First of all apologies for the length of this post; it's a bit of a long story so here goes...

I got my first LR about 6 weeks ago (a 2007 FL2 XS) from a local LR dealer. Before buying I test drove the car and noticed one issues with it, which was a repeating noise coming from the front which also came through the steering wheel and pedals as a vibration. On the whole, however, the car was in lovely shape and the price was good so I bought it on the provision that the noise/vibration was sorted out.

Come delivery day the car looked great, but my excitement turned to disappointment within half a mile of driving away as it became apparent that they had not fixed the noise/vibration which was loud enough even for the Mrs to comment on it. In addition to this, by the end of the day I identified the following additional problems:
1) the boot kept opening itself randomly
2) the old seat belt/B pillar trim rubbing issue
3) a loud and continual squeak coming from the rear wheel when driving at low speed (one brake disc gets v hot when other is cool so they think it might be a binding calliper)
4) torn piston seal on the above calliper
5) a broken air vent
6) the 36K/3 year service which they did before delivery was not complete as they had not changed the brake fluid

All in all then, none of this was the end of the world, but I was a bit disappointed that an Approved Used vehicle should be delivered with such faults. I went in the very next working day and sales were too busy to speak to me so I went to book it in with the Service Dept. They offered to do it and provide a loan vehicle in 3 weeks time.....Now,tell me if I'm being unreasonable but since they supplied me with a faulty car I just expected that their response might be a little more urgent. Anyway, after I said this they took the car back in at the end of that week and fixed........well, just the air vent and the brake fluid actually. Oh, and told me they needed to order a wheel bearing.

Unfortunately they couldn't fit me in to do the rest for another 3 weeks! Trying to be reasonable and accommodating I suggested they have the car back next week and I would forego a replacement vehicle as I had a week off. Following my comment that surely they should be doing the to-ing ad fro-ing they collected the car. End of the first day I call for news; "Yes, Sir. We'll be taking a look at your car tomorrow" OK.....so why collect it today then? End of second day I call for news; "Yes Sir, we've identified that we need to order a new wheel bearing" Hmm...thought we'd already decided that! End of third day I call again for news; "Yes Sir, we've today ordered the wheel bearing which should be with us in another day or so" Hmmm......so, four days for me without any car before they even get any parts?

After having the car all week they ask me to collect it. Hurrah! The noise is fixed! And they've fixed the boot. Shame about the rear calliper seal/squeak which I'm told I'll have to make another booking for 'cos they aren't really sure which bits they need to order! Oh, and it would be about 3 weeks before hey could lend me a car!

Bear with me, were nearly there...So the latest news (3 weeks later) is that callipers are on back order so they'll let me know when they can sort this. Unfortunately, the boot is not fixed as they thought, so every time I drive the car I have to shut the boot and sprint round to the front, leap into the drivers seat, slam the door and then try to press the lock button before the tailgate opens itself. If I'm lucky I'll only have to do this five times before I can drive off; twice I've spent about 15 minutes at it. The neighbours think I've lost it or got some weird OCD thing about checking the boot. Anyway, today I heard that the bits needed to fix this are on back order as well so they'll let me know when they can sort it.

That news, however, was the straw that broke this very patient camel's back. After failing the 'Boot Lid Sprint Challenge' for about 5 minutes I finally snapped and informed the dealership that their somewhat relaxed attitude to fixing this (i.e. their inability to find me a car at less than 3 weeks notice or fix more than one problem per visit or order parts without having the car for two days first!) was just not good enough. Since picking the car up I've had not even the slightest acknowledgement from the Sales Dept that they have any responsibility to help a dissatisfied customer. They're far too busy chasing the next deal, so it's me who's had to do the chasing. In short, I politely conveyed the message that my first 6 weeks of LR dealer service had beed s t and I'm not happy.

Now I've calmed down though, I ask myself the question : am I being unreasonable?

No 

This is preposterous, I would say write a letter to the Dealer Principle & Landrover Customer Relations Dept outlining the issues stated above-but they won't be bothered anyway, Today's attitude seems to be 'There's always the next customer just around the corner'.

In the good old days purchasing from or using the services of a big company was safer, more rewarding and customer focused than a small business now sadly the reverse seems to be the case.

Needless to say someone will mention Watchdog, Trading standards or Ester Rantzen, But unfortunately they are addressing the issues however slowly and unprofessionally and they will be deemed to of 'initiated a plan of action'. Don't spend another penny with them, Thats about all you can do.

Mike

no.......,name and shame them then if u were trading in a fl2 to them and it didnt have its brake fluid changed in accordance with lr service it would be the end of the world to them, hope things improve for you.  Current: Freelander 2 GS, Orkney Grey, Factory fit privacy glass, design pack and Clearview pack. Almond Leather ,rear spoiler,rear mudflaps.my13.

Gone:Freelander 2, GS, "61"

Gone: Freelander 2, GS.e, "59"

Gone: Freelander 2, S, "08"

The Bas*ards. Go straight for the jugular. Walk in to the Dealer Principal and ask him if he is the one that should be named in the writ. No more small talk. Take yourself to the local court and file for compensation. Up here it costs 37 pounds up to 1k compo, which you can add to the amount owed. Don't try to be reasonable with toe rags.

Agree with gilfishman and Carnoch - Shame them as publicly as possible and take em for every penny you can get

If STEALERS get away with that crap from some customers, it will contaminate the trade even more and everybody will suffer one way or another  2007 Freelander 2 HSE TD4 Manual with Premium Pack & Moonroof.
Stornoway Grey with Ebony Black Pleather, Clear Indicators, Body Side Mouldings etc.

Name the dealer! Stornaway grey SE auto with 18" alloys

Only you know what your comfortable with but don't let them dictate the way it's done.

Agree with gilfishman,Carnock & Andy C - name them, however warn them first.

I also agree with everyone else. I had a problem when I bought my car and did my usual of finally writing to the Dealer Principal and the CEO of the group who own them stating the facts, that I am unhappy (metion the level of service, expectations of product, service etc) and what are they going to do about it. If you still don't get any joy then involve Land Rover (customer services, CEO of Land Rover and if you can get his address Rajan Tata). I've had to use this method a few times before and it works. The last time was with a bank and the person resolving it was a bit jumpy as he had to report back directly to the CEO that I was happy!

If that were me I would go and see the CAB or similar and get something printed about goods being rejected as not fit for purpose and buyers rights etc, then take it in to the dealer and ask for my money back.

Tell them they can have the car back and you want your money back.

I am sure they will fluff around it but just refuse to leave until it's sorted.

Land Rover conditional vehicle exchange policy
A 30-day/1,000 mile (whichever is sooner) exchange policy for your used Land Rover.

Don't know how long you've had the FL2, or what mileage you've done in it but the above is taken directly from the LR website. ______________________
2011 Full Fat RR 4.4 TDV8
2012 FL2 SD4 Auto HSE
2013 Kawasaki Versys 650

I'm with Dave on this one - you can't spend that sort of money for an 'approved' vehicle and get so much crap from them!!

And no, you're certainly not being unreasonable. I think they're lucky you've been this patient. I'd have given it back on day one!!

You are not unreasonable at all. I'm trying to resolve a problem I've had with my Freelander 2 since the beginning, but to no avail. I'm also trying to get another vehicle (not a land rover) back from a dealership after 3 weeks of excuses as to why they have not got round to finding the fault. Vote of no confidence I'm afraid. I should add that the throttle on my Freelander 2 does not always respond which is a bit worrrying. The dealer's service manager said "It adaps to the way you drive it". I said "Are you having a laugh?"

Thanks for all of the supportive comments. The person I spoke to was the service manager as the dealer principal was not in. He said the top man would call me, but that has not happened yet. I will wait to see what their response it before deciding what to do next. As for naming and shaming, I don't want to stoop to their level so I am trying to remain as reasonable as possible and will give them one last chance. Lets just say they are my most local dealer, so it probably doesn't take a rocket scientist to work it out.
When you get this much hassle it is tempting to consider just giving the car back, but that wouldn't really be ideal for me. First of all, the car is very nice for it's age and is fundamentally very sound so I'd like to keep it, and secondly, good used vehicles in my price range are as rare as hens teeth at the moment. So for the above reasons my head is saying stick in there, even though so much hassle makes the heart feel differently sometimes.

Welcome to Land Rover ownership, great cars, s#*t after care!

I felt exactly the same 2 months after picking up a new FL2 in 2008. It took almost 12 months to get a problem fixed. My experience with 3 dealerships was appalling and the Customer Support Centre? I wouldnt even waste your time compiling an email or licking the stamp on a letter because quite honestly they are on the dealers side every time, should rename it Dealer Support Centre!

Some forum members will compliment the Customer Support Centre, but I know a lot that wont and surely such a centre should acheive 100% satisfaction?

Hope you get all the problems sorted soon - the FL2 is a great car (when its right)