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Anybody got a freelander?
- Thread starter skysky69
- Start date
Whilst I haven't towed with a Freebie , I have owned 2 now.
Dont go for a petrol version , the 1.8l is useless and the 2.5 V6 is very thirsty.
The best engine is the TD4 - its a BMW unit and very strong.
Both mine have been auto's and I got about 35mpg and thats mostly rush hour travelling.
Drives fairly car like but as with any taller car you do get some roll in corners. I did find the engine to be very responsive and often embarressed faster cars at lights - say no more!!!
My last one was a Sport which had 18in wheels and lower / stiffer suspension. Didn't really like the ride to be honest not as smooth as the ES (which the wife has now).
Rear seating is a bit cramped and the boot proably on the smaller size compared to rivals. Watch out for getting in and out of the rear seat as you can catch the wheel arch and the doors dont seem to open wide enough.
The tailgate has a window which you can lower which is usefull if you have dogs , and there is a dog guard that can be fitted to the tailgate.
Good car , plenty about and with the Freelander 2 now out there were some pretty good deals around to shift unregistered older stock.
Final advice , get a good warranty , they are expensive to repair especiially at LR dealers.The wife's car has had a new gear box and 4 new fuel injectors and its only 3 years old but has got 85000 on the clock.
On saying that she wont change it and loves it to bits.
Dont go for a petrol version , the 1.8l is useless and the 2.5 V6 is very thirsty.
The best engine is the TD4 - its a BMW unit and very strong.
Both mine have been auto's and I got about 35mpg and thats mostly rush hour travelling.
Drives fairly car like but as with any taller car you do get some roll in corners. I did find the engine to be very responsive and often embarressed faster cars at lights - say no more!!!
My last one was a Sport which had 18in wheels and lower / stiffer suspension. Didn't really like the ride to be honest not as smooth as the ES (which the wife has now).
Rear seating is a bit cramped and the boot proably on the smaller size compared to rivals. Watch out for getting in and out of the rear seat as you can catch the wheel arch and the doors dont seem to open wide enough.
The tailgate has a window which you can lower which is usefull if you have dogs , and there is a dog guard that can be fitted to the tailgate.
Good car , plenty about and with the Freelander 2 now out there were some pretty good deals around to shift unregistered older stock.
Final advice , get a good warranty , they are expensive to repair especiially at LR dealers.The wife's car has had a new gear box and 4 new fuel injectors and its only 3 years old but has got 85000 on the clock.
On saying that she wont change it and loves it to bits.
I had a Freelander td4 never ever again would i buy one, my car had 3 clutches in 19k, got rid after the third clutch was fitted, yes it pulled like a train and yes it has got a bmw engine then they go and put a rover gearbox in, the customer service is appaling and service cost expensive.
A mate of mine ignored my advice and went and bought one towed twice and guess what he needs a new clutch and yes he his selling his now.
So my advice is walk away.
A mate of mine ignored my advice and went and bought one towed twice and guess what he needs a new clutch and yes he his selling his now.
So my advice is walk away.
We have a 2001 gs 2litre diesel Freelander with the bmw engine. we have had a few problems but now it tows a dream. We towed a caravan weighting 1400kg full and it raced up hills past cars my husband has his eye on the Freelander 2. He has towed for over 20yrs with various cars and says this is the best so far and when I drive solo its corners perfect, better than the Mondeo we had.
I had a new Freelander 2 TD4, great tow car but in 8 weeks I owned it it spend 5 trips back to the garage that totalled just over 3 weeks, on the fifth time I made the delaer buy the car back off me.
I think it is pop luck as to what you get, some people I know swear by them.
Good Luck
I think it is pop luck as to what you get, some people I know swear by them.
Good Luck
We had an 02 1.8 petrol, biggest mistake we ever made, drank more than an Aston Martin, accelerated like a 2CV, and wouldn't even pull my dog, let alone the caravan. Gave me chronic backache within 10 minutes of driving and could never get the right position, seats were flat so constant sliding around was inevitable, it got that bad we tried to sell it, no-one wanted it, it did 1100 miles in it's last year with us and that was because my father-in-law borrowed it, part-exd it for a disco 5 months ago and he gave us
kirstie,
We have 2001 ES td4 and think it is brill, it has done 114000 miles, just had a new clutch. Tows really well, we have just a chip for it. Took the caravan to France this year without any problems.
What ever car you get there will always be mixed views, some love em and some wouldn't touch them with a barge pole. I don't think any car is any different.
We have 2001 ES td4 and think it is brill, it has done 114000 miles, just had a new clutch. Tows really well, we have just a chip for it. Took the caravan to France this year without any problems.
What ever car you get there will always be mixed views, some love em and some wouldn't touch them with a barge pole. I don't think any car is any different.
we have a 02 plate TD4 (bmw engine), had it since 6 months old and it has been a very good vehicle. Tows our Bailey effortless and has been a reliable car for commuting to work and pleasure. (its been from Devon to the Isle of Skye 5 times ;-) )
I agree with someone else though, servicing at the LR dealer is VERY expensive, our dealer (from whom we bought the vehicle from) wanted
I agree with someone else though, servicing at the LR dealer is VERY expensive, our dealer (from whom we bought the vehicle from) wanted
I have a Freelander 2, and I love it to bits. Admittedly it has only done 7k so far, but it tows like a dream and touch wood has only had a very minor problem (software upgrade needed)
I had heard about potential customer sevice issues, so I got mine from a family owned dealership with a good reputation although it wasn't the nearest........so far so good.
I had heard about potential customer sevice issues, so I got mine from a family owned dealership with a good reputation although it wasn't the nearest........so far so good.
I also have a new FL2 which is diesel with automatic transmission. Fantastic tow car, extremely stable, loads of torque with great handling, but a little bit thirsty.
However, last Thursday the gearbox exploded at slow speed after pulling away from a junction. Pieces of gera box were recovered from beneath the vehicle by the LR assistance mechanic, and all of the transmission fluid was all over the road. The car had covered 4400 miles from new. We have only just got back from Spain, so very fortunate that this mechanical component failure didn't happen on the way back home. Who knows what would have happened if this had occurred at 60mph with the van behind. I am now waiting for a detailed report from my dealer. None to pleased to say the least.
However, last Thursday the gearbox exploded at slow speed after pulling away from a junction. Pieces of gera box were recovered from beneath the vehicle by the LR assistance mechanic, and all of the transmission fluid was all over the road. The car had covered 4400 miles from new. We have only just got back from Spain, so very fortunate that this mechanical component failure didn't happen on the way back home. Who knows what would have happened if this had occurred at 60mph with the van behind. I am now waiting for a detailed report from my dealer. None to pleased to say the least.
Grimbo,I also have a new FL2 which is diesel with automatic transmission. Fantastic tow car, extremely stable, loads of torque with great handling, but a little bit thirsty.
However, last Thursday the gearbox exploded at slow speed after pulling away from a junction. Pieces of gera box were recovered from beneath the vehicle by the LR assistance mechanic, and all of the transmission fluid was all over the road. The car had covered 4400 miles from new. We have only just got back from Spain, so very fortunate that this mechanical component failure didn't happen on the way back home. Who knows what would have happened if this had occurred at 60mph with the van behind. I am now waiting for a detailed report from my dealer. None to pleased to say the least.
Sorry to hear of your experience.
Hope that L.R. sort it out quickly.
Mine is a manual but had thought about an auto next time- hearing about yours has made me wonder!
Hi All
As this thread is still current I thought I would pass on a friends experiences of owning one of these. I was only chatting to him last night when he rang me to let me know that his TD4 was in the garage yet again with a destroyed transfer box. He has owned the vehicle for just over three months now, its on an 04 plate, and he has only physically had it in his possession for eight days. So far under the warranty he has had new injectors to cure a bad cold running fault, something electronic and expensive on the fuel system to cure smoking when accelerating, various small but annoying faults such as rattles and unnecessary electric gizmos not working and now the transfer box failing big time i.e. oil and metal everywhere. As a mater of point the transfer box failed as he was out with a mate listening for a whine in the back axle (A weak area so he has been told?)
In fairness the time he had it he towed his large van with it, not something he intended to do as he has a Maverick as a tow car but that was off the road waiting for a part for MOT, and he did say it towed very well indeed but as he has commented since there is no way he could trust it now.
As this thread is still current I thought I would pass on a friends experiences of owning one of these. I was only chatting to him last night when he rang me to let me know that his TD4 was in the garage yet again with a destroyed transfer box. He has owned the vehicle for just over three months now, its on an 04 plate, and he has only physically had it in his possession for eight days. So far under the warranty he has had new injectors to cure a bad cold running fault, something electronic and expensive on the fuel system to cure smoking when accelerating, various small but annoying faults such as rattles and unnecessary electric gizmos not working and now the transfer box failing big time i.e. oil and metal everywhere. As a mater of point the transfer box failed as he was out with a mate listening for a whine in the back axle (A weak area so he has been told?)
In fairness the time he had it he towed his large van with it, not something he intended to do as he has a Maverick as a tow car but that was off the road waiting for a part for MOT, and he did say it towed very well indeed but as he has commented since there is no way he could trust it now.
Hi Martyn
I doubt it was the Transfer box on your mates Freelander because they do not have one.
What they do have is Viscous couplings that do fail but are quite easy to fix. The problem is many people do not bother and this then effects the IRD (Intermediate Reduction Drive)
If regularly serviced this should never be a problem. Just be aware that there are some awful poorly built reconditioned units out there. Buy from a good quality producer.
Both the viscous couplings and the IRD unit are "easy fit" replacements. In fact if you need to use the car in the meantime just remove the rear prop shaft and run around in Front wheel drive until you can have the job done.
Viscous couplings do have a limited shelf life - ask any Cavalier 4x4 owner - after a few years on these cars they would seize and rip the transmission apart. To a lesser extent the same was true of the old Sierra 4x4.
The Freelander 1 is a great car if treated properly - there are loads of good ones out there and an equal number of ones that have been abused. If you want one - just take your time and insist on a good service history, with receipts - not just a stamp in the book.
I doubt it was the Transfer box on your mates Freelander because they do not have one.
What they do have is Viscous couplings that do fail but are quite easy to fix. The problem is many people do not bother and this then effects the IRD (Intermediate Reduction Drive)
If regularly serviced this should never be a problem. Just be aware that there are some awful poorly built reconditioned units out there. Buy from a good quality producer.
Both the viscous couplings and the IRD unit are "easy fit" replacements. In fact if you need to use the car in the meantime just remove the rear prop shaft and run around in Front wheel drive until you can have the job done.
Viscous couplings do have a limited shelf life - ask any Cavalier 4x4 owner - after a few years on these cars they would seize and rip the transmission apart. To a lesser extent the same was true of the old Sierra 4x4.
The Freelander 1 is a great car if treated properly - there are loads of good ones out there and an equal number of ones that have been abused. If you want one - just take your time and insist on a good service history, with receipts - not just a stamp in the book.
Hi Darce
I'm sure you are right, I know nothing or very little of these cars. He said as he was driving along there was a clunk, clunk, clunk that got louder very quickly and by the time he could pull over there was smoke (presumably from oil on the exhaust) and general mayhem. When he looked under the car there was a puddle of oil and bits of metal. He had it recovered to the garage who supplied it, this was on the Sunday, they looked at it yesterday and told him it was the transfer box (perhaps this was a way of explaining it to him in layman's terms as he is not mechanically minded at all) and to put it right would mean a recon box. Perhaps the coupling shattered so bad it ruptured the casing? He was told the fault and resulting damage was not uncommon.
I'm sure you are right, I know nothing or very little of these cars. He said as he was driving along there was a clunk, clunk, clunk that got louder very quickly and by the time he could pull over there was smoke (presumably from oil on the exhaust) and general mayhem. When he looked under the car there was a puddle of oil and bits of metal. He had it recovered to the garage who supplied it, this was on the Sunday, they looked at it yesterday and told him it was the transfer box (perhaps this was a way of explaining it to him in layman's terms as he is not mechanically minded at all) and to put it right would mean a recon box. Perhaps the coupling shattered so bad it ruptured the casing? He was told the fault and resulting damage was not uncommon.
Martyn
That sounds about right for one that has not had the problem sorted at the "start"
First signs are noise such as clonks etc where the viscous couplings are locking all the time when they shouldn't - at this stage just new couplings and possibly new bushes are required as the bushes get hammered when the coupling do not free-up
If you ignore it you then get transmission wind up where on full lock on gravel you can hear the wheels that should be running free are "scrabbling" on the gravel.
Even at this stage if you catch it early you can usually just replace the couplings. If your mate had an 04 for just a few months and then this happened I suspect he bought it without knowing these basic tests to do on any AWD vehicle.
Even the later "Classic" Range Rovers has a Viscous Coupling in their transfer box (which houses the hi/low range gearbox - something a Freelander does not have) instead of selectable diff-lock can suffer from a locked up viscous coupling. On such a Range Rover the same test on loose gravel should be done to check that the wheels are "free" on full lock. If not walk away.
Drive shafts breaking on such a vehicle as a result is not uncommon.
But do not think this is a huge problem - it isn't if the vehicle is well maintained. And if it does happen parts are inexpensive.
Did your mate buy from a LR garage or LR specialist? - I doubt it - because the examples that suffer such abuse and then get sold on usually end up as "trade-ins" at second hand car marts.
I suggest your mate does not let a non-specialist do the repair as this usually ends in tears again in far too short a order.
Have a look at Ashcroft Transmissions - excellent quality parts and a good fitting service. My advice would be to get them to give a report and repair it (probably about
That sounds about right for one that has not had the problem sorted at the "start"
First signs are noise such as clonks etc where the viscous couplings are locking all the time when they shouldn't - at this stage just new couplings and possibly new bushes are required as the bushes get hammered when the coupling do not free-up
If you ignore it you then get transmission wind up where on full lock on gravel you can hear the wheels that should be running free are "scrabbling" on the gravel.
Even at this stage if you catch it early you can usually just replace the couplings. If your mate had an 04 for just a few months and then this happened I suspect he bought it without knowing these basic tests to do on any AWD vehicle.
Even the later "Classic" Range Rovers has a Viscous Coupling in their transfer box (which houses the hi/low range gearbox - something a Freelander does not have) instead of selectable diff-lock can suffer from a locked up viscous coupling. On such a Range Rover the same test on loose gravel should be done to check that the wheels are "free" on full lock. If not walk away.
Drive shafts breaking on such a vehicle as a result is not uncommon.
But do not think this is a huge problem - it isn't if the vehicle is well maintained. And if it does happen parts are inexpensive.
Did your mate buy from a LR garage or LR specialist? - I doubt it - because the examples that suffer such abuse and then get sold on usually end up as "trade-ins" at second hand car marts.
I suggest your mate does not let a non-specialist do the repair as this usually ends in tears again in far too short a order.
Have a look at Ashcroft Transmissions - excellent quality parts and a good fitting service. My advice would be to get them to give a report and repair it (probably about
Also just seen this :-
http://www.paddockspares.com/pp/SPECIAL_OFFERS/Freelander_to_2003/Freelander_Transfer_Box_(IRD_Unit)_-_New_OE_Manufacture._OUTRIGHT_PURCHASE.html
Very good price but again I would take it to someone who knows what they are doing to fit it and you SHOULD fit a new Viscous coupling as well or the new IRD will fail in short order.
Interestingly Paddocks do refer to the IRD as a Transfer Box, so maybe this is becoming the norm. But certainly the IRD is nothing like the Transfer box seen on other 4x4's - but it does look as though I may be mistaken on Freelanders not having a "Transfer Box" - I just thought it was always called the IRD.
http://www.paddockspares.com/pp/SPECIAL_OFFERS/Freelander_to_2003/Freelander_Transfer_Box_(IRD_Unit)_-_New_OE_Manufacture._OUTRIGHT_PURCHASE.html
Very good price but again I would take it to someone who knows what they are doing to fit it and you SHOULD fit a new Viscous coupling as well or the new IRD will fail in short order.
Interestingly Paddocks do refer to the IRD as a Transfer Box, so maybe this is becoming the norm. But certainly the IRD is nothing like the Transfer box seen on other 4x4's - but it does look as though I may be mistaken on Freelanders not having a "Transfer Box" - I just thought it was always called the IRD.
Thanks Darce I will pass on the info.
Sadly it was a dealer and the vehicle supposedly had a full service when my friend purchased it. When I spoke to him last night he was expecting to get a call today from the general manager of the dealership to see what could be done to sort the issue.
Sadly it was a dealer and the vehicle supposedly had a full service when my friend purchased it. When I spoke to him last night he was expecting to get a call today from the general manager of the dealership to see what could be done to sort the issue.
Hmmm - that is not good - you would have thought that a dealership would have road tested it and picked up the clonks and the whine from the back. It is usually high mileage ones and these whilst taken in part exchange often get shipped out to auction.
It is unusual for this to suddenly happen without warning.
In my view there must have been indications that all was not well. I think your friend should push very hard for the vehicle either to be taken back with a full refund or fully repaired.
It is unusual for this to suddenly happen without warning.
In my view there must have been indications that all was not well. I think your friend should push very hard for the vehicle either to be taken back with a full refund or fully repaired.
http://www.tradeupmotor.co.uk/GetDealer.do?did=11927&pageid=1
That's our old one if anyone is interested despite what I wrote about it.
It didn't work for us but may for someone else with a smallish caravan.
That's our old one if anyone is interested despite what I wrote about it.
It didn't work for us but may for someone else with a smallish caravan.
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