2002 52 freelander diesel

[buster69]

right folks

the time has come for the truth. Whats the deal with freelanders, have read thousands of reviews, some say great cars others say total dogs.

Ive seen a few for sale and am seriously tempted but moneys tight and need something that can take a pram but also be reliable and fairly economical.

I currently drive a 2005 rover 25 diesel, which im told the freelander is based on, which apart from a few a niggles has been an absolute workhorse, no probs in the snow, great on the motorway and around town but need to upgrade due baby and an ever growing 8 year.

any sensible advice would be greatly appreciated

many thanks

[Ian]

nothing wrong wit the diesel freelanders it was the petrol ones with the K series engines that had all the problems when the head gasket was changed to save a a few pennies


having said that I had a freelander HSE one day when the discovery was in for a service and personally If I had spent in excess of 23k ( thats what it cost) I would have rammed it up the salesmans arse sideways
It was awful  I would expect better build, performance for that sort of money and personally for what it is you are better off buying an audi or other mid sized saloon car and if you need more space go for estate versions all will have more boot space than the freelander

for example I have an R reg subaru forrester that wipes the floor with a freelander better on road performance more space better interior and will go off road just about anywhere a freelander would go not that many actually do

[buster69]

forgot to mention i live in a semi rural area so would prefer a 4 x 4 but have considered an estate/mpv but again your damned if you do or damned if you dont.

rover is approx £2800 part ex and can put about£ 1500 on payments to it.

def a diesel needed

[Crossa]

I bought a 1.8 petrol 2001 freelander, as 2001 and after the head gaskets were upgraded at the factory, So far it has been Ok but I do admit to opening the bonnet and checking the water level at least once a week just in case, as the slightest leak in the system can cause the engine to overheat.
Oh and because of the scare stories they are cheap. But take care when looking at one. As there is also the drive train problems that can affect any model. But they sold 250000 of them so they can't all be bad.
Oh and all those that say it is not a real Landover don't forget Landover would not exist today if they had not produced the Feelander as it needed a cheap 4x4 that would appeal to the masses that would bring much needed revenue into the then struggling company.

[Auto]

I have recovered a few diesel freelanders with head gasket problems!

I wouldn't discount the subaru forester, theyt are 4 wheel drive, great for your pram etc and last a while. They will also do more than a diesel freeloader in terms of fuel economy!

The petrol do around 35mpg, gas conversions are fairly easily available as well, which can be done with underslung tanks. You can have the best of both worlds then! You can pick one up for £1000/1500.


Here's a u-tube clip to show what they can do!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=foZI5lfvX80

[andy_g]

First post on the forum, was looking around saw your post and I was in your situation a year ago.

I needed a car with light (but proper) 4x4 capabilities but only had a small budget. Looked around it seemed the Freelander was the thing to go for, I wanted one with relatively low mileage but under £2500. There were plenty to choose from but managed to find one with under 50,000 miles and for £1900, S reg, 1999 I think. It was a part ex a dealer had got and he didn't want, sold as seen no warranty but they did replace the battery and a rear tyre.

On the whole it has been excellent, however the head gasket did start to go, I didn't have a full failure so caught it in time and I know a decent mechanic and got it sorted for £300ish, since then it's been fine. I have done 20,000 miles in it and as I say on the whole it has been excellent.

I'm out in the country a lot and driving in and out of muddy fields, only on one occasion has it been an issue and that was when it had rained for days on end, one of those situations where I had push the capabilities too far. But having said that it has thin road tyres so I don't expect that much from it.

I'm big, 6' 4" and 20 stone and it's a little small but I'm used to that now, there is no height adjustment in the front seats (at least not on my one). Boot space is also small for such a large vehicle and that's one of the reasons that I'm considering upgrading to something else.

In short I have been very happy with my one, mainly because it was cheap I wouldn't spend a significant amount of money on one, and when I upgrade I will be buying something different.

[just wrong]

Hi

I would say to you,all cars have there faults.
Im doing a disco project at the minute and its full of rot(common fault).
I also have an audi a4 estate,lovely car but goes through front suspension arms at £200 a set for a pass time (a common fault).
So if i was you and maybe others on the site will agree.if thats what you have set your heart on go for it.just get the best you can for your money and if you have a friend who knows about freelanders and the tell tale signs of trouble ahead ask them if they would have a look with you.failing that there is always an aa inspection (i believe its about £90).
At the end of the day all cars are money pits.
well best of luck,i hope you get a good one that your happy with.

cheers ant