Cheap Landrover

[mwy1964]

Looking for some advice on a Landrover..

Need a 4x4 for carrying the dog and self around for the start of the next shooting season (Planning early) and was considering an old series 3 or something similar.. My reasoning is this vehicle will only be used locally for the shoot and the occasional run out probably no more than 20miles from home at most.. I was thinking of the series 3, as if I got the right one (pre 73), it would be tax exempt and insured on a classic policy reducing my running costs... It will certainly be doing less than 3K miles per year.

Budget around £2K tops...

So based on this forums experience is this a good idea.. So a couple of questions as well-

While it will not be going off into the wilds it will have to go across fields and muddy farm tracks will this be a problem compared to a more modern Landrover..

Given the age will it be costly to keep running, therefore counter any planned cost of ownership based on classic insurance and tax exempt

What can I expect to pay for a servicable series 3 vs say an old Disco or Range Rover..

Would an old Disco or Range Rover be a better alternative or open to suggestions.. would love a Defender but just too expensive..

I used to be a real Landrover fan years ago but tempted by the dark side (Reliability) of the Japanese 4x4s over 10 years ago.. For the last two seasons I have been swagging the wifes Isuze Trooper but her needs (Towing Horsebox) will become greater than mine by the start of the season.

[ruaricoles]

An old series 3 sounds perfect for you, I think.... £2k should easily get you one with a galvanised chassis which will therefore last for decades. Otherwise probe around very carefully underneath looking for holes! Overdrive great if you're doing many miles, but 20 mile trips will be no bother at all. Also parabolic leaf springs which make the ride much more comfortable than the originals. 109"s even cheaper than 88"s. Vans cheaper too, although not so easy to see out of. I'm commuting 10 miles each way in our petrol 88 van at the moment and it's fine. 2.25 petrols are thirsty (~20 mpg?) but will keep up with traffic and much nicer to drive than the diesels. Not many tax exempt series 3's though (although they do exist of course). Parts are sooooo cheap if/when you need any. Try £20 for an exhaust system, service items are almost pennies. Plenty of off-road ability, especially if you put some decent tyres on it. And bags of character of course.

Early Disco's are getting very cheap, and of course are much "better" to drive on the road etc., but will never be as cheaply or easily fixed as a series Landy.

Hope that helps!

Ruari

[cpas]

mwy1964 said:

Looking for some advice on a Landrover..

Need a 4x4 for carrying the dog and self around for the start of the next shooting season (Planning early) and was considering an old series 3 or something similar.. My reasoning is this vehicle will only be used locally for the shoot and the occasional run out probably no more than 20miles from home at most.. I was thinking of the series 3, as if I got the right one (pre 73), it would be tax exempt and insured on a classic policy reducing my running costs... It will certainly be doing less than 3K miles per year.

Budget around £2K tops...

So based on this forums experience is this a good idea.. So a couple of questions as well-

While it will not be going off into the wilds it will have to go across fields and muddy farm tracks will this be a problem compared to a more modern Landrover..

Given the age will it be costly to keep running, therefore counter any planned cost of ownership based on classic insurance and tax exempt

What can I expect to pay for a servicable series 3 vs say an old Disco or Range Rover..

Would an old Disco or Range Rover be a better alternative or open to suggestions.. would love a Defender but just too expensive..

I used to be a real Landrover fan years ago but tempted by the dark side (Reliability) of the Japanese 4x4s over 10 years ago.. For the last two seasons I have been swagging the wifes Isuze Trooper but her needs (Towing Horsebox) will become greater than mine by the start of the season.

It just so happens that I'm just about to advertise my TAX EXEMPT 1972 Series 3 on Pistonheads! It was rebuilt nearly 5 years ago with a galvanised chassis and good bulkhead. It also has had a new alternator this year and a Weber Carb last year. I'm looking for about 2k for it. If you are interested please look at the Classifieds. I'm selling because I am looking for a 90 and the missus won't let me keep both!

[BLUETHUNDER]

mwy1964 said:

Looking for some advice on a Landrover..

Need a 4x4 for carrying the dog and self around for the start of the next shooting season (Planning early) and was considering an old series 3 or something similar.. My reasoning is this vehicle will only be used locally for the shoot and the occasional run out probably no more than 20miles from home at most.. I was thinking of the series 3, as if I got the right one (pre 73), it would be tax exempt and insured on a classic policy reducing my running costs... It will certainly be doing less than 3K miles per year.

Budget around £2K tops...

So based on this forums experience is this a good idea.. So a couple of questions as well-

While it will not be going off into the wilds it will have to go across fields and muddy farm tracks will this be a problem compared to a more modern Landrover..

Given the age will it be costly to keep running, therefore counter any planned cost of ownership based on classic insurance and tax exempt

What can I expect to pay for a servicable series 3 vs say an old Disco or Range Rover..

Would an old Disco or Range Rover be a better alternative or open to suggestions.. would love a Defender but just too expensive..

I used to be a real Landrover fan years ago but tempted by the dark side (Reliability) of the Japanese 4x4s over 10 years ago.. For the last two seasons I have been swagging the wifes Isuze Trooper but her needs (Towing Horsebox) will become greater than mine by the start of the season.

Or you can have mine for £1250.All on the button and new m.o.t


http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/409594.htm

[mwy1964]

BLUETHUNDER said:

mwy1964 said:

Looking for some advice on a Landrover..

Need a 4x4 for carrying the dog and self around for the start of the next shooting season (Planning early) and was considering an old series 3 or something similar.. My reasoning is this vehicle will only be used locally for the shoot and the occasional run out probably no more than 20miles from home at most.. I was thinking of the series 3, as if I got the right one (pre 73), it would be tax exempt and insured on a classic policy reducing my running costs... It will certainly be doing less than 3K miles per year.

Budget around £2K tops...

So based on this forums experience is this a good idea.. So a couple of questions as well-

While it will not be going off into the wilds it will have to go across fields and muddy farm tracks will this be a problem compared to a more modern Landrover..

Given the age will it be costly to keep running, therefore counter any planned cost of ownership based on classic insurance and tax exempt

What can I expect to pay for a servicable series 3 vs say an old Disco or Range Rover..

Would an old Disco or Range Rover be a better alternative or open to suggestions.. would love a Defender but just too expensive..

I used to be a real Landrover fan years ago but tempted by the dark side (Reliability) of the Japanese 4x4s over 10 years ago.. For the last two seasons I have been swagging the wifes Isuze Trooper but her needs (Towing Horsebox) will become greater than mine by the start of the season.

Or you can have mine for £1250.All on the button and new m.o.t


http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/409594.htm

Looks like a TDI conversion would also be very easy on this as well... I could be interested... Just waiting for commision, bonuses and final salary (Just resigned from current job) before I start looking seriously...

[cpas]

Mine's on the Classifieds now!!!

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/437483.htm

-remember - Galvanised Chassis - and overdrive!!!