How bad are they really?

Lel said:

My issue is almost all road with only the odd off road.... To buy a defender with same comfort level for daily road use it would cost a lot more than I have....

Don't get me wrong, on the tiny bit of off road I did when testing this it was soooooo smooth and felt like it could take on the world and if I had more off road opportunities I would certainly keep it but for only 5% off road use, and even then it's on tracks, it's just a real waste for me

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300bhp/ton said:

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Is that one of them navarra station wagons?

It is a vehicle that is about 98% as capable as a Defender off road, uses the same engines, gearbox, axles, suspension, chassis, design, transfer box, steering, etc. Yet is far more refined and comfortable on road, with a lot more interior space.

In reply to the not standard, yes it is, I have the plate detailing the engine showing it is original.

Tim has just left with it but as he was about to leave the indicators stopped flashing as fast as they did on the test drive. They now flash once every 4-5 seconds....

Would this be the relay? If yes, is it located under dash behind fuses?

Also noticed the reverse light stopped working but assuming that will probably be just a bulb or fuse most likely.

Lel said:

Tim has just left with it but as he was about to leave the indicators stopped flashing as fast as they did on the test drive. They now flash once every 4-5 seconds....

Would this be the relay? If yes, is it located under dash behind fuses?

Also noticed the reverse light stopped working but assuming that will probably be just a bulb or fuse most likely.

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Indicator flashing very fast is just as likely a loose bulb or an earth fault as the relay

Not flashing fast, it's very slow.... Was ok earlier when he tested it but just as he was about to leave it started flashing only once very few seconds.... Maybe 1/4 of the speed it should be

Lel said:

In reply to the not standard, yes it is, I have the plate detailing the engine showing it is original.

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Plenty of military land rover 90 110s without power steering

Most MoD are non PAS (not wolf), but most also 2.5Nad. Although maybe there where some V8 examples. (just checked, yes there were).

However, buying an ex-Mod Land Rover has to be the WORST way of buying into the brand unless you want the most spartan of examples.

Never understood the fascination (or crazy prices with ex-Mod) vehicles.

Wow, well that was a drive ill never forget! 170+ miles, 4.5h, over an hour looking for non-existent LPG stations what royally ****** me off

Never driven a car of this age or without PAS, so it was an experience - 30mins in on the motorway I was enjoying it, but then hitting smaller country roads in the dark the fun quickly went - I'm in two minds if it's suitable for my upcoming 1k miles drive London > Poland. Few issues I noticed so will love some feedback...

• 5th gear makes a loud whining noise, worse when you accelerate. Compared to 5th, 4th gear sounds like a happy humming engine. 3rd was also making a similar noise but appear to be ok towards the end of the trip
• Indicators - no idea why, but as I was about to leave they would only flash once and NOT repeat. I had to manually turn them on and off slowly - do so quickly did not work. About 15mins into the drive they were fine.
• Cruising speed on the motorway was 65-70 mph, what I'm guessing is about right. But when you hit a slight hill you could tell in 5th gear the car struggled. I'm guessing expected, at times I found 4th more comfortable at around 55mph.
• Petrol Fuel gauge not working, frustrating but I believe poss an easy fix
• Breaks are heavy, but I would guess to be expected and can be improved.
• Lights seem to be too low \ dim, not much of the road is lit up. I had to put on full beams(?) (switch to lower left of the steering wheel) to see anything on unlit country roads, even with oncoming traffic.

Shattered after the drive, but what I should have expected, I guess. Little undecided what to do, I think I have a little first-time nerves, lack of experience and some attention to the car needed to make it more "comfortable" to drive.

There is a 4x4 specialist "Challenger 4x4 Ltd" close to where I am right now in Farnham, I'm tempted to get them to give it a once-over and add PAS.

Whatever happens I need to be in Poland Monday coming with a car, if I give up with the Landy I know it will find a good home - but I kinda like it and know once in Poland it will be ideal to get us to our cottage and be the off road run around we need

DO NOT GIVE UP!
This is just a case of you becoming accustomed to it. IIRC it has done hardly any miles in the last few years, it needs a full service, fuses need cleaning, contacts as well. Dim lights were a standard feature, easy fix and you'll need to change them anyway - changing down for hill common. You'll get used to no PAS - at standstill start creeping THEN turn the wheel.
Doubt you'll get PAS sorted by Monday as box/pump needs finding then fitting - check your tyre pressures.
Get a kit of spares ready for your journey, NGK plugs, quality leads and dist. cap.
Heavy brakes check vacumn hose to servo for splits/leaks [assuming you have a servo]
Get a manual and read it!
Good luck.

I've got a set of Halfords ultra brilliance bulbs and they've made a difference or Osram Nightbreakers are also good, clean the earths on the inner wings. You could also consider fitting a LED light bar some people love them and some hate them but this is what mine's like cos my commute is all country lanes



Power steering is something that I'm sure you can retro fit but you'll get used to driving without it.

Try changing the gearbox oil see if that makes any difference, my 300tdi tends to cruise at 60'ish all day long

Indicators, try checking earths or replacing flasher unit

My fuel gauge only works when it's full but the fuel light works fine so I usually go off that

5th gear on the lt85 box "sings" so that's normal!!

There you go Tim, having only driven it on a short test drive as you know I was a little worried reading your post but feel a lot better now reading the replies.

Never knew about cleaning fuses but you live and learn.

Having done only 64 miles in the last year a good leg stretch for it I guess will show what needs refreshing.

In fact, with only 18,000 miles in last 5-6 years, while he did go above and beyond my with keeping on top of things, it's definitely worth getting it given the full once over before such a long journey, especially electrically.

If you do take it there I would also break the drive down with lots of stops along the way as driving such a vehicle will no doubt be tiring when not used to it.

Don't forget, although a fantastic amount of paperwork, now you mention gearbox, although said above its normal, we didn't see any receipts for gearbox oil (although he did say he didn't have all receipts). So would definitely change that as cheap and easy just for peace of mind.

Try to look past the journey and think about once it's there.... Like taking an exam, no one likes them, they are hard, but once done you can relax and enjoy.

I hope you started to relax more and sat back towards the end but although you were very tense when driving it, you made big gains in smooth gear changes and braking on our test drive

Hey all, thanks for your great replies, I'm not going to give up

I think my main challenge is that I'm trying to fit too much into too little amount of time. PAS, lights, and Sevice really need to be actioned before I take her on such a long journey - I'm asking for trouble not doing so. I will get used to the lack of PAS, but I don't see why to do without if it can be easily fitted.

I think the sensible plan is to get an LHD 4x4 SUV that the wife will be happy with and take that over now. Park up the Landy and start ordering the required parts and find somewhere trusted to service her - get that actioned early next year and drive her over.

She is in a great condition and any attention I give I'm sure will add value, so I'm confident she will not lose value.

Also forgot to say thanks to @Lel in the last post, he was an absolute gentleman and gave me a great introduction to driving an old car - (choke!?)

Change the indicator relay and for peace of mind only, change your gearbox oil. Remember the LT85 uses mineral 20w/50 not ATF or landrover equivalent.
You'll quickly get used to the fact that it's a tractor not a family SUV. That's what makes them fun!

timmywo said:

Wow, well that was a drive ill never forget! 170+ miles, 4.5h, over an hour looking for non-existent LPG stations what royally ****** me off

Never driven a car of this age or without PAS, so it was an experience - 30mins in on the motorway I was enjoying it, but then hitting smaller country roads in the dark the fun quickly went - I'm in two minds if it's suitable for my upcoming 1k miles drive London > Poland. Few issues I noticed so will love some feedback...

• 5th gear makes a loud whining noise, worse when you accelerate. Compared to 5th, 4th gear sounds like a happy humming engine. 3rd was also making a similar noise but appear to be ok towards the end of the trip
• Indicators - no idea why, but as I was about to leave they would only flash once and NOT repeat. I had to manually turn them on and off slowly - do so quickly did not work. About 15mins into the drive they were fine.
• Cruising speed on the motorway was 65-70 mph, what I'm guessing is about right. But when you hit a slight hill you could tell in 5th gear the car struggled. I'm guessing expected, at times I found 4th more comfortable at around 55mph.
• Petrol Fuel gauge not working, frustrating but I believe poss an easy fix
• Breaks are heavy, but I would guess to be expected and can be improved.
• Lights seem to be too low \ dim, not much of the road is lit up. I had to put on full beams(?) (switch to lower left of the steering wheel) to see anything on unlit country roads, even with oncoming traffic.

Shattered after the drive, but what I should have expected, I guess. Little undecided what to do, I think I have a little first-time nerves, lack of experience and some attention to the car needed to make it more "comfortable" to drive.

There is a 4x4 specialist "Challenger 4x4 Ltd" close to where I am right now in Farnham, I'm tempted to get them to give it a once-over and add PAS.

Whatever happens I need to be in Poland Monday coming with a car, if I give up with the Landy I know it will find a good home - but I kinda like it and know once in Poland it will be ideal to get us to our cottage and be the off road run around we need

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Genuine question. Why do people like you and op buy vehicles like this, with no idea to what they are or how they drive?

Not trying to be mean, but about 90% of the things you say, would seem odd for anyone who has owned and used such vehicles.

BTW - lower left switch would be lights on/off, not mainbeam, that is on the stalk like almost any other vehicle. Maybe you were using side lights as normal lights, which is rather worrying.

Hi all, been quite for the last few weeks as in full swing with the move and getting things setup. To cut a long story short here is the plan...

• Purchased a Dacia Duster, meets our needs for most of the year and wife is learning to drive it
• We do need something more rugged and capable, but right now budgets do not allow
• After being out here for some time now and after an off road trip with a neighbor I think a 90 will be more suitable. This will be more maneuverable through the local woods that have some tight turns, etc and with a trailer should meet our needs of moving items, etc
• Current 110 I will be listing on eBay, while I really am torn about selling the main reasons to sell are: A: Size, B: It will be some months (year?) before I can do any work on her and it does not feel right neglecting her for so long

For any members PM me and I am happy to sell at the purchased price, she is currently in Surrey. But, I will be asking for pictures of any renovation process!!

Hey @300bhp/ton, understand your point, but not going to go into personal details in regards of being pushed for time, having a need, etc. These things happen and the outcome is not bad.

300bhp/ton said:

Why do people like you and op buy vehicles like this, with no idea to what they are or how they drive?

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A: To find out what they are and how they drive