mechanical

I believe the freelanders suffered with headgaskets mainly.

Depends on model, 1.8 petrol- head gasket failure, TD4- nothing really engine wise. TD4 has timing chain so no need to worrty about timing belt failure. All models suffer with VCU failure (the round bit between the propshafts). No real sure fire way of testing, but chalk a mark either side of the VCU on the propshafts so the line is in line on each prop. Go for a drive, ideally involving plenty of turns. Check the chalk lines and they should now be out of line. If not VCU could be seized. All models feel as if the brakes are on when slow manouvering on full steering lock, especially in reverse. This is a characteristic of the 4wd system (the VCU is designed to lock up when the front and back wheels turn at different speeds, such as when spinning in mud).