Is the Freelander 1.8 really so bad?
Discussion
I have just bought, (but not yet collected or paid for) a W reg'd Freelander XEI 1.8. Having read lots of posts on here, is the engine really as bad as people make out, or should I not bother handing over my hard earned dosh £5600 (is this a good price?), on this Petrol engined version. Help would be much appreciated.
In my experience, the story that the 1.8 K series is a problem is a bit of an urban myth.
RoverMG built loads of cars using the K, and Caterham used it for years as did Lotus. If you treat it right, it won't let you down - and yes, the Freeby is heavier than other cars that use the K, but its gearing reflects the weight. Just drive it and enjoy it - just put the right oil in it and check it regularly.
RoverMG built loads of cars using the K, and Caterham used it for years as did Lotus. If you treat it right, it won't let you down - and yes, the Freeby is heavier than other cars that use the K, but its gearing reflects the weight. Just drive it and enjoy it - just put the right oil in it and check it regularly.
[quote=Broomco(600)LTD]In my experience, the story that the 1.8 K series is a problem is a bit of an urban myth.
RoverMG built loads of cars using the K, and Caterham used it for years as did Lotus. If you treat it right, it won't let you down - and yes, the Freeby is heavier than other cars that use the K, but its gearing reflects the weight. Just drive it and enjoy it - just put the right oil in it and check it regularly.[/quote]
Probably 10-20% of my local garages workshop time per annum is spent fixing K series head gaskets, utter utter piece of pooh in the engineering stakes (the head gasket that is) regardless of how you drive it, it WILL fail sooner or later.
If you look at the head gasket it has silicone type sealant oilway & water seals that break away from the metal head gasket, an appalling design fault thats probably easily rectifiable if someone put their mind to it.
RoverMG built loads of cars using the K, and Caterham used it for years as did Lotus. If you treat it right, it won't let you down - and yes, the Freeby is heavier than other cars that use the K, but its gearing reflects the weight. Just drive it and enjoy it - just put the right oil in it and check it regularly.[/quote]
Probably 10-20% of my local garages workshop time per annum is spent fixing K series head gaskets, utter utter piece of pooh in the engineering stakes (the head gasket that is) regardless of how you drive it, it WILL fail sooner or later.
If you look at the head gasket it has silicone type sealant oilway & water seals that break away from the metal head gasket, an appalling design fault thats probably easily rectifiable if someone put their mind to it.
a TD4I have a mate who has had 3 head gaskets on his in two years.
GET A DIESEL!!!!!!!!!!!!
Look at the book prices dealers can't sell 1.8 petrols. If you do very little mileage and have it as a second car and prepared to keep a keen eye on the engine temp guage, them only maybe buy it. There are better small reliable 4x4's on the market than a under powered over weight freelander petrol...
v6 IS FANTASTIC IF YOU CAN AFFORD THE JUICE.
GET A DIESEL!!!!!!!!!!!!
Look at the book prices dealers can't sell 1.8 petrols. If you do very little mileage and have it as a second car and prepared to keep a keen eye on the engine temp guage, them only maybe buy it. There are better small reliable 4x4's on the market than a under powered over weight freelander petrol...
v6 IS FANTASTIC IF YOU CAN AFFORD THE JUICE.
mungo said:
It will cost you half the purchase cost again to get the engine fixed when it will inevitibly suffer head gasket failure.
But only if you paid £1000 for the car
It's a few hours work. Maybe a bit more if the head needs a quick skim. You could buy a complete engine for £1k.
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