Need advice on purchase of an old Landy

[gtr-gaz]

Hi, not sure if this is the right forum, you all seem to drive Range Rovers, Discos and Freelanders!

I,m looking into buying something like this http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1264053.htm

Although I did own a Disco 300 Tdi some years ago, I don't know much about these models.

Any thing I need to watch for?
Ta

[BLUETHUNDER]

Worth a punt. Like with any series vehicles, condition is paramount. Check inside the footwells,outer riggers and rear cross member. These can be replaced at not to much cost. The biggest problem would be rot in the bulkhead. The bulkhead is in two parts. Upper(vent panel) is easy to replace. The lower part is more costly and means stripping the whole front half of the vehicle in order to replace. If it is the case then i would walk away.

Ive found the 2 1/4 diesel to be a reliable engine and would go all day long. It wont set the world on fire. But they are reliable and offer adequate performance. Remember that parts for these are readily available,and their is an excellent after market parts service for them.

Edited by BLUETHUNDER on Sunday 27th September 17:30

[Mon Ami Mate]

My ex army series III 109 is my favourite toy. It's dog slow, handles appallingly, has very little braking power, the ride is dreadful, it has no power steering, no radio, no carpets, no creature comforts whatsoever and it uses lots of petrol. I absolutely love it.

[JimexPL]

Sounds like an honest owner. Also a fairly rare vehicle being relatively original and not too battered like most series III.
Prepare to be amazed at how slow the 2 1/4 diesel is though if you haven't driven anything like it before (I like the sticker in the back - I can go slower...!).
If you are considering using the car for longer trips budget to fit a tdi or V8 in there.

[mwy1964]

Pretty much agree with everything Bluethunder says.... Although the Bulkhead is a one piece item on a standard Series 3, two piece on the Lightweight... I am currently rebuilding a 1983 Series 3 and have replaced pretty much all the problem areas listed item include rear half chassis, footwells, fuel tank outrigger, A posts, and bulkhead top corner pieces... Rust is the killer on these vehicles and can not always be seen easily... Particularly the top of the rear chassis..

I have attached the following two piccies with the main rust areas circled... Another area to check is the front dumb irons (The front mounts for the front springs) and the front crossmember where the steering idler is located and just behind the dumb irons.

Hope this helps

Mark

[BLUETHUNDER]

Ive been using this for the last three weeks.......



Brought back loads of memorys from when i had one 20 years ago. Sold it on friday with the new owner picking it up on wednesday. Then its off to buy another....:

[gtr-gaz]

Thanks for all the tips and advice

I have been in contact with the seller. He said he wants about £2,800 for it. I find that a bit strange considering it's in the PH classifieds for £2.750

TBH, I thought £2,500 would have secured it. Still, I'm far from desperate at the moment. As long as I have something by next summer I'm not too bothered!