Trying a new challenge with a 1000k freelander

[G4in08Nate]

Hi Gang,

Trying on a new challenge for fun. Last spring I came across a 2002 HSE one owner freelander with a timing belt change due and some other minor issues. It was a dealer serviced one owner(female) who spared no expense but at 88k facing a 3500+ timing belt service she left at an indy shopand opted for something new and they called me. well a grand later and 75.00 for a uhaul trailer i brought it home. this is the tally so far

1000 purchase price
125.00 to get home trailer/gas
850.00 in parts
350.00 on a craigslist score, safety devices roofrack, ladder, dap sliders and front A-bar sump gaurd.
250.00 head gasket set and new bolts
750.00 tires
80.00 lamp gaurds
40.00 dog gaurd
340.00 on the last mantec snorkel kit in existence from john craddock
35.00 brake pads

3820.00 total

I have put on 10,000 trouble free miles through northern WI and Minnesota through 110 degree/-25 day she has proved solid and reliable

my point is you can have a capable overland vehicle for less than a used ATV.

Now I know it's not like a defender or my discovery II but hell 90% of the planet has roads of some sort. The KV6 sounds and feels awesome. it floats like my old Range rover classic and P38 love its handling and hell the wife loves it.

So lets hear the banter!

My plan is to do a cricle the lake tour of Lake superior and document my adventure in my 4000k landrover

 

[ColoDisco]

I cannot wait to see the updates.

 

[Owyhee H]

One Million Dollar Land Rover!

One million is a lot for any rover (1000k):sombrero:

But seriously, that looks like a fun ride. With all the PM done it should be relaiable and I look forward to reading about its future trip.

Great ressurection of a not so old Rover.

 

[dcwhybrew]

Great, now you have a fixed up piece of **** versus a regular piece of ****....LOL You have fixed the engine, but that doesnt fix the engine's design flaws. LR techs hate the FL for a reason, they break, they suck, they're unreliable even after you fix them (I know it is ironic saying that about a LR...LOL). I'd hesitate to call the Freelander a capable overlanding vehicle. All wheel drive urban vehicle, yes. A Subaru Forrester would have been better IMO. Never-the-less, you've fixed it for now so drive the hell out of it until it breaks again. You can take off the roof rack and other parts and sell them, then dispose of the FL like the previous owner did. You probably wont lose > 50% of your money. Just my guess and opinion.

 

[rijosho]

Those little tires cost $750??? Ouch! 4 brand new 285/75 R16 BFG MT KM2's only cost me $850 shipped to my door from discount tire direct a year or two ago!

You'd better love this thing to put that kind of $$ into it! If you plan on doing anything off pavement in this thing, I'd remove that front bumper immediately and have something worthwhile installed to give you a better approach angle up front to be able to scale a curb or two without ripping all that rubber off in the process.

Most Land Rovers came as very capable offroaders in their stock configuration - I think that excludes the Freelander though.

 

[rijosho]

Also, where's the snorkel?

 

[G4in08Nate]

correction 1000$ freelander

Also, where's the snorkel?

The snorkel is on its way, I will post the install pics.

I agree with the front approach angle, but the A-Bar bumper has skid plates that cover the whole front undercarriage about 4.5mm thick aluminum. besides it was cheap so i'm going with it, i'm just trying to see how far I can go on this project, ie overland travel and forest service roads in the UP and northern WI.

Try getting a suburu for 1K, I have hardly anything invested. I agree this was not Land Rovers best and a suburu or suzuki is better in this class, but it was the first unibody rover and the platform helped develop the current rovers we see today good and bad. I drove LR3's in the last G4 challenge and loved them but they have there fare share of electrical systems that make the freelander incredibly simple in comparison. Certainly not the nightmare my 2000 p38 was!

I want to encourage others to find cute utes and get then out there for cheap. My buddy just bought a older suzuki sidekick and is going to mod it out. Have to love the mileage 22-23 loaded to the gills from minneapolis to miwaukee

Here is a pick of my other rover project, thinking of selling it to finance my other hobby..... sailing

 

[G4in08Nate]

that was for five I did the spare.

 

[LR Max]

Good luck with the truck! As others have said, I also do not have positive reviews of the car. Frankly speaking, whenever I see one driving on the road, I say, "HOLY CRAP A WORKING FREELANDER!"

Best of luck to ya on the truck!

 

[dcwhybrew]

The snorkel is on its way, I will post the install pics.
...Try getting a suburu for 1K, I have hardly anything invested. I agree this was not Land Rovers best and a suburu or suzuki is better in this class, but it was the first unibody rover and the platform helped develop the current rovers we see today good and bad. I drove LR3's in the last G4 challenge and loved them but they have there fare share of electrical systems that make the freelander incredibly simple in comparison. Certainly not the nightmare my 2000 p38 was!...

Yes, I agree Subys arent $1000 vehicles like your FL. However, they do run, run well, and are not maintenance night mares like the FL (even compared with older LR models). Re: the FL vs LR3 comparison....the key difference between the LR3 and the FL is...THE LR3 IS RELIABLE, even with its electronics! LOL

Well, I certainly hope it works out for you. Keep posting up about your experience....also keep the D2 (you'll need something else to drive)...LOL Seriously, keep the D2. You'll regret selling it. I know from experience.

 

[David Harris]

If it keeps running for awhile it sounds like a fun project and I'm looking forward to updates. As a real 4x4, I don't much care for the FL, but if I ever get my vehicles done, and find a cheap one with a blown engine, I've thought of throwing a VW 1.9 TD in there as an economical utility runabout.

David

 

[BIGdaddy]

Great, now you have a fixed up piece of **** versus a regular piece of ****....LOL You have fixed the engine, but that doesnt fix the engine's design flaws. LR techs hate the FL for a reason, they break, they suck, they're unreliable even after you fix them (I know it is ironic saying that about a LR...LOL). I'd hesitate to call the Freelander a capable overlanding vehicle. All wheel drive urban vehicle, yes. A Subaru Forrester would have been better IMO. Never-the-less, you've fixed it for now so drive the hell out of it until it breaks again. You can take off the roof rack and other parts and sell them, then dispose of the FL like the previous owner did. You probably wont lose > 50% of your money. Just my guess and opinion.

Those little tires cost $750??? Ouch! 4 brand new 285/75 R16 BFG MT KM2's only cost me $850 shipped to my door from discount tire direct a year or two ago!

You'd better love this thing to put that kind of $$ into it! If you plan on doing anything off pavement in this thing, I'd remove that front bumper immediately and have something worthwhile installed to give you a better approach angle up front to be able to scale a curb or two without ripping all that rubber off in the process.

Most Land Rovers came as very capable offroaders in their stock configuration - I think that excludes the Freelander though.

What a couple of jerks. seriously.

He's not MAKING a decision. He's MADE a decision and decided to share the fun he's having with a very low-budget vehicle.

What's it to you WHAT he does, if YOU don't like Freelanders?

Bunch of freakin' 6-year-olds.

 

[BIGdaddy]

If it keeps running for awhile it sounds like a fun project and I'm looking forward to updates. As a real 4x4, I don't much care for the FL, but if I ever get my vehicles done, and find a cheap one with a blown engine, I've thought of throwing a VW 1.9 TD in there as an economical utility runabout.

David

That sounds like a plan. I really like the 1.9TD. Did a bunch of research when I was considering Vanagon Westies.

 

[David Harris]

That sounds like a plan. I really like the 1.9TD. Did a bunch of research when I was considering Vanagon Westies.

The possibilities are endless with that little engine. . .

 

[psykokid]

There's a silver one that is sitting high on the front suspension at a shop that i drive by every day on the way to work. Engine is out and they are probably trying to find a new one.. Being my other automotive moneypits are VW's and its easier to find a VW TDI on this side of the pond vs a TDI I've often wondered what would be involved swapping a in 1.9 TD..