May 2003

The Land Rover Freelander met with a mixed reception when it debuted in 1997. Designed by the Rover Group, put into production by BMW and marketed as an all-new 'soft-roader', the Freelander was targeted at the booming leisure 4x4 market where models such as the Toyota RAV4 had already made a big impact.
Its image didn't suit Land Rover's traditional hardcore off-road market, but it proved to be the company's most significant new model since the Discovery and its fastest selling ever.
Owning a Freelander has never been more affordable, and there are plenty to choose from. But some cars have been abused from an early age and others suffer more than their fair share of mechanical problems, so it's always wise to invest in a professional vehicle inspection before you buy.
Checklist
* Clutch failure is common. Make sure the pedal action is smooth and the bite isn't too high. Replacement can cost more than ΂£300.
* Worn anti-roll bar links are not unknown. Listen for knocks when cornering and look for uneven tyre wear.
* Beware of blown head gaskets on 1.8-litre models. They often fail around the 60,000-miles mark. White deposits on the dipstick indicate trouble.
* Inspect for signs of off-road use, such as dented exhaust systems and badly scuffed wheels. There could be more serious problems underneath.
* Electric sliding rear window fails occasionally and some won't close completely, leading to leaks.
Glass's View
Values are finally starting to weaken after years of strong residuals, says trade bible Glass's Guide. Now there's more choice and the Freelander is seen as an older model, prices are getting more affordable, although they're still not cheap. Demand remains strong, especially at the lower end of the market where older cars are finding a new breed of buyer. Avoid soft-tops and unpopular white examples.
Life With A Freelander...
Peter Wright wasn't looking for an SUV when he bought his Freelander. The 55-year-old public health manager from Watford, Herts, had previously owned Audis and was after a car to replace his A4. "I'm six-foot-three and with the driver's seat in my ideal position, there was no room for anyone in the back," said Peter. "I had to get something that would let me carry passengers."
He looked at larger Audis, but was unimpressed by the level of dealer service, so visited his local Land Rover agent on the recommendation of a friend. "I didn't think I'd like the Freelander, but I had an open mind," he said. "After driving it, I was smitten. Of course it's not as dynamic as the Audi on the road, but I love the interior space, driving position and road presence it has."
The model is a top-of-the-range 2.5-litre V6 ES, which he bought just before the registration system changed in 2001. "Dealers had to shift a certain number of Y-reg models," he said. "So I got a cracking deal." Peter likes his Freelander's performance, but believes the build quality could be better, and the car has also suffered one breakdown after a coil pack failure last year. "I'd definitely buy another," he added. "Even when it broke down, the dealer was excellent."

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