1999 Land Rover Freelander XEI 1.8

Summary:

Nice car, but expensive to own

Faults:

Master cylinder for clutch hydraulics blew @ 67K.

Exhaust middle section replaced @ 68K.

Head gasket went @ 70K.

Radiator replaced due to leak @ 71K.

Rear passenger brake cylinder leaking and replaced @ 72.5K.

General Comments:

This is a very practical car, but the reliability and cost of running just let it down. The electric back window makes the car ideal for people who have dogs. It is reasonably comfortable to sit in and the cabin looks well and is pretty well built. with permanent 4 wheel drive it can be heavy to drive on longer journeys. the 1.8 petrol engine is just too small for it. It wouldn't pull you out of bed in the morning. She's also very thirsty @ 26 -> 27 mpg on regular use and about 31mpg on longer trips. Parts are very expensive, but I have to say the one time I brought it to a land rover dealer and needed work done in a hurry, they couldn't have been any better.

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

Review Date: 1st February, 2005

1999 Land Rover Freelander XEDi diesel

Summary:

Great car, bought another!

Faults:

120,000 miles - increasing Coolant loss = Head Gasket replacement.

129,000 miles - IRD unit failure/loss of oil = IRD unit replaced.

2 sets of sun roof rails - 3 years and 5 years (often drive with sunroof on tilt, even in winter)

General Comments:

Cannot really complain given very high mileage, only had probs in last 6 months. No other breakdowns or faults in 5.5 years of ownership.

Will replace with a Freelander TD4 (on order)

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th December, 2004

29th Nov 2005, 08:51

I've had the same model, bought 3rd hand last August (2005) with 82K on the clock and first registered in 1998. The Diesel engine is willing if a little underpowered, the map reading lights don't work, the electric sunroof has failed (new rails needed apparently) and lower instrument illumination is faulty. Now that winter has arrived, I've found the heater to be inadequate (this is a common problem with Diesel engined LRs and can be fixed). But these are really minor faults in what is otherwise a rather pleasing car to drive. It's also very economical, returning close to 40 mpg. I tried the hill descent once on a very uneven unmade road and quickly turned it off when it sounded like the wheels were coming off. Since I don't intend driving off road (at least not if I can help it), the HDC is unimportant to me. So all in all, not a bad car considering it is 8 years old!

1999 Land Rover Freelander EXI hardback 1.8

Summary:

Money pit on wheels

Faults:

Needed new cylinder head gasket at 32000 miles, at a cost of £850.00, plus tyres are showing wear as disscribed in other reviews i. e feathering back tyres and worn middles on front.

My user manual has a misprint of 2.1 bar pressure although Landrover admitted incorrect information they have refused to even contribute to new tyres, very unhappy would never purchase from Landrover again.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 30th November, 2004

1999 Land Rover Freelander 1.8 petrol

Summary:

Unreliable

Faults:

Head gasket blew at 36,200 miles, 800 miles after full service!

Tyres replaced at less than 10,000 miles - worn.

Persistant problems with wheel balance.

Recalled for 15 'faults'

Seals on rear window replaced poorly.

Tracking rod replaced at 8,000 miles.

New exhaust system needed within 3 years.

Exhaust system poorly fixed/supported, now continues to rattle.

General Comments:

Not the cheapest vehicle on the road by a long way.

Only now have I found a garage (actually the dealer) able to get some balance from the wheels and rid it of the wobble/vibration.

No power, it always seems to be struggling.

Exhaust needs fixing again (36,500 miles)

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 5th October, 2004

1999 Land Rover Freelander XEDI 2.0TD

Summary:

Solid all rounder

Faults:

At about 18000 miles needed a new back differential. Fitted under warranty

Leaky back door

Cracked chassis repaired by Landrover even though out of warranty

55000 miles knocking transmission. Told its the viscose cuppling and will cost £1000 to fix.

General Comments:

Enjoyed the landrover despite the problems. Off road it is great and twos a caravan OK. Fuel consumption fine about 35 mpg around town and 45 on a run.

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

Review Date: 22nd May, 2004

18th Jun 2004, 15:46

Doesn't your Freelander make an awful noise after 50mph?? You'll find that once the viscose cuppling is replaced, this sound will disappear. It happened with my Freelander. When additional problems (and there were many) appeared I decided to sell it (after 54,000 miles). Good luck with yours.