I have a Saab 9-3 Convertible which is nearly 8 years old. If the wipers are left on auto and you switch off, you have just to reset to auto next time you need them. It will also re-set the clock using the RDS signal.
...nearly 8 years old, I do wish my Freelander had 8-year old technology.
When I mentioned that frost on the screen and the blades frozen on is not good if the wipers come on to a LR Technician he told me they had cases of the drive shearing. Also iced up mirrors make an awful racket when you unlock so you wonder what expense lies in wait with them. I didn't get where I am today by being sensible!

Yep, I switch my wipers to 'off' auto during freezing conditions to prevent damage to the mech  Another member of the failed FL2 clutch/DMF club, twice.

WIPERS ON START UP IS CAUSED BY POOR EARTH !!!!!!!!!!!

I had this issue for 2 years, dealer claimed they had never heard of it & when my wiper mechanism bent due to the wipers frozen to the screen they wouldn't replace motor or rack under warranty ! & LR customer services said act of god !

Once I fitted the extra earth cable from the battery neg post to the engine block the wipers have never gone off on start up & I believe they are triggered due to the sudden voltage drop at cranking !
Further electrical gremlins also turned out to be a corroded earth cable from battery to body ! totally rotten inside at just 14000 miles ! caused 4 replacement dash boards !

To test for bad earth put a voltmeter on the earth terminal of the battery and the other end to a bolt on the engine block. get someone to start the car when its cold. The reading must be no more then 0.03 volt. If its more and like mine 3.2 volts the earth is really poor ! A scope captures it better but an analog volt meter is ok.