1.8 Petrol - Advice Please

[xr4x4]

Hi All,

My first post here, so hello everybody :)

I'm looking at buying a 98 1.8 Freelander. I can't strech the budget to a TD4 (I'd have to do 75000 miles before the fuel savings could make up the difference).

Unfortunatly, the 58000 mile vehicle I'm looking at doesn't have much of a service history, and the headgasket issue appears to be a potential nightmare.

My question is: If I were to have the (non-LR) dealer replace the headgasket, head bolts, ensure the thermostat mod was completed, and have the cooling system flushed then filled and bled with the correct coolant, would this minimise the risk for at least 40k miles, or would it still be a ticking timebomb?

Thanks for any advice you can offer.
--Graeme

[si_guru]

An eight year old car of any make could be a liability... being a Freelander with a petrol engine just raises the probability of something going wrong I'm afraid.

What do you intend to use the vehicle for?

[xr4x4]

Thanks for the reply,

It would mostly be used for ferrying the family dogs around, with the occasional 250 mile motorway trip. It would also be used very occasionally for some short distance low speed towing (about 500kg).

Thanks,
--Graeme

[si_guru]

If I were in your shoes I'd be tempted away from the Freelander by something like a RAV4. You could be lucky and have no problems with a nice Freelander, but I know too many people who've been stung 'cos their 4 grand motor has cost them a couple of grand to keep on the road.

If you you don't need 4wd, and thinking about the dog transport, what about a Berlingo... probably the most practical car you can buy! Well that or a Kangoo... or Doblo.

[xr4x4]

Thanks,

The 4x4 element is required. I guess I'll have a look at the Japanese options...

Cheers,
--Graeme

[stormie]

Hi there

You can have mine!!! :D LOL! I think I just managed to part ex it this morning, I got £3200 for it in part ex for a Ford Focus estate. (new one)

I know, its not as nice as a freebie but i too need it for ferrying dogs around, and I was getting extremely nervous about the head gasket issue as mine was coming up to 60,000 miles. And I couldn't aford a TD4.

Boo hoo........... bye bye freebie, we had fun! :(

Hope you find what you want. X

[Landysteve1975]

I have a nice 2000 Freelander for sale that has had the head gasket done by a LR main dealer!!!