One more question: The FL overheats, temporarily, then returns to normal. It's done it three times, but returns to normal seconds later. It also produces an odor as if it actually is overheating.
On mine, the thermostat coupler was leaking and I couldn't find the source, and it didn't seem to be loosing enough fluid that I thought that I had a problem. Took it off road, and the thing cracked and it fried the engine. The problem is that coupler is in the 'v' of the block, and to get to it, an intake manifold bank has to be removed. Once the engine overheated, a cylinder liner slipped and it can't be repaired because they are bonded in place through a special process. I'd suggest looking very seriously at the system (could even just be low on fluid, or maybe the thermostat value is getting 'sticky' in it's old age?).
I really enjoyed my Freelander, and had it in some pretty tough situations that most people never experience (ruts, mud, sand etc). I even out climbed a D90 on an icy climb in a winter run once (although, I have to admit, he forgot to lock his center diff which he didn't figure out for about another hour after being pulled up to the top). Never had any problems w/ the tran until my wife came home from the grocery store where a pinion seal failed leaking fluid over the floor of the garage (but it was still under warranty).
Did end up selling it however w/ 107K on it, new engine and new drive shafts (think that the 275/r16 tires on put a lot of extra stress on the shafts in the front). Loved every minute of tho'...