Wanting to buy the right Landy

Hi
I've joined this forum because I have decided that I am going to actually buy a Land Rover. I have always wanted one - literally for as long as I can remember. I guess I always thought they were too expensive or impractical. But I've got a new job which means I have to drive about 5 miles to work and now is the time. Or soon anyway!

I still can't afford it but I'm going to do it anyway. So I joined landyzone to see if I could make the right purchase perhaps early in 2018. My ideal would be a series 2 as this is the type I fell in love with. I love the central instruments, huge steering wheel and basic mechanics. I was a squaddie in the 1980s so the lightweight appeals (I drove one for about a year and loved it!). So I am after a classic, daily drive and not too fussed if it doesn't look perfect. Perhaps a short wheelbase with a hard top would mean I could drive the family in it for short journeys. I love the light blue ones (I am sure there is a technical term for these but I am a newbie...). Oh and the spare HAS to go on the bonnet.

So that's what I'm looking for. I live in Leamington Spa so everyone in my road works at JLR and has at least one brand new Range Rover. But I would prefer a classic. I know it will require more attention and maintenance than my current drive (a brand new, sleek Audi). I need it to work pretty reliably and don't mine working on it a bit. And I have a Landrover specialist just up the road. So. More detail than perhaps necessary but I am determined to see this through.
All advice very gratefully received!

Welcome to looney-zone, I too like the lightweights, though I have a practical Freelander.

Enjoy

I take it that this is not going to be your main form of transport? So if it breaks down it is not the end of the world.

How much work are you prepared to do to get it where you want it? what is your budget?


Cheers

neilly said:

I take it that this is not going to be your main form of transport? So if it breaks down it is not the end of the world.

How much work are you prepared to do to get it where you want it? what is your budget?


Cheers

Click to expand...

Hi. I can go to £6,000 and I'd rather it worked when I got it although i realise there will be tinkering to do (I used to own an old VW bus so can turn my hand to simple stuff). I hope to be able to use it to go to work on either nice warm days or when it's snowing.

Make a a list of the things you want the landy for, e.g. Taking family out, runs to the tip, work transport. Etc. If you have a big family you might want to consider a long wheel base station wagon. Test drive any potential purchase, I didn't and I had the shock of my life, an mot means practically nothing. For short journey usage, a petrol is better than a diesel. Lightweights look great fun in the height of summer but not in the depths of winter. Always, always check the chassis and bulkhead for rust. Good luck, come back to tell us what you bought.

Col

I'd avoid the lightweight as a first choice. They are very basic vehicles and some parts difficult to source. You'd have to pay a lot for a good one. If you buy a S2a be prepared to have to maintain it. As posted think what your requirements are, long or short wheelbase. Whatever you buy I'd recommend it's a petrol engine. The standard diesels can be pigs to maintain.

Speaking from experience of owning 2 Series Landys, I agree 100% get a petrol over a diesel, unless it’s a tdi conversion.

6k should get you a pretty decent series I’d think, although a 2a will go for more than a 3. I’d be expecting a galvy chassis at that money, and a good solid bulkhead, mechanically sound etc.

In my opinion, there is quite a gulf between what Series vehicles are actually worth, and what people on eBay FB etc think their vehicles are worth, so do your homework. I’d suggest watching every Series auction on eBay and get a feel for what they are reaching. Good luck with the hunt.