1999 Land Rover Freelander EXI hardback 1.8 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Money pit on wheels

Faults:

Needed new cylinder head gasket at 32000 miles, at a cost of £850.00, plus tyres are showing wear as disscribed in other reviews i. e feathering back tyres and worn middles on front.

My user manual has a misprint of 2.1 bar pressure although Landrover admitted incorrect information they have refused to even contribute to new tyres, very unhappy would never purchase from Landrover again.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 30th November, 2004

1999 Land Rover Freelander 1.8 petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Unreliable

Faults:

Head gasket blew at 36,200 miles, 800 miles after full service!

Tyres replaced at less than 10,000 miles - worn.

Persistant problems with wheel balance.

Recalled for 15 'faults'

Seals on rear window replaced poorly.

Tracking rod replaced at 8,000 miles.

New exhaust system needed within 3 years.

Exhaust system poorly fixed/supported, now continues to rattle.

General Comments:

Not the cheapest vehicle on the road by a long way.

Only now have I found a garage (actually the dealer) able to get some balance from the wheels and rid it of the wobble/vibration.

No power, it always seems to be struggling.

Exhaust needs fixing again (36,500 miles)

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 5th October, 2004

1999 Land Rover Freelander XEI 1.8 from Netherlands

Summary:

Briljant

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

A very fine 4x4. I hear people complain about fuel-consumption, but I am very pleased with it. I just went on holiday in Italy and has to tow an folding caravan. The fuel-consumption was very low, just 8 litteres on 100km.

Also the comfort is very good, for a 5 year old car. Nothing is squawking or rattling, no noise of wind (soft-top).

The disign is perfectly, the only convertible for 5 people with enough room for holiday stuff. I also used to own a Jeep Wrangler, but the fuel-consumption cost me a arm and a leg.

Petrol-cost in Holland are very expensive, 1.50$ a liter.

Up to now its the best car I ever owned.

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

Review Date: 15th July, 2004

15th Jul 2004, 09:05

I find it hard to believe that a petrol engine that has to pull a car that weights almost 1,5 ton, (not charged) and that has permanent 4x4 only 8l/100km consumes, while pulling a caravan.

Fuel costs are in the Netherlands not that high as said (1,50$).

16th Jul 2004, 07:41

I think over there "a folding caravan" is like a pop-up camper. I could be wrong, but I've never seen a folding minivan...lol.

1999 Land Rover Freelander 2.0 turbo diesel from South Africa

Summary:

A bottomless pit!

Faults:

Engine blew at 101 000km due to over-fueling just after a major service at 100 000km. Overhauled the engine completely. Warranty expired at 4 years and 100 000km on the engine. landrover refused to pay. Landrover stripped the engine and gave me a report on the cause of failure. Cost of stripping and report was R2800.

Turbo required replacing at the same time. Cost R6 000 for a new turbo (not at Landrover agents).

Radiator leaked at 108 000km. Had it repaired at a radiator specialist who charged R800 as opposed to the R3500 that Landrover wanted to replace the radiator.

Sunroof has always leaked. No use fixing it, it will just keep on leaking.

Gasket by the turbo went and had to be replaced again at 114 800km.

Plastic cover around prop shaft at the front broke and allowed dirt to get in which lead to wearing of the connector. Will cost R6000 to replace.

General Comments:

This car is a true tragedy.

It drives well, is comfortable on main roads and off-road and would be perfect if It didn't constantly break down and cost me an arm and a leg.

Its been very capable off road. When we do use it offroad, it is used on heavy beach sand roads and the traction control and permanent 4 wheel drive perform well to manage these conditions.

It could have done with just a few more mm of clearance though.

When looking for a 4x4, Landrover were very quick to try and sell me one and assured me that it was an "extremely reliable" car. I bought the car privately. Big mistake, because if I'd bought it form Landrover, I would have insisted on an extended warranty.

Landrover sympathy has been non existant and I was highly disappointed with the backup given by them, even though technically, the car was out of warranty. The car had a full service history with Landrover agents with services every 5000km as opposed to the recommended 10 - 15 000km.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 22nd June, 2004