Questions about buying our first landy.

Hi,

We are looking to replace our present vehicle and my husband has always wanted a landrover. What I would like to know is if we were to buy a second hand one (we have about £2k to spend) how reliable are they in general? Will it need a lot of money spending on it in the year? as money is quite tight and we can't really afford something that is going to need constant work. We are thinking of getting one that has been converted to LPG, have seen a few on ebay, are there any problems to look out for. When looking at a vehicle what should we be looking for? Are there any particular problem areas to be aware of?

Any information or help will be greatfully recieved.

what models/age /milage are you looking at?

I think the question should not be are Landys reliable and affordable, but what can but cut from the monthly food/heating/mortgage budget to pay for one

TBH it doesn't really matter as long as it is in the price range, can carry 3 kids in the back, have enough space to carry our camping gear and a tow bar for a trailer tent

Disco01 said:

I think the question should not be are Landys reliable and affordable, but what can but cut from the monthly food/heating/mortgage budget to pay for one

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eek! doesn't sound good I am already cutting the budget quite a bit.

disco maybe, but reliable

If you want to carry in comfort then a disco is probably a good option, if you havent got deep pockets then stay away from range rover p38s they are great when working but costly when not. You should get a good tdi in your price range just watch out for rust everywhere otherwise as long as its well maintained you should be ok.

Thanks for the recommendations and the info, any and all help is very gratefully recieved.

Will point my DH in the direction of here as well as there seems to be a great community and lots of help and if we end up with a landy then we are going to need it.

struggling to spend 2K on a LPG converted landy is a recipe for going hungry when it breaks down, and it will break sooner rather than later

if money is tight don't buy a land rover

Sean said:

struggling to spend 2K on a LPG converted landy is a recipe for going hungry when it breaks down, and it will break sooner rather than later

if money is tight don't buy a land rover

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Why would there be a difference? Isn't the petrol tank just a flip of the switch? Sorry I'm probably being thick is there something specifically about LPG conversions that makes them unreliable?

Are Land Rovers particularly prone to breakdowns then? Most of the owners we'd spoken to before had always told us that they were bulletproof, have we been misled?

If money is tight - dont go for a petrol with LPG, go for a doozil.

LPG related problems are rife.
Is yo hubby handy with a spanner - coz he will need to be .

Hi, I've got a 2002 Freelander and hubbys got an old Disco, we've spent loads on different things on both cars. If you spend £2k on a 2nd hand car you're going to have to spend £'s on it sooner or later. The way we look at it , its better to spend money on something that you actually like... and I love my landy, wouldn't have anything else now... it feels nice and safe for the kids too

The Mad Hat Man said:

If money is tight - dont go for a petrol with LPG, go for a doozil.

LPG related problems are rife.
Is yo hubby handy with a spanner - coz he will need to be .

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He can do the odd bit. What sort of thing goes wrong with LPGs? Are they particularly tricky?

How does the diesel compare MPG wise?

Just from experience, I'm now on my 2nd Disco, this one set me back £1300 but is 95% rust free with low mileage for it's age. BUT as I'm a perfectionist I've fitted a new transfer box, gearbox, brake disc's, caliper's, brake pad's all engine belt's and need a new front bumper to finish off.

All in all the new part's have cost more than the original purchase price ... now you're probably thinking why on earth would he do that, he must be a right plonker ... simple answer, Landy's get under your skin and are unlike anything else to drive. I've alway's been a biker (hated car's) but Landy's have opened my eye's to 4 wheel's.

As my main vehicle I'll probably not drive another make of car as you either love them or hate them ... my wife hate's the Disco as it get's more attention than she does

I have just bought a 95 300Tdi 3 door for 2k, you have to look about as there are loads of rusty sheds out there and people asking top money for them They are definatly a different driving experience as up to now I have been used to fast cars that handle Everyone said i would hate the disco but its the opposite, i love it and now i have the best of both worlds depending what mood i am in, If i want a blat down the lanes I take the 200sx, if I just want to plod around or go where I want I take the Disco

I found it was some luck and some having a friend whos a mechanic to take along with you......... i paid £500 for my disco and so far it never missed a beat had the odd little problem with it but nothing major or expensive ... it s done 182k and iv found if you service it regular and keep an eye on it, it wont let you down o and iv also found its best to keep below 70 on the motorway it is capable of 85-90mph but your in a land rover your in no hurry! just relax and enjoy the ride... savour the steering wheel wobble and car drift because of the the tyres you "had to have" just incase you find 8 inchs of mud in the middle of the road!

LandyLiz said:

I love my landy, wouldn't have anything else now... it feels nice and safe for the kids too

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shame its not safe though.A 2002 has the same encap rating as a vw polo. LANDROVERS ARE NOT GOOD AT SAFETY!

Hi

I was in the same position two years ago but wanted a Defender. Paid just under 3K for an 1989 90. But i knew chassis was suspect. MOT time £1,200.00 to put everyting right and put my mind at rest. pushing your luck at 2k on a Defender you WILL need spare cash !!. Disco better option and more comfort but again watch the rot bugs in the chassis.
Hope this helps you

Thank you boys and girls, me thinks a landy is not a good idea lol.

Really greatful for all your input.

the mechanics are easy, almost tractor like, most expensive things to fix on Disco TDI would be Gbox, trans box related, the parts are probably the most reasonable of any car brand, and anybody who knows one end of a spanner from the other could repair one, and if they don't they will know somebody who does, they are great vehicles...but they have to be kept in good mechanical condition, to keep being reliable, if they are simply driven, then they become unreliable, like any vehicle really.

I love mine and would only consider getting rid of it for a new model, and that would be it, i wouldn't consider any other vehicle, that can seat 7 people comfortably.