thanks steve any idea of cost od doing the head .

completely avoid the 1.8 petrol no matter what the year. head gasket failure was present no matter what, and even though uprated gaskets were fitted by LR and by garages upon failure, they still had issues.

the 2.5 V6 also had head gasket issues, but not commonly so (probably due to the fact not many were sold) but its a nice sounding engine. However power/torque is worse than diesels for much poorer economy

the early 2.0 Di was supposed to be a good workhorse but noisy and agricultural.

the post 2001 BMW engine TD4 was a much better option, smoother, quieter, mid 30's mpg an pretty much bullet proof (chain driven not belt)

the common failure points were the transmission/drive train, usually caused by seizure of the viscous coupling (centre diff) which left untouched would take down the rear diff mountings (you would hear a clunk from the rear as drive was picked up) and then followed by the IRD (main transfer box)

the drive ratio's were altered in later models which largely cancelled out most of the viscous coupler failings but it was never 100% resolved on all cars.

My advice would be to go for as later a model as possible (04-06 plate) TD4 auto.

56 plate auto's attract the £490 tax bracket due to emissions

the auto is a Jatco 5 speed command shift auto and is a nice smooth gear box IMO

I think MY02 onwards were sorted as that was when all the changes were introduced. I had a 2002 ES V6 with no problems with engine, gearbox or driveline. V6 was sweet and powerful if not torquey, but revved like hell all the way to 7000rpm.
Fuel economy was atrocious though and with A/C on most time in Australian heat you could see the needle dropping!
Highway economy was acceptable. MY15
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Surround Camera System
InControl Apps soon to be replaced with CarPlay (WIP)
Meridian Premium Surround Sound
Digital Audio Broadcast
Timed Climate
Cruise ECO Data
Follow Me Home Reverse
Extra Features Menu
Picture In Motion
4x4i screen (WIP)
Digital Broadcast TV
Meridian Rear Media with WIFI
Factory Powered Tailgate
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)
Reverse Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
Electrochromatic Wing Mirrors (WIP)

I had a late 02 FL1 with KV6 that blew head gaskets at 55K , previously our X reg KV6 blew Head gaskets at 34K.

I would avoid a FL1 with KV6 engine, an independent garage will want in excess of £1500 to do the job properly (replacing the 3 cam belts and water pump at the same time)

It's not a great DIY job either as you need the cam belt tools to do the job (£150), especially the stretcher for the 2 rear ones.

Ian.

A few years ago when I had an FL1 I discovered an American forum for Freelander 1s and it was awash with complaints about the V6 petrol engine and gasket problems. The last time I looked they were trying to get a Class Action legal case together. 3 x FL1 2 manual + 1 auto
5 x FL2 4 manual + 1 auto
Now Discovery Sport P250 MHEV SE

Yes, it's was a very complex motor, Aswell as the variable cam timing and inlet manifold. I was also warned about the cam belt change cost. As like everything, great whilst it's all working and in my case I was lucky! MY15
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Surround Camera System
InControl Apps soon to be replaced with CarPlay (WIP)
Meridian Premium Surround Sound
Digital Audio Broadcast
Timed Climate
Cruise ECO Data
Follow Me Home Reverse
Extra Features Menu
Picture In Motion
4x4i screen (WIP)
Digital Broadcast TV
Meridian Rear Media with WIFI
Factory Powered Tailgate
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)
Reverse Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
Electrochromatic Wing Mirrors (WIP)

many many thanks , looks like a TD4 then,if the BMW came in around 01 ,were the early 01 03 no good .

early TD4 engines were fine, but the ratio on the gearing was altered in late 2002/2003 to help with the viscous coupling issues.

If you go for a facelifted version (53 plate onwards) then you should get the best of everything.

Just check for the usual things as you would on any other car and also check the rear window goes up/down when you open the boot. The seals are known to be a bit leaky but is a relatively cheap, easy fix. (new seal or door adjustment)

To check the viscous coupling hasn't seized, take the car on at test drive to an open gravel car park if possible, put it in 1st gear with full lock on the steering wheel and let it go in tight circles. Change lock and do the same.
If it sounds like the rear wheels are skipping/scuffing or if it comes suddenly to a stop then the viscous coupling could be on its way to seizing. £250 - £500 fix if its just that part.

If you get a late SE it will probably have the fuel burning heater (and no fog lamps as they could not find space for both). The TD4 engine took ages to warm up and the heater was mounted under the passenger side front wheel arch. On cold days you will see smoke coming from there when the engine is cold, it's not a problem!
My biggest gripe about FL1s was the poor internal ventilation, I often had the rear window down following complaints about poor air circulation in the back. 3 x FL1 2 manual + 1 auto
5 x FL2 4 manual + 1 auto
Now Discovery Sport P250 MHEV SE

how come the Kalahari cost so much to tax

think the price for all TD4 Auto (except the last of the run 06/56 plates which are £490) were around £280

price for the manual versions was slightly lower.

the model spec shouldn't make a difference to road tax (oops sorry Vehicle Excise Duty)

pop the registration into the DVLA Vehicle enquiry website and it will give you all the taxation details for it.

dorsetfreelander wrote:

A few years ago when I had an FL1 I discovered an American forum for Freelander 1s and it was awash with complaints about the V6 petrol engine and gasket problems. The last time I looked they were trying to get a Class Action legal case together.

rogb ,any ideas how much a new clutch is fitted to a 03 reg td4 ?

sorry no idea but I would imagine it would be around the £400-£500 which is around what most manufacturers charge these days.

there is a company called Ashcroft Transmissions near Luton that do all Land Rover transmissions and are recommended worldwide. They can definitely answer all questions regarding FL1 drivetrain.

Land Rover Freelander 2.0 Xdi Xdi 5dr , anyone got one of these modals .