Advice on LR Christmas Present for the wife
Discussion
My other half has always wanted a 'proper' Land Rover - her daily driver is a TDi ES Disco - which she has had for 10 years from new and it's well trashed.
Next year I plan to replace it with a new car, but know that my suggested sensible choices will be rejected unless she has access to a LR product.
So, as a surprise christmas pressie I'm thinking about getting an old LR for her to pull her horse trailer with, throw muddy dogs into, carry bales of hay etc. As this will be a local journey only vehicle and I'm not wanting to spend too much, but still want it to start and stop when required - what would you suggest in the way of -
- budget (I was thinking £2 to £3K?)
- model to go for Series 1 / 11 or what? (I think she quite likes ones which are pick-ups - if that's the right term!
- petrol/diesel - I assume Diesel is better for towing
- where to buy
- any thing else I should ask?
Thanks
Igg
Next year I plan to replace it with a new car, but know that my suggested sensible choices will be rejected unless she has access to a LR product.
So, as a surprise christmas pressie I'm thinking about getting an old LR for her to pull her horse trailer with, throw muddy dogs into, carry bales of hay etc. As this will be a local journey only vehicle and I'm not wanting to spend too much, but still want it to start and stop when required - what would you suggest in the way of -
- budget (I was thinking £2 to £3K?)
- model to go for Series 1 / 11 or what? (I think she quite likes ones which are pick-ups - if that's the right term!
- petrol/diesel - I assume Diesel is better for towing
- where to buy
- any thing else I should ask?
Thanks
Igg
A Series 1 is the lower looking more basic dress-for out-door-activity type fore runner,but they are really draughty and basic not really such a good come down after a relatively warm Disco.
We has a S111, in short wheel base, which, engine aside was'ent to bad in comparison, but i would go for a conversion to a more slick japanese engine, which will meet the gearbox etc with a conversion plate, for reliable smoke free starting, and idling at gates etc.
But unless you or a payee, are about to grovel about underneath for bits that become loose etc stick with a rangie or another disco, no really...
PS for towing a box with perhaps a 1/2 ton horse on board its got to be a diesel a petrol will not last
We has a S111, in short wheel base, which, engine aside was'ent to bad in comparison, but i would go for a conversion to a more slick japanese engine, which will meet the gearbox etc with a conversion plate, for reliable smoke free starting, and idling at gates etc.
But unless you or a payee, are about to grovel about underneath for bits that become loose etc stick with a rangie or another disco, no really...
PS for towing a box with perhaps a 1/2 ton horse on board its got to be a diesel a petrol will not last
A Series Landrover looks best for that budget.
Series I may be even more impractical than II/IIa/III and slightly more expensive to buy. Spare part situation for S1 isn't as good as for the later ones (rare & and more expensive).
I'd focus on Series IIa (1962...1972) and Series III (1972...1983). The major differences between these are the dashboard and the headlight arrangement up to 1968/70. Some minor technical changes over the time too, but none that are really important IMHO
, other than the older are tax exempt, and Series III have a heater that makes even warm than just noise 
.
For offers on used Landies, I'd buy a copy of one of the Landrover magazines; LRO is the one I remember as most popular; there are always buying and price guides in them.
Two wheelbases are available: 88" and 109", where the SWB is easier to steer, and the LWB is more comfortable on B-roads.
Several body styles: HT commercial, Station Wagon (HT+more than 2/3 seats), soft top, and truck cab (pick-up); where Station Wagons are the most expensive (esp. 109" IIa SW). A hardtop with sliding windows in the back gives the best visibility to the back.
It's better to get a low-spec example in good maintained condition, than one with high spec that'll need repairs in future, since an unreliable Landy would impair the pleasure of driving and owning
Series I may be even more impractical than II/IIa/III and slightly more expensive to buy. Spare part situation for S1 isn't as good as for the later ones (rare & and more expensive).
I'd focus on Series IIa (1962...1972) and Series III (1972...1983). The major differences between these are the dashboard and the headlight arrangement up to 1968/70. Some minor technical changes over the time too, but none that are really important IMHO
, other than the older are tax exempt, and Series III have a heater that makes even warm than just noise . For offers on used Landies, I'd buy a copy of one of the Landrover magazines; LRO is the one I remember as most popular; there are always buying and price guides in them.
Two wheelbases are available: 88" and 109", where the SWB is easier to steer, and the LWB is more comfortable on B-roads.
Several body styles: HT commercial, Station Wagon (HT+more than 2/3 seats), soft top, and truck cab (pick-up); where Station Wagons are the most expensive (esp. 109" IIa SW). A hardtop with sliding windows in the back gives the best visibility to the back.
It's better to get a low-spec example in good maintained condition, than one with high spec that'll need repairs in future, since an unreliable Landy would impair the pleasure of driving and owning
an unreliable Landy would impair the pleasure of driving and owning
Is there any other type that has somehow passed us? by i wonder, even the s3 we had came back from Lille behind my Daihatsu on a rope.
Try as i might even with the overfinch gearing it was a brisk run at best i do'nt miss the Landy experience and there are a few, preffering instead, the rust prone, but dependable japs especially where moving animals are concerned,
after all imagine an un-coverable breakdown at roadside
oucchh..
Is there any other type that has somehow passed us? by i wonder, even the s3 we had came back from Lille behind my Daihatsu on a rope.
Try as i might even with the overfinch gearing it was a brisk run at best i do'nt miss the Landy experience and there are a few, preffering instead, the rust prone, but dependable japs especially where moving animals are concerned,
after all imagine an un-coverable breakdown at roadside
oucchh..
I've had my thirty-one year old series III for a year or so now and it's never let me down. I've carted things about it in it, frequently driven it to work (30 mile round trip) and towed some fairly enormous boats with it and it's been great. It cost me £900, costs £100 to insure fully comp with breakdown cover for 5000 miles/year and it's tax exempt. So I'd say go for it!
Edited to say mine's a SWB petrol, apparently the diesel is not the best engine to go for - it was developed from a stationary engine and is very slow (not that the petrol is often described as fast!) and is supposed to be a bit of a job to maintain.
>> Edited by Rotaree on Monday 10th November 14:27
Edited to say mine's a SWB petrol, apparently the diesel is not the best engine to go for - it was developed from a stationary engine and is very slow (not that the petrol is often described as fast!) and is supposed to be a bit of a job to maintain.
>> Edited by Rotaree on Monday 10th November 14:27
rich 36 said:Not me, but I hoped someone else on here could report good experiences
an unreliable Landy would impair the pleasure of driving and owning
Is there any other type that has somehow passed us?
A good example should have a sound chassis, and brakes, steering, drivetrain in good order.
Sorting smaller issues will be simple, cheap, and not very time consuming. I remember buying one with low budget, when I was 17: there was no component other than the rear axle, that hadn't had to be looked after.
re engine: mine has a Diesel, and I've never driven one with a 4cyl. petrol engine, so I can't comment on the choice.
My car makes about 28mpg in combination with an overdrive, electric fan, free wheel hubs and regular servicing, which is more expensive than for a petrol engine.
Diesels however are the better economic choice in Germany, since diesel fuel is 20% cheaper than 4 star.
Its the gap between wanting one, quite seriously, and the actual dissapointment of owning one, this has happened to me, where despite various overhaul
and bolt- on's the actuall experience of getting in and going somewhere without breaking out the spanners etc, is a novelty to keep under one's breath, in fear of angering the landy gods, who will make something else obviously serious but dented, fall off on the road behind you, to identify at leisure afterward.
I was so despondent of the type, i was about to leave the bloody thing in France, but for the good it might do the french, as a result, it got towed home instead
and bolt- on's the actuall experience of getting in and going somewhere without breaking out the spanners etc, is a novelty to keep under one's breath, in fear of angering the landy gods, who will make something else obviously serious but dented, fall off on the road behind you, to identify at leisure afterward.
I was so despondent of the type, i was about to leave the bloody thing in France, but for the good it might do the french, as a result, it got towed home instead
igg said:Don't listen to Rich - and blame him, when there is work to be done on the Landy
Thanks for the advice -
and, is there a web site for all things Landie?
www.seriesrover.com/ is a good international site
Rich - i wasn't ignoring you or your advice - if it were a car for me it would be different, but my wifes wishes are my command and all that
- she's been happy enough with her Disco even tho' it's cost an arm and a leg to keep on the road, with 'average' service bills falling between £500 and £700 a time! - although she'd happily have another Disco, I'm inclined to get something a bit more comfortable for the long family journeys, so we don't have to go everywhere in my Lexus, and then I can get a proper car for me!
- she's been happy enough with her Disco even tho' it's cost an arm and a leg to keep on the road, with 'average' service bills falling between £500 and £700 a time! - although she'd happily have another Disco, I'm inclined to get something a bit more comfortable for the long family journeys, so we don't have to go everywhere in my Lexus, and then I can get a proper car for me!
15:18
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igg said:Thanks for the advice -
and, is there a web site for all things Landie?
Don't listen to Rich - and blame him, when there is work to be done on the Landy SEE you at Peterborough then sifting for bits, or Sodbury sort out
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igg said:Thanks for the advice -
and, is there a web site for all things Landie?
Don't listen to Rich - and blame him, when there is work to be done on the Landy SEE you at Peterborough then sifting for bits, or Sodbury sort out
Go for a 2 and a quarter petrol 88 series 2a If you have 3k to spend you should be able to lay your hands on the very best fully restored on new galv chassis for that sort of cash.
Now I have my defender I would love the same thing, trouble is my wife hates them.
have a look in the LRO, LR enthusiast mags, always plenty for sale
Neil.
Now I have my defender I would love the same thing, trouble is my wife hates them.
have a look in the LRO, LR enthusiast mags, always plenty for sale
Neil.
Go for a 2 and a quarter petrol 88 series 2a If you have 3k to spend you should be able to lay your hands on the very best fully restored on new galv chassis for that sort of cash.
Now I have my defender I would love the same thing, trouble is my wife hates them.
have a look in the LRO, LR enthusiast mags, always plenty for sale
Neil.
Now I have my defender I would love the same thing, trouble is my wife hates them.
have a look in the LRO, LR enthusiast mags, always plenty for sale
Neil.
igg,
I'd say go for a Series with that budget, either a 2A or a 3. You can find rebuilt examples for that sort of money with recon engine and new chassis'. The Series III had improved gearbox and heater but the build quality was better on the Series IIA - much of this will have been sorted out though on a rebuilt example.
The diesel engine will go on for ever although it's not fast - an overdrive helps on-road performance.
Most Series do not give trouble if serviced and as with other makes of car it's only the negative experiences that tend to get posted. Many other people are happy but don't tend to post that they had another trouble free week.
The other option is to buy her a Defender 90 as her new car.
I'd say go for a Series with that budget, either a 2A or a 3. You can find rebuilt examples for that sort of money with recon engine and new chassis'. The Series III had improved gearbox and heater but the build quality was better on the Series IIA - much of this will have been sorted out though on a rebuilt example.
The diesel engine will go on for ever although it's not fast - an overdrive helps on-road performance.
Most Series do not give trouble if serviced and as with other makes of car it's only the negative experiences that tend to get posted. Many other people are happy but don't tend to post that they had another trouble free week.
The other option is to buy her a Defender 90 as her new car.
Is there suddenly a rule to poke at other posters,if i want to discuss a vehicle's failings from personal experience, i was under the apprehension i was at the right place. Forgive me i'm sure if i'm wrong but i posted here at the outset of thread and did'ent just swoop in at last moment with Batmanesque' valour to grab the kudos 15:18
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igg said:Thanks for the advice -
and, is there a web site for all things Landie?
Don't listen to Rich - and blame him, when there is work to be done on the Landy B^ggeroff
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
igg said:Thanks for the advice -
and, is there a web site for all things Landie?
Don't listen to Rich - and blame him, when there is work to be done on the Landy B^ggeroff
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