freelander

[tim_5084604]

Hiya all, could anyone tell me of any experience of towing with the diesel freelander (pre TD4) as i am thinking of getting one.

Tim

 

[darrell_5062941]

hi tim.. we tow with a v reg 2.0 d freelander.. we tow an abbey aventura 330.. tows like a dream and its a large caravan too we in the process of getting a brand new one but stuck on whether to stay loyal to the freelander or the sorento.. decisions decisions .. the sorento wins on price and power but the freelander wins on looks and equipment .. hope this helps .. daz

 

[CliveV]

Hi Tim

As a Land Rover "nut" I have to say that the pre TD4 diesel is not a well thought of vehicle - performance is not bad but it is clattery and the engine had to be fitted in such a position that it is a MAJOR job to change the glow plugs.

So if starting is laboured - check the service history - this could be why it is for sale.

Also the pre-TD4 Freelanders were the early models that were substantially updated with the introduction of the TD4 engine. This update carried over to the 1.8 and V6 versions and included a revised drive system that stopped the uneven tyre wear by altering the drive ratios to front and back wheels

I would hate you to think the Freelander was not a good car - it certainly is - but the latter ones are MUCH improved. If you can get a pre TD4 at a good price with a full service history then I am sure it will do you well. We have had a 2001 1.8 since new an it has been faultless. But we towed with a V8 Range Rover and now a V8 Discovery.

But remember, these tend to be cars that people keep is they are going well. Always ask "why is this one for sale?"

And remember - there is far more to go wrong on a 4x4 so be warned!

But once you have driven one - there is no going back!!

 

[tim_5084604]

Thamks for your comments, the car is a 5 door one owner with full service history, with 59000 miles on it, from a dealer, who wants 6K for it, i have had a couple of 300TDI discos, and it did not seem as noisey as those.

I am currently running a Laguna sport 1.9 DCI which i bought in November, and have not towed with it yet, while i love the car andits performance/economy, there seems to be some issue over its towing weight and with all its bells and whistles i am worried about its long term reliability.

Bye the way i have an Elddis 534 Xscape (Avante dealer special) which tops out at 1400 kgs.

Tim

 

[CliveV]

Hi Tim - 60K on one of those is nothing - clearly its condition and service history is reflected in the price.

If you get a good warranty with it - it sounds very attractive.

Is it at a main dealer or 4x4 specialist independent dealer?

If not I would be a little wary - if either of the above it would look to be a genuine car.

I reckon you should be able to get the price down a fair bit.

 

[Clive-Cardiff]

Hi Tim, Our TD4 is just over three years old and it is by far the best tow car we have had. There is ample power to tow our Avondale Osprey, you have to be careful and watch the speedo.

Our only complaint is that you do not have a low range box like the Disco. This means that you tend to slip the clutch on hill starts and reverses,not good with the high cost of clutch replacement.

 

[tim_5084604]

Well i bought the car, i had it checked by a 4X4 dealer, and i know the dealer i got it from quite well as i have had several cars from him, he has also given me a 1year/

 

[CliveV]

Sounds good Tim!

Do you get to any of the LR shows - we are regulars at the Billing event in July meeting up with families that we met up with over the years - Great fun and the weather last year was just superb!

 

[tim_5084604]

Hiya Clive, only went to Billing once, and that was about 15 years ago, before it got as big as it is now, (the show i mean)the joke is, i only live in Milton Keynes, about 16 miles from Billing. Perhaps this year.

Tim

 

[Darren_5061938]

hi tim.. we tow with a v reg 2.0 d freelander.. we tow an abbey aventura 330.. tows like a dream and its a large caravan too we in the process of getting a brand new one but stuck on whether to stay loyal to the freelander or the sorento.. decisions decisions .. the sorento wins on price and power but the freelander wins on looks and equipment .. hope this helps .. daz

I'm glad I checked this forum,as i own a freelander TD4 and am looking to buy an aventura 330 also. Was a little concerned as the weight is slight over the 85%, but you have set my mind at ease. Thanks for the info!

Darren.