Sunroof problems ???

Hi again folks....As you may be aware, I am contemplating buying a 2.5, ES, Freelander around 2001 -2003 vintage.
I am in no particular rush to jump in feet first and having owned a P38 for many years I am aware of the reliability problems that Land Rover models seem prone to suffer from if you are unfortunate to buy a tempremental one which was built on a bad hair day !!
Looking through the ads., there seems to be a few "Sunroof not working" faults and from my limited electrical experience I would have thought that the problem is down to more than replacing a dodgy switch, relay or blown fuse otherwise any normal owner would have carried out the low cost repairs before putting the car up for sale.
Excluding the above easy fixes, is there a more sinister and expensive problem that the sunroofs are prone to.

sunroofs are prone to failing cables "the wire ones" also a few other problem like pieces breaking and then the sunroof sticks in the up position. i would rather go for a td4 against the v6 as they are prone to head gasket fails,just to mention my wifes freelander 1800 has had the sunroof fail i did have it out but put it back and left it the car is just not worth it unless I get a cheap replacement

Yes one side of the weak plastic cable bracket is broke on mine , It's been shut & fuse removed for about 8 years But is a very common thing to go ?
There is now rebuild kits on ebay but don't know how easy they are to do ?
The metal frames also rot , I removed mine rubbed down and re-painted with black metal paint !

Thanks for the replies guys.
After first hand experience over the years with porous blocks/slipped liners on a V8 Classic 3.9 and a 4.6 resulting in engine replacement, I still am a sucker for the petrol's !! Must be said though that not every petrol Landy suffers from the problem and many owners have done well over 200000 miles without overheating related problems. One further thing is that I prefer automatic transmission and don't look forward to clutch replacement on a manual at my time of life !!
I notice that sunroof issues appear to crop up more here in the Freelander section than the Rangie yet the sunroof fitment percentage is lower on the Freelander. I will have a look on RAVE to see what's involved.

I recently bought a sunroof repair kit on ebay before i knew what was wrong with my one, there were 2 to choose from and I went for the more expensive one (about£45)with more bits in, When I took my sunroof off I found there were even more bits broken than I got with kit including some metal bits (all parts in kit are plastic),
I didnt repair it, just got it to shut properly then I sealed it up with vaseline,
I will try to get bits from breakers yard in the summer and give it another go then.
When I had it in bits it did look a bit complicated, but not impossible,

Might be worth paying a bit more and getting one with a working sunroof if you can find one.

Just get one with a sunroof that works and keep it well lubricated.
I would be more worried about the expensive bits like the running gear dont rattle and vibrate, check that the rear prop is even on the vehicle. A good set of tyres all the same type/make, check the windows all work and the tailgate especially. Check the central locking (actuators prone to fail) and wiper motor (some have tried to push windscreen snow and fecked up the intermittant). Check clutch pedal operation is ok for you ..some can be heavy..lots of posts about that on here. Try and get one with FSH and get it up to temp on a test run before buying...oh and try the Air Con if your fussed ..then you should ave a gud un :beer2:

Thanks for the really useful replies guys...appreciated :tea:
I have been looking on the AT & Egay to get a feel for what's about and prices. From what I've seen so far (On paper), there are a few 2001-2002 "ES" about with between 40K to 80K on the clock for around £2-3K which would suit my budget. I have a 2006 Mitsubishi Colt to trade in or sell which seem to be fetching around £2500 but knowing the traders, they want a wad of cash on top and the chances of a straight swap are virtually nil.
As I have said, I'm in no rush and will wait until one or more jump out at me.

I have a 2003 2.5v6 ES Premium and only have two niggly faults with it.....the mentioned sunroof gears. .....why there isn't someone with a lathe making metal parts and making themselves a good wedge I don't know lol.....and the Hardon Karmen navigation stereo blew up and replacements are a tad on the dear side.

Apart from that, she drives like a dream and has never let me down. Granted there may be some ****e ones about but I think if you can get one that's been looked after then you shouldn't have too many problems other than general wear n tare.

Going back to the sun roof - If it is working it will pack up a some time, so think along the lines "if I get one and repair the sun roof, it's good for a few years"

You can get TD4 in auto ES and auto Premium ES (top model) ( I have one ) It has aircon so I leave the roof shut the Premium ES has lecky all windows, front and rear screens, seat heat , foldy hot mirrors , cruise, so plenty of other things to play with

I have a 2006 hse auto diesel and also have air con but I would rather have the sun roof open with the back window open and then all the fresh air is going through air con is really bad for you

teddywood1 said:

I have a 2006 hse auto diesel and also have air con but I would rather have the sun roof open with the back window open and then all the fresh air is going through air con is really bad for you

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I dont know how you work that out , I never noticed lots of unhealthy people in Australia

Jaysus....I started this topic before I had grey hair and didn't need Viagara lol