Hello

Apologies as there are probably many threads like this, however, I was looking to get some basic advice for a newbie.

For some time now I've been looking to get a FL2 and I think I'm ready to take the plunge.

I used to own a FL1 a long time ago and loved it, although I spent more time driving the garage loaner car than I did mine. I know FL2's are much more reliable (most reliable land rover...) so have a little more confidence, that said, they are a car, and all cars have faults. From my research, I've noted a few things that commonly go wrong and a checklist of things to check (over and above the usual used car checks). If this community could validate this list, that would be greatly appreciated

Known issues - Anyway to identify these issues in advance?
- Rear diff goes - Cost is around £1000 to replace
- Steering racks fail - Cost is around £300-1000 depending on the issues
- Automatic transmission fails - £still researching
- Camshaft fail - £Still researching - However, looks to be only present on early models (pre 08 )
- Rear wheel bearings - £400
- Suspension and steering alignment issues £?
- EGR can go - £1500

Then some smaller, less regular issues, Alarm Systems, Fuel injectors, radio not turning off, air condition compressor, locking rear doors and rear window wider motor issues.


Things I should check for
- The right oil has been used throughout its life (5W 30?)
- Check for underbody damage from off roading
- Check for rust on rear wheel arches, uncommon, but should check for
- Check of uneven tyre wear (could be a sign off tracking/alignment issues)
- Cambelt has been changed at 70k or 6 years

Given the above and what I've found out, and my own personal needs/wants, I've narrowed my search to a Diesel, Auto 190 bhp HSE, ideally under 110k, with one or two owners. My budget is around the £10k mark, but could go to £12k for a good find. This will be my main daily and lug about. If anyone else has anything they could add to the list, that would be great.


Thanks for all the help in advance.

I don’t know of any auto transmission or camshaft fails reported on here. Somebody may prove me wrong though.
There was a recent issue with a cam belt, which should be changed at 7 years old. Costs about £3-400 including water pump and ancillaries.
That’s a hell of a price for an EGR. Main dealer price? I had mine replaced about two years ago at around £450 I think.
Have a look on the Bell Engineering site for transmission repairs and costs. They are the go to place for that sort of thing.
They do an upgraded reconditioned rear diff for £415 + vat and £180 for fitting.

https://www.bellengineering.co.uk

Hi and welcome

but are you sure you have researched a FL2

as your big list are not really common faults and many of your smaller ones aren,t either

door locks yes check they all lock and all unlock,

as said belt change is not 70k or 6 years either and the recent post about a breakage does not seem to be the cam belt but a failed aux belt and missing belt gaurd (last point a read the post anyway!)

as for checking the oil you have put the Grade but not the SPEC important to use the correct SPEC and not just the grade.

there have been a few posts about what to look for and the wiki has good info.

forgot to add Haldex service good to have been done

 .
my first ever FL2 and I did keep it longer than most other cars!
But its now gone way up Norf

I have had 5 FL2’s over the last 10 years or so and none of them have been a problem. Buying the right one is the key. I bought one that had just had the diff and transfer box replaced at 88,000 miles. I had an issue with the fuel gauge (wire becomes loose in the tank-reasonably cheap fix), leaking main rear oil seal and glow plugs. All of these are relatively common faults on the early FL2. Well worth having them inspected and the codes read before buying. Try and avoid really low mileage cars as these can be choked up and lead to turbo and egr valve problems in later life. Other than that, try and avoid cars with patchy history or from dealers masquerading as “specialists”. There are a couple of companies in the south of England I would avoid who call themselves Land Rover specialist. You will pay a premium buying from a true specialist but the cars will be correctly prepared, have complete service history and be of high quality and ultimately be trouble free👍

This is an example of one in your price range I would enquire about. Always get them to talk through the service history. FL2’s should be serviced annually. The number of cars advertised as FSH I enquired about but weren’t was unbelievable. The dealers try to fob you off with the mileage being the correct interval-it isn’t. The record was 3 years between services! Main dealer tried to convince me that was to the Land Rover service schedule😳 Don’t settle for one that hasn’t been serviced every year. MOT history is also a good pre-purchase check as are the number of owners. Both of these give a good indication of how well the cars have been looked after and how reliable it has been. High number of owners = trouble!! Avoid those cars like the plague. Missing services and poor MOT history suggest the car has been neglected. That doesn’t mean it won’t be reliable-it just increases the probability of expensive problems in later life.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/115055313037?ha...SwSHxhb~0Y