Expert answer

Hi Jon,

Well, it depends which model you mean, but I’m assuming it’s a 1.4 VVTi petrol with a manual gearbox. If so, the original official fuel economy was 42.2mpg, or 6.7 litres per 100km. Depending on how well the car has been looked after in the 14 years since then, it’ll probably do around 35mpg in daily driving.

Expert answer

Hi Kevin,

The D3 model has 136hp and the D4 has 163hp ao we're not sure which you're interested in, but here's all the data in any case:

- S60 D3 136hp manual: 65.7mpg (4.3 litres/100km)

- S60 D3 136hp Geartronic auto: 58.7mpg (4.8 litres/100km)

- S60 D4 163hp manual: 65.7mpg (4.3 litres/100km) [yes, the same!]

- S60 D4 163hp Geartronic auto: 58.9mpg (4.8 litres/100km)

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Nabeel,

No, the S40 gearboxes were all pretty solid, both manual and automatic. If an S40 is going to develop problems, it’s usually with the turbo on the 1.6 diesel engine, or with the central locking or ignition system. There is a bit of a disadvantage in terms of fuel economy with buying an auto S40, but it’s not a huge gap, depending on how you drive.

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Hi Adrian,

There is no mention of glow plugs or indeed engine starting in the official NCT testing manual so you should be ok, though we'd still recommend getting your car sorted beforehand.

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Hi Gerry,

I'm afraid we've not driven the X3 sDrive. For those not in the know, that's the rear-wheel drive version of the BMW. It's offered in Ireland in '18d' format only, which means a 143hp 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine. It comes in manual and automatic guises and in SE or M Sport trim levels with on-the-road prices starting from €43,690.

Non-quattro Audi Q5s are powered by a 143hp 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine as well. While there are more trim levels offered (base, SE and S Line) this car can not be specified with an automatic transmission. On-the-road prices start from €41,760.

For the record, with a manual gearbox, both cars are in Band B2 for tax purposes though the X3 uses marginally less fuel on the combined consumption cycle (5.1- vs. 5.4 litres/100km) and it's a second quicker accelerating to 100km/h at 9.9 seconds.

Hope that helps in some way

Expert answer

Hi Killian,

Bad news I'm afraid: this first generation Freelander was plagued with reliability problems. Saying that, Land Rover sorted most of the major issues by 2002. The 1.8-litre petrol engine is best avoided as it's susceptible to blown head gaskets, though the diesel alternatives are more durable. Otherwise, the issues come from the electrics (the windows in particular), the rear differential and the manual gearbox.

If you're still determined, take a close look at all those items and listen out for any unexpected grumbles through the transmission.

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Dermot,

Expert answer

Hi Brendan,

We didn't find it lacking. The saloon offered here has just 115hp in manual guise, but it has 260Nm of torque from as low as 1,250rpm so it doesn't feel particularly slow. The automatic model produces 136hp.

Best thing to do is go get a test drive to make up your own mind.

Let us know how you get on

Expert answer

Hi Alan,

There are widespread problems with the MMT semi-automatic gearbox and it's sometimes expensive to fix so we'd advise buyers to stay away from cars with that transmission. Somewhat surprisingly we've heard of isolated problems with the manual gearbox too, though they're few and far between.

Hope that's of help.

Expert answer

Hi William,

I'm afraid that engine is getting on now so it's not as economical as the latest generation of low capacity, turbocharged units. Our data shows the official combined consumption at 5.8 litres/100km (48.7mpg) so you're doing quite well really.

Usual tips to help improve further apply:

- remove unwanted junk from the boot

- check your tyre pressures and wheel alignment

- make sure the air filter is clean

- ensure it's well serviced

- don't use air conditioning or rear window demister unless needed

Hope that all helps in some way