I know nothing, but want a Landy, any help welcome

Hi,

Just joined the forum, I've had a quick look and search but thought I'd ask for advice as well.

I don't know very much at all about Land Rovers, all the variants and engines etc.

I've always fancied buying an ex army soft top one as a second car and summer convertible! Not bothered if long or short wheelbase, guess I'd prefer LWB for carrying stuff.

Anyway, what very basic/essential advice and you give me, which types to avoid, best/worst engines, and key things to look out for if viewing one (apart from the obvious mechanical stuff like a worn engine, I'm ok with basic mechanics).

Cheers, and happy new year!

hello mate, youll not have much choice if buying ex army.Itll be a series or a defender. Both lwb and swb.And the injuns are fairly choice less too, unless fitted after.

Try and get hold of a french or italian ex-military, gearboxes hardly used apart from reverse.

Advice from a Defender and Discovery 3 owner.
Ex MOD are normally well looked after but you certainly pay for the privilege. They are normally normally aspirated engines so they're not as powerful as a good turbo unit (that sentence sounds better than it looks ). They're also prehistoric inside. For the amount of money you pay for an MOD one, you could get a mint civilian model. If you want the military model then you won't be happy with a normal one so go for it. If all you want is a Land Rover, regardless of type, then have a look around and see what catches your eye.
A basic summary is;

Gaylander (aka freelander) - Don't bother unless you're a rather camp hairdresser. The old ones have more in common with rover cars than with Land Rovers (quite literally). The brand new ones are a definite improvement but I assume you want something fun for the weekends so don't bother.

Series - More than capable off road but on road, you'll lose all your fillings. If you're a series fan, you'll love it, if not it will start to wear a bit thin when every morning begins with repairs before you can use it and the leaf springs aren't very comfortable.

Discovery/ Range Rover - Great off road. Will keep up with Defenders. On road, they're in a different class. Much more car like to drive. The new range rovers and discoverys are incredible on and off road but any damage is likely to cost hundreds or even thousands of pounds to repair. Because of this, you'll never be comfortable enough to have fun off road (ours has never been in anything but 3 inches of mud and 3 feet of snow). The discovery 1 and 2 and range rover classics are a good compromise. With good tyres and small modifications they will be like a Defender off road but will feel very car like on road. Look for a diesel 200tdi or 300tdi.

Defender - Unstoppable off road. With a good set of tyres they will beat anything off road. For off roading, get a 90. 200tdi or 300tdi models are ideal. Be warned that you pay for how good they are off road. On road, you'll feel like you're in a van. They're noisy, harsh and cramped. If you've got the Defender bug, you'll just overlook its faults and love it as if it's your child. Luckily parts are cheap because you'll have at least one thing to fix every week.

In summary, for a toy you want a Discovery 1 or 2 or a Defender. Get diesel and don't skimp on tyres.

Well said khaos. That is my views on the landy range!!

sible88 said:

Well said khaos. That is my views on the landy range!!

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You just made me a sig

would make a good sticky for the noobs but the hairdressers will raise hell with their curling tongs

good summary but i think your wrong about the freelander not being a fun vehichle,i always burst out laughting when i see one.and hell be the centre of attention at landy events, with crowds of people asking why the fook he bought it

blue beasty said:

would make a good sticky for the noobs but the hairdressers will raise hell with their curling tongs

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Please Please, can I be a sticky? I've never been a sticky before . Someone make me sticky