Bought a Freelander from a van dealer....

[Tomo1971]

Hi there, my first post here after doing a search on google, have had a read through some of the posts but way too many and so little time!!

Anyways to my story....

I have just started working for myself so instead of using the family car I decided on getting a van.

Saw a 04 plate 2004 Landrover Freelander commercial (no rear seats) TD4 with just under 13,000 miles on it at a dealer 40 mile away.

Car seemed to be in good condition, no oil leaks, well kept inside etc. Ex-lease vehicle with full LR service history.

When I drove the car on a 5 min test drive I noticed a slight hesitation on take off but I put this down to been a new car (my own Octavia has a bottom hinged accelorator pedal so is totally different). I made a small talk type comment to the dealer about this.

Had the jeep now for 8 days and this "hesitation" hasnt gone away, its not my driving style. I also now notice that its got a pronounced flat spot when for instance coming to a junction in 2nd/3rd gear and then pulling away. As it like a flat spot it can be quite dangerous. Also doesnt seem to have much "go" in it for a diesel.

Anyway, after some googling and reading threads on a couple of landrover based forums it seems that this is a common problem.

It seems though it can be several things that cause this, and it could be any 1 or more of them to fix it. I read that there was an ECU update that sorted it so have paid £41 for a local LR specialist to plug in his PC. The ECU is up to date and no faults logged.

From what I have read the problem can be the MAF sensor, EGR valve, Turbo actuator, various filters, fuel pump and goodness knows what else. A new MAF is £180+ fitting and expected life expectancy is as low as 40,000 miles. It may not be that though, LR dealers seem to be stumped and keep changing things till they finally find the problem.

After reading the LR forums and seeing how much money they can cost owners I am begining to regret buying it. If I could give it back now, I would.

Where do I stand here?

Do I get the dealer to fix it for me at his expense, do I just mention these problems to him and my concerns for the future and ask for a refund under SOGA as not fit for purpose?

Dealer did say several times "you wont have any trouble with this" when mentioning my concerns on reported land rover reliability.

Have now done about 1200 miles in it since taking delivery

Its on HP if thats of any use.

With thanks, sorry for long post, trying to give as much info as possible.

Steve

[Hammy1962]

Hi Tomo

Has anyone actually tried to diagnose the problem. You say the LR Specialist put it on his PC but did that specialist have the up to date software that a LR dealer might have.

You say LR dealers seem stumped but you dont say whether the veicle has been in one.

My advice would be to book it in at a LR dealer for an investigation, when they diagnose the problem go bacvk to your trader and see if he will pay for it.

It might just need an ECU update

Let us know what they find.

Hammy

[Tomo1971]

Originally Posted by Hammy1962

Hi Tomo

Has anyone actually tried to diagnose the problem. You say the LR Specialist put it on his PC but did that specialist have the up to date software that a LR dealer might have.

You say LR dealers seem stumped but you dont say whether the veicle has been in one.

My advice would be to book it in at a LR dealer for an investigation, when they diagnose the problem go bacvk to your trader and see if he will pay for it.

It might just need an ECU update

Let us know what they find.

Hammy

Hi Hammy, thanks for your quick reply.

It hasnt been to LR dealers, it is just a generalisation from reading forums regarding this freelander problem. The local "specialist" have got the same ECU software as LR, the problem was found in 2005, it affects 2004+ models and is to do with compliance to Euro4 emmissions.

Problem is that LR want £100+ to do a diagnostics and more for the ECU update, money I just havent got to waste if they dont find anything. Even though LR issued a TSB (technical service bullitin) in 2005 they wont do it for free out of warranty. I am assured though, that the specialist has the same equipment and software as landrover.

I am going to call the dealer in the moring and see what he says. I am just wanting to know where I stand.

I suppose, I am reluctant to keep the jeep now after reading loads of problems connected with the drivetrain but on the other side, its a low miles vehicle, comfortable and suits the job I am doing to a tee. I wouldnt be able to find a similar (non landrover) for the price and miles.

Thanks, I will update.

Steve

[pompeyfaith]

Did you get a warranty with this vehicle if so check to see if its valid at a LR dealer. A phone call to the warranty people should do it.

Regards

Leon

[JonCris]

A dealer warranty is irrelevant. Your better protected by statute.

When did you purchase & why do they want £100 to diagnose the problem?? Assume it's the problem you refer to & insist the seller rectify it otherwise you'll reject it

[Tomo1971]

Hi JC, it will be land rover that want £100 for thier diagnosis (which may not be correct-it may not show up fault codes from what I read).

I didnt buy it from a LR dealer, just a normal Van dealer.

I am going to speak to them today, will let you know how I get on.

Steve