Should I or shouldn't I ? ? ?

All Forums » Freelander » Should I or shouldn't I ? ? ?

DaRedFox

11/16/2007 3:46:41 PM

Hello all,

I'm currently in the market for a 2nd vehicle, specifically an SUV and have always been interested in Land Rovers. I've narrowed it down to an '02 or '03 Freelander for looks, fairly economical for an SUV, off road capabilities, and more importantly it's reputation.

However while doing my research and reading through 4 different L/R forums it seems to me that the Freelander is a LEMON. About 6 out of 10 owner's have complaints after complaints with this particular model. Ranging from blown engines (KV4), blown tranny, the ever constant coolant leaks, defective window motors, shall I go on?

I had my heart set on one but is it a crap shoot, I've also noticed that compared to other mini-SUV's the Freelander seems to be in the lower price range against the likes of Honda's, Jeep's, Ford's and other manufacturers. So I ask myself why?

My heart says YES but my mind says NO. I guess I'm throwing this out here to get some feedback from actual owner's and to somehow justify my decision.

Should I or shouldn't I.....

fire1427

11/18/2007 10:20:02 AM

I had a car dealer offer me an 05 Freebie with 22K with the remaining factory warranty and a 3 year unlimited mileage that kicks in after the factory,for my 03 Disco with 42K , He was kicking in $4k to me ... Trade in on mine is $15K, The 3 year warranty is $2k

So doing the numbers 15k-4K=11k-2=9k not to mention he was taking car of tax tittle ect ...

$9k for an 05 with 22k

05LandRover

12/23/2007 7:22:37 PM

I guess I'm one of the 40%

Mine has had some problems, but not enough to make me hate the Freelander.

Oil pump went out and the window regulator on the rear passenger window. Covered under warranty so yeah if you get it, get the warranty, if it gives you problems, about two months before the warranty expires, get rid of the truck and step up to a disco or find another FL or what ever your heart desires.

A vehicle is as good as the person who takes care of it.

my $0.02

-James

Blippie

2/19/2008 11:22:44 AM

There are two main problems with Freelanders, all well documented and with clear warning signs to look out for.

Early transmissions were prone to problems, but mosty resolved by the 2001MY vehicles. The VCU was seizing and damaging the IRD. The rear diff was modified, which also solved odd tyre wear patterns. The VCU is very easy to check and I haven't seen first had anyone with rear diff problems, except for an acquaintence who rally-races Freelanders and uses a couple of rear diffs each season.

The other main problem was engine head gaskets on the petrol models. Of course, any engine can blow a head gasket, but the K-series and KV6 are particularly prone. HGF is a symptom rather than the cause and there are a number of things that can cause it. For example, cylinder liners slipping, movement of the head gasket due to a production run that used pastic dowels rather than steel dowel, poor thermostat position (a modifed configuration is recommended) and on the Freelander there is a small coolant reserve so problems can become catastrophic quickly.

If you know what you are lookng for, these make good vehicles. Ours don't miss a beat and we hammer them - but we care for them too.

Cheers

Blippie