2003 Land Rover Freelander review from North America

The previous owner had to deal with the major issues. He had it listed for $4500 with 87k miles on it. In his ad: new transmission, gaskets, brakes, tires, and a few other things. I got it and everything was fine.

After reading the negative reviews, I think, at this point, the only smart thing for a buyer to do is look for a used one that has already had these repairs.

Aside from the apparent possible electrical (windows, moon roof motor/slides and sensors) issues, the seller has already paid for the repairs for me. At $4500 for an 03 with 87k miles, me with repair experience, it still seems worth it.

I have something I need to say to those spending tons of money at repair shops. This explains why I was okay with this purchase. I have had "bad" cars before...

Buy a repair guide and get dirty! The reason these repairs are costing so much is because you are letting the dealer suck you dry. Many many repair shops break things while fixing other things to promote repeat business. Reality is: Give up on customer service. It is an oxymoron.

I NEVER trust repair shops. One (Aamco Transmission) told me I needed a $2500 transmission replacement on my old Jeep Grand Cherokee. I ignored him and got 50k miles out of before I sold it to a friend, who still has it today - no problems. Turns out it was leaking because it had been overfilled. Case and Point.

I have read reviews where people are paying $400 for brake pad replacement. Why? Get out your jack, take the tire off, read the repair manual, and do it yourself! Front pads are as low $50 a pair, and a chimp can do this! Rotors? $75 and all you do is take the brake caliper off and slide off the old one and on with the new.

Repair manuals are $15 max, and don't require a rocket scientist IQ to understand. Just make sure you have your outside clothes on and some latex gloves. If you passed the 5th grade, you can handle it. If you can't do that, or won't have someone help you, don't complain about the repair overcharges. the markup is a convenience fee. :-/

Sorry if I offended anyone, but an oil change can be done in 10 minutes, in your driveway at a fraction of the cost. Why are you taking it to the dealer to charge you 10X more?

I read that someone paid $200 for a thermostat replacement! That's plain out robbery! The part is AT MOST $20, and 30 minutes to fix.

I am a 5' 8", 125lb 31 year old single mother of two. 4 years ago I had to pull the in-line 6 engine of my Jeep Grand Cherokee out for a pin hole in the back freeze plug (sprays antifreeze EVERYWHERE).

REPAIRS:

Part = $3.50

Special removal tool=$15

Mallet = Already had one

Cherry-picker rental = $35

Inexperienced friend from work to help = pizza and beer.

Ego boost when I did it = Priceless.

Cranked fine on the first try, never had a problem again. I did it because I couldn't afford $2K to take it to the shop.

It's not rocket science. Save yourself some money and get the repair manual - and become okay with getting a little dirty.

Seems Land Rover dealers make more money in the shops than on sales.

I think I trust myself more than them, because I CARE.

I am not looking forward to the nickle and dime, and maybe the bone or two, but regular maintenance will likely help a lot.