2000 Land Rover Freelander diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2000 Land Rover Freelander diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2000 Land Rover Freelander diesel than on all cars registered in 2000.

• Rigid brake pipes1.7× usual
  Land Rover Freelander

  29.3% All 2000 cars

  17.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.5%, against 2.6% of all 2000 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 ends2.9× usual
  Land Rover Freelander

  13.5% All 2000 cars

  4.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.9%, against 1.8% of all 2000 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 joints3.2× usual
  Land Rover Freelander

  7.7% All 2000 cars

  2.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.8%, against 0.7% of all 2000 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.

• Anti-lock braking system4.8× usual
  Land Rover Freelander

  6.3% All 2000 cars

  1.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.3%, against 1.2% of all 2000 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.

• Ball joint dust cover2.4× usual
  Land Rover Freelander

  8% All 2000 cars

  3.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.5%, against 1.1% of all 2000 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 2000 Land Rover Freelander diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2000 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
  48% 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
  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.

• Lights and electrics
  31% 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
  25% 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
  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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  14% 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 2000 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 rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2000 Land Rover Freelander diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 2.9× as often on the 2000 Land Rover Freelander diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link joints? (Flagged at MOT 3.2× as often on the 2000 Land Rover Freelander diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?