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http://www.edmunds.com/new/2004/landrover/freelander/100360657/ro- adtestarticle.html?articleId=100935
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the top off for the summer months and is AWD and I like the price.
After reading the posts I am a somewhat apprehensive to purchase a FL.
Ripple4: It's up to you if you want to purchanse one. I loved my 2002 freelander.. when it ran. It seems like the quality of the 2003s may be better than the 2002s. I don't know. Unfortunetly, I found customer service to be lacking with Land Rover, if that is an important factor for you,I would get everything in writing on what the dealership will give you (in terms of loaners, etc). Good luck with whatever you decide.
I have always been quite quaint with LR however this bastardized version does not even deserve a matchbox hot wheel made in its image.
haha, now that is an insult!
As for the rear drum design, as far as raw stopping power goes, the Freelander has fantastic brakes. Edmunds recorded 118 feet for the 60-0 stopping test on an SE3. The brakes, hefty steering and solid construction all gave me a positive impression of the drivability for the 2004.
But as I said, I'm not excited enough to purchase the Freelander. Main gripe is the engine.
I found some after market pads which I ordered from http://www.dap-inc.com. The pads are made from Kevlar and are called Kevlar EBC's and apparently last longer than the OEM PADS. I did the brake job myself and noticed the rotors were also bad. I brought this up with Landrover and they could care less. I also recommend looking at this site http://www.formatc.org/freelander/brakes/index.htm information on how to change your own pads(it was pretty easy).
I still like the way the Freelander looks and drives (ex the drivetrain), though, so I bet the redesign will be worth checking out.
non qualified people to design transmissions, brake systems and electrical stuff which in turn creates cars that have numerous problems. I agree the new BMW X3 is a nice vehicle--overpriced though, it drives wonderfully.. The other neat SUV out there is the Tourag by VW(Porsche)also overpriced...Test drove the V8 Tourag and Loved it--just couldn't stomach the price...
You are a glutton for punishment! See the VW Toenail board for its problems.
Specifically, is LR not covering this under warranty? I know brakes usually aren't covered, but obviously something is wrong when brakes fail between 10-20k miles.
The following describes the car I drove off the lot after buying it new:
* THE ENGINE SMOKED at stop signs and red lights. It turned out that the engine thermostat was defective.
* After about two weeks, the wheel made rotating noises every time we went over small bumps. It turned out the break pad was defective.
* The car is a Freelander SE, and we paid for heated seats. The window sticker said the car had heated seats. The car did not match the sticker however, and we had to bring it back back to the dealer to get the feature installed.
Duing the ensuing year, the following problems have surfaced:
* The sunroof stopped working because of a defective motor.
* The side window stopped working because of a defective electrical part.
* Engine dashboard warning lights came on because of electrical problems, a defective air intake valve, and other issues that involved words I did not understand. This happened within days after the car was in for its regular maintenance!
We complained to Land Rover that so many issues --brakes, electrical, engine problems--were not normal for a car only a year-and-a-half old. After contacting Paul Miller in Parsippany, New Jersey, Land Rover's response was that the break-downs were part of the normal wear and tear that is covered under the warranty. In other words, WITHIN WHAT LAND ROVER CONSIDERS ACCEPTABLE FOR ITS CARS.
Less than two weeks after Land Rover's response, the car broke down entirely and had to be towed into the shop. That is where we are now with this Land Rover. We HIGHLY suggest----DONT LET THIS HAPPEN TO YOU.
Right now, I am still waiting for the dealer to have it fixed and it has been 3 days.
In a couple of years, I will probably buy another car (SUV) and it will DEFINITELY not a Land Rover vehicle because I have lost my trust or confidence on its quality or lack of it.
So, my lesson to you is if you are thinking about buying a Freelander, think twice. For me, no more and I won't even put my family in the car because I cannot trust it not to break down in the middle of the road again.
anyone believe that this time next year would be a good time to deal for an '04 SE3? right now my local LR dealer will take $500 off sticker...only cos it has the wrong wheels (16" as opposed to 17").
1.Always carry a digital camera
2.Always take you vehicle in when a warning light comes on or the 4 & F blink
3.Always report the hard shifting between 2nd and 3rd
4.Always check the rear hatch where your jack is for water(lots of it) or rust around the lock mechanism
5.Always report the brake wear and rotor replacement on the front disk brakes
6.Always save all service paperwork
7.Always report all problems to Landrover North America in writing and via email(keep all correspondence)
8.Always be tenacious when dealing with Landrover and demand your rights
9.Always contact http://complaints.bbb.org/Welcome.asp
No, but if you're plagued with problems by any given vehicle then it's hard to conclude otherwise. Usually a little sympathy allays frustration.
tidester, host
I don't visit Edmunds to patronize.
Nor does anyone else. Certainly, you're not here to deride folks who have had difficulties with their vehicles.
Let's move on.
tidester, host
I felt a bit like I was inconveniencing them by coming in. I have written-off that dealer and will look for another in my area. Heck, I just may go off the board and purchase a Honda Element.
Just my two cents.
This car is a pleasure to drive!
Sorry to hear about your negative experience with the vehicle, but there are many owners who are having a positive experience with the vehicle.
Follow-Up Test: 2004 Land Rover Freelander
Steve, Host
I really don't view the Freelander as "cute" nor would I compare it to an Element; but I was glad they did the price comparison between the SE3 and Toyota's RAV4.
This must be a sign...since 2 days ago I put a deposit down on a 2004 Java Black Freelander SE3 with the 18" wheels. I tried a new dealer, and the difference is night and day! Now I'm wondering if I should lease or buy.
J
I searched here when deciding to get a FL back in late September last year.
Despite all the negative reports we drove and liked the freelander so much we got it.
After six months (the FL had 6K miles on it when purchased)
So far, after a long New England Winter it has been great!
In the snow, this SUV beats the CR-v hands down. Incredible. I owned a Jeep Wrangler and a CR-v and this beat them both in the snow totally.
Vehicle is solid as can be and a pleasure to drive and ride in.
Frankly I like it now, more than the discovery, which we used for a while, when getting the oil change. The freelander is just more fun.
So, while I can't dismiss the problems that others are having with this SUV, I can say that we are loving ours. If you wanted a toyota, then you shoulda got a toyota.
I did.
I may be in the shop a bit more than my Lexus, MAYBE...but I think it will be fun to have a truck with a bit more "soul" to it than the appliance I drive now.