1999 Land Rover Freelander diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1999 Land Rover Freelander diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1999 Land Rover Freelander diesel than on all cars registered in 1999.

• Engine oil leaks2.2× usual
  Land Rover Freelander

  32.6% All 1999 cars

  14.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.6%, against 0.3% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

• Anti-lock braking system7.5× usual
  Land Rover Freelander

  8.3% All 1999 cars

  1.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.3%, against 1.1% of all 1999 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 ends2.6× usual
  Land Rover Freelander

  11.7% All 1999 cars

  4.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6%, against 1.6% of all 1999 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.

• Anti-roll bar link joints3.1× usual
  Land Rover Freelander

  6.9% All 1999 cars

  2.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.5%, against 0.7% of all 1999 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.

• Brake lights2.1× usual
  Land Rover Freelander

  8.3% All 1999 cars

  3.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.4%, against 3.2% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

Common 1999 Land Rover Freelander diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1999 Land Rover Freelander diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  53% 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.

• 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  36% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  34% 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
  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.

• Rust and bodywork
  15% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1999 Land Rover Freelander diesel

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

1. Any recent work on the engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 1999 Land Rover Freelander diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the anti-lock braking system? (Flagged at MOT 7.5× as often on the 1999 Land Rover Freelander diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 2.6× as often on the 1999 Land Rover Freelander diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?