Faults:

Sunroof has been replaced 10 times.

Window motors have been replaced 4-5 times.

Intake manifold replaced.

Most recently car died in middle of freeway and fuel pump had to be replaced.

I have spoken to several owners of 2003 Freelanders and they all report similar problems with their vehicles.

I will never buy another Land Rover and I urge you to be aware if you are considering buying this vehicle.

General Comments:

This car is cute and handles well when running, but generally is a piece of crap.

Faults:

The sunroof has been replaced.

Three of the four window regulators have been replaced and constantly need attention as they make excessive noise.

Brakes and rotors needed by 30,000 highway miles.

Heater core has been replaced.

Downhill descent control was not working from factory. Was replaced before I took possession.

Dash cup holder and armrest mechanisms have been replaced.

Most recently, a recurring antifreeze smell in the cabin when the air conditioning is running. Has been diagnosed as thermostat and manifold issues.

General Comments:

I purchased this car based on the fact that it was the number one selling 4x4 in Europe. Now, I am being told that there are reliability problems because the Americans insisted on V6 engines, power windows, etc., as if these were new technology in 2006.

Thankfully, I had the presence of mind to purchase the extended warranty and I use it quite often at a $100 deductible per visit. This upsets me as often these visits are a result of continued issues for which I feel I have already "paid."

Faults:

All window regulators have failed and had to have been replaced.

Sunroof mechanism has had to be replaced twice.

Brake rotors (all 4) warped at less than 10,000 miles, creating a shimmy and trouble stopping the car, and had to be replaced.

Hill decent control sensor failed.

Most recent issue: The car failed completely and will not start. I pulled the engine codes and found 57, 37, 51, 31, 102, and 340. The first 4 are O2 sensors, 102 is the mass airflow sensor, and 340 (probably the main culprit) is the camshaft position sensor.

General Comments:

This car is quite fun to drive, but has severe reliability issues. At no point should a 2003 model year with 30,000 miles stop running.

For the money, the car has quite a few amenities (power everything, keyless entry, "premium" sound package, heated seats, heated windshield) and can go anywhere, but is somewhat cramped, especially for larger drivers and passengers.

When taking this into the dealer you will be LAST on their priority list as they treat Freelander owners like second class poor cousins next to the LR3, Discovery, and Range Rover owners. I have NEVER had the service department offer me a loaner, and when we've demanded one it's been the saddest car in their stable.

If you don't have a bumper to bumper warranty, do not get this car as it's going to spend a lot of time in the shop.

Faults:

Clutch Replaced under warranty. Know fault with clutch judder and the dealer fitted a modified updated clutch without hesitation.

Brake pads needed at 16000.

General Comments:

Solid reliable 4x4. Engine is quite nippy around town, but the 1.8 can be quite noisy if you cruise over 80mph. Comfortable over long journeys, quiet and refined.

Drinks petrol and I drive it conservatively. On a recent motorway run cruising at 70mph it did around 27mpg!

Ultra reliable and solidly built. Hasn't put a foot wrong. This year has the update head gasket not much less risk of engine failure.

Dealer has been superb, polite and prompt. Offered a courtesy car without asking and valeted my car even though they replaced a non chargeable warranty item.

Good in the snow, you can cruise past all the mugs stuck in their front wheel drive cars!