1999 Land Rover Freelander petrol: common problems and MOT failures

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

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

• Exhaust emissions (catalyst)5× usual
  Land Rover Freelander

  23.3% All 1999 cars

  4.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 23.3%, against 4.6% of all 1999 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 an engine warning light.

• Rigid brake pipes1.8× usual
  Land Rover Freelander

  28.4% All 1999 cars

  16%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.4%, against 2.4% of all 1999 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 ends2.5× usual
  Land Rover Freelander

  11.3% All 1999 cars

  4.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.3%, 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.

• Ball joint dust cover2.3× usual
  Land Rover Freelander

  8.3% All 1999 cars

  3.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.4%, against 1.1% 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.

Common 1999 Land Rover Freelander petrol MOT failures and advisories

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

• Brakes
  48% 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
  47% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  37% 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 an engine warning light.

• Lights and electrics
  33% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  19% 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 1999 Land Rover Freelander petrol

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

1. Any recent work on the exhaust emissions (catalyst)? (Flagged at MOT 5× as often on the 1999 Land Rover Freelander petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 1999 Land Rover Freelander petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 1999 Land Rover Freelander petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?