FREELANDER HOLDS WATER

QI have recently bought a Freelander 1.8 petrol model. It runs great, with none of the infamous overheating problems. I’ve been finding my way around this car and one good surprise was to find a hidden cubby box in the floor of the boot, but when I opened it, it was full of water. I syphoned the water out and my hubby has drilled a small hole in the bottom, assuming it had leaked in from somewhere, but we can’t find any sign of a leak coming in. Any ideas? Jill Webster

AThis is a common problem on early Freelander 1. The leak usually enters past the rubber seal around the tail door frame on the body shell. You’ll need to remove some hard trim, pull off the old seal and fit a new one. When you fit the new seal, apply some sealant in the groove that locates over the flange lip on the body aperture. Ed Evans

Freelander 1’s locker in the rear load space floor is is ideal for carrying a toolkit, assuming it stays dry.

The plastic stud and clip which holds the seal at mid height break easily, so be prepared to buy new.

Lower threshold trim is lifted off after releasing the Torx screws. Prise away upper black plastic sections.