Early 1.8 freelander

[jdl1981]

Hi,

I going to be buying an early Freelander as a run around. Anything to look out for? I'm told the heads can go on them? Also, is the 1.8 the best choice or are the V6 and 2.0 diesel better?

Any help or advice greatly appreciated

[AC Motors]

Of the early cars, go for the 1.8, but check the history and thoroughly check all signs of gasket failure and check the temp guage is working correctly. The ealry diesels are very slow (pre BMW TD4) and the V6's come in Auto only and are very thirsty. We had a Y reg 1.8GS Station wagon from new and did 50K mles in it with no major problems whatsoever, I have heard some horror stories else where but when they are good they are great cars IMO. There are lots around so go for the best spec you can find, the hill descent control is worth having if you plan to do any off roading.

[L1OFF]

I've just bought off e-bay a '99 1.8 XEi 3 door. As has allready been said watch out for head gasket and see if a modified one has been fitted (still no guarantee it wont happen again) but for the pennies they sell for it's worth a punt, 90K miles for £1650. Mine doesn't have any toys but I'm not bothered as less to go wrong

Alan

[maffy32]

ive been told they only fail because you have to drain water out fully after any leek and wen you replace it and unscrew all the bleed nipples in the water pipes if you havent got rid of all the air bubbles in the system this is wot causes them to fail .now i have been told this by my mechanic friend who has 2 of them

[thescamper]

Stupid plastic dowels to locate the head is the reason they go. Modified design uses metal dowels and if you go the whole hog and fit the latest ford designed gasket they are almost bullet proof.

[maffy32]

ok so theres 2 main causes then eathier way if its done propably then you wont get any more problems