2002 Freelander

[jsonova99]

So, how bad is the 02 Freelander. I'm not talking about typical Rover stuff, but catastrophic stuff like having to replace engines or transmissions, or the CV joints, etc. It seems like everything I have ever read about the 02 Freelander makes it sound like the worst vehicle ever built, is this true or are they about the same as a Disco2.

 

[lagged]

I have one of the first 02 Freelander's in this country, made in October of 01.

The dealer replaced the transmission at 30k, but didn't give a reason and I never noticed anything wrong with it.

VIS motors needed to be replaced.

Thermostat just went at 43k miles.

Thats everything that's gone wrong with it.

 

[jsonova99]

a non-warranty tranny job has got to be $5k though, and it seems like a lot of them had to have transmissions replaced. I just came across one down here for sale with 35,000 miles on it for $12k. I figure it could be a good deal if they come down a little from that as well. It has remaining warranty until early November. I wasn't really into getting one of these, but we need a smaller SUV that is somewhat capable to do some trail riding and help carry canoes and kayaks for camping trips, and I'd rather have one of these than a CRV or something. They key though is that it will be a daily driver.

 

[jsonova99]

I've come back to my senses and decided to pass on this idea.

 

[lagged]

It shouldn't be hard to find one with an extended warranty for that same price. I have an extended warranty that goes to 2008 or 09.

 

[jsonova99]

I'm not really in the market for one, this one just happened to have come up while looking for other stuff.

 

[jsonova99]

I was reading more reviews about the Freelander, the 02 specifically, and holy crap! I have never in my life seen a vehicle that got more terrible reviews from people. Maintenance and wear items seem to be pretty typical of any Rover, but the transmissions failing, radiators failing, engines or engine components failing regularly. That's just scary. Discos have their problems, but I've always been confident when driving one that it will get me home safely. It sounds like you need AAA ready to dial on the call phone at all times to tow you to a dealer in these. The worst part is that all of these revies are talking about FLs with under 50k miles on them, not high mileage ones. Did they get any better after 02? No wonder they couldn't sell these things.