[Springbok]

Hi, I'm thinking of getting a 2003/4 1.8 Freelander and have found one with just 44k on the clock. Would it be expected that it has had a head gasket change or it there a mileage when they tend to fail?

Anything else I need to look out for.

Have about £4k to spend

Thanks.

Simon

[andyb66]

I would steer clear.

For 4k you can get a ES spec TD4 Freelander, by far the best engine fitted to the FL.

[Springbok]

True, but much older with many more miles.

Or is there somewhere I should be looking but haven't yet?

[andyb66]

Your choice. You can either do the head gasket annually (1.8 engine) or the crank case breather filter annually (TD4 engine)

[GKP]

It'll be fine. Just buy it and drive it. A car of that vintage will be benefting from the latest mods and designs and even if the headgasket does fail it's not the end of the world. A decent gasket set is around £75 (including top spec head gasket clicky) and the bolts are approx £50. Catch it early and you can fix it in a weekend.

[BLUETHUNDER]

Springbok said:

Hi, I'm thinking of getting a 2003/4 1.8 Freelander and have found one with just 44k on the clock. Would it be expected that it has had a head gasket change or it there a mileage when they tend to fail?

Anything else I need to look out for.

Have about £4k to spend

Thanks.

Simon

Save your money and get a TD4.I have yet to see a Freelander with the K series that hasn't at some point needing the head gasket doing.

[sb-1]

I am thinking about looking at a '00 1.8 Freelander,had a new engine about 15K miles ago.
It is cheap at only £1.8K,I am looking for a cheap 4 x 4 for the winter,should I look somewhere else,or go for it?