Land Rover Freelander Station Wagon (1997 - 2003) 1.8 S 5d (2002/52) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
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Summary
What does this car say about you?
Impulsive and needs to conduct better research before spending thousands of pounds.
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
They think it looks great, and is a good second car. However, my local dealer says he wouldn't accept any 1.8 petrol Freelander as a part-ex as it would undoubtedly rebound on him at some point.
Would you buy this car again and why?
No chance. Search on the web and find out the sheer numbers of owners with the same problem !
What are you likely to buy next?
For a second-car that can do anything, go anything, and carry anything, and still look good ? Rav-4.
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Independent
Did you buy this car new?
No
What price did you pay?
£8,999
When did you buy the car?
November 2005
Did you get a good deal and why?
Yes. It was a fair exchange for a care-worn Mercedes A-class, and we got the price we wanted.
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
Needed a good-looking workhorse that could go anywhere, carry anything, and do anything but that also looked nice.
What was the dealer like?
Friendly, efficient, open and honest.
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
Fine, but unexciting. A bit old-fashioned feeling, and very thirsty. Expect no more than 24 mpg on a good day.
What's it like to park?
Easy enough, as visibility is good.
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
Yes, horribly. We did not research this before buying. Although we knew that the diesel was the one to go for, we did not quite realise why. We found out, with 32,000 miles on the clock and full main dealer service history, that the K-series petrol engine is a disaster in the Freelander. It overheats, overcooks, and when the cylinder head gasket goes it kills the engine. A replacement is £2500 from the dealer. We paid £1000 fitted for a scrap one. 30k miles later, and this engine too is starting to cook. A litre of water every 250 miles just to keep it going until we can get rid of it. Avoid. Also, both rear window (electric) mechanisms have now failed.
What's most practical about your car?
Split-rear seats that tilt all the way forward.
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
Nice alloys on this 'Lomond' special edition.
