Second thoughts over buying a Landy. please help

Hi guys,
After much deliberation and thought, I had finally narrowed down all the criteria for my first Landy.
However, and partly due to my previous ignorance before joining this forum, I hadn't realised that these vehicles where such a big target for thieving scrotes.
I had planned on it being my daily driver, to replace our 10 year old Peugeot. My wife could use the Citroen Crosser (rebadged Mitsubushi Outlander soft roader) as we work in opposite directions.
But if I can't leave it in the local Asda, or where we walk the dogs, or on the drive at home, without the fear of it not being there when I get back, what's the point?
I'm being paranoid before I buy one.
I'm wanting to do some off roading and green laning.
I need a bit of guidance here please.

Thanks chaps

Tim

You just have to do your best to stop the thieving scrotes , mate had an attempt on his 90 a couple of nights ago they got passed the disklock and alarm, but crashed it into a wall around the corner ..... as an extra security measure every night he locked a strap attached to a D ring on his drive around the brake line on the back axle, so as the scrotes drove off they unknowingly ripped the brake pipe off ..... Only damage done was to the front bumper ohhhh and the rear brake line

Yes they are popular targets, and yes they're not too difficult to nick.

All you can do when you buy one, is keep aside a few hundred pounds to improve vehicle security. As a minimum you need a better means of steering lock (Disklok) and something to lock the pedals (Clutch claw?). Or a removable steering wheel.

You should also think about fitting a better alarm immobiliser than the factory fit.

Other, cheaper options might include a hidden fuel cut-off switch; if parked off road then a physical barrier e.g. telescopic post; chains.

Window etching might deter the Parts thief as would using something like smart water/

Finally, in the event of it getting it pinched some from of electronic tracking.

There are a number of threads about Land Rover security and reviews of the different methods and makes of items.

Yes, taking such measures might put you off buying a Land Rover, but I assure the rewards are worthwhile.

Get a freelander

Get a defender and a wheel lock its not a massive issue to worry about too much. Or if you are worried and want to offroad get a discovery they are good enough off road and comfy as a daily much more common and less sort after by theives

Thanks for the words of encouragement.
Unfortunately, its a sign of the times that sh*ts that steal get away with it.
I've read loads of threads on here about different levels of security. And I don't mind fitting some of the devices.
Short of keeping a tiger in it or burying it every night, they seem to be sitting ducks. I'll have to keep my 12g loaded!
I've always liked Landies, and am looking forward to owning one.
I like getting my hands dirty, and looks like its a prerequisite for owning one.

Cheers

Tim

SnowmanV8 said:

Get a defender and a wheel lock its not a massive issue to worry about too much. Or if you are worried and want to offroad get a discovery they are good enough off road and comfy as a daily much more common and less sort after by theives

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It was a defender I was looking at, more for the practical side really, easier with the dogs.
I had considered the Disco, but having read about the rust problems, and my dogs aint the cleanest.........
Erm, Freelander? Erm.........

Tim

I always wanted a 90 and i love it but for a daily driver no thanks. Not unless its a newer one.

sherwood said:

It was a defender I was looking at, more for the practical side really, easier with the dogs.
I had considered the Disco, but having read about the rust problems, and my dogs aint the cleanest.........
Erm, Freelander? Erm.........

Tim

Click to expand...

I've got a 1994 D1 and she has rust on her but none has penetrated deep yet. All the chassis is solid and sills are still original and relatively clean. Will need boot done soon but she is a 19 yo truck it's no where near failing an MoT but she has one tiny little hole. People don't consider age into it when they moan about rusty disco's! How many 94 slittys do you see?

I did 150 miles going to and back from work this week. and added 150miles over weekend tdriving to yeovil and Towing caravan back to Glos.

Have also driven to mnty's (300miles) and the peaks and back 150 odd miles each way. All in me 110 and most of this week was in mondo mode nowt wrong with em..

I was considering a mid/late 90's defender 90.
I don't a bit of rough transport, and it can't be as bad as driving my 1944 Willys jeep to Normandy in France a few times from Notts.......

Mines a 98 and comfy as owt can steer with one finger on the wheel Tho the play oin the steering does make this a bit of a death race type scenario

Nah look after it and it will look after you! The best advice I can give is



DO IT

best thing i ever did was getting a defender,one of the best vehicles i have driven,its comfy,has good heaters and does anything you ask it to do,mines my daily driver used everyday for work,the worry about it getting stolens always there but you just have to make it difficult for them

Thanks chaps.
I'll reread the Defender security threads, and see if I can buy a lion!

I`ve been reading that the `clutch claw` and pedal covers etc like this X-Engineering Pedal Lock
aren`t all they are cracked up to be?

snowmanv8 said:

nah look after it and it will look after you! The best advice i can give is



do it

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+1

chunkymunky said:

Get a freelander

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Would stop any thief for sure!

sherwood said:

Thanks chaps.
I'll reread the Defender security threads, and see if I can buy a lion!

Click to expand...

I found Lions really difficult to get hold of, this is the nearest I could get
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I actually thought that was a monkey on the right.