1998 Land Rover Freelander EXi 1.8

Summary:

Nice idea but with East European build quality, although given Skoda maybe that is overstated!

Faults:

New engine.

Air conditioning.

New rear suspension.

New front suspension.

Exhaust shield.

Door locks etc, etc....

Numerous small niggles.

General Comments:

Like the car, but awful build quality.

Dealer response in the early days absolutely abysmal, took intervention from Rover before they would provide even basic customer service.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 5th June, 2000

12th Feb 2001, 12:44

Let us hope that new owners Ford can sort the products out.

19th Sep 2001, 18:01

I'm sorry I disagree with that... my Vauxhall Frountera spent more time in the local repair shop than on my drive!! Not bad for a brand new vehicle that only had less than 10,000 miles on the clock! And my Vauxhall Astra diesel estate!! Well that's another story!!

OK my Freelander has a few problems... but not half as many as my Frontera did!!

26th Jan 2002, 15:05

It's now 4 years and the said same Frontera is still as reliable as ever. OK the plastic bits keep falling off inside, and it feels as heavy on the road as a Class 37 diesel loco - but compare this to new engines, props etc. for these Freelanders. Just bought a 2nd 4x4 a Suzuki 16v. LWB Vitara - which even though it's done 117,000 runs out of this world - another sensible Freelander alternative (although once again not as fashionable outside John Lewis or Sainsbury!) Incidentally my Astra turbo diesel estate was also awful!

1998 Land Rover Freelander XEi 1.8 petrol

Faults:

Air-con failed 5 times.

Master clutch cylinder replaced.

Throttle body replaced twice.

Exhaust heat shield fallen off and replaced twice.

Major water leak into cabin of car.

Rear suspension makes noise.

Electric windows clonk when wound down.

Tail-gate glass lowers by itself.

Immobilisor failed.

Since my last entry on the 23rd Jan 2000. The car has been in again for 3 days and had the prop shaft bearings replaced.

General Comments:

In the first six months of ownership (purchased new by myself) the vehicle spent 32 days in the garage.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 23rd January, 2000

1998 Land Rover Freelander Xei 1.8 petrol

Faults:

Twice recalled, welds failing in rear suspension, dealer V. Poor and not really interested in my comments (I reckon I should know having re-built severaL old series 3s etc.)

Heater vibration.

Loud knock from rear suspension.

Exhaust heatshield fell off.

Etc.

Etc.

General Comments:

I thought they had sorted their quality control but this really is a long way off the pace. Not as bad as my 92 Discovery that had 2 gearboxes, 3 set of springs etc and all before 20k miles.

Was enticed back to LR by the Freelander but have got my fingers burnt again. I'm off to my local Mercedes dealership in search of proper build quality!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 3rd December, 1998

1st Jun 2004, 15:19

The knocking noise from the rear is probably a bush connected to the rear dif' that breaks up.

John.