My question is this, does any one know of a different (preferably cheaper and more reliable) engine that I can put into my Freelander to avoid having this problem ever again?
You need to sell your vehicle, and buy something that fits into your current economic situation.
Trying to cheap out on your engine replacement is only going to make the vehicle worthless, and less reliable, in the long run.
For however much it is going to cost to replace the engine (OEM or different), you can buy a better car.
BC.