New guy from North Wales need help with buying first Landy!

[Joeybutters92]

Hi everyone new to the forum getting my very first landy in june had a daihatsu sportrak as my first car for the past year now. But its time for the real deal i need a land rover, I have a few things to take into account i want to do green laneing and things like that but it will also be my everyday car, so i need something that is going to be good on fuel aswel as capable off road so all your advice is needed thanks very much

Joe

 

[GRATCH]

Depends on your budget, but I'd say Discovery diesel.

 

[Joeybutters92]

My budget is gunna be around 2k

 

[wiltshire landyman]

My budget is gunna be around 2k

forget defender then.

for that budget i would say a 1.8 gaylander or a discovery

 

[chunkymunky]

No 4x4 will ever be considered a fuel efficient vehicle.

You need to factor in servicing either by yourself or a garage. If you lane your vehicle things will need fixing

I would recommend a tdi discovery. Check for rust in the sills, wheel arches and boot floor.

You should be able to get a reasonable for £1500.

Have a spare set of wheels. One for laning one for day to day. Will save fuel to a degree.

 

[dcowtan]

I am in the same boat mate!! Discovery for me so far!

 

[Joeybutters92]

my brother is in the middle of restoring his series 3 and has become a decent welder and we have area to work on any problems gained from laneing and things so that isnt an issue. I was thinking for fuel wise a freelander because my godfather has one and ia a mechanic and by simply taking the propshaft off he got from kimmel bay (top of wales) to cardiff on 20 quid and its not a massive job he said.

 

[Joeybutters92]

A spare set of wheels is something i have done with ma little sportrack at the minute got to do the most to scrimp the pennies lol

 

[basher79]

go for a 300 tdi

 

[psulli16]

Defender 300 tdi.

 

[BenKenobi]

Depends if you value your comfort or not, if you do then it has to be a Disco, older TDi Range Rover. Defenders are OK but good ones tend to be expensive and they are worse on fuel due to the gear ratio's, I'll get flamed for this but Defenders aren't what I'd choose as a long distance cruiser in the comfort stakes.

On all landrovers the chassis at the back is the place to spend most time poking around - it benefits least from the oil leaks. Check for water leaks into the car or evidence of them, make sure you start it from cold - if they have warmed it up go back another day check the radiator / top of engine with your hand, turn the key and check that all the test lights illuminate and extinguish as they should (read up on the model you are viewing) get suspicious if any don't work, test drive should test all gears including high to low shift and diff locks if present though these are hard to test on the road.

Have a good look over the car and see if you can spot the signs of care or neglect - you generally can, don't be afraid to walk away a Landrover can be a money pit especially an older one that has been subjected to questionable or zero maintenance - Landrovers are a high maintenance vehicle.

Alas this is a sort of howdy thread not a how to buy FAQ - Google is your buddy as is the search between new posts and quick links in the bar above.

Howdy ... maybe.

 

[Joeybutters92]

Cheers ben that was all really helpfull and ino all about them being money pits my brothers series 3 had been mot'd a couple months before he purchased it but after he had it for a month it needed a complete rebuild and welding was needed everywhere, thankfully the engine and electrics were all ok. I am prepared for bits that need to be fixed and ino they all have there issues but its the price you pay for the hobby and i love the hobby lol.

I have narrowed my choice down to a tdi dico, tdi range rover or a freelander. Think i will have a good shop around and extensive inspections of all the landies i look at.