Im trying to justify getting a Landi,but theyre so expensive to run and insure as a 24yr old,so i figure a pre 74 model is a classic so cheap insurance and no tax, or suck it up and go for a newer defender 90,either way to get better MPG ive been looking at LPG and am hoping it landies can have it fitted ??? Any advice is good advice! cheers
Pre 1974 or newer Defender 90
- Thread starter Jcurrin
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D90mitch
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If you're looking at a cost effective motor, don't get a Land Rover. That's not what they are intended for. I am 19, and I have an '87 90 with a 200tdi fitted. At 24 the insurance shouldn't be bad if you have a few years no claims. As an everyday car, you'd definitely be better off with a TDi Defender. Don't bother with lpg it's just hassle. Be prepared to split with some cash for anything reasonable...
Freetime101
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Just a heads up, it's pre 1st Jan 1974, so 1973 effectively... Don't get caught out 
Landy's may be cheap to buy but they are not cheap to run... Fuel parts and maintenance will eat into your wallet and you'll spend whatever to have left on toys and upgrades!
That being said they are immensely fun to own, drive and work on (I must remember that next time I'm underneath it swearing )
I went for a 1973 as it's tax free and all mechanical so easy to work on - no tricky electrics to worry about. I rebuilt the engine head in my shed/driveway and plan to strip it back to chassis in summer
Also you can't lpg a doozle
Landy's may be cheap to buy but they are not cheap to run... Fuel parts and maintenance will eat into your wallet and you'll spend whatever to have left on toys and upgrades!
That being said they are immensely fun to own, drive and work on (I must remember that next time I'm underneath it swearing
)I went for a 1973 as it's tax free and all mechanical so easy to work on - no tricky electrics to worry about. I rebuilt the engine head in my shed/driveway and plan to strip it back to chassis in summer
Also you can't lpg a doozle
Last edited:
marccleave
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Landy's may be cheap to buy but they are not cheap to run... Fuel parts and maintenance will eat into your wallet and you'll spend whatever to have left on toys and upgrades!
That being said they are immensely fun to own, drive and work on (I must remember that next time I'm underneath it swearing
I have to agree with all of this! People really do underestimate the maintenance!
Hmmm, yes you can!Also you can't lpg a doozle
Just not completely like you can a petrol engine.
Ruari
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I run both a Defender 110 & an early Series 3 lightweight. They both have a time and place - normally to cover the other when one is off the road. Fuel efficient - No. Comfy - not particular. FUn - Yes. Workhorse - fantastic. Offroad ability - great if that's your thing.
I remember I went to sell one. The guy was over the moon with it having dreamt about them for ages. But once he drove the series it was a fat NO. Glow plugs, no power steering, bumpy noisy all the character of a classic - but not for him. I let him have a go in the defender so he could make the comparison.
I would suggest you do the same to see what your letting yourself in for before making a decision.
I will say parts are cheap and they are easy to fix (usually) but find someone who knows them to make sure your not buying too much of a money pit. Insurance for the defender is much the same as a normal car - that includes offroad use.
I remember I went to sell one. The guy was over the moon with it having dreamt about them for ages. But once he drove the series it was a fat NO. Glow plugs, no power steering, bumpy noisy all the character of a classic - but not for him. I let him have a go in the defender so he could make the comparison.
I would suggest you do the same to see what your letting yourself in for before making a decision.
I will say parts are cheap and they are easy to fix (usually) but find someone who knows them to make sure your not buying too much of a money pit. Insurance for the defender is much the same as a normal car - that includes offroad use.
KeepDigging
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Classic insurance rules vary from company to company. You may get classic cover on a 15-year-old motor at one and not until its 30-years-old with another. And there are usually strings attached (must be garaged with one firm, must be a second car with another firm and so on). You really need to do your research if you're banking on cheap classic insurance.
The good news is that LPG works a treat on a petrol series. I put 30,000 miles on one in a year with no fuelling problems whatsoever. Even started on the handle, which in theory it shouldn't have done. Still wasn't the most economical thing around but 22mpg@75p/l is a lot cheaper than 25mpg@130p/l. (Your mpg may vary, of course).
The good news is that LPG works a treat on a petrol series. I put 30,000 miles on one in a year with no fuelling problems whatsoever. Even started on the handle, which in theory it shouldn't have done. Still wasn't the most economical thing around but 22mpg@75p/l is a lot cheaper than 25mpg@130p/l. (Your mpg may vary, of course).
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