1998 Land Rover Freelander EXI 1.8 petrol

Faults:

Wheel bearing and prop bushes.

General Comments:

Good reliable car. Took the prop off, makes a lot of difference, better on juice and faster.

OK if not doing a lot of off roading. Handles better overall.

Very happy with the car overall.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd October, 2009

7th Aug 2011, 16:56

Hi. When you take the prop shaft off, it puts more pressure on the transfer box, and will harm it after time.

In reply to 7th Aug 2011, 16:56

17th May 2012, 08:24

Not really true, removing the propshaft doesn't put any extra load on the transfer box - actually it unburdens it. The best bet is to remove the rear spindle and put on a blanking plate instead - very easy to do when the car is lifted. This solution also notably decreases the working temperature of the transfer box - prolonging its life.

1998 Land Rover Freelander di 2.0 td

Summary:

A solid 4x4

Faults:

Bought the car at an auction, so for the mot needed all brake pipes changed, rear wheel cylinders and shoes changed.

Needed a new inner link bush fitted.

Diff. pinion oil seal needed changed.

Changed the glow plugs at 98000 miles.

Timing belts changed at 96000 miles (being the rover engine it is pain)

Two new front tyres at 96000.

General Comments:

I know that the Freelander has had its share of trouble, but it is still a good 4x4.

Mine tows a caravan with out any hassle.

Its comfortable, good head height, plenty of room for the family.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th March, 2006

1998 Land Rover Freelander xei 1.8 petrol

Summary:

It is a pile of junk and belongs in the scrap yard

Faults:

Head gasket blew at 58000 miles and cost £2000 to repair.

Sun roof guides failed. Replaced, but was told the existing motor was not strong enough to open the sunroof. new motor fitted.

Windscreen wiper motor failed.

Air conditioning re-gassed, but still ineffective.

Water hoses leaked requiring three replacement hoses.

Steering fluid loss - new hose pipe.

Exhaust caused cable harness beneath rear bumper to catch fire damaging rear light cluster.

General Comments:

Land Rover refused to accept there is a problem with head gaskets on this model.

Their customer services department has been less than helpful and has failed to answer any of my concerns put to them in writing.

There is clearly a manufacturing fault with this model which for obvious reasons Land Rover fail to acknowledge.

I will never buy another Land Rover and hope this serves as a warning to others.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 2nd June, 2005

1998 Land Rover Freelander XEDi 2.0 turbo diesel

Summary:

A stylish dustbin

Faults:

The prop shaft bearings failed soon after we purchased this car.

A new fault just developed-when we go to start the car the starter motor turns the motor for a split second then stops.

Bad wear on rear tyres.

General Comments:

We believe that this car has been "chipped" as it goes like a rocket.

It has every extra available (cost £28000 new!-still have original sales receipt).

Its just a shame about the reliability though. I always preferred Japanese cars, but thought I would take a chance on this because of the great styling and image. Burnt fingers time!!!

The front seats are too short and the gearstick is too low unless you are 6 foot tall.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 18th July, 2004

1998 Land Rover Freelander XEi 1.8i

Summary:

A swimming pool on wheels

Faults:

1. head gasket failed.

2. problems with the radio and central locking.

3. sun roof rails failed, replaced by dealer, now it leaks.

4. water ingress problem, rear security box fills with 1 inch of water, the problem is still ongoing, dealer unable to fix

5. tyres wear very quickly

6. Rear brake shoes stick

7. Air-conditioning unit leaks gas.

General Comments:

The car is damp.

The ride is like being in an armchair on a big spring.

Air-conditioning/ventillation not efficient.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 7th January, 2004

28th Oct 2004, 18:40

I too have been totally disgusted with my Land-rover Free-lander 1999 1.8xei station wagon, which I have owned since new. It has been serviced faithfully by the main dealer. I have no gripe with my dealer. It is the most costly car I have ever owned. I have recently had to have the head gasket replaced at my own cost even though Land-rover are aware of the issues with this fault. I contacted Land-rover, but as yet they have not seen fit to respond. There is now a leak which fills up the front passenger footwell. I thought this was due to a fault sunroof seal, but this was replaced and has been eliminated as the source of the fault. A waste of £55. I suspect the leak is either via the roof rail fixings or may be via a faulty roof seam. I have also had problems with seized rear brakes and HDC operation. I now consider (all) landrovers far too expensive to buy, maintain, but most of all the depreciation is horrendous. This is due mainly to the fact that the marque has been dragged through the muck in more ways than one. I will be lucky to get £5K for this car now. The car cost £22.5K when new. I have now purchased a more affordable BMW-X5 at £42K. I still have the Free-lander because I cannot find anyone willing to pay the £5K asking price. Who can blame them. Shame on you Land-rover & Ford.

Alister Kent.