Land Rover owners: Britain's biggest car nuts?
Discussion
I'm continually amazed by the passion and loyalty of Landie owners. Land Rover has a huge following nowadays and demand for their models both old and new is as strong as ever. You rarely hear a bad word about the cars, or their owners (except Katie Price). Old Land Rovers seem to have replaced MG as the classic car of choice, with big-selling monthly magazines in all good newsagents and frequent major events to visit.
Can anyone think of a more enthusiastic bunch of single-marque car fanatics?
Can anyone think of a more enthusiastic bunch of single-marque car fanatics?
Well I think they are nuts 
I know a bloke who had three Discoverys in a row, It started with an older 70k miler to a nearly new to a brand new one. All three were plagued with problems ranging from gearbox failure to an aircon system (on a brand new car) that wouldn't hold it's charge for longer than 6 months. The final straw was a recall on the fuel line that resulted in the car dumping a full tank of diesel on the A19, causing 5 cars to crash and years of insurance/legal issues until the dealer finally took responsibility. So he replaced it with a Volvo Estate. However that has now gone and he's back in a Discovery. I've not spoken to him recently so I don't know if there are any tales of woe from the new one but the dealer must love him. It doesn't matter how often they go wrong, this guys just keeps coming back for more
I know a bloke who had three Discoverys in a row, It started with an older 70k miler to a nearly new to a brand new one. All three were plagued with problems ranging from gearbox failure to an aircon system (on a brand new car) that wouldn't hold it's charge for longer than 6 months. The final straw was a recall on the fuel line that resulted in the car dumping a full tank of diesel on the A19, causing 5 cars to crash and years of insurance/legal issues until the dealer finally took responsibility. So he replaced it with a Volvo Estate. However that has now gone and he's back in a Discovery. I've not spoken to him recently so I don't know if there are any tales of woe from the new one but the dealer must love him. It doesn't matter how often they go wrong, this guys just keeps coming back for more
My Good Lady fancied a Series two or three short wheelbase a few years ago. We viewed one and as soon as I saw the congealed oil on the roadway where it was parked, and noticed the varying amount of rust visible on non-alloy parts, I realised it probably wasn't a goer. We test drove it and it was HORRIBLE! Noisy, harsh, cabin stinking of oil and exhaust fumes, seemingly not fitted with any suspension at all, and so bloody slow! When I looked in the engine compartment (very accessible by modern standards) and saw all the old familiar (unreliable) Lucas parts among the oil leaks I dragged my wife away despite her pleas to buy it for the king's ransom being asked. I have more to do in my life than spend hours fixing an essentially unrefined old banger. (not the wife, for the avoidance of doubt!).
LotusOmega375D said:
I'm continually amazed by the passion and loyalty of Landie owners. Land Rover has a huge following nowadays and demand for their models both old and new is as strong as ever. You rarely hear a bad word about the cars, or their owners (except Katie Price). Old Land Rovers seem to have replaced MG as the classic car of choice, with big-selling monthly magazines in all good newsagents and frequent major events to visit.
Can anyone think of a more enthusiastic bunch of single-marque car fanatics?
Really... you've rarely heard a bad word about their cars? They aren't exactly known for being all that reliable. Can anyone think of a more enthusiastic bunch of single-marque car fanatics?
I am a fan of the defender though, it's one of those cars that seems to cross all class boundaries.
edit: I find the "one life, live it" types to be pretty hilarious.
I'm on my 5th, they've all broken me, but I wouldn't have it any other way.
I wouldn't say I'm the typical Land Rover buyer, I bought my 1st at 18, and I'm now 23. I think I've finally found my keeper, but there will be many more to come.
Sure, they're a very expensive and frustrating habit, but the owners (by-and-large) are great, aftermarket support is second to none, and they've allowed me to travel places I really didn't think were possible.
I've also had one Jap 4x4, which despite being very competent, didn't have the character of any of my green ovals.
I wouldn't say I'm the typical Land Rover buyer, I bought my 1st at 18, and I'm now 23. I think I've finally found my keeper, but there will be many more to come.
Sure, they're a very expensive and frustrating habit, but the owners (by-and-large) are great, aftermarket support is second to none, and they've allowed me to travel places I really didn't think were possible.
I've also had one Jap 4x4, which despite being very competent, didn't have the character of any of my green ovals.
Edited by 0llie on Monday 6th October 21:08
motco said:
My Good Lady fancied a Series two or three short wheelbase a few years ago. We viewed one and as soon as I saw the congealed oil on the roadway where it was parked, and noticed the varying amount of rust visible on non-alloy parts, I realised it probably wasn't a goer. We test drove it and it was HORRIBLE! Noisy, harsh, cabin stinking of oil and exhaust fumes, seemingly not fitted with any suspension at all, and so bloody slow! When I looked in the engine compartment (very accessible by modern standards) and saw all the old familiar (unreliable) Lucas parts among the oil leaks I dragged my wife away despite her pleas to buy it for the king's ransom being asked. I have more to do in my life than spend hours fixing an essentially unrefined old banger. (not the wife, for the avoidance of doubt!).
Series Landy's aren't really cars though are they, they're more like tractors which are capable of some road use.Had mine for years though and love it
From sniff petrol: just about right in my experience...
‘One life. Live it’ sticker defines Land Rover ownerPosted in News by Sniff Petrol on Wednesday, October 1st, 2014
A sticker on a Land Rover, yesterday
The owner of a Land Rover bearing the slogan ‘One life. Live it’ is unquestionably following the maxim of his rear-window mounted sticker, according to reports from Hertfordshire today.
Friends and neighbours say since installing the fake stencilled mission statement on the back of his modified Defender, Jed Krettle really has taken his existence to the max.
‘Jed’s sticker makes you think,’ said neighbour Daphne Preest. ‘I mean, it’s true, we all have only one life to live and perhaps we should all follow Jed’s example by working as a casual, cash-in-hand assistant for a local builder and every year helping out at a real ale festival in Hemel Hempstead.’
‘We’re just so proud of Jed for taking the one life we gave him and living it to the full,’ said Krettle’s mother, Sieve. ‘Too many people just pass through the world, working, going on holiday, accepting their lot. But that’s not Jed. He’s embraced life, whether it’s spending the weekend fixing the gearbox on his Land Rover, driving up and down the road to St Albans with his Rottweiler in the back, drinking alone in a local pub wearing a camouflage jacket that makes people feel uneasy, or simply relaxing in his rented bedsit on the outskirts of Harpenden watching a Discovery Wings about Concorde, he’s following the words on that sticker at all costs.’
‘Oh dude, I’m just in awe of what Jed’s achieved,’ admitted fellow Land Rover owner Mirk Stabes. ‘You hear the expression ‘One life. Live it’ but you never expect to meet someone who actually does. I mean, the guy briefly worked as security at live events in Watford for God’s sake. And now he owns over 120 DVDs. He’s just off the hook, man. Literally. I think his pay-as-you-go is out of credit.’
‘One life. Live it’ sticker defines Land Rover ownerPosted in News by Sniff Petrol on Wednesday, October 1st, 2014
A sticker on a Land Rover, yesterday
The owner of a Land Rover bearing the slogan ‘One life. Live it’ is unquestionably following the maxim of his rear-window mounted sticker, according to reports from Hertfordshire today.
Friends and neighbours say since installing the fake stencilled mission statement on the back of his modified Defender, Jed Krettle really has taken his existence to the max.
‘Jed’s sticker makes you think,’ said neighbour Daphne Preest. ‘I mean, it’s true, we all have only one life to live and perhaps we should all follow Jed’s example by working as a casual, cash-in-hand assistant for a local builder and every year helping out at a real ale festival in Hemel Hempstead.’
‘We’re just so proud of Jed for taking the one life we gave him and living it to the full,’ said Krettle’s mother, Sieve. ‘Too many people just pass through the world, working, going on holiday, accepting their lot. But that’s not Jed. He’s embraced life, whether it’s spending the weekend fixing the gearbox on his Land Rover, driving up and down the road to St Albans with his Rottweiler in the back, drinking alone in a local pub wearing a camouflage jacket that makes people feel uneasy, or simply relaxing in his rented bedsit on the outskirts of Harpenden watching a Discovery Wings about Concorde, he’s following the words on that sticker at all costs.’
‘Oh dude, I’m just in awe of what Jed’s achieved,’ admitted fellow Land Rover owner Mirk Stabes. ‘You hear the expression ‘One life. Live it’ but you never expect to meet someone who actually does. I mean, the guy briefly worked as security at live events in Watford for God’s sake. And now he owns over 120 DVDs. He’s just off the hook, man. Literally. I think his pay-as-you-go is out of credit.’
motco said:
My Good Lady fancied a Series two or three short wheelbase a few years ago. We viewed one and as soon as I saw the congealed oil on the roadway where it was parked, and noticed the varying amount of rust visible on non-alloy parts, I realised it probably wasn't a goer. We test drove it and it was HORRIBLE! Noisy, harsh, cabin stinking of oil and exhaust fumes, seemingly not fitted with any suspension at all, and so bloody slow! When I looked in the engine compartment (very accessible by modern standards) and saw all the old familiar (unreliable) Lucas parts among the oil leaks I dragged my wife away despite her pleas to buy it for the king's ransom being asked. I have more to do in my life than spend hours fixing an essentially unrefined old banger. (not the wife, for the avoidance of doubt!).
I think it's safe to say that you didn't "get" it then! They're the perfect antidote to modern identikit vehicles, never look out of place, and are very depreciation resistant.
Seriously though, anyone thinking that an S2/3 will be fast/dry/refined/etc probably isn't suited to one. Good job you didn't test drive it on a cold morning (those little icicles inside the roof don't stay ice for long!) or with a seriously worn steering box (which would have made you wonder if the steering wheel was actually connected to anything!)
A late model is MUCH more civilised (and keep up with lane 3 traffic) but I always envy the chap locally who runs his S2/3 with the screen folded so may be keeping an eye out for a S1/2 rag top for next summer. Might struggle to run even a late one as an only vehicle as they're not always the most practical if you need to venture into towns or do very long runs.
Agree with the "One live. Live it" stickers though: certainly wouldn't have one on mine.
Cyberprog said:
It's like a disease, once you've had one, you'll never go back if you catch it. I'm a landie man through & through.
Had the hots for one once it was a 1949 80" sort of wish I still had it if only for the ridiculous value it would be now, since then I've had properly made 4x4s , if l could afford a classic off roader it would be a WW2 jeep a land rover is a very poor copy of a very clever and simple design Land Rover the most over rated 4x4 by far..
williamp said:
From sniff petrol: just about right in my experience...
‘One life. Live it’ sticker defines Land Rover ownerPosted in News by Sniff Petrol on Wednesday, October 1st, 2014
A sticker on a Land Rover, yesterday
The owner of a Land Rover bearing the slogan ‘One life. Live it’ is unquestionably following the maxim of his rear-window mounted sticker, according to reports from Hertfordshire today.
Friends and neighbours say since installing the fake stencilled mission statement on the back of his modified Defender, Jed Krettle really has taken his existence to the max.
‘Jed’s sticker makes you think,’ said neighbour Daphne Preest. ‘I mean, it’s true, we all have only one life to live and perhaps we should all follow Jed’s example by working as a casual, cash-in-hand assistant for a local builder and every year helping out at a real ale festival in Hemel Hempstead.’
‘We’re just so proud of Jed for taking the one life we gave him and living it to the full,’ said Krettle’s mother, Sieve. ‘Too many people just pass through the world, working, going on holiday, accepting their lot. But that’s not Jed. He’s embraced life, whether it’s spending the weekend fixing the gearbox on his Land Rover, driving up and down the road to St Albans with his Rottweiler in the back, drinking alone in a local pub wearing a camouflage jacket that makes people feel uneasy, or simply relaxing in his rented bedsit on the outskirts of Harpenden watching a Discovery Wings about Concorde, he’s following the words on that sticker at all costs.’
‘Oh dude, I’m just in awe of what Jed’s achieved,’ admitted fellow Land Rover owner Mirk Stabes. ‘You hear the expression ‘One life. Live it’ but you never expect to meet someone who actually does. I mean, the guy briefly worked as security at live events in Watford for God’s sake. And now he owns over 120 DVDs. He’s just off the hook, man. Literally. I think his pay-as-you-go is out of credit.’
‘One life. Live it’ sticker defines Land Rover ownerPosted in News by Sniff Petrol on Wednesday, October 1st, 2014
A sticker on a Land Rover, yesterday
The owner of a Land Rover bearing the slogan ‘One life. Live it’ is unquestionably following the maxim of his rear-window mounted sticker, according to reports from Hertfordshire today.
Friends and neighbours say since installing the fake stencilled mission statement on the back of his modified Defender, Jed Krettle really has taken his existence to the max.
‘Jed’s sticker makes you think,’ said neighbour Daphne Preest. ‘I mean, it’s true, we all have only one life to live and perhaps we should all follow Jed’s example by working as a casual, cash-in-hand assistant for a local builder and every year helping out at a real ale festival in Hemel Hempstead.’
‘We’re just so proud of Jed for taking the one life we gave him and living it to the full,’ said Krettle’s mother, Sieve. ‘Too many people just pass through the world, working, going on holiday, accepting their lot. But that’s not Jed. He’s embraced life, whether it’s spending the weekend fixing the gearbox on his Land Rover, driving up and down the road to St Albans with his Rottweiler in the back, drinking alone in a local pub wearing a camouflage jacket that makes people feel uneasy, or simply relaxing in his rented bedsit on the outskirts of Harpenden watching a Discovery Wings about Concorde, he’s following the words on that sticker at all costs.’
‘Oh dude, I’m just in awe of what Jed’s achieved,’ admitted fellow Land Rover owner Mirk Stabes. ‘You hear the expression ‘One life. Live it’ but you never expect to meet someone who actually does. I mean, the guy briefly worked as security at live events in Watford for God’s sake. And now he owns over 120 DVDs. He’s just off the hook, man. Literally. I think his pay-as-you-go is out of credit.’
Cyberprog said:
It's like a disease, once you've had one, you'll never go back if you catch it. I'm a landie man through & through.
This, first car was a Series III.After that I thought I'd be put off for life.
Onto my third Land Rover now.
Close friends have Porsche Cayennes, Touregs, Cross overs (kuga's and the like) and I used to work for BMW so have driven a fair amount of X5s (one into a wall) and as nice as they all are I'd take a Land Rover everytime.
Except for right now as my sunroof has a leak and the ABS warning light is coming on for some reason when driving
They are an adult Mecano kit for starters, dead easy to work on and fun to do so in a world where it is pretty much impossible to tinker with a car these days.
They have bugger all refinement in contrast to modern cars.
Noisy, stinky, uncomfortable, useless on the road. On paper they are just about the most terrible form of transport possible in the 21st century and yet no car collection is complete without one, most pistonheads smile at seeing them and they are a massive hoot to own.
The simple answer is that in a world where almost every car is an indentikit utility product that does and is the same as millions upon millions of bland, uninspirational, life sucking utility products designed by legislation as opposed to user needs the Landy is probably one of the most important cars available to buy new today. And soon that will be gone and what really are we left with that isn't built by a committee of bearded, butt plugged, marketing turds, engineering dullards and finance package specialists to a set of rules defined by barely elected perverts and embezzlers?
The Landy is everything that modern establishment politicos despise and want to kill and that may be a reason why it is still popular in a world where on paper everything put classes it but in reality, nothing does.
They have bugger all refinement in contrast to modern cars.
Noisy, stinky, uncomfortable, useless on the road. On paper they are just about the most terrible form of transport possible in the 21st century and yet no car collection is complete without one, most pistonheads smile at seeing them and they are a massive hoot to own.
The simple answer is that in a world where almost every car is an indentikit utility product that does and is the same as millions upon millions of bland, uninspirational, life sucking utility products designed by legislation as opposed to user needs the Landy is probably one of the most important cars available to buy new today. And soon that will be gone and what really are we left with that isn't built by a committee of bearded, butt plugged, marketing turds, engineering dullards and finance package specialists to a set of rules defined by barely elected perverts and embezzlers?
The Landy is everything that modern establishment politicos despise and want to kill and that may be a reason why it is still popular in a world where on paper everything put classes it but in reality, nothing does.
Edited by DonkeyApple on Tuesday 7th October 08:13
I live quite close to where they make the Twisted LR conversions. They obviously have a huge appeal to certain urban warriors - or something - but ownership of one is God's way of saying you have too much spare cash. I mean - why would you ? I have only driven one LR - some ancient LWB thing which was (un)comfortably the most terrible car I have ever driven - massively heavy steering, no brakes(or maybe I wasn't strong enough ), gearchange from an army truck and no discernible power whatsoever . This surprised me as the engine was deafening. Each to their own- often see the LR One life etc lads playing here when it snows - usually holding up the wife in her diesel Focus on winter tyres. She doesn't even have a winch on her car...
Owning a LR 4x4 project keeps the dream of a trans world overland trip of a lifetime, on permanent hold.
In reality you could buy a £500 Toyota Corolla & do the same overland trip starting tomorrow, you could be in West Africa in the same time it takes to fix the rear chassis legs on a 110 & be in South Africa in the time taken to remove, strip, rebuild & refit the gearbox on your Discovery.
In reality you could buy a £500 Toyota Corolla & do the same overland trip starting tomorrow, you could be in West Africa in the same time it takes to fix the rear chassis legs on a 110 & be in South Africa in the time taken to remove, strip, rebuild & refit the gearbox on your Discovery.
I had a Defender 90 300tdi since I was 17 and drove it full time until I was about 21. I've had it for 12 years now and my Dad uses it as his daily, whenever I drive it now I hate it! Crap clutch, noisy, slow, crap clutch, massive steering wheel (changed it to a momo but Dad hated it!), crap clutch, sub 25mpg, hate the engine. Unfortunately Dad hasn't looked after it and it's pretty much on it's last legs, I might get around to restoring it one day but it would be body off engine out etc... If I did it I think I'd have to convert it to V8 auto and then it would need LPG and in a 90 there's no where to put a tank!
It was also too valuable to abuse at the local pay and play sites, I've had much more fun offroading in a Pajero I had 6 months bought for £500 and abused the crap out of.
Despite that I also have a SIIA V8 pickup, SIII diesel and access to Dad's V8 auto Discovery and Classic Range Rover, I still find them really interesting despite all being really rubbish.
It was also too valuable to abuse at the local pay and play sites, I've had much more fun offroading in a Pajero I had 6 months bought for £500 and abused the crap out of.
Despite that I also have a SIIA V8 pickup, SIII diesel and access to Dad's V8 auto Discovery and Classic Range Rover, I still find them really interesting despite all being really rubbish.
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