Freelander buying advice

[steve1]

We are thinking of buying a 3dr freelander as a runaround and for the dog, budget up to 3K, basically need to know which one is the best to buy for the budget and any pitfalls or what to look out for.
Thanx.

[Jem0911]

1.8 petrol has a weak headgasket.
I am sure there is a modification but I wouldn't but one with a standard head. It's a K series with a silicone head gasket
I would say the TD4 is your best bet.

[steve1]

I thought that might be the case, good old rover engine, besides that is there anything else that should put me off, how are they for mpg.

[GKP]

Not every K series suffers from HGF.

[Jem0911]

GKP said:

Not every K series suffers from HGF.

Which ones do?

[GKP]

Mainly the ones talked about in pubs and on internet forums by 'experts'.

[Jem0911]

Ah brilliant so it's made up. OP go for a 1.8 no worries.
Oh hang on google says:-
http://www.freelanderheadgasket.co.uk/
But I have only got my info from the Internet.

Edited by Jem0911 on Sunday 9th January 15:08

[GKP]

I've got my info first hand.

[Jem0911]

GKP said:

I've got my info first hand.

So is that there isn't a problem or there is?
As I only have the Internet I cant give the OP the answers.

[GKP]

My insight into the 'hgf problem' is based on ownership of two K series Elises, one VHPD K series Lotus 340R, and 2 K series Freelanders. The current Freelander has over 150k miles on it and is being used as a winter hack by my OH. None of these cars have suffered from hgf.

So, on first hand experience of five K series engined vehicles, I can offer the opinion that the hgf issue isn't as widespread as the internet scaremongering makes out. I know this isn't a popular opinion on PistomHeads, especially in this area of the forum, but it's a valid one based on real world experience.

[andyb66]

My real world mechanicing experience includes 3 K series HGF. 2 Freelanders and an MGF.

The TD4 is the better engine all round. Again real world experince from servicing FLs with that engine.

[munky]

Also looking to buy a freelander 1 for the missus (to get rid of her foreign honda and complete our british-only garage ) circa 2006, 30k miles.

I read about the head gasket issue on Which, and the rear diff as well. Franchised dealer just confirmed these exist, but that gasket was an issue only on 1.8 petrol, and both were only issues on earlier freelanders. Dealer and Which both say TD4 is the one to go for (as well as the learned gentlemen on here).

So I still know little about landies, but infinitely more than I did last week!

[A.J.M]

Go for a diesel. Not just for the avoidance of the possible head gasket issue but also for MPG.
Im getting 35-40 out of my td4, traffic and road conditions depending. The petrol will struggle to get near those figures.

[-Pete-]

steve1 said:

We are thinking of buying a 3dr freelander as a runaround and for the dog

Wow, he must be quite talented. Won't insurance be expensive?

[Jem0911]

-Pete- said:

steve1 said:

We are thinking of buying a 3dr freelander as a runaround and for the dog

Wow, he must be quite talented. Won't insurance be expensive?

My hound's a dab hand at the wheel!
Six years NCB

[garyjones1962]

-Pete- said:

steve1 said:

We are thinking of buying a 3dr freelander as a runaround and for the dog

Wow, he must be quite talented. Won't insurance be expensive?

-Churchill- said:

Oh no no no....

[Mike_C]

For a £3k runaround, and assuming yuo won't be doing many miles, why not get a V6?

1.8's are bad on headgaskets, it's just a fact - there's one in our village that has gone through three!! Lotus used a different gasket, which it is currently using, and so far so good.

TD4 I'm sure is great, but if economy isn't an issue the I'd go for the V6 - will be a higher spec and you'll get more for your money!