2007 Land Rover Freelander 2.2L Diesel · LE07 FPG

A pattern of suspension and undercarriage wear emerges as the defining mechanical theme across this Freelander's MOT record, with the most recent pass on 2026-06-29 adding fresh evidence to a recurring narrative of component fatigue. The 2024-03-04 test stands out as the only failure, driven by dangerously dangerous tread depth below 1.6mm on both front tyres, but the surrounding advisories reveal deeper concerns. Offside front lower suspension arm pin or bush wear was flagged in February 2023 and again in March 2024, showing that the rear bush on that arm has been deteriorating for at least three years without yet exceeding failure limits. The 2026 advisory of light oil misting on the nearside rear shock absorber is the first sign of damper seal degradation, and combined with the constant velocity boot deterioration noted on the offside front drive shaft in 2025, it suggests the secondary sealing and joint components are beginning to reach the end of their service life. Direction indicator discolouration on both rear units was noted on two consecutive tests in early 2024 but did not reappear in 2025 or 2026, indicating either replacement or simply that the discolouration stabilised within tolerance. Mileage of 167,774 on a 19-year-old vehicle equates to an annual average of roughly 8,830 miles, which is broadly typical for the platform and consistent with regular but modest use. There are no extended gaps in the MOT testing record that would suggest the vehicle was laid up for prolonged periods, and the steady accumulation of advisories on wearing components rather than deterioration from standing supports the conclusion that this Freelander has remained in active service throughout. For an SUV of this age and mileage, the recorded usage means consumables such as bushes, dampers, ball joints and CV boots will have accumulated considerable stress cycles, and the advisory pattern increasingly reflects that wear rather than any unusual abuse. For a prospective buyer, the priority on inspection is the front suspension, particularly the offside lower arm rear bush that has been flagged twice. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front end over speed humps, uneven road surfaces, and during sharp direction changes, and feel for vagueness or wandering in the steering that would indicate the bush has now exceeded permissible movement. The vehicle should be raised on a ramp if possible to check the play in the front lower arms by hand and to inspect the subframe mounting points for corrosion, as Freelander subframes are known to suffer from rust around the mounting bushes. Check the nearside rear shock absorber for any heavier oil leakage that would now constitute a failure, and bounce each corner of the vehicle to confirm dampers hold the car up promptly without secondary oscillation. The offside front drive shaft CV boot flagged as severely deteriorated in 2025 warrants close attention, as a split boot will have allowed grease to escape and contamination to enter, potentially accelerating joint wear. On the road, listen for a rhythmic clicking or knocking from the front when turning at low speed, which would indicate a worn CV joint. Inspect the boots visually for fresh splits or recently applied grease, and check the surrounding area for flung grease deposits. The 2024 dangerous tyre failure should serve as a reminder to inspect the current set closely for even wear across the tread and to verify the age of the tyres, as an older vehicle can sometimes be fitted with budget rubber of dubious quality. Finally, verify the operation of all registration plate lamps and the brightness and colour of the rear direction indicators, as these minor electrical items have appeared more than once and could indicate broader wiring concerns typical of a vehicle approaching two decades of service.