Do I want one?

[Keeper_of_Tess]

Along with the Landies and Range Rovers, we run a 12 year old Volvo V40. We've had it for about 10 years.

It's reasonably fast (2 litre petrol, fuel injected, non-turbo) and fairly economical (35 mpg) it is comfortable, reliable and has space for dogs, children, luggage, shopping and so-on. My wife uses it as her "everyday" car.

Now, the Volvo will not go on for ever. The repair bills get more hefty and more frequent year by year. The question is: when the Volvo finally becomes beyond economic repair, do we replace it with a newer one, or with a Freelander?

My head argues that we should stick to a reliable Volvo. My heart wants another Land Rover vehicle to add to my collection....

Which Freelander? How old? Will I be able to work on it myself, or is there a collection of plastic boxes where the SUs should be? Are there any to avoid?

Any advice, folks?

[TEMPL4R]

If the Volvo has done you well, get another.

If you want to look at some Freelanders, come down to our place one evening or Saturday and you can have a look under them on a ramp and try them out and I'll point out the problem areas to look at.

You will buy one cheaper privately, but can have a good look. ( The Boss isn't here ;) )

Chris

[Keeper_of_Tess]

Thanks, Chris.

The Volvo isn't dead yet, but the clock is ticking.

My wife's main concerns are:
(1) will it start in the morning?
(2) can she drive it to Blackpool without me having to give her a refresher course first?
(Remember to pump the clutch at the end of the motorway. Turn this switch on after the engine fires up and off when you stop. Turn off the heater two minutes before you arrive. Don't forget to turn the music system off separately. The ignition switch has to be turned quickly to make the engine turn over. Hold it in reverse by hand if you want the reversing light to come on. There are three door keys because there are three different door locks. No it will not go in the multi-storey with the roof-rack on. Flick the wiper stalk up, not down. No don't fight the box, depress the clutch fully. Well then pump it, like I told you...)

Since the RRC is running, she will pinch that if it snows, so we don't really need yet another four wheel drive vehicle. I feel that another Volvo is more likely to keep her happy than a Freelander, but I've never been in one, let alone driven one.

Once, Linda took Llarry the pickup to work. She was most indignant when she drove through a puddle and most of the puddle ended up in the cab! No sense of humour.

[TEMPL4R]

You need to try different models, Nick. The X plate and the 55 plate are so different.

I must admit, a Black late model with all the stuff is impressive.

If you want a look at one, I'll get some Trade Plates on and you can have a play on the Docks.

Chris

[Keeper_of_Tess]

Tempting.

Linda's about to vanish on a skiing holiday, leaving me to look after the little ones next week. Could I take you up on this in the New Year?

[TEMPL4R]

Of course, Nick. We have 3 in at the moment, as long as we have some, you can have a go.

Whispers aside so no one can hear ( Got a couple of RR Sports in, 06 plate... they're worth a drive... you ain't seen me, roit ;) )

Chris

[Keeper_of_Tess]

:cargos:

[Jimny33]

i say try a td4 model manual and auto and i think you shall be pleasently surprized.

Having had myself, the same volvo as you, and 1.8 and TD4 freelanders i would choose the TD4

[vitalspark]

If you are a low mileage user the V6 is a great buy..you will pick up a low miler..they all seem to be low milers..for thousands less than aTD4..ok so it only does 20mpg, thats why their cheap, but the savings made pay for a lot of fuel ...and they are without doubt the best F/Ls to drive, smooth and quick.
We bought a `51 plate when under three years old from main dealer with only 14k on clock still under manu.warranty with another year added in the deal, fully loaded..electric roof, a/c, etc for under 10k..the equivalent TD4 alongside was 13.5k.
Had it now 2.5 years and now at 27k only costs, one tyre (the spare was new) and a set of pads which I did myself.
Ok its a second car and only does about 5k/year so fuel difference against saving means its the better buy, and the bonus is its great to drive, I even enjoy it and thats coming off a 4.4 RR.
Good luck

Dave

[TEMPL4R]

We tend to just Deal in Diesels and 1.8 Ks, Dave.

We only seem to get Trade In V6s when the VIS or Head Gaskets are playing up. When they find out how much it costs to repair it, they suddenly realise how much they need a change of vehicle.;)

Same engine as the Rover 75 and MG, a good engine when it's running right, as they do more often than not. Very powerful and light. We get a lot of fuel pump/modulator problems on the cars, not sure about the Freelander, as we haven't had many KV6s in.

Chris

[vitalspark]

Glad to hear you don`t see many Chris..of course I suppose the law of averages applies!..its a second car and driven gently, never tows and only goes into fields or wet grass which is right up its street. We have a large gsd dog and all the usual stuff associated with horses so its great at everything we need it for, its big brother does all the donkey work. Still I am intending to change it at 30k which will be around May next year and the new f/l does look tempting, maybe pick up a six month old ex dem or whatever. Have you been under one or had a look at its mechanicals? it looks to be well screwed together and hopefully the new diesel will give it loads of torque, I never fancied towing with the old one even although rated at 2000kg, I have done and felt that it wasn`t coping that well but I suppose I was comparing to my previous 300tdi and td5
Dave

[Desert Warrior]

Well I have had two 1.8s and one TD4. Without a doubt, the TD4 auto is the best for both on and off road in my opinion. I have never had to worry about either but I won't never have considered taking the 1.8s across Morocco. Hammer the manual off road and you can smell the clutch for about 30 meters! The auto just soaks off roading up. The only thing I do to my car is change the gearbox oil every 30k. I believe the autos are supposed to be sealed for life but I reckon they benefit from regular oil changes.

[JimGNR]

How many miles has the V40 done?

We recently sold a 1.8i 2001 at work that we had as a reps car, had done 145K by the time it was 3 years old, we ran it as a pool car for another 2 years by then it had done 165K.

We never spent a penny on it apart from tyres, brakes and regular servicing.

On the other hand, we also had an S40 2.0 Turbo, that was very unreliable and expensive to keep on the road, several turbos, it ate tyres and had a drink problem.

[TEMPL4R]

Have you been under one or had a look at its mechanicals?
Dave
Not yet Dave, but hopefully we will get one in soon.

I like the look of them.

Chris

[Keeper_of_Tess]

How many miles has the V40 done?

We recently sold a 1.8i 2001 at work that we had as a reps car, had done 145K by the time it was 3 years old, we ran it as a pool car for another 2 years by then it had done 165K.

We never spent a penny on it apart from tyres, brakes and regular servicing.

On the other hand, we also had an S40 2.0 Turbo, that was very unreliable and expensive to keep on the road, several turbos, it ate tyres and had a drink problem.

I'm honestly not sure: the Volvo's at Manchester airport at the moment (at least, I hope it is) but IIRC it has done about 12,000 miles a year: so about 140,000. It isn't dead yet, but I don't think it owes us anything either.