Land Rover Freelander

The Freelander 1 was built just after BMW took over Land Rover. (So blame BMW for Land Rovers reliability issues)

I find the Freelander 2 still a bit "plastic" inside. I would get a Disco 2 facelift rather. :D

Disclaimer (I own a Series 3 Diesel & Petrol, and a Range Rover 4.6 HSE :love:)
 
Jola said:
Who stepped on your toes ?

I sold my last Landrover after 20 years (D1 V8), excellent build, still going well, only sold it because of age and fuel consumption. And now often regret having sold it. The new owner pimped it up and gave it to his son to do missionary work up in Zambia, I'm sure that it is still doing a sterling job.

Nobody complains about build quality, the only issues over the last 15 years has been the pre-facelift Freelander 1 transmission problem, and a few guys have had issues with the crankshaft breaking on the diesel 3L V6 on the D3/D4. The V8's are regarded as indestructable.

But the last diesel D4 problem discussed on 4x4 community had done almost 300 000 km before it broke, and yes, it probably shouldn't happen, but it is grossly exaggerated.

There have been zero transmission or engine problems with the Freelander 2, and the diesel engine in there is a highly reliable Peugeot/Ford unit (2.2l, 140kW, 420Nm). More power than the 3.9l V8i in the D1.

The Facelift Freelander 2's (2013 onwards) are magnificent. The only problem was the price, the last new ones sold for R550k. But still cheap compared to the current Freelander 3, aka the Discovery Sport. Pre 2013 FL2's are still fine, but not as up to date.

BTW, I don't really regard myself as a Landrover fan, I almost bought a Navara 4x4 a few months ago, but after comparing a new Navara to a newish D4 late last year I just had to get the D4.
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For every story like this the are a thousand that go the other way. I drive a Jeep - so much trouble but at least I know that I'm in denial!
 
SlinkyMike said:
For every story like this the are a thousand that go the other way. I drive a Jeep - so much trouble but at least I know that I'm in denial!
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I deny that, the % of negative stories are very low.

I have had 3 LDs now (D1, FL2, D4), over 23 years, and nothing has broken that I didn't directly cause. Mainly because of OTT off-road stuff, eg I sank the D1 in deep water and that cost me a clutch and starter motor - V8i was fine, after draining the water and a few oil changes.

None of them had quality/finishing problems.

Yet I still don't regard myself as a LD fanboy, I will look at anything, as long as I think that it can deliver, and the price is right.

So I take these stories with a pinch of salt.
 
I don't take the D3/D4 crank failures with a pinch of salt, that's just bona fide bullsh#t engineering/manufacturing.

Unless you race a vehicle extremely hard the crank snapping should be the last thing on your mind. Instead family cars with full service history at LR have cranks snapping/engine imploding and if they are too old/mileage to high, despite the full LR dealer service history LR will leave these poor suckers high and dry. Often its not even high mileage just an older vehicle that's been meticulously maintained but not used much.
 
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Pitbull said:
Off to go collect the Landy now at 14:00 can't wait :)
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Buying wisely 2hnd you get a heck of a lot for your money, enjoy the ride, modern LR's are bloody amazing.. when they work.

Find a good independent LR workshop to keep costs down.
 
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Go spend some time reading through the LR and Softroader sections here. Lots of advice, tips and tricks to be had.

Grats on your purchase bud!
 
airborne said:
Buying wisely 2hnd you get a heck of a lot for your money, enjoy the ride, modern LR's are bloody amazing.. when they work.

Find a good independent LR workshop to keep costs down.
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The car is amazing! And so much power. Not really used to the power plant of a Diesel Turbo in an SUV. Used to driving Diesel bakkies. I have to admit I'm never buying a manual again. Also, the Luxury of this Freelander on the inside surpasses my BMW by far! :D

SlinkyMike said:
Hope you make it home. :whistle:
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Tsek, car is amazing. Filled it with 10ppm and currently giving around 9.5l/100km However I was punching it at times yesterday afternoon

Jase said:
Go spend some time reading through the LR and Softroader sections here. Lots of advice, tips and tricks to be had.

Grats on your purchase bud!
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Thank you! Wasn't sure if you home or not. I know you drive is Disco iirc. Actually wanted your input but you always off in Africa somewhere :D

FiestaST said:
*testing*

OP did you make it home in one piece?

Not heard from you in 4hrs *♀️
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Was an amazing drive. If it continues like this, I'm a converted Landy fan :p
 
When the turbo spools up they shunt!

I only have experience with the Audi 1.9Tdi and the power when the turbo kicked in was insane relative to the car size and engine, it was like driving a sports car.
 
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