1999 Land Rover Freelander review from South Africa

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.

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.