R_Lefebvre
Expedition Leader
A big part of the problem with the Freelander's reputation is because it was only available with the Rover V6 and auto transmission in America, which aren't very good units. Actually, from what I've read, seems the auto isn't that bad except for one fatal flaw, that maybe isn't even that hard to diagnose and fix, but the dealers are just suckering everybody into paying for a whole new trans. The engine requires a rediculously expensive timing belt change, and develops a mysterious engine coolant loss that can't be traced back to a leak or head gaskets? Other than that, I don't think there's anything wrong with it. It isn't a hardcore off-roader, it was never intended to be, and that's fine.
I wouldn't mind picking up an 05 myself, as a daily driver. But I'm pretty concerned about those two issues. Lately I have been concidering an 08 at some point. It's built on the Ford EUCD platform, and much of it is shared with a number of Volvos and Fords, and it's a Volvo engine. All good stuff. It does have a Haldex AWD system which I'm not a fan of and I question the durability/repairability of it. But, I'm another year or two away so... we'll see what happens in the interim.
I wouldn't mind picking up an 05 myself, as a daily driver. But I'm pretty concerned about those two issues. Lately I have been concidering an 08 at some point. It's built on the Ford EUCD platform, and much of it is shared with a number of Volvos and Fords, and it's a Volvo engine. All good stuff. It does have a Haldex AWD system which I'm not a fan of and I question the durability/repairability of it. But, I'm another year or two away so... we'll see what happens in the interim.