First 4x4 advice... Newbie alert

Hi folks,

New to the forum and new to the 4x4 scene.

Like I've said in my welcome post, I'm a 23 year old student but I also work part time as a labourer and a football coach (a mix of skill sets I know!). I currently drive a 2009 Astra Diesel and have always driven hatchbacks, not out of choice but for costs with insurance etc.

Whilst I havent 'come into money' or done anything in particular to warrant cost changing on getting a 4x4, I'm getting more and more keen on having one as my everyday vehicle.

I will be doing 2 50 mile journeys a week, the rest of the week will be little bits and bobs around the local town and surrounding areas, so not too many miles to totally warrant not getting one to replace my current car.

I'm after something that's not too expensive to insure, or to run (fuel, parts etc). Knowing it's not going to be as good on fuel as my current car is a given, and something I expect but I can't afford to cripple myself with fuel costs. Ideally 30mpg + would be what I would be able to work with I think.

Something that's useful, plenty of space, comfortable and good in bad weather. It will be used for majority road use, and I won't be towing.

Any advice or inputs welcome.

Shoot me down if I'm expecting too much but I've heard lots of different things about what to expect so I'd like to hear your opinions too.

I'd go for a Disco I.

D1's or freelander 1 would suite you best

MikeMassey90 said:

Any advice or inputs welcome.

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If you plan on sticking around here i would get a thick skin and then maybe another to wear on top of that for when you ask the usual noob questions

If you have no interest in going offroad then just get a Freelander. You might also want to look a TD5 Discos or a 2.5D P38 Rangie.

Thanks for the replies, insurance seems to be a lot difference between Discos and Freelanders, with freelanders being the obvious cheaper option.

I'm not as keen looks wise as I think they're a bit 'girly' but if I could pick the right one the. It would be a good step into Landy life.

Is there a certain model to look out for or avoid? Anything I should keep an eye out for?

I'm preferable to a 3dr freelander with removable hardtop,

There are accessories available that man them up,

Dont be tempted by p38s,

MikeMassey90 said:

Thanks for the replies, insurance seems to be a lot difference between Discos and Freelanders, with freelanders being the obvious cheaper option.

I'm not as keen looks wise as I think they're a bit 'girly' but if I could pick the right one the. It would be a good step into Landy life.
They is called "gaylanders for a reason



Is there a certain model to look out for or avoid? Anything I should keep an eye out for?

My advise.... Get a Disco 1. Just look out for lots of rust when buying one they tend to be a bit rot prone. No problem though if yer handy with a welder.

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Answers are in red.

do NOT get a petrol, unless yu have deep pockets.

MikeMassey90 said:

Thanks for the replies, insurance seems to be a lot difference between Discos and Freelanders, with freelanders being the obvious cheaper option.

I'm not as keen looks wise as I think they're a bit 'girly' but if I could pick the right one the. It would be a good step into Landy life.

Is there a certain model to look out for or avoid? Anything I should keep an eye out for?

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They aren't as girly as a RAV4...

Disco 2 TD5

Hah a thanks for the replies folks.

Freelander 2.0 Deisel is looking the cheapest option to insure and drive as they seem to give decent fuel economy.

What accessories can you get that won't affect insurance etc?

Get a Defender, for absolutely no other reason than they are great

Grimmer said:

Get a Defender, for absolutely no other reason than they are great

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I concur

the_wolf said:

I concur

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D90mitch said:

Disco 2 TD5

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Plus one!!

what Grimmer said, if you want to drive with a smile on your face.

Spend some time and drive as many as you can. It's really the only way you can make an educated decision. Then look for a Disco 1 that's had all the welding done for you by someone who can actually weld. I've seen plenty of crap welding jobs done by 'experts'.
Defenders are great, of that there is no doubt, but they are noisy, not very comfortable, and prone to getting stolen and that 'smile on your face' can turn to a grimace on a long journey.
A Disco can do most off-road things a Defender can do and is better on. It is also reasonably civilised - you can actually hear the radio.

If you want a proper 4x4 that is decent on the road get a Disco 2 TD5. Defenders' are the best but you'd have to be a wally to get one if you're pretty much only going to use it for the road.

If you have'nt got defender money,and you've not because your riding around in a crap car,go for a discovery 1.Cheep and cheerful.

Fender every time!

You don't need deep pockets ... You just need to have a good tool set and the experience to maintain it.