I have a 1999 Freelander XDI 2.0l
Sometimes when I turn the ignition key (after wating for the amber coil light to go out) nothing happens, after up couple of trys it turns over.
Agree - was scrolling down to say it sounds like it's starter solenoid.
Is there a click the key is turned to the start position (you can usually hear the solenoid) before the nothing? Click would be indicative that solenoid is working - so personally I'd try percussive engineering on the starter before paying money (suspecting sticky brushes).
OK I have solved the problem
It turned out to be a switch behind the Ignition the one the the ignition loom goes into.
Its very simple thing to change just x2 screws.
Apparantly this is a very common problem on early freelanders which is why last year you could but one from Landrover for around £15 but now they are £55-£60!!!!