Land Rover Freelander

cubeman

I have asked my dealer about the following kits and he states that they do not exist in the US. Is this true or is he just trying to sell all the items separately? Also does anyone know the price of the kits and if they include installation labor in the price?

Adventure Kit
Black wrap-around brush bar, black side protection rails, full-length roof rails with cross bars and rear lamp guards.

Edge Kit
Black protection bar with stainless steel inserts, twin lamp pods(auxiliary fog and driving lamps), full-length roof rails with cross bars and bodyside rubbing strips.

San Francisco Kit
Polished stainless steel A- frame brush bar, stainless steal side protection rails and full-length roof rails and cross bars.

landlover2176

I am not sure where you are located so kit arrival dates will be different. the kits you are talking about are going to be available at the dealership. I am here in Austin Texas so prices may be different, but all of the packages are going to be under 2k installed. This probably means $1999.95. My dealer has just about everything. If you just asked the parts counter about the edge package he may not know what that entails. I would ask for each part individualy. brush bar, body side molding, extended roof rails and so on. There is a San Francisco package on a FL at the dealership here.
It seems many shipments of Freelander accessories have arrived.

cubeman

Thanks for the info. I am located in NJ and will call a few more dealers. The price I was quoted for just the brush bar and roof rack exceeded $1,500 with labor.

tincup47

The Edge, Adventure, and San Francisco kits were available as port installed packages. As port installed options the package price includes installation. They are made up of different kit components that are only available seperately at the dealer level. At the dealer level, they are free to charge whatever price they feel they can get, manufacturers can only suggest list prices.

csebasti

Anyone not part of the X-Plan pay less than sticker for a Freelander?

spookypuff

And made up my mind this is what hubby and I are going to get.

I thought it handled GREAT on pavement. I put it into "sport mode (clutchless manual)" to accelerate & declerate on and off the Capital Beltway. Did great. lso did great on hilly road stuck behind some slow-poke. Took curves & turns at upwards 50 mph, no sway. Even on Virginia's back roads.

I was not afraid of "roll over" as I was when I test drove the Xterra & Jeep Liberty. Just in general better control and stability. hsp & torque lead to great get up and go. Had no problems w/ acceletation, even with a/c on (this usually sucks power away), good visability (blind spots the same as my current car), not so obnoxiously big - I didn't have to clime Mt. Everest to get into it.

Off road capabilities are perfect for what I'm looking for (light off-roading.. I'm not going to be climbing mountains or anything).

Anyone have anything to add? IMHO-I think they sold me on this.

Also -
Anyone have expeiences (good or bad) with Land Rover of Alexandria?

landlover2176

From what I am seeing and hearing you not only pay sticker, you buy your floor mats as well.

twinsteve

My wife and I bought our Bonali Grey SE from LR of Alexandria..they were a real pleasure to buy from .. nothing but good stuff to say about them or our LR..we love it!

csebasti

Purchased a new epsom green FL S this weekend - so far so good. A couple of nit-picks, however, include the rear interior light doesn't work (probably no bulb) and the radio has a lot of static (vs. previous car radio). The manual shifting feature is very useful up and down steep hills. Price was roughly sticker.

djshag

I'm picking up my FL tomorrow and I am wanting to address the one shortcoming that bugs me as soon as I can-- the lack of a front armrest.

Both the dealership and I are a little perplexed that Land Rover doesn't provide or even offer one.

Has anyone found a source for a decent aftermarket one?

Do any of the FL owners out there have any comments on whether the lack of armrest is as big a pain as I anticipate it being?

Thanks,

-L

kevin106

Just took a FL out for a test ride yesterday. Very impressed with handling, ample acceleration, quietness, and my overall experience behind the wheel. My only question to LR faithfulls and other knowledgeable Rover types is my concern over reliability(do things break/how often)and service cost (oil changes, parts, etc.). I know the FL is too new to know about these things specifically, but feedback on LR's track record through the years would be nice to know before taking the final plunge into an HSE (soon to come to the States). Thanks so much!!

tincup47

And will be getting to dealers soon

kevin106

Have been doing my research on the FL and LR. Want one real bad, but have recently heard mixed messages about the Brit's electrical system being less than perfect (to say the least). This concerns me. Is it the usual system, or did BMW have some influence in changing it? Also, as for the engine, it sounds more throaty when accelerating (much like a BMW). Is this BMW influenced? From what I've heard, this FL has more getup and go than the usual LR. Makes me think there was some collusion going on here. What other parts of the FL might be less than British? I know BMW had a hand in things during this period of development, and I respect BMW for it's products (we own one). I was considering purchase of an X5 for its good looks and performance, but after driving the FL, it seemed that for 10k less I was still getting a great handling machine with adequate acceleration and creature comforts. Just don't know about the LR track record and how much of it is truly LR vs. BMW. Please respond, as I can't wait to get my hands on one of these things

csebasti

Regarding the electrical system, if you're happy with your BMW then you'll likely be happy with the LR...according to Consumer Reports BMWs have plenty of electrical system problems as they age. Regarding the FL, the engine is British (Rover - but BMW owned the company when it was first built - not actually a "BMW engine" as our LR salesman told us) and the transmission is Japanese.

kevin106

Well... I bit the bullet! I put a deposit on my HSE today(due in early April). I'm pumped about it to say the least. Actually, the whole thing is still kinda like Christmas was as a kid. You see, I've test driven an SE twice now, however, I wanted the upgrade for the interior (they say it looks like a mini Range Rover). Well, I've never seen one except the little pic in the brochure. Also, I finally decided on a color... white gold. Well, they don't have any on the lot here in Grand Rapids, so I've only seen it on Range Rover's. You see where I'm going with this! I'm picturing this glorious machine, but have to wait well over a month. I'll be sneaking over to the dealer for a peek at some HSE's coming soon (not in White Gold though) kinda like I did in Mom's closet (shhh... don't tell anyone).

labsrgreat

I have been looking at vehicles for the last few months. I narrowed my choices down to the Ford Escape and the Jeep Liberty. I was leaning towards the Liberty as I felt the interior quality was much nicer and that the Jeep 4WD system was superior. I currently have a Jeep Grand Cherokee (my 2nd one). The gas mileage reports on the Liberty have given me pause however and I'm not sure that I totally like the look of the Liberty.

Over the weekend I started looking into the FL. I had no idea that Land Rover had a vehicle in this class. I went to the dealer yesterday and test drove a SE and actually took it home for an overnight run.

To make a long story short, I love it! The interior quality is superior to the Escape, I still think the Liberty has an advantage here. The FL motor is smoother than the Liberty and I think it looks better. I'm 5' 10" so the non-adjustable seat isn't a problem, but I see where it would be for someone taller.

Dealer accepts X-Plan. They recommended against the HSE, said the higher price wasn't really worth it. I couldn't believe that the navagation system on the HSE is audio only and there is no screen! I also am not excited about a sunroof but apparently you can't order a FL without one until April at which point delivery would be June or July. The Harmon Kardon stereo hardly seems worth the price they are asking. There are plenty of aftermarket units that are far surperior for less money. Personally, I'm interested in Satellite radio so the decision is easy.

An odd thing is that the Land Rover web site doesn't let you select certain interior colors with some of the exterior colors, e.g. Black interior with Oslo blue. However, the brochure clearly indicates that Black is available with Oslo Blue.

There is also something about having "Land Rover" on your vehicle and not seeing yourself around every corner.

I'm ready to join the Land Rover family!

elfie

I've had my FL for a little over 2 months and it's back in the shop again. The first time it was a bad pump in the fuel tank and this time the main control unit has a problem. Basically, the engine immobilizer is activated and won't allow the car to start even with the correct key.

In each case, it has taken a month to get the parts in. Luckily, they borrowed a control unit from another car so I can drive mine again, but any idea when they will begin to stock parts in the US?

I'm hoping I won't have any other issues like these two, but if I do, I don't want to have to wait a month to get it fixed.

Thanks!

Jackie

tincup47

There are several reasons for parts delays on some components, but to go into them would just sound like excuses. Land Rover North America is working hard to ensure that parts are available to the owners of Freelanders, and do not think the current situation is acceptable. The current problems should improve over the next few months as some of the current logistic problems are overcome.

labsrgreat

I ordered an SE yesterday. Monte Carlo Blue (which just opened back up as a color for a dealer to order) & Black interior. Added the heated seats. Delivery in May.

I'm having second thoughts about whether I should have ordered the sunroof. I rarely use the one I have now but does anyone think that for resale it would be a good idea?

kevin106

So you did it! Actually, it's not too hard a decision to make when you check the FL out and put it against the competition. I think it's heads and tales above the others, though it's reflected somewhat in the price. My input on the sunroof... I think it would add to the resale to have one, since I think most people like them, and since they don't come standard on most small SUV's, I think this will help distinguish it as well. Besides, the sunroof is tucked away nicely on the FL, not taking away from headroom, and it gives the cabin a more open feel. I thought I had a long wait (April), you have to wait 'till May...yikes!! That's gotta be killin' ya'. It's killing me! It'll be every bit worth the wait though. My impression is that time is on our side. From what Jackie says above, LR needs time to get their act together on the parts front. Also, from what Chuck (Tincup) has said, since Ford has taken over, morale is on the increase, and quality control is getting better with time (not sure that's a Ford thing or a production thing). Anyway, congrats. again

kaf1

For those who ordered IPO, did you get your floormats? I have still not gotten mine!

Also waiting on some accessories (6 disc cd, tow hitch).

After 2000 miles, things for the most part running well and I enjoy the vehicle more each day. Only thing have noticed is that the shift from 3-4 is getting rough. Had noticed previous post commenting on this but initially wasn't noticeable on mine. Occurs in all modes, even when "manual" shift it. Any thoughts?

keeshy2

Picking up my SE on Friday (birthday present from my hubby). Alveston Red/Smokestone combo. Can hardly wait!

However, have heard of a couple things I'm trying to find more info on:

- The rough shifting. Heard Jatco is working on software to reprogram it so it's smoother - anyone know anything about this?
- The front passenger window fuse needs to be a 25 amp, not the 20 amp they ship with. Supposedly a bulletin is going out to dealers, but wondering if anyone's had it done & why it's only the 1 window? Should I try to get them to do it Friday?

csebasti

Our FL is several weeks old, but I haven't noticed the hard shifting (although there have been 5 separate users mentioning this)...If I were LR, I would look into this. No problems with the window, not sure if we need to switch out the fuse.

We are pleased with the FL thus far, however just this weekend we noticed a new rattle/vibration in the dash...if I hold the dask with my arm the rattle goes away...probably means the unit doesn't fit exactly into its joint. Also, the gas gauge is way off - I filled it up when it indicated there was a qtr tank remaining and it took only 8 gallons (roughly 1/2). The FL is a pleasure to drive, however!

freelanderpa

I finally got my IPO floor mats when I went in for the 3,000 mile service. Two months after I received my FL. Now I have two sets - the dealer had already given me a free set.

Alveston Red - it looks great. The seats are actually two-tone gray and look sharp. Nice combo of light & dark gray. I think you'll really like it.

4,000 miles now and I enjoy driving my FL with every mile.

brandmar

I picked up my white gold FL last Friday. I've also noticed a hard shift. It was in the FL I test drove and mine. I'm also waiting on floor mats.

It's going in tomorrow to have the windshield replaced. Noticed scratches when I picked it up and the dealer is replacing. Didn't even have to ask. So far, I like it very much. I am missing an armrest, though. And the glove box is awfully tiny.

elfie

I know what you mean about the glove box, but at least we get two of them!

I haven't noticed any hard shifting but then again unless it was very obvious, I probably wouldn't know the difference. I do notice that the brakes are very sensitive and if I don't get it down right, I am going to give myself whiplash.

Regarding the fuel tank - I had a similar problem but mine was showing too much gas. You should have them check the pump in the gas tank. They replaced mine and it seems to be working now. I'm going to check on the showing too little gas because I noticed that last night when I filled up.

On a side note, they are opening up a new LR Centre near me and I got an invitation to the Grand Opening party. Should be pretty fun!

Jackie

kevin106

Keeshy2,
Curious where have you caught word about Jatco software fixing the "hard shift" problem. Was this a dealer that told you? Maybe Chuck (tincup) can help with this one. It is a bit alarming when tranny problems keep coming up in posts, however, if it's as easy as a software issue (which sounds kinda funny)I guess I'm more at ease.

mmedina1

Hi, I'm not sure if this is an appropriate question for this board, but . . . I'm thinking about purchasing a Freelander SE. Should I expect to pay MSRP or are Land Rover dealers coming off sticker any? I recognize that the answer may be different depending on where you are in the country (I'm in Colorado), but I would really appreciate any responses, just to get a sense of the market generally. Thanks!

jeffkiel

My local dealer (a LR Center) wouldn't budge off of MSRP.

labsrgreat

I bought mine from a dealer, not a center. They honored X-Plan pricing which is 4% over invoice.

I also checked at a Land Rover Center in a different city and they pitched the MSRP only pricing and all the benefits they had over a dealer (which is all B.S). Upon learning the other dealer would honor X-Plan, they said they would as well.

But, without one of the Ford plans it sounds like MSRP is the going price.

platypus1

Placed an order for a Freelander SE which is due to arrive in April. Can't wait! April seems much further away than in did a few weeks ago! Used x-plan pricing as a member of the EAA. Visited three centers, which all honored the plan - with pleasure. All said that they were not dealing on the price otherwise - if you wanted the car, you paid sticker.

keeshy2

kevin106 - I read about the Jatco thing on another board about FLs. Here's a condensed version of the posting:

In Europe the transmissions all have a "harder" shift between all the gears and for some reason, Jatco (the transmission manufacturer) left the computer programming in place for that type of "harder" shift between 2nd and 3rd gear for the U.S. models (no, it doesn't make sense to me, either). Some people notice it. Some don't. Some say it goes away in 2000 miles. At some point in time, Jatco will be sending software to the dealers for them to re-program the transmissions. If you have a hard shifting transmission in your Freelander, by all means let the dealer know and have them write down the transmission number and send it to Jatco for their files.

I did notice that my new FL (picked up with 18 miles!) has a VERY hard shift between 2nd & 3rd. It's like a jerk. Annoyed me all weekend - put about 100 miles on it. I'm going to call my dealer here in VA & see what they suggest.

kevin106

I'm paying sticker for my HSE now to arrive in March (not April)...YAHOO!! Just talked to the salesman, and he told me about the GPS system. I went to the dealership to check out their new HSE and found a sales person trying to figure out how the GPS worked. She had the manual out and we worked with it, but could see it would take awhile. Today my sales person told me he took it for a jaunt to see how and what it did (since there's no pic). It sounds pretty cool. It tells distances and a voice over the radio (with British accent) will tell you what's going on along with arrows on the screen. If you miss the turns it tells you, it re configures immediately from where you are (and lets you know it's reconfiguring... which really means you screwed up). The software sounds sophisticated and thorough. He told me there were even minuscule streets on it (to his surprise). I'm not really into GPS but it could be fun, or I suppose, even helpful at times. New CD roms are updated annually.

kevin106

Will make a note of it.

keeshy2

Our SE has a VERY hard shift between 2nd & 3rd - has less than 300 miles on it (picked it up Friday). The shift bugs me, so after doing some research, I found another 7 people who have had the problem.

Guess I'm the first person in the metro DC area to complain (and loudly!), so they're sending someone from LRNA HQ (which is less than 30 miles away) tomorrow to experience the hard shift in my FL. Requires me to be without my car for a day or so, but that's no big deal.

Hopefully they'll be able to get this fixed soon. I'll let you all know what I find out about this.

arjay1

Something to question LR about...
I drove an '84 Mercedes 300D (diesel) for many, many miles. The shift in those transmissions was extremely harsh. On wet roads, under medium throttle, the back tires would break loose when shifting 1st to 2nd.
If you know anyone who has one of these cars, you will see that you get to know the shift points and actually let off the throttle when the shift comes to smooth it out.
Now, the reason for the harsh shift and how it may play into the Freelander has to do with so many diesel engines in Europe. The Mercedes transmission was set up to shift that way because of the turbo diesel engine. They engineer the shift to be hard and immediate so that you don't loose any spool in the turbo when shifting. Those turbo diesels did not have great power as it was and those cars are heavy.
I wonder if the shift programming in the Freelander is the same for the turbo diesel option (that we don't get) and the gas engine? This could explain why people are feeling this very harsh and immediate shift. Just a thought...it may be worth questioning to LR.

twiggles

My husband and I just starting looking for an SUV and were intrigued with the Freeland. I'm just wondering what is the gas mileage for city and hwy. I haven't seen anything published on it. Thanks!

twinsteve

We've had our FL SE for about 2 months now and have gotten around 20 mpg in mixed highway/city driving...not great, but not too bad. I'm a little surprised it doesn't do better given its (relatively) small engine and weight.

Anyways, we love it! A few things missing (armrests, better quality plastic interior pieces), but it drives like a champ and is a blast all-around.

kevin106

How'd you come out with your transmission?

kaf1

Had my 3000 mile service. Told the dealership about the rough shift between 2-3. They told me they had noticed the problem on one of their service vehicles and replaced the transmission. It didn't help. Has anyone heard updated information? Tincup has been quiet and assume that means he doesn't know any more than we do.

Overall, continue to be pleased with the vehicle. It is a great everyday vehicle and still gets me around the forest on the weekends!

tincup47

Jatco is handling all transmission issues on the Freelander, as ZF does on the Discovery and Range Rover. So I do not have access to any info on this.

phillyguy2

Been checking out small SUV's. Test drove the Freelander today. Truck rode pretty good. Issues: no arm rest,radio fair,rough shift between gears,no electric seats. Plusses: good handling,nice size,rugged,good warrantee,friendly dealer,sharp colors(especially Blue).
Problem: I do not do off road driving. CR-V is 7 grand cheaper and reliable with good resale. Anybody think the FREELANDER is overkill for me?
Any other input much appreciated.

mmedina1

check out freelanderowners.com for more insights by owners.

kevin106

Does anyone have info on the prospect of ordering side (protective) molding for the doors. I just am not sure if Land Rover offers this as an add-on. I found an after-market place that sells it, but would rather get it done by LR if I could (unless price is steep). Found it for $65. Read about the Jatco fix out on freelanderowners.com. Said they will be getting the software upgrade in about a month. Maybe Keeshy will know better when she returns to the board. She's pushin' hard on this one... which we all appreciate! Thanks MMEDINA for the new sight. Check it out people. They also have pics of FL with side molding which looks pretty nice.

beazer

We have a black Freelander S with the hard shift problem. Has anyone dealt with Land Rover Customer Care and made any headway on this topic? We have found their responses unsatisfactory. Wasn't able to find the 30 day reference to the software fix as noted in #544 but we can hope. Customer Care knows nothing and tends to call it a shift noise rather than hard shift. Why is this fix such a secret? Has anyone mounted a Yakima rack on their factory installed FL rack? We are hoping to eventually like this car once we get through the transmission problem.

brandmar

I contacted my dealer in MA and asked about the hard shift problem. I got the response that there was not a recall on the transmission. I haven't had the time yet to call and request a service visit. I drive an SE.

Has anyone noticed that the Freelander floormats are significantly lighter than the interior carpet? I have black interior and just received my floor mats. They looked dark green but are actually black. I guess it depends on the light.

spookypuff

Hard Shift & Keeshy: Quite a few FL owners have noticed the hard shift problem. Apparently it is a software problem that just needs to be adjusted at the dealership (they MAY have to call in a Jatco tech). A lot of people have noticed/complained about it. I think it's becuase the cars were originally designed for desel engines and that's why the shift is the way it is (BMW has had this issue in the past).

I don't have the hard shift on my SE becasue they already knew about the problem and fixed it before I picked the car up. (Keeshy bought hers at the same dealership that I bought mine at, I think they fixed hers, but it required a Jatco tech to do it).

If your dealer is giving you the run around on the hard shift, keep at them. It IS a known problem. Don't let your dealer tell you otherwise!

Kevin106: Side moldings are available.:)

Brandmar: My floor mats look the same as the interior (black on black). Are you sure your dealer gave you the proper floormats, mabe that's why yours seem lighter?

phillyguy2: I'd go with the Honda if you don't plan to go off road (and it's cheaper). Fl is great & I love it (IMHO), but I can't WAIT to take the little thing off road

spookypuff

I talked to Keeshy. They DID NOT fix her hard shift. However, I don't have the problem.

Here is info on the hard shift from the freelanders owner website (some nice person other than me wrote):

"Bulletin SA025102 requests the service technician to document

transmission shifting problems and send the documentation to the

transmission manufacturer, Jatco. This means a technician gets

under the Freelander and writes down the transmission I.D.

number and sends that number on to Jatco.

Bulletin SA02GI03 refers to the shifter interlock.

It is my understanding, as of this date, that Jatco will take

some time to document the problems before releasing a cure. The

problem, as I am told, is one of computer programming for that

second to third gear shift and the cure might be as simple as

sending a computer disc to the dealer for a re-mapping program

to be down loaded into an individual vehicle. The harder

shifting is found on the European models, U.S. models were

programmed for a softer shift. Except for some that still have a

European type of up shift between second and third gear.

Should you find a hard shift as described above, make sure your

dealer documents it."

Also, for kits, armrests, siderails, fog lamps, etc. Go to Http://www.freelanderowners.com and click on the side bar that says "kits" it tells you cost & how to order.

 

Sorry for the 2 long posts! I should have done more research before posting the first time around!

keeshy2

Sorry it's taken me so long to get back - this new job keeps me on my toes!

LRNA did come out & drive my car & experience the hard shifting. The dealer kept my car for 3 days while they made sure it was fine to drive with the shifting. They DID find some loose connectors & adjust my shift cable while they were in there. I also had some other problems, so it spent about a week in the shop (water leaking in through the maplights, taillights burning out, etc).

What I was told today: The fix is in the works. It's just a software fix coming from Jatco. When they get it, supposedly my car will be their test car (I think they want me to go away!). LRNA will be present to do the upgrade. If I'm happy with it, they will send the fix to all other dealers.

It will NOT be a recall - it will be a case-by-case basis as people mention it to their LR dealer. Not all FLs have the shifting issue. And they're not going to advertise it either - you'll have to ask.

HOWEVER - they are warning me that it may make the shift plates feel, in their words, "mushy". So I'm not sure what that means. All I know is my shifting has gotten worse since I went over the break-in of 600 miles & started using Sport Mode.

So we're all still on hold. Definitely talk to your dealer if you've had the shifting & mention the bulletins spookypuff posted above.

And freelanderowners.com is a pretty good place to find out about quirks & the like.

freelanderpa

Well, I took my FL off road this past weekend. Nothing too difficult, but the FL did very well. Up hills, down hills (got to use HDC) and through big mud puddles. It went where I pointed it and stopped when I asked. There's a photo posted on freelanderowners.com under gallery. Look for Pennsylvania off road. Looking forward to going off-road soon. Cheers, John