The IRD Unit has blown up.
The Engine Mount has broken.
Clutch plate was replaced by previous owner.
The car is a terrible piece of metal.
Never thought I will have such a heartache with a 5yr old SUV.
I am an average wage earner and thought that I will be able to enjoy a little bit of luxury with my life time savings.
Inside is good, and the looks are really good. But whats the use, if it doesn't perform and doesn't pull very well.
I luv my Landi soooo much - 1998 model, 3 door. Only bought him April 2004. Two weeks ago the IRD Unit has blown. It seems like a old problem of Freelanders. I'm also an "average wage earner who wants to enjoy a bit of luxury" and can't really afford this expensive parts. (I mean, I've been driving a 1972 VW Beetle for 17 years while saving for my Landi!!) I'm fetching my Landi today from garage - R17 851.66 later... After a fight with the "motorplan" company, they agreed to pay back the amount of R8 000.00. I love the inside & outside of my vehicle and it's I'm having a great time driving him!
I think it's not normal that land Rover refuse to pay a part of reparations for IRD. Because it's a real problem and not normal. mine is out at 74000 kms.
Pascale.jeanfrancois@free.fr.
What does IRD mean?
I have a Free Lander, No Problems.
It is a shame that LR produce cars and the owners have to pay. I loved my Freelander until the numerous problems began to mount: traction control, hill descent, etc had to be reset as lights continually came on; IRD had to be replaced - note she threw me away two hours after beginning my holiday journey and it took 4 days to sort out which amounted to R22 000. It had numerous oil leaks which, after 5 trips to LR in one week they could not seem to solve. The rear differential mounting was replaced and insurance would not cover it due to "wear and tear". However, my Freelander has never seen the underside of a bush and should be considered a soft roader. In a recent major accident, the airbags did not perform. Warning to future owners: LRs are expensive to maintain!
I would never buy any landrover again, even any british car again! I had also the same problems: clutch; differential, viscous coupling, ird unit- they are all engineering problems! How is it possible someone to make a car with known problems like overload of a viscous coupling and ird unit due to KNOWN too big ratio difference between front and rear wheels motion? Obviously it is possible! And what is the answer from LR? They discovered ird unit broke very often and: "Please also note, the part that commonly fails in the IRD is not replaceable as LR own the rights to this part and they do not sell it separately. Even though LR charge a surcharge they do not rebuild these IRDs, they bring in old core units to stop rebuilders offering rebuilt units which are not reliable."
No comment!
I will change the mind of anyone who I know and consider buying a new (british) car!
Alex
I bought a 1999 Freelander six months ago. It looked fantastic and was lovely to drive in. I spent 2000 pounds to ship it to Africa where I live. Finally I had a beautiful car after years in crappy old machines, so I drove it carefully.
In six months both front drive shafts had to be replaced at 600 pounds a pop, and now it needs a new IRD unit. I've been quoted 2000 pounds to get this here and fitted. I'm gutted and am about to go and buy 5 litres of diesel and burn the bugger!
After researching the web, I find out that the IRD units are a massive failure on this vehicle. I wish I'd done better research. If I'd had any idea, I would have never bought a Land Rover Freelander. Land Rover should be making these IRD units available at half price, as it is obviously a faulty design. Really disappointed as I can't afford to buy another vehicle at the moment, so this has left me in the lurch. Never again - where are the matches!
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