Hi I have always wanted a Landy and now I'm 23 and insurance should be reasonable nows my chance. A recent move to the mountains of Wales it seems every man and his sheep has a Landy! They're everywhere up here, lots of abandoned looking ones on driveways and fields too so hopefully there's a bargain to be found! I am currently training as a heavy vehicle technician so any mechanical work doesn't worry me and I'm happy to build from a solid chassis upwards if that's what it takes. Obviously I'm new to the world of land rovers (you'd usually find me working on an old ford) I'm just beginning to learn about the differences and what's possible conversion wise etc and I'm not even sure what model of landrover I'm really looking for. I'm after a LWB pickup, ideally tax exempt and as cheap to insure as possible if anyone can point me in the right direction of the model name / series.
Hello from Mynydd Llandegai
- Thread starter Gavlaa
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blue beasty
Leaks an prone to bits dropping off
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40 year rolling vehicle excise duty exemption so you looking at pre 1976 which takes you up to P reg Series 3s.
Worth looking for one with a slightly later 5 bearing engine unless you want to transplant.
The 2.25 diesel lump is a bit chronic on today's roads but the petrol is OK though you won't win many prizes at traffic light burn ups.
Worth looking for one with a slightly later 5 bearing engine unless you want to transplant.
The 2.25 diesel lump is a bit chronic on today's roads but the petrol is OK though you won't win many prizes at traffic light burn ups.
Are the diesels much better on fuel than petrol? Are they turbocharged? Like I said at the moment I basically have no knowledge of the equipment available, an engine swap wouldn't be a problem as long as the parts are readily available. Are there any more modern turbo diesels that are a common install? I'm basically after the benefits of tax exemption and The older styling but with decent fuel economy for hauling loads of wood, car parts etc. I was also considering maybe a LWB non pickup 3dr if possible so that I can let the dog in there without loosing out on load space
Marmaduke
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As said series threes or a 2a, threes are probably cheaper but 2a's are considered 'prettier' also engine swaps for tdi's are common
Marmaduke
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Basically defenders and series vehicles are like a big meccano set where just about anything is doable
So defenders arnt series? I thought they were for example a series 3 defender? I'd rather know things like these now rather than make a fool of myself later on haha, do you know of any good guides to a basic spot the difference kind of thing so I can learn what's what, other than what's on wiki?
The standard 2 1/4 litre landy diesel does not have a turbo. Its a great lump of old fashioned n/a diesel which as stated is a bit outdated. If not set up properly it will over fuel and smoke like bastard; tendency to fail emissions test on MOT if that happens. You can fit more modern landy diesels; the 2.5, 200TDI but all at a cost. In N Wales you should be able to source a 109 lwb series 3 or a slightly later 110 but they are not excise exempt. The 2.25l standard petrol is a slightly faster engine very straightforward to look after and maintain. Can enhance performance with carb upgrades. Personally I'd go for the petrol failing that a diesel upgrade. Depends what you are buying and it's spec and condition.
Colonial
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Mynydd Llandegai is Free Lander terrority.
I have 8 fords, most will probably end up replaced with landys knowing my habits of buying any bargain I come across haha
blue beasty
Leaks an prone to bits dropping off
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Colonial
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Choose correctly. You'll see more Freelander's parked up on farm driveways in your area than most other 4x4's.
Marmaduke
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Probably because when they break they're bloody expensive to fix
Marmaduke
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Defenders or 90's and 110's to be exact started 1983/4 onwards and are coil sprung and latterly were fitted with turbo diesel engines whereas 88" and 109" series vehicles are leaf sprung and have normally aspirated engines although fitting tdi engines from a discovery is a fairly common upgrade giving more power and better mpg
Marmaduke
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Why would you want to do it?
Marmaduke
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They do but there's a points system with the dvla for stuff like engine and chassis swaps and you could end up legally having it put on a q plate like a kit car. A good quality set of leaf springs should give you a decent ride and still keep it tax free
I think I just have a problem with making things hard for myself to be honest haha, I have a rare ford Mondeo mk1 4x4 that would've been on the road months ago if I hadn't decided to install the full loom and interior from a mk2 ghia x including cruise control, mpg computer, climate control, heated seats etc you'd be surprised how many tiny differences are causing problems that are really time consuming to rectify... so really I'm looking for a pre 77 series III? Any problems specific to those I need to watch out for?
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Marmaduke
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Same as defenders, rust rust and more rust. Chassis including rear crossmember and outriggers and the bulkhead pretty much everything else is aluminium
Also be aware of stolen vehicles, occasionally you'll see what appear to be defenders posing as series threes ie coil sprung defender interior and dash but sold as series threes in the same way you'll see series threes sold as series 2a's from when threes weren't tax exempt.
Everything is repairable on series vehicles and it sounds like you've got the knowledge and tools to do it but even still you only want to buy a shed if you pay shed money for it
Also be aware of stolen vehicles, occasionally you'll see what appear to be defenders posing as series threes ie coil sprung defender interior and dash but sold as series threes in the same way you'll see series threes sold as series 2a's from when threes weren't tax exempt.
Everything is repairable on series vehicles and it sounds like you've got the knowledge and tools to do it but even still you only want to buy a shed if you pay shed money for it
