2002 Land Rover Freelander S review from North America

Head gasket failure at 57400 miles.

Local LR-only dealer that does not offer loaner cars for owners that did not buy from them, despite spending $2500US over a 2.5 year period.

Head gasket failure was $5700US repair cost! Occurred after warranty expired so no sympathy from the dealer or the Product Service Rep. LRNA gave us some consideration.

There are lots of opinions about the head gasket failure - nearly all blaming LR for failing to address the problem.

The whole experience has left a sour taste in our mouth - not going to buy from LR again, partially due to LR and partially due to dealer attitude (condescending).

Dealer explained the failure was a collapsed coolant hose from the heater core. According to them, the hoses were recommended to be changed at 48K miles (within warranty) but were only recommended and NOT covered by warranty. Very convenient to blame a failure on an optional service job.

We thoroughly enjoyed owning and operating this Freelander for 45000 miles. We purchased it based on the LR reputation for reliability and expected to own it for over a decade. It may be slightly underpowered, but it offers decent gas mileage and comfort, a solid feel, and technical features (AWD, hill descent control) that make it appealing.