Car Giant was given the chance to sort out all the problems with the vehicle, however, as I drove the Freelander, new faults appeared, faults that should have been picked up by the " 114 safety check” - as printed in the entire advertised blurb given to customers, even on their website. Some of the faults I found were related to vehicle safety for example below standard Break Pads....poorly... Transmission oil leaks, bad seals, horrid clutch ! and so on.. the list goes on. The car had to the taken back to the dealer under the "Pseudo Warranty" which is never mentioned to prospective buyers and try to sell extended warranty at a premium....little people know beacuse under consumer law, we are all entitled to a three month free warranty when buying a second hand car from a dealer, specially if the dealer enjoys the company of two large finance partners - by law within three months if any faults develop, these have to be dealt with by the car dealer. If these faults are not fixed or repaired properly (time scales applies at all times) or new faults begin to show (must be documented as they appear - photographs, receipts, dates) then we as consumers are entitled (Sales of goods act 1979) to a refund or to have the offending vehicle exchanged taking into account age of vehicle , amount paid and what is expected of it and of course when purchased and how long owned, obvioulsy within the three months after purchase. Additionally, if the vehicle is partly owned by a finance company (my case 50% of it) then we as consumers ADITIONALLY have the right to reject the purchase back to the finance company, “Joint Liability “section 75 consumer credit act 1974.
That's what did it - I exercised my rights, I spent hours reading consumer law books and of course I have always kept an objective mind - no shouting or swearing to the dealer. I guess now there is little wrong with the vehicle apart from the prospect of a blown head gasket as the signs are there now!! Constant empty Expansion tank and water leaks..... I took no chances... Well, it was short lived, a good experience while I owned the Freelander - I guess I was falling in love with it ...is so easy to handle, easy to park, holds well on roads, feel very safe in the cabin (simple but practical) SHAME ABOUT THE POOR ENGINE AND the rest.... I guess I will wait and find another excuse to buy a 4 X 4 not jap.... that’s for sure...
when that happens, you are all invited to fantastic Paella <<<<<<<<<