Is this when they got the remote thermostat as well?
Also seriously considering a Freebie and being swayed toward the 1.8 because they are so much cheaper than the diesels. Anyone got any thoughts on early low mileage vs late high mileage, or petrol vs high mileage L series? There's also the tax to consider - I'm sure late 1.8s fall into the re-mortgage your house tax bracket.
I've had 2 K engined cars, and while I've had head and gasket problems with both of them the last HG we did only cost £250 in parts and mates rates labour so go figure.
The Freelander got the remote stat around 2001 (our 2001 1.8 had one) but I wouldn't rely on it as being much of an improvement. From memory, no K series engined Freelander left the factory with an MLS gasket, it was introduced as a retro fit together with the strengthened oil rail.
As said above, I used to have a 1.8 petrol - bought it new in 2001 and it was trouble free for the almost 3 years we owned it as was my father-in-laws 1.8 for 5 years. Last week I bought a 1998 1.8 petrol to use over the winter, time will tell on how it fares up reliability wise but if it breaks I will just have to fix it.
Road tax wise, up to and including X reg models, its £205 for a year, for Y reg and on its £245 per year, deciding on this or the diesel I would say depends on the mileage you will do, the petrol engine is heavy on fuel (27mpg combined) where as a L series diesel does 36mpg combined.
I would say go for it, mine has already proved itself in the short time I have owned it, they are good in snow.
