hello to everyone! just need some advice. I bought a freelander from a private dealer. I was so excited at first when i bought it, coz it looks nice. I didn't even bother to check the car for any faults. Anyway, he gave me 3 months warranty for major parts fault. But as I read from this forum about the problems in freelanders, I had my car inspected and found out a lot of problems. I had spent around 500 quids on repairs already, and still counting. I think my VCU is seized up, oil leaks in engine and transmission, and other faults. Now, I tried to call up the private dealer and he kept on promising that he will take a look at the car. The warranty he gave me is finishing soon, and I'm worried that he will not take action beyond the warranty period.
guys, really need your help. Are there anything that I can do? Can I file a complaint? To whom? Thanks alot!
Firstly, don't panic and do something you may regret.
Next, make a list of the problems with the car, and categorise them into major, minor etc.
Now take a sensibility check. Is there anything major thats going to cost you major money?
If so, you need to get these fixed under the limited warranty.
Anything smaller, and you may have problems with proving it's not wear & tear.
An oil leak, as long as it's not severe, isn't that much to worry about. I leave my oil leaks to coat the underside of my car as its a cheap underseal preventing rust
You specifically mentioned the VCU. Have you done the tippex test? if not, do it ASAP to get a definite diagnosis.
Please don't take this the wrong way, but it reads like you are looking for problems. No second hand (or new) car is going to be 100% perfect, and with second hand you will always have the problem of proving any problems are not wear & tear.
Taking a car to a garage and saying you think there are problems, is like giving them an open cheque book.
Can you be specific on the problems you are having and we can advise if they are Land Rover "features" or something to worry about?
Regarding someone to complain to - if you are in the UK, you could try the local Trading Standards office - but I suspect before you get anywhere, you will need an official inspection of your car == more ££££
Cheers
d.
