1999 Land Rover Freelander XEI 1.8 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Nice car, but expensive to own

Faults:

Master cylinder for clutch hydraulics blew @ 67K.

Exhaust middle section replaced @ 68K.

Head gasket went @ 70K.

Radiator replaced due to leak @ 71K.

Rear passenger brake cylinder leaking and replaced @ 72.5K.

General Comments:

This is a very practical car, but the reliability and cost of running just let it down. The electric back window makes the car ideal for people who have dogs. It is reasonably comfortable to sit in and the cabin looks well and is pretty well built. with permanent 4 wheel drive it can be heavy to drive on longer journeys. the 1.8 petrol engine is just too small for it. It wouldn't pull you out of bed in the morning. She's also very thirsty @ 26 -> 27 mpg on regular use and about 31mpg on longer trips. Parts are very expensive, but I have to say the one time I brought it to a land rover dealer and needed work done in a hurry, they couldn't have been any better.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 1st February, 2005

1999 Land Rover Freelander 2.0Diesel from Sri Lanka

Summary:

I will never buy another Free lander

Faults:

The IRD Unit has blown up.

The Engine Mount has broken.

Clutch plate was replaced by previous owner.

General Comments:

The car is a terrible piece of metal.

Never thought I will have such a heartache with a 5yr old SUV.

I am an average wage earner and thought that I will be able to enjoy a little bit of luxury with my life time savings.

Inside is good, and the looks are really good. But whats the use, if it doesn't perform and doesn't pull very well.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 4th January, 2005

15th Apr 2005, 05:46

I luv my Landi soooo much - 1998 model, 3 door. Only bought him April 2004. Two weeks ago the IRD Unit has blown. It seems like a old problem of Freelanders. I'm also an "average wage earner who wants to enjoy a bit of luxury" and can't really afford this expensive parts. (I mean, I've been driving a 1972 VW Beetle for 17 years while saving for my Landi!!) I'm fetching my Landi today from garage - R17 851.66 later... After a fight with the "motorplan" company, they agreed to pay back the amount of R8 000.00. I love the inside & outside of my vehicle and it's I'm having a great time driving him!

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1999 Land Rover Freelander XEDi diesel from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Great car, bought another!

Faults:

120,000 miles - increasing Coolant loss = Head Gasket replacement.

129,000 miles - IRD unit failure/loss of oil = IRD unit replaced.

2 sets of sun roof rails - 3 years and 5 years (often drive with sunroof on tilt, even in winter)

General Comments:

Cannot really complain given very high mileage, only had probs in last 6 months. No other breakdowns or faults in 5.5 years of ownership.

Will replace with a Freelander TD4 (on order)

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th December, 2004

29th Nov 2005, 08:51

I've had the same model, bought 3rd hand last August (2005) with 82K on the clock and first registered in 1998. The Diesel engine is willing if a little underpowered, the map reading lights don't work, the electric sunroof has failed (new rails needed apparently) and lower instrument illumination is faulty. Now that winter has arrived, I've found the heater to be inadequate (this is a common problem with Diesel engined LRs and can be fixed). But these are really minor faults in what is otherwise a rather pleasing car to drive. It's also very economical, returning close to 40 mpg. I tried the hill descent once on a very uneven unmade road and quickly turned it off when it sounded like the wheels were coming off. Since I don't intend driving off road (at least not if I can help it), the HDC is unimportant to me. So all in all, not a bad car considering it is 8 years old!