Faults:
Transmission was two quarts low, dealer fixed other problems and just refilled Transmission fluid without repairing.
Transmission was replaced when I returned with same issue.
Transmission shifting late and spontaneously down-shifting. This time in 110 degree weather along the highway while on vacation. Different dealership said one that replaced the transmission caught and cut the wiring harness and tried to tape it back together and programmed it wrong. Over three weeks later this dealership is frustrated with working on it and it is returned.
Same day it is returned, transmission repeats same issues late at night in the middle of no where after returning the rental. Taken to third dealership.
Previously the service departments have been wonderful to talk with. This time I was treated like dirt on the service managers shoe. Replaced the battery and told me to come and get my car off his lot. (Battery? Car started just fine.) Refused to call Roadside assistance to arrange for car to be brought home to me. Roadside assistance was able to go over him and get it done.
Just got the car back today and am afraid to drive it for fear of breaking down along the road with the kids.
I have less than 4 thousand miles on the warranty. The tow truck that dropped it off said the engine sounded horrible and he is right. No dealership will touch it for a trade in toward a reliable vehicle. I am still making payments.
Roadside assistance was WONDERFUL! What great people to deal with. Unfortunately I lose that benefit in less than 4 thousand miles.
Customer service informed me that they are a separate company from Roadside and the Dealerships are also independently owned and separate also.
Customer service listened yet did nothing else. They consulted with an independent contractor (I was not privileged to the name or contact information.) and told me they would not be able to offer assistance. Instructed me to call roadside assistance for return of my car.
As for the last dealership. I was in tears and felt violated after each conversation with the manager of their service dept. I was informed that I only owned the "Free-lander" and it was a "2005" as justification for rude treatment.
2nd Nov 2012, 08:22
I love our Freelander TD4. It has a couple of niggles. The first window mechanism has failed. Probably due to a similar issue as reported in this thread. Apart from that, a great car.
It seems you do not buy the petrol models of the MK1 Freelander. They use the MG/Rover K and VK series engines. These are basically okay, however they need more TLC than is typical for modern engines. If they overheat, then the cylinder head can shift (due to expansion issues), and if it does, your head gasket is shot. If your engine is losing water, it *could* be water pump or radiator, but is typically the inlet manifold gasket or the cylinder head gasket. Once you're losing water, you need to track it down. Even if you're not, you should be checking the water level weekly. Basically, never let the engine overheat.
The engines were designed for lighter cars. Land Rover have created a new stronger head gasket in order to prevent the issue (the Chinese owners who now develop the engine have an even better one), but you have to know about it.
The auto gearbox doesn't sound that reliable either. This combined, with the K series issue, seems to be why US owners always hate their Freelanders and UK owners love them. We drive the diesel (BMW powered) manuals and they drive the K series automatics.