My first Land rover was about three years ago when I needed a car of this type as we have horses on a farm and the tracks were too much for a standard car. I bought a 98 Freelander petrol version on Ebay for £1k. It was great lasted me two years with no problems other than new battery and clutch and a new set of tyres. I then wanted a newer version and started looking a few months ago.......couldnt afford the Freelander 2 but could just about afford a new shape Freelander petrol with the K series engine. After a lot of looking I found a gorgeous silver new shape 55 petrol k series at a good price, even got £800 trade in for my old one ! It test drove fantastic and had no signs of the dreaded Head Gasket issue:

The bad bits

Within 2 months I have had two new head gaskets fitted(tried to get away with not skimming the head the first time,Bad move), a new battery, squeeky brakes resolved, new water pump, new thermostat, two new prop shaft bearings, full service, new expansion cooling tank, Cylinder head skimmed.

The good bits

It is now perfect and drives as smooth as you could possibly hope for. No noises and a pleasure to drive.

Overall I would say if you like these cars you get a lot of car for a few thousand if you buy a k series as nobody wants them. But be prepared to spend some money on getting it right as its probably been sold as its showing all the signs of going wrong. If you can not do the work yourself I wouldnt bother as garage prices would be monstrous. Luckily I have a friend who has been great and charged me very reasonable prices for all the work. I would happily go to the auctions in the future and buy a K series then skim the head immiediately while adding new water pump and thermostat along with the new head gasket, (also check the radiator), and with a bit of luck you will have a lovely looking 4x4.