Land Rover Reliability

[kaushama]

LR Freelander 1 had notorious reputation for reliability issues. Freelander 2 seems to be doing little better according to web reviews. How do they perform in Sri lankan conditions? Please post your experiences!

[Californikan]

Here are the experiences of 450,000 people.

This is the results of a reliability/dependability study of 450,000 cars in the U.K. and the U.S. This study was done in 2007 so it's a little dated. But from what I've heard Land Rover reliability, although improved, continues to be near the bottom.

(The percent is the percent of vehicles with problems (per 100 vehicles)).

1. Mazda - 8.04%

2. Honda - 8.90%

3. Toyota - 15.78%

4. Mitsubishi - 17.04%

5. Kia - 17.39%

6. Subaru - 18.46%

7. Nissan - 18.86%

8. Lexus - 20.05%

9. Mini - 21.90%

10. Citroen - 25.98%

11. Daewoo - 26.30%

12. Hyundai - 26.36%

13. Peugeot - 26.59%

14. Ford - 26.76%

15. Suzuki - 27.20%

16. Porsche - 27.48%

17. Fiat - 28.49%

18. BMW - 28.64%

19. Vauxhall - 28.77%

20. Mercedes-Benz - 29.90%

21. Rover - 30.12%

22. Volvo - 31.28%

23. Volkswagen - 31.44%

24. Jaguar - 32.05%

25. Skoda - 32.12%

26. Chrysler - 34.90%

27. Audi - 36.74%

28. Seat - 36.87%

29. Renault - 36.87%

30. Alfa Romeo - 39.13%

31. Saab - 41.59%

32. Land Rover - 44.21%

33. Jeep - 46.36%

Source: http://www.auto-broker-magic.com/used-car-ratings.html

[harshansenadhir]

Here are the experiences of 450,000 people.

This is the results of a reliability/dependability study of 450,000 cars in the U.K. and the U.S. This study was done in 2007 so it's a little dated. But from what I've heard Land Rover reliability, although improved, continues to be near the bottom.

(The percent is the percent of vehicles with problems (per 100 vehicles)).

1. Mazda - 8.04%

2. Honda - 8.90%

3. Toyota - 15.78%

4. Mitsubishi - 17.04%

5. Kia - 17.39%

6. Subaru - 18.46%

7. Nissan - 18.86%

8. Lexus - 20.05%

9. Mini - 21.90%

10. Citroen - 25.98%

11. Daewoo - 26.30%

12. Hyundai - 26.36%

13. Peugeot - 26.59%

14. Ford - 26.76%

15. Suzuki - 27.20%

16. Porsche - 27.48%

17. Fiat - 28.49%

18. BMW - 28.64%

19. Vauxhall - 28.77%

20. Mercedes-Benz - 29.90%

21. Rover - 30.12%

22. Volvo - 31.28%

23. Volkswagen - 31.44%

24. Jaguar - 32.05%

25. Skoda - 32.12%

26. Chrysler - 34.90%

27. Audi - 36.74%

28. Seat - 36.87%

29. Renault - 36.87%

30. Alfa Romeo - 39.13%

31. Saab - 41.59%

32. Land Rover - 44.21%

33. Jeep - 46.36%

Source: http://www.auto-broker-magic.com/used-car-ratings.html

dude he's asking for some reliability factors in relation to sri lanka and i doubt how this uk based online review helps him and further this review is generally about the brand across all models.

it's a fact that even within the model range of a make/brand there are reliable and unreliable models, releases, so judging by the make is not the best way to go.

For an example the freelander he's asking about, there was a particular model which has bad reputation in terms of reliability, i'm not quite sure which one exactly so i'll leave that to some landy expert to comment, devinda, duty calls.

even if mazda is most reliable in this context, do you think the op would buy a tribute over a landy? It's an effed up reputation the tribute has in sl, the most reliable brand in uk huh.

P.S - i think op knows how to google.

[Californikan]

I would much rather go by a properly done study of thousands of vehicles or perhaps the experience of a Freelander mechanic than the subjective experiences of a few owners. There are a relatively small number of people in SL who drive Freelanders compared to other markets. Some will say they had good reliability, others will say they had terrible reliability. One person who had 5 problems with their Freelander might say they had good reliability. Another who had 3 problems might say they had bad reliability. What is bad reliability to one person is good reliability to another and vice versa. It's very subjective.

However, the OP is asking for peoples experiences so hopefully some people will be able to give him that.

[harshansenadhir]

I would much rather go by a properly done study of thousands of vehicles or perhaps the experience of a Freelander mechanic than the subjective experiences of a few owners. There are a relatively small number of people in SL who drive Freelanders compared to other markets. Some will say they had good reliability, others will say they had terrible reliability. One person who had 5 problems with their Freelander might say they had good reliability. Another who had 3 problems might say they had bad reliability. What is bad reliability to one person is good reliability to another and vice versa. It's very subjective.

However, the OP is asking for peoples experiences so hopefully some people will be able to give him that.

still i don't see any relevance of the survey you've posted here.

Same question, mazda is the highest reliable brand as per the list you shared, but in sl context mazda tribute and rx with vankel engine has reliability issues, may be something to do with local conditions, that's why again, a uk base survey sometimes means nothing for a person who's looking to buy in local context.

[nexus]

1. Mazda - 8.04%

2. Honda - 8.90%

3. Toyota - 15.78%

4. Mitsubishi - 17.04%

5. Kia - 17.39%

6. Subaru - 18.46%

7. Nissan - 18.86%

8. Lexus - 20.05%

9. Mini - 21.90%

10. Citroen - 25.98%

so mazda beat both toyota and honda impressive work.

[harshansenadhir]

There are other factors also to be looked at rather than the reliability. Found rather independent review on Automobile Association's website, perhaps more unbiased than of a results published by a car sales entity.

http://www.theaa.com/allaboutcars/cartestreports/index.jsp

specifically about freelander

http://www.theaa.com/allaboutcars/cartestreports/2004008.html

[Pericles]

I would much rather go by a properly done study of thousands of vehicles or perhaps the experience of a Freelander mechanic than the subjective experiences of a few owners. There are a relatively small number of people in SL who drive Freelanders compared to other markets. Some will say they had good reliability, others will say they had terrible reliability. One person who had 5 problems with their Freelander might say they had good reliability. Another who had 3 problems might say they had bad reliability. What is bad reliability to one person is good reliability to another and vice versa. It's very subjective.

However, the OP is asking for peoples experiences so hopefully some people will be able to give him that.

What you say has merits, but there are local flavor factors to consider. Garages, mechanics, parts availability. UK has stricter annual testing than our green tests, I'm sure. Quality of fuel and lube. See how high Mitsu is on that list? But here, with all the issues with the GDI system caused by low grade fuel?

[jdnet]

still i don't see any relevance of the survey you've posted here.

Same question, mazda is the highest reliable brand as per the list you shared, but in sl context mazda tribute and rx with vankel engine has reliability issues, may be something to do with local conditions, that's why again, a uk base survey sometimes means nothing for a person who's looking to buy in local context.

Well harshan, while I do agree that the tribute isn't best coice of mazda's I do not think the engine is the biggest issue. Most of the issues that do turn up on the tributes and 0other mazda-ford vehicles are basically the direct result of poor maintenance coupled with the substitution of parts due to the higher cost and unavailability of motorcraft and other OEM parts.

I can tell you of numerous things done to my tribute that gave me headache after headache putting things back to stock specs.

If you were looking at reliability ratings based on the sri lankan market and how well vehicles are kept, then mazda would be pretty far down on the list. If looking at a virgin tribute, it would be just as reliable as any other SUV in it's class.

Eitherway, californikans survey is just B.S. You cannot logically base relibility by the manufacturer. All models differ in reliability.

[kaushama]

You cannot logically base reliability by the manufacturer. All models differ in reliability.

Yes I read those reliability indexs before posting. Freelander one had lots of issues. We all know it. In UK, the country of origin, it is hated by many.

But freelander 2 seems to ironed out some of those issues. I read some user reviews, and people seems to be happy. I wanted Landy specialists opinion on this. It is not logical to pay 6.5 mil and have the car spending time in service even they offer 3 year comprehensive warranty.

[kaushama]

And it defeats the whole concept of being ultimate off road machine if it breaks while off roading often. Towing back????? By a lesser vehicle

[fuzzo]

true story

when we were on the hunt for a jeep, the older range rovers were on the list of possibles.

when i went to the service center on kirula road and spoke to someone. first thing he asked me was do you travel alot out of town (answer yes) then his answer was best have a spare vehicle for those trips.

just ask he finished the sentence, a flat bed rolled in with a RR and he said that was the best one in town.

went with a monty instead.

[jdnet]

And it defeats the whole concept of being ultimate off road machine if it breaks while off roading often. Towing back????? By a lesser vehicle

A statement such as that proves that you have never been off-roading and also that you should never try to. Just buy a mudalali model montero, find a muddy patch of land and spin your tires until they look like you have done some serious off-roading.

Seriously, the last thing on serious off-roading guys mind s reliability. Banging on metal with a hammer s seco nd nature for off-roaders.

What makes something an "ultimate off-roading machine" isn't it's reliability, it is the capability to overcome any and all obstacles and finish the course.

[kaushama]

What makes something an "ultimate off-roading machine" isn't it's reliability, it is the capability to overcome any and all obstacles and finish the course.

I do not want to go for a mudalali Monty I want some good driving pleasure with a euro car. Off roading is a bonus with the Land Rover offering. I do some light off-roading when time permits. National parks etc. For other expensive hobby (photography) But this is in some very distant parts of the country, so if it breaks down I do have a problem. If the vehicle is not reliable, it will not end the journey with obstacles, even if it is an ultimate offroad car.

Any way many thanks for the advice.

I want some real user experiances please!

Edited March 22, 2011 by kaushama

[Pericles]

Wait wait. Freelanders are more softroaders, right? I thought the early issues were to do with Rover engines or some such. Freelanders aren't the ultimate off road machines. Thats more Defender territory. Tho the old Range Rovers might be King of that hill.

Gotta clearly differentiate going on rough roads, and going where there are no roads at all

[jdnet]

Wait wait. Freelanders are more softroaders, right? I thought the early issues were to do with Rover engines or some such. Freelanders aren't the ultimate off road machines. Thats more Defender territory. Tho the old Range Rovers might be King of that hill.

Gotta clearly differentiate going on rough roads, and going where there are no roads at all

Yep freelander is definitely a softroader. I think OPs idea of off-roading is driving though Kottawa.

[AbeysinghE]

Here are the experiences of 450,000 people.

This is the results of a reliability/dependability study of 450,000 cars in the U.K. and the U.S. This study was done in 2007 so it's a little dated. But from what I've heard Land Rover reliability, although improved, continues to be near the bottom.

(The percent is the percent of vehicles with problems (per 100 vehicles)).

1. Mazda - 8.04%

2. Honda - 8.90%

3. Toyota - 15.78%

4. Mitsubishi - 17.04%

5. Kia - 17.39%

6. Subaru - 18.46%

7. Nissan - 18.86%

8. Lexus - 20.05%

9. Mini - 21.90%

10. Citroen - 25.98%

11. Daewoo - 26.30%

12. Hyundai - 26.36%

13. Peugeot - 26.59%

14. Ford - 26.76%

15. Suzuki - 27.20%

16. Porsche - 27.48%

17. Fiat - 28.49%

18. BMW - 28.64%

19. Vauxhall - 28.77%

20. Mercedes-Benz - 29.90%

21. Rover - 30.12%

22. Volvo - 31.28%

23. Volkswagen - 31.44%

24. Jaguar - 32.05%

25. Skoda - 32.12%

26. Chrysler - 34.90%

27. Audi - 36.74%

28. Seat - 36.87%

29. Renault - 36.87%

30. Alfa Romeo - 39.13%

31. Saab - 41.59%

32. Land Rover - 44.21%

33. Jeep - 46.36%

Source: http://www.auto-broker-magic.com/used-car-ratings.html

hmmmmm...interesting figures...

[Californikan]

I want some good driving pleasure with a euro car. If the vehicle is not reliable, it will not end the journey with obstacles, even if it is an ultimate offroad car.

I want some real user experiances please!

I feel your pain kaushama. I've been in the same predicament. In the past I've wanted to buy a Euro car, but regretfully decided not to and went for the Japanese car because of the superior reliability.

Whats the point of having a nice driving car if it lets you down all the time and creates major headaches. I'll bet if you're in some distant outstation and the Freelander breaks down and leaves you stranded, you'll want to push it off a cliff or set it on fire - no matter how much euro driving pleasure it gives.

This is a good compromise in the Freelander class: the Acura (Honda) RDX. It's been in production since 2006. It delivers sporty Euro-like driving pleasure and off road capability, and is very reliable. Unfortunately even though its a Honda I don't think it is available in right hand drive. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

Edited March 22, 2011 by Californikan

[rangerover]

I feel your pain kaushama. I've been in the same predicament. In the past I've wanted to buy a Euro car, but regretfully decided not to and went for the Japanese car because of the superior reliability.

Have u ever owned a euro?

[jdnet]

In the past I've wanted to buy a Euro car, but regretfully decided not to and went for the Japanese car because of the superior reliability.

Does it hurt being such a big idiot?

[Californikan]

Have u ever owned a euro?

Yes. An Audi and a BMW. Both had terrible reliability. Lots of little issues like the check engine going on, electrical problems etc, and some big issues such as one cylinder suddenly stopping working and stranding me with the Audi. Compare that to a Lexus I put 350,000kms on and never had one single problem. People I know personally who've had Euro cars have had similar experiences and far more reliability issues with their cars than people I know with Japanese cars.

These personal experiences reflect what every single reliability study and survey have found: even though the ranking of individual brands often differs depending on the study, what does not differ is the pattern of Asian automakers consistently ranking at the top and much better for reliability and dependability than European automakers.

Based on this, one car say with a lot of certainty that if you were to get that Freelander, the probability is very high that you would experience far far more reliability issues than the person who bought a Japanese vehicle. I guess the question is how willing and ready are you to put up with the headaches in order to drive a Freelander?

[The Stig]

Yes. An Audi and a BMW. Both had terrible reliability. Lots of little issues like the check engine going on, electrical problems etc, and some big issues such as one cylinder suddenly stopping working and stranding me with the Audi. Compare that to a Lexus I put 350,000kms on and never had one single problem. People I know personally who've had Euro cars have had similar experiences and far more reliability issues with their cars than people I know with Japanese cars.

These personal experiences reflect what every single reliability study and survey have found: even though the ranking of individual brands often differs depending on the study, what does not differ is the pattern of Asian automakers consistently ranking at the top and much better for reliability and dependability than European automakers.

Based on this, one car say with a lot of certainty that if you were to get that Freelander, the probability is very high that you would experience far far more reliability issues than the person who bought a Japanese vehicle. I guess the question is how willing and ready are you to put up with the headaches in order to drive a Freelander?

A new Bimmer and Audi had engine problems highly unlikely

BTW may i ask what were the 2 cars ?

A euro experiencing far far more reliability problems ? I would suggest you to wake up and actually take a look around a garage and maybe just maybe you might be able to notice all the brand new jap cars that are on "kota uda".

Also you cant use a Euro the same way you use a Jap car, they need special attention from time to time. its like having a hot girlfriend, the moment you stop giving them proper attention they will give you trouble.Treat her right and boy are in for a ride

[Californikan]

OK guys. This is ridiculous. Saying there is no difference in reliability between makes and models of cars is like saying there is no difference in crash safety between different makes and models of cars. In every single study and survey done (involving tens of millions of vehicles) there is a clear reliability difference between makes and models - sometimes small, sometimes big.

Looking around a garage or asking around to get a sense of reliability is a subjective biased survey that has no scientific validity.

Of course there are more Japanese cars getting repaired in the garages of Sri Lanka. Why? Because almost all the cars in Sri Lanka are Japanese!!

Here are some properly done, scientific reliability surveys involving millions of cars, not 5 or 10 at the local garage.

This is a 10 year reliability study of hundreds of thousands of 1998 model year cars.

This is a one year reliability study of hundreds of thousands of 2010 model year cars

Warranty Directs latest reliability study of 450,000 vehicles

JD Powers survey: the one that ALL the car manufacturers use

An example of a in depth study of reliability by Consumer Reports. Such in depth surveys are available for all cars.

Edited March 24, 2011 by Californikan

[Kavvz]

I feel your pain kaushama. I've been in the same predicament. In the past I've wanted to buy a Euro car, but regretfully decided not to and went for the Japanese car because of the superior reliability.

Whats the point of having a nice driving car if it lets you down all the time and creates major headaches. I'll bet if you're in some distant outstation and the Freelander breaks down and leaves you stranded, you'll want to push it off a cliff or set it on fire - no matter how much euro driving pleasure it gives.

This is a good compromise in the Freelander class: the Acura (Honda) RDX. It's been in production since 2006. It delivers sporty Euro-like driving pleasure and off road capability, and is very reliable. Unfortunately even though its a Honda I don't think it is available in right hand drive. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

The Acura RDX is certainly well sorted. If I had to chose between a sedan and a road going SUV at some point the RDX would be really high up on the list. What with its sporty little turbo and trick transmission (side to side as well as front to back power allocation), its very rev friendly and handles more like a well built sports car than a SUV. Probably because its designed off a car frame like the Toyota Venza.

The RDX I drove had a semi automatic transmission which was nice to have but proved to be almost redundant. It was faster to leave it in auto-shift mode other than when I wanted shift down quickly (to pass or lane change). The interior is well designed, the controls are intuitive, and it has a very luxurious feel to it.

Overall its a great SUV which makes for an amazing family car that's well suited to on-road driving plus the odd bit of snow or gravel. I wouldn't call it a off-roader. I drove it in the snow and despite it handling unplowed side streets and icy over-passes with minimal fuss and proving to be super entertaining; I'd balk at taking it off road. Its very much a road based SUV.

I'd consider the Toyota FJ Cruiser better suited as an off-roader in this market segment...

Edited March 24, 2011 by Kavvz

[kaushama]

Yep freelander is definitely a softroader. I think OPs idea of off-roading is driving though Kottawa.

Not really! It involves wild life and exploring some interesting places in here, where civilians could not go till late. But I could use a 4x4 or defender to go to these places. For that kind of off-roading it is ridiculous using a 15mil worth vehicle.

But going to some distant places in Sri Lanka equates to HARDCORE soft-roading any way. My issue with FR2 is, whether it would break down frequently in places far away from Frontier. Probably there are very few FL2 users to get some first hand experiances here.