Opinions on Freelander 1

[davehilton]

Thinking of getting a 1999-2001 model, either the 1.8L or the 2L, 3 or 5 door whichever we find first.
As i have never owned a freelander before, opinions on them would be appreciated.

[Captain Cadillac]

I can't speak for the Diesels, but a Petrol-engined Freelander is such a horrible thing that I am not sure I'd sell one to my ex-wife's divorce attorney.

[camel_landy]

Diesel all the way...

If you can, get yourself a TD4 Auto. The TD4 is a better engine and the auto is better for the drive train, diff mounts, etc... The L series diesel is still a great engine but just make sure it has had the cam belts done as it is a sod of a job.

As for body shape, it's whatever floats your boat but I quite like the idea of getting the rear roof off the 3 door in summer.

M

[normalbloke]

Don't.

[Roadrunner996]

What is the Forum's opinion on the FL Mk1 'facelift model from 2004 ? They look better (IMHO) but did anything change under the skin ?

Thanks

[camel_landy]

No real change under the skin until the Freelander 2 came out.

It's still a great car, avoid the petrols but the TD4 auto is one to go for.

M

[300bhp/ton]

davehilton said:

Thinking of getting a 1999-2001 model, either the 1.8L or the 2L, 3 or 5 door whichever we find first.
As i have never owned a freelander before, opinions on them would be appreciated.

The Freelander is a very good vehicle, although typical LR.

More niggles than anything major for the most part, such as leaky rear window and sunroof coming out of the rails.

Do check viscous coupling. These do have a life expectancy and when they seize (they aren't bad to replace on their own), they can cause IRD and rear diff failure too. Which gets pricey. Read up on this more than anything.


The 1.8's are actually good motors, peppy, plenty of power and oddly don't feel as though they are lacking grunt. But of course they are K-Series engines, so read up on potential HG issues.

The L-Series 2.0d is a very good motor, but many are low spec models, so make sure you get what you want.

The Td4 is arguably better, slightly more power and a stronger gearbox, but more complex and more fickle than the L-Series.


If you want to off road make sure you get one with TCS/HDC, they are pretty useless without.

Also depending on what you want to do you may find an auto a better bet due to no low range.

Sport models ride 1" lower iirc and if off roading any FL will benefit from a lift.


The 3 door is cool but is no smaller than the 5 door. The lift off rear roof is nice in summer, although the soft tops are rare and most are hard tops.