Hi,Should I or shouldn't I...too ; )

[Jeff's 05' SE3]

Hi,

My post asks the same question as DaRedFox's post "Should I or shouldn't I..." from 11-18-2007 below in this forum.

I'm looking at purchasing a used 05' Freelander SE3 w/25k miles for $14,900 (good deal or not?).

I looked at it on Friday 12/21/07 and it looked, drove, and sounded fine.

Dealer used vehicle check was A+ across the board (according to them and the used vehicle checklist sticker in the window) as well as the CarFax report coming back clean.

The only thing I noticed was a slight coolant smell when I popped the hood that the salesman attributed to "just ran it thru the car wash" ?!?!

After reading the many, many posts not only here but all over the web....I am very concerned that I may be stepping into a money pit if I purchase.

Does anyone have any advice or GOOD reviews of 05' SE3's?

Also, were the 05's and better built than previous years models?

Cheers and have a Merry Christmas!

~ Jeff

[05LandRover]

To me it seems like a good deal if it really is as good as you say.

I've been told the facelift freelanders were better than 01-03 not sure if it's true though.

might investigate the antifreeze though.

Merry Christmas back at you

[Roverdude]

Coolant smell could be minor or major. Hopefully it's just minor, the coolant bottles on the FL were prone to leak, should have been fixed by the 05 MY, but not always. To replace it is easy and should be covered under warranty.

Are you purchasing at a dealer? The price sees pretty good for a dealership price, especially if it's "certified" and comes with additional warranty. Private sale and/or a non-land rover dealer the price seems a little high.

Good luck!

[Jeff's 05' SE3]

Thanks for the info!

Do you really think the price is high?

If you look thru cars.com many of the comparable 05' SE3's seem to be anywhere from the upper $16's to 18's. Also they originally had it listed for $18,900!?!?!

It is being sold thru a non LR dealership and hasn't been LR Certified however here (attached) is their used vehicle check.



Cheers,

~ Jeff

[Roverdude]

Cars.com, edmunds, kbb, etc are all a little overpriced IMHO. Then again, if it's the rover you want, then go for it! SE3s are tough to price, while they are unique and rare, they don't really command a premium. But since they are so rare, you probably won't find another like this one if its what you really want. Id suggest offering them $13.5 or $14 and working your way up. or getting them to throw in a warranty or someother freebie.
Good luck! We want pics if it works out!