Landrover Freelander

I was told by a Landrover salesmen that they were very unreliable vehicles. Reckons that they had all sorts of problems from faulty ECUs, dodgy mechanicals of some description. Even a whistle from the heater box. That was when they first came out. They may have improved.

As a Freelander owner I would have to say that $20-23000 for a 99 model is too much!

1. Don't buy an 1800 petrol - they have major design problems with the engine - they break timing belts and blow head gaskets - both of which will often result in a new engine being required. I have heard on this happening twice in the last 2 weeks.

2. Engine wise any of the diesels are very good, in particular the TD4.

3. All 98/99 models have a design fault in the front diff that causes the viscous coupling on the tailshaft to fail which causes the transfer case (Diff) to fail - transfer cases cannot be rebuilt and cost $1900 new and $1200 second hand - how do I know - this happened to me 2 weeks ago - my Freelander is currently front wheel drive until I get the new parts. The upside - when it happens the new version you put in does not have the problem so a 98/99 diesel model with the upgrade is a great car - as mine will be in a couple of weeks.

4. From 2000 all is very, very well - the 1800 model was basically gone and replaced by the 2.5litre petrol V6 - bit of a hot road that goes really well but is a bit thirsty. The drive train problems no longer exist.

5. The best of the lot is the TD4 diesel which replaced the L series Turbo Diesel - a really sweet little engine which is best in auto form. All the diesels are good, a little slow of the mark but on the road drive more like a 2 litr petrol with heaps of torque rather than a slow diesel.

In summary TD4 is best, next is V6, stay right away from the 4 cylinder 1800 and unmodified 98/99 cars. However a 98/99 TD with an upgraded transfer case (intermediate reduction unit) would be a really good alternative.

If you do look at 98/99 diesel models look at the XEDI versions - they have hill descent, traction contol ABS etc

Hope this helps

Gazz

I would investigate more in reguards to the Freelander albeit the best in reguards to AWDs they have realiability problems, but only in certain models.

Baz.

Terry,

I love my land rovers but would be very hesitant about buying a freelander.
Check this link for some more transmission info.
With TD4, auto and hill descent they are trully the best softroader for offroading but it sounds like you don't require that.

http://www.ashcroft-transmissions.co.uk/category_8.html

Cheers

John D