Frontera Advice

[Sharpy]

Hi All

Im going to look at a 99 T reg Transglobe Frontera 3dr this afternoon with 85k on the clock, its up @ £899 with 10months mot and Tax till March/April. Was going to haggle down to maybe £750 but not sure if its worth even that much? I know its trade in price is around £450

I wasnt particularly looking for a Frontera, the car I had nearly bought, a sportrack, fell through at the final hour, then this one came along and to be honest Im sick of looking for a localish 4x4 under a grand thats not abused or with 200k on the clock. I've read all the guides and info on here regarding what to look for and whilst im no expert, I think I have it nailed on what to look for.

Mainly wanting it for winter, plus its going to satisfy my want for a 4x4 anyway, however I've had a dozen people calling me mad for spending all this money on a winter car when I could spend the same on a set of winter tyres for my car. My problem is my car is really pooh in the snow, and with standard 18" wide rims its a pain in the ass, id imagine it would still be a pain in the ass with winter tyres. Even with the traction control turned off its still useless. Its a great car, fast as anything but snow is its nemesis lol

In my epic quest for a 4x4 ive come across the usual suspects, fourtacks, shoguns/pajeros/lr/rr but not many frontera's, and finding positive reviews of them are scarce, with most people calling them worse than pooh. Is there any particular reason for this or is it just disgruntled landy fan boys that dont like them?

Anyhoo I digress again, I live on a ruddy great bank, and the morning commute sideways down said bank in the car are just too much now, hence the reasoning behind the want for a 4x4. However whilst reading up about the joys of such a vehicle I read that you arent supposed to use 4wd on tarmac. Is this rule applied in snow too? Im talking anything from an inch to a foot here, Im assuming the latter is ok, but what about an inch or 2 of snow is 4high still not to be used or will 2wd be enough.

Finally, and thanks for reading this far, Ive been told it has decent tyres on (will check this this aft) will they be sufficient for the snow/winter or will I need a specific set of winter tyres?

Oh also, is it ok to check it goes into 4wd whilst on the road or again is this a no no?

Thanks, Rach

[Sharpy]

Oops think I may have posted this in the wrong section?
I thought Id put it in general discussion, not the lounge?

[Drift]

Hi Rach,
This should give you an insight on how and when to use the 4wd system on the Frontera
http://www.fronteraowners.co.uk/wiki/in ... _FAQ/Guide

They can be used on tarmac in ice and relatively little snow as long as as there arnt any great big patches of snow/ice free tarmac.

As for them being rubbish, bet all those that say that have not owned one, or expected them to be like a Land Rover off Road, they are very capable standard off road but especially so when modified and yes it does annoy the LR fan boys when you car goes most places theirs does but it cost less than a quarter of the price of theirs and our heaters work .

The early Frontera's suffered a bad reputation for poor build quality and that kind of stuck but that was resolved around 1993 and again in 95 when newer models came out.

The 2.2 petrol needs a good history and very regular oil changes and the 2.2dti should not be allowed to run out of fuel as it can damage the fuel pump but every engine in every make of car has its quirks, even Land Rovers.

You will find this time of year the 4x4 market increasing in price simply due to the winter months, and you very rarely get a car at book price as everyone wants to make their cut of money.

If your getting the Sport you will keep it for summer and get the roof off

[Drift]

[Sharpy]

Thanks Drift, il have a read of that page when I get back, I know ive left it a little late to look for a 'cheap' 4x4 as they all now have the winter premiums on them, so Il try my best to haggle him down to £750 but Im only taking £800 with me anyway lol

Fingers crossed its a good un

[Drift]

Get a picture and keep us informed

Good luck

[Sharpy]

Well I didnt get it, the ad stated it had age related marks, no rust on the arches like most fronteras he said. Yes there was no rust on the arches but there was rust all along the edge of the bonnet, all along the bottom of the windscren and the bumpers were pretty rusty with paint flaking everywhere and the front foam bullbars were smashed in places, the interior was filthy and couldnt even see out the windscreen and there was no washer water, no history or anything, the front tyres were 1mil off the markers and I just wasnt happy with it and he wouldnt take my offer of £750, said the least he would take was £825 which was too much considering the need for 2 new front tyres.

Hes now taken to calling me on our local forum saying im a timewaster that only offered his dad £600 and that the car is mint

Never mind the search goes on

[Drift]

Losers Sharpy, you did the right thing, move on, there are more out there that may be worth a train journey or a an extra gallon of fuel

Its bad form when advertising is completely gash, and if he is slagging you off on the internet he aint doing himself any favours

Good on you

[4x4 bobby]

You did the right thing to walk away bud. You will find one that you know straight away that you want it. They say to you me! me! me! me! Keep lookin you will find it!

[Sharpy]