First Frontera!!

[purple]

Hello all,

I've just bought a '96 Frontera Sport S, with the 2.5 VM engine with 3 months tax, MOT & history for £525. I'm hoping to run it as a daily driver through the winter, so as you can tell I am extremely optimistic and like taking risks!

Despite reading millions of Classic Car mags I don't have a great deal of mechanical experience, especially with diesels, but am learning fast thanks to the forum and used to own and run a Reliant Scimitar a few years ago so can do basic servicing and bolt on parts. Looking forward to getting a bit more hands on with this one, and from what I've read I'll have to!

After wrestling with the time vs. money conundrum though I've booked it into VX for a 'major service' (at a cost of £150) as I need to press it into service straight, and whilst fluid levels are all healthy the oil is filthy and I don't want to run it unserviced.

Known problems after a couple of days driving are;
Whistling under acceleration, usually above 2000rpm - will be stripping & cleaning EGR valve when new gaskets arrive & fitting spring washers as, yes, loose bolts!
Reluctant start from cold accompanied by black/blue cloud - will also be changing glow plugs
Slight pull to left
Uneven wear on O/S/F tyre, will need replacing soon.
Electrics are all working but the wiring looks a bit of an untidy mess under the bonnet

I've always liked the look of the SWB fronteras, reminds me a bit of a shrunken Ford Bronco, and I quite like the agricultural gear change and handling. In any case it's more comfortable than a Defender and about 1/8th of the price.

So hopefully if it passes the MOT in November, with a bit of regular servicing it'll see me through the Winter and I can consider tinkering with it a bit more next summer (maybe a suspension lift - I've always wanted a big wheeled truck since watching Back to the Future as a kid)

Lastly, if anyone knows a decent mechanic for when I run out of spanner talent in the Southampton area, let me know! All advice appreciated,

Cheers Rich

[Trugga]

Welcome to FOG (Frontera Owners Group).

Sounds like you have your head screwed on regarding your proposed maintenance and modification plan. That's a good price for a Dealer service. I generally get all my latest cars an independentnt service - gives a little peace of mind.

Optimisticstic for winter driving - no worries. Don't expect it to drive on ice and snow as it does on dry tarmac - these Fronteras are heavy beasts and carry a lot of momentum. Take your time, be safe and they will work rather well.

Oh, it is useful if you complete your user profile with vehicle details and location - it helps other members help you in the long run.

Welcome to FOG.

Lawrence

[gregster]

Wotcha fella, and welcome...

I bet a 2.5tds shorty goes like stink doesnt it?

Catch you around on here, and if you fancy trying its 4wd out properly come down next weekend (see below)...
http://www.fronteraowners.co.uk/forums/viewtopic.php?f=63&t=50760

Laters

Gregster

[4x4 bobby]

Welcome to the forum matey, I know Jim (Wilberforce is in Southampton if ya get stuck just send him a PM if you need to. Or you could allways get the information and enthusiasm to try it yourself from us on here!!!!

[RatCav]

Welcome aboard buddy!

[horses45]

welcome to the frontera owners group enjoy.

[purple]

Thanks for the welcome guys, just been away on an overnighter to see the family at a farm near Brighton and as my other car is in the garage being fixed we took the Frontera.

Only a 100 mile round trip but took over three hours to get there as stuck in traffic for a solid hour in blazing sunshine, and stop start most of the way. Expected the old girl to overheat but she coped admirably, as did the Fronty!

The kids also appreciated being able to take the rear windows out for a bit of air which was a novelty for them.

The real plus for me was being able to take everyone across the fields to my brother's house for a curry after a few drinks, who needs public roads when you have fields! Can't do that in a Ford Focus..

Cheers

Rich