2000 Land Rover Freelander petrol: common problems and MOT failures

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

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

• Exhaust emissions (catalyst)3.6× usual
  Land Rover Freelander

  16.4% All 2000 cars

  4.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 16.4%, against 4.5% of all 2000 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.

• Ball joint dust cover2.9× usual
  Land Rover Freelander

  9.9% All 2000 cars

  3.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.4%, 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.

• Anti-lock braking system5.2× usual
  Land Rover Freelander

  6.8% All 2000 cars

  1.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.8%, 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.

• Track rod ends2.3× usual
  Land Rover Freelander

  10.6% All 2000 cars

  4.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.9%, 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 joints2.8× usual
  Land Rover Freelander

  6.8% All 2000 cars

  2.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.4%, 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.

Common 2000 Land Rover Freelander petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2000 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
  46% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  28% 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
  27% 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
  24% 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
  14% 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 2000 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 3.6× as often on the 2000 Land Rover Freelander petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the ball joint dust cover? (Flagged at MOT 2.9× as often on the 2000 Land Rover Freelander petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the anti-lock braking system? (Flagged at MOT 5.2× as often on the 2000 Land Rover Freelander petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?