Landrover freelander, opinions??

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Lvrees

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www.supergroom.co.uk
Just been to see a T reg freelander... its a really nice car, 1.8 petrol (ideally wanted a diesal... but anything is cheaper to run than a zetec S!!) 3 owners, never towed or anything.

We just want it as a general works vehical for my boyfriend (he's a farmer and needs a 4x4) and something for my to use to collect feed and good enough to go across fields etc... dont need a towing vehicle as I have a lorry so engine size isnt an issue!!!

Anyone have/ever had one??? Your views would be fab!!!!
 
My mum had a V reg freelander (1.8 petrol) and I've never driven such a guttless car in my life!!! I've had Defenders with more ooomph! It really was a shed, the turning circle on it was also ridiculous for such a small vehicle! It was fine for collecting feed and bombing around fields, although I never took it into really muddy areas, but on the road it was awful. I love Land rovers but certainly wouldn't buy a Freelander (yet to try the new one though!!)
 
im looking for a freelander and iv been told before 2000 they had rover engines in which are apparently the cause of all the problems.
but i cant afford a later model eg after w/x reg! (with yummy BMW engines)
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I had a diesel, it was a nightmare needed constant work, took it for a service and would have came home 1K lighter (if we'd had work done at dealership) anyway while it was being serviced they gave me a petrol one which drank £15 in a day ie home from garage and back. Here....... borrow my bargepole
 
I think you will find it will be very thirsty, we used to have one but changed it only after a couple of months! I like the idea of them because it would be so nice to drive a reasonably small 4x4. I know you don't need to tow but I would like the option. Nice cars I think but a bit pointless!! Sorry!
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Hmmm... just been looking at whatcar and the reviews are varied... the running costs however are still alot cheaper than the Zetec S anyway!!! That drinks fuel when its not turned on I think!!
My mums got a car that can tow a horse box anyhow, so really theres not much need getting a bigger car for no reason... but still I see your point, having the option is handy!
Thanks for your opinions... we're gonna go test drive it this weekend, but also think about going to see a navara.
 
My husband refused point blank to even consider one as they are so unreliable and depreciation is high. Friend had one and ended up trading it in when it cost hundreds to fix and was still condemned by a garage so it kind of proved his point. I love my Isuzu trooper, they don't make them new anymore which is a shame as its fantastic, hoping for a Pathfinder or poss the new Jeep or similar when we next update.
 
am i the only person who likes my freelander?!

52 reg 1.8 petrol
had it over 3 years
does 300 miles to a tank ( about £50 )
only had routine maintenance - brakes , spark plug
never broken down
friend recently commented on being surprised at how much ump it seemed to have
4x4 capeability meets with expecations for this type of vehicle
nice carlike driveability , comfortable driving position with good visability

however i do know several people who have/had pre 2000 models that have been very unreliable & costly
 
I loved my Freelander, great to drive, pretty economical fuel wise, ok to tow one, BUT
last time out towing the turbo snapped - end of freelander! quoted between 1.5K and 3.5K to fix.
I have to say unless you get a newer one be prepared to spend loads of money on it, head gasket, crankshaft to name but two things that go. Also check of dampness in boot compartment and window electrics, they have an uncanny knack of lowering by themselves espically when your just about to park up or its raining.
That said I loved my freelander but I wouldn't have another one
 
I had a freelander for 2 years and Loved it, wish I never sold it. mine was 2001 it was 3 yrs old when I got it, paid £10.500 and only sold it for £4,000 so lost a lot of value in 2 years. Never Ever went wrong, sold to a local in our village and still going strong. One thing I wold say tho, dont just test drive one!! I tried about 8 different ones, and they all felt totally different. I also tried a few discoveries and hated them, like driving a tractor, at the end of the day personal choice comes into it. Good Luck.
 
Yeh, I think deb you made a good point there, I need to go out and test drive loads of them, and other 4x4's too! Its only cos we've seen this car and its in an excellent condition that we are interested, but at the end of the day we're in no rush. Though MOT on the fiesta runs out next month so need to make a decision in the next few weeks to avoid spending more money putting that car through!!
Our problem is the money, we cant afford alot, and although the fiestas worth about £3500, we dont want to be spending much more than £1000, were this freelander is £4000 with warrenty, new MOT, Cam belt, tyres and full service.

But we will keep looking!!! I'm glad I asked you lot though as its good to hear peoples experiences!!!!!
 
I have a 1.8 X reg petrol Freelander - it isn;t pareticularly thirsty but then it is properly maintained & services. The worst shock was new IRD, VC and rear diff last year - not much change out of £3K..... chekc to see of this one has had that done if so it will prob be a good car! Mine never tows (use Discovery) but I use it for a long daily commute and it is fine + lovely for 'doggy' tasks + feed collecting & shopping. I love mine but I am aware of the pitfalls - check carefully and if you find one owned by somebody like me you are prob OK!
 
Although the Rover engines had some probs once sorted they are super - I had 'bad luck' a short while after my warranty ran out but I did get the work done and mine is a lovely car now!
 
Don't waste your money! We had a petrol Freelander which was rubbish. Although was within the legal limits for towing it never felt like there was enough oomph, lots of mechanical issues with it, the lot. Worst car we have ever had and has well put us off buying British ever again TBH.

We got a Pajero as a replacement (the poor man's Shogun LOL) and it is FANTASTIC. Tows like a dream, travels beautifully, loads of room and so far (touch wood) had no mechanical issues in the 2 years which we have owned it.
 
I currently have the new Freelander 2 as a courtesy car. It had only done 37 miles when they dropped it off (someone has smashed into the side of my Sorento
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). It is the 2.2ltr diesel - lovely to drive (nicer than the last one I drove which was a Y reg). However, it is not (as others have said) powerful enough to tow, so as pleasant a drive it is, I wouldn't buy it as if I wasn't towing I'd have something more economical. This one tells me what mileage it is averaging to the gallon when I'm driving & it is not enough!!!
 
i have a freelander 1 diesel.after owning a 2.7 ford maverick.DONT BUY A PETROL FREELANDER.EVER.go japanese,please.i will when this has gone,its ok but cant get anything in it,ok powerwise but havent towed in this one.will go for a jap next time
 
My Uncle's a LR mechanic & said "Don't touch one"!

And as for the irresponsible idiots you see towing 2 with them
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My husband has a new Freelander and I have an older one and we love them. They are both diesel so I can't comment on the petrol ones. They are good off-road and can cope with most situations although, the Range Rover we had was even better because it was a lot more powerful.

I don't know if I would tow with it but since you don't have to then it isn't a problem anyway. I use my Freelander to store a lot of my tack because it only has front seats so it's like a van really and I can get loads in!
 
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