2004 Land Rover Freelander: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2004 Land Rover Freelander?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2004 Land Rover Freelander than on all cars registered in 2004.

• Rigid brake pipes2.1× usual
  Land Rover Freelander

  35.8% All 2004 cars

  17.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.7%, against 2.7% of all 2004 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.

• Track rod ends2.2× usual
  Land Rover Freelander

  14.3% All 2004 cars

  6.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.4%, against 2.9% of all 2004 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.

• Suspension arm2.4× usual
  Land Rover Freelander

  10% All 2004 cars

  4.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3%, against 0.4% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Anti-roll bar link joints2.2× usual
  Land Rover Freelander

  8.6% All 2004 cars

  3.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.7%, against 1.4% of all 2004 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.

• Battery3.8× usual
  Land Rover Freelander

  4.9% All 2004 cars

  1.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.8%, against 0.3% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£200 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the car starts cleanly and there are no warning lights once running.

Common 2004 Land Rover Freelander MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2004 Land Rover Freelander MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  51% 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
  51% 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
  43% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Tyres
  27% 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
  16% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  15% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2004 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 2.1× as often on the 2004 Land Rover Freelander as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2004 Land Rover Freelander as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the suspension arm? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 2004 Land Rover Freelander as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?