I've had my '55' plate Freelander 'Adventurer', 3 door for over 3 years now. It had about 56,000 on the clock back then and now has 87,000, (so approx. 10k per annum).
I replaced the fuel tank cradle, just after purchase as it needed doing and gave the new one several coats of Hammerite before fitting. I get the oil and filter replaced roughly every 5,000 miles. It has been one of my most reliable cars that I've purchased in 46 years of motoring.
I've enhanced it with a few improvements, Polybushes fitted throughout and renewed the old turbo hoses. I'm not sure either job was imperative, that said, I don't have to think about them in the future. Also replaced all five old, but still legal tyres with A/T's, that made a difference (and the pressures are checked weekly), really reduced road noise. It's regularly washed and polished and given some interior T.L.C. (not as often as I should). New battery fitted just prior to last winter as the existing one had been on for 11 years and was beginning to struggle on a frosty morning. I also applied glycerine to all the door/window seals just before a non-existent winter set in.
My point being, take due care of any vehicle within your abilities, ask other's for advice and find a good local 4x4 garage for the jobs that need the specialist. Most importantly, before you buy, ask anyone on here in the Freelander forum that might live in your area to come and have a look at any vehicle that you think fits the bill.