USED Land Rover Freelander 4x4 (03 - 07)

My car

I bought this one off the cuff at an auction. I realised that it would be heavy on fuel; I was not disappointed. I also found that the sun roof mechanism was shot; shortly after, the same happened with a rear window. An electrical fault in the management system developed, resulting in the car not always starting. This was quickly fixed by a local garage.

Overall, it has been a great car to drive. The occasional Brands Hatch start at the lights demonstrates what power is available when needed. Normally, it is very smooth including when going through the [auto] gears. It is also very quiet apart from some road noise at certain speeds, which I imagine would be common with 4x4s. I towed a largish caravan to Scotland last summer and it managed the journey with ease. It was hot [honest] but the temp gauge never went over midpoint.

The interior has been described as dated but with the leather upholstery, it still looks good. Long journeys have also been comfortable, although front arm rests would have helped. I made an impulsive purchase but have not regretted it.

My car

We brought a Millenium Freelander with 50000 miles on the clock, at first it was great, powerful, nice looking etc. But alas 2 days ago i am only now learning about the dreaded head gasket - we have water in the oil, oil in the water we had a squirting leak of water, temp spikes, water disappearing, but she still runs well - has got loads of power, thankfully we still are within our 6 month warranty from the dealer (not LR) we brought her from. So we fear it may be the head gasket, will be viviting local LR dealership tomorrow. Apart from this the Freelander has given us no problem except she crunches when put into reverse.

My car

Bought Freelander from LR dealership in October 2003 for £12,000. Have always swallowed expensive cost for services etc as wanteed to maintain its value for resale. Only problem being petrol versions are not worth a penny for resale. Today went to buy new freelander and part exchange my old one with same dealership, only to be told that my freelander with 40,000 miles on clock has the usual head gaskett problem. Only prepared to offer £1300 part exchange. If this was any other item you would be saying that Land Rover have conned purchasers by not recalling all petrol versions with dodgy petrol engines. repair bill to fix would cost between £4,000 - £5,000 for new engine (only real way of fixing vehicle).

NEVER, NEVER BUY PETROL FREELANDER.

Have today bought Volkswagen Bora and have kissed goodbye to Land Rover as like any person you want a degree of reward for your loyalty and basically all I ended up with was a car with an engine that is about to explode.

Watchdog are you listening.

My car

I have owned this 1.8 SE from new. It is now aproaching three years old, 30,000 miles and I have had no problems at all with it. All I have done is put petrol in and serviced it.

There was one small problem where a misfire developed but the dealer sorted it (ignition lead breaking down).

After I had purchased the car I had lots of people telling me about poor quality and workmanship. I have had no complaints whatsoever about the build quality of the car. My only gripe is that it could do with a bit more power.