Land Rover Freelander Hardback 1997

Want to know everything there is to know about this car?

  • Economy

    Value

    1 out of 5 1.0

    Loses value like a bag of sand in a desert. Bought for £18k new, now worth £4.5k 4 years later, if you can find a buyer that is.

    Costs

    1 out of 5 1.0

    Expensive to buy, expensive to run, impossible to sell. Now, was it all worth it just for my image?

  • On the road

    Driving

    2 out of 5 2.0

    Sluggish, tight turning circle and good vision.

    Performance

    1 out of 5 1.0

    1.8 K-series Rover engine has a known head gasket problem. Ask any 1.8 petrol Lander owner. It will blow, and more than once. Clutch and exhaust manifold are also very problematic.

  • Living with it

    Reliability

    1 out of 5 1.0

    Serviced or not, the 1.8 K-series engine is such a poor design, I guarantee you it will breakdown routinely.

    Image

    3 out of 5 3.0

    For stationary posing maybe. But please do not attempt to drive your freelander as any mechanical movement of the engine is guaranteed to lead to...you've guessed it...breakdown!

    Comfort

    2 out of 5 2.0

    OK for front passengers. Put your mother-in-law in the back if you hate her that much. She will soon require replacement hips.

  • Security and Service

    Security

    2 out of 5 2.0

    Not very secure when hardback is removed. Glovebox is unlockable. Back boot space cover unlockable.

    Service

    1 out of 5 1.0

    K-Series 1.8 Petrol Engine has inherent design fault, but Land Rover will never admit it and will always give the brush off. Avoid this vehicle like the plague

  • Problems and Ownership

    Problems

    Engine

    If it’s a 1.8K series Rover engine; do not touch it, well unless you like to buy a new engine every 5-10k miles.

    Other

    Why was this car ever made in the 1.8 version? I should have accepted my grannies Reliant Robin, at least it moves two doors without breaking down.

    Ownership

    Did you buy the car new?

    New

    Would you buy the same model again?

    No

    Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?

    No