1998 Land Rover Freelander: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1998 Land Rover Freelander?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1998 Land Rover Freelander than on all cars registered in 1998.

• Rigid brake pipes1.9× usual
  Land Rover Freelander

  29% All 1998 cars

  15.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.8%, against 2.2% of all 1998 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

• Anti-lock braking system7.4× usual
  Land Rover Freelander

  7.4% All 1998 cars

  1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.3%, against 1% of all 1998 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

• Track rod ends2.4× usual
  Land Rover Freelander

  9.9% All 1998 cars

  4.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.6%, against 1.4% of all 1998 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Exhaust emissions (catalyst)2.2× usual
  Land Rover Freelander

  10% All 1998 cars

  4.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.9%, against 4.5% of all 1998 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£900 (catalytic converter) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look for smoke when revving the warm engine and for engine or DPF warning lights.

• Anti-roll bar link joints3.2× usual
  Land Rover Freelander

  5.7% All 1998 cars

  1.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.8%, against 0.5% of all 1998 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

Common 1998 Land Rover Freelander MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1998 Land Rover Freelander MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  47% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Suspension
  43% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Lights and electrics
  29% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  23% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

• Tyres
  23% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Exhaust and emissions
  21% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1998 Land Rover Freelander

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 1998 Land Rover Freelander as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the anti-lock braking system? (Flagged at MOT 7.4× as often on the 1998 Land Rover Freelander as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 1998 Land Rover Freelander as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?