Land rover freelander any good?
Discussion
Long time pistonheads reader and just signed up.
After a bit of advice her guys, whilst on the look out for a cheap 4x4 for off roading I've been offered a cheap freelander (1.8 k series engine) and wanted to know if anyone's had any experience with them off road? Any good? Mods available? Or shall I just pass and continue my search for a vitara or Jimny?
Any help most appreciated
After a bit of advice her guys, whilst on the look out for a cheap 4x4 for off roading I've been offered a cheap freelander (1.8 k series engine) and wanted to know if anyone's had any experience with them off road? Any good? Mods available? Or shall I just pass and continue my search for a vitara or Jimny?
Any help most appreciated
They are good cars off-road but you need to understand their limitations and adjust your driving accordingly... You also need to be wary of the 1.8 engine!!
Google & read up on the following:
Google & read up on the following:
- 1.8 K series
- Head gasket failure (though the gasket is often the symptom, rather than the cause).
- IRD Unit
- Viscous Coupling
I've got a 2005 Freelander Td4. It's been ok, but it's not something I'd recommend as a serious off-road vehicle. As mine has now done just over 100k miles, I am selling it. Although it's been pretty reliable up to now, I don't get the feeling this is likely to continue much longer.
As for the 1.8 petrol, I've hear too many horror stories for it to be worth considering IMO.
As for the 1.8 petrol, I've hear too many horror stories for it to be worth considering IMO.
Hello DIBZ - don't know if it's of any use but I don't really rate the freelander off-road. We had one as part of our local coast guard setup for a couple of years( I think it was a freebie - sponsored by a local LR Dealer) - it ws okay - but up on the cliff-top coast path in the wet on some of the chalky outcrops it was useless. We eventually got rid of it for a defender which has no issues (with the right tyres).
offroadmania said:
Hello DIBZ - don't know if it's of any use but I don't really rate the freelander off-road. We had one as part of our local coast guard setup for a couple of years( I think it was a freebie - sponsored by a local LR Dealer) - it ws okay - but up on the cliff-top coast path in the wet on some of the chalky outcrops it was useless. We eventually got rid of it for a defender which has no issues (with the right tyres).
...or you could have just stuck the right tyres on the Freelander in the first place. 
M
The important question is what sort of off roading and on what terrain?
The Freelander with TCS/HDC can be very capable. It doesn't have all that much flex, but the TCS means that when it lifts a wheel (which it will do with ease), that the AWD system will be able to send power to the wheels still in contact with the ground. This is something a Tdi Defender can't do.
So, on surfaces such as snow or wet grass, or maybe even sand a Freelander with TCS may be a superior off road vehicle over a Defender.
The flip side is a NON TCS Freelander will be pretty useless off road as it simply won't be able to keep all the wheels spinning.
Other off road issues are limited ground clearance and poorer approach and departure angles. Lack of low range is or could be an issue depending on the terrain and how slowly you need to drive. This develops into an issue if you end up having to driving the Freelander faster and more aggressively to conquer the terrain vs a Defender. The harder you drive the more punishing and damaging it'll be on the vehicle and the more likely you are to make a mistake.
All in all they can be perfectly capable for the correct use.
If you want to off road one, then a 2" lift is worth while as this will improve clearance and allow some bigger tyres to be fitted. Some sport models had a 1" lowering kit from the factory, so these are less suitable for off road use in stock trim.
Issues as per Camel Landy's reply earlier.
The Freelander with TCS/HDC can be very capable. It doesn't have all that much flex, but the TCS means that when it lifts a wheel (which it will do with ease), that the AWD system will be able to send power to the wheels still in contact with the ground. This is something a Tdi Defender can't do.
So, on surfaces such as snow or wet grass, or maybe even sand a Freelander with TCS may be a superior off road vehicle over a Defender.
The flip side is a NON TCS Freelander will be pretty useless off road as it simply won't be able to keep all the wheels spinning.
Other off road issues are limited ground clearance and poorer approach and departure angles. Lack of low range is or could be an issue depending on the terrain and how slowly you need to drive. This develops into an issue if you end up having to driving the Freelander faster and more aggressively to conquer the terrain vs a Defender. The harder you drive the more punishing and damaging it'll be on the vehicle and the more likely you are to make a mistake.
All in all they can be perfectly capable for the correct use.
If you want to off road one, then a 2" lift is worth while as this will improve clearance and allow some bigger tyres to be fitted. Some sport models had a 1" lowering kit from the factory, so these are less suitable for off road use in stock trim.
Issues as per Camel Landy's reply earlier.
I had 2 freeby 1s, both 04 facelift td4 SE manual hardbacks.
I found them to be surprisingly good off road, you clearly need to be aware of the lower ground clearance but it's lighter weight and the TC meant i could get further round an off road course than a few 90s and RRC's, that was on road tyres.
Bear in mind a old defender/disco1/RRC, will come to a halt if you get them cross axeled, the freeby will keep going, yes people may sneer at them, but driven properly, they are capable of upsetting a few "die hards"
I would also say that compared to my D3 i bought to replace the last freeby. They are a bit more surefooted in the snow and ice. Less weight on them means you don't have to tip toe about as much on snow/icy areas, where the D3 can slide a bit if you are ham fisted with the inputs.
The D3 has better clearance and things are tucked up out the way so not to get damaged.
A decent set of off road tyres on 15/16 alloys with a TC equipped model will be a surprisingly capable car.
I found them to be surprisingly good off road, you clearly need to be aware of the lower ground clearance but it's lighter weight and the TC meant i could get further round an off road course than a few 90s and RRC's, that was on road tyres.
Bear in mind a old defender/disco1/RRC, will come to a halt if you get them cross axeled, the freeby will keep going, yes people may sneer at them, but driven properly, they are capable of upsetting a few "die hards"
I would also say that compared to my D3 i bought to replace the last freeby. They are a bit more surefooted in the snow and ice. Less weight on them means you don't have to tip toe about as much on snow/icy areas, where the D3 can slide a bit if you are ham fisted with the inputs.
The D3 has better clearance and things are tucked up out the way so not to get damaged.
A decent set of off road tyres on 15/16 alloys with a TC equipped model will be a surprisingly capable car.
300bhp/ton said:
The important question is what sort of off roading and on what terrain?
The Freelander with TCS/HDC can be very capable.
..but as you say, it does rather depend on what sort of off-road duty you have in mind. I found the lack of a suitably low first gear to be a right pain. One day I was trying to tow a trailer load of logs up a wet grassy field and had to give up, go home and get Mrs Gaspode's Defender to do the job instead.The Freelander with TCS/HDC can be very capable.
Although to be fair it was a 10 foot trailer, so with logs and all it must have been a tonne or so. But for playing about it's fine, and especially good in snow.
Sorry for late reply. Basically I'm planning to use it for done mild off roading/ green laning maybe a few pay and play days. It's had all engine issues sorted, just body work ratty hence why it's cheap. Just wondered if anyone uses one? Not seen any at pay and play days.
Think I may stick to the tried and tested route of suzuki maybe a rusty old landy.
Think I may stick to the tried and tested route of suzuki maybe a rusty old landy.
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