Oops, replied in the other thread.
IMHO, a Landy is definitely a car you have to WANT, there are many pitfalls.
I'll start this off by saying I'm a massive fan and have been for over 25 years. We bought one when I was 14 and it was the first car I drove at 17. I've sinced owned two, a Series 3 and a Series 1(!). I've got quite a few friends who owned / own a variety and have been involved in the 'scene' for a while ... I've been to a few shows in my time too. However, I'm no expert and your milage may vary. The below is mostly my informed opinion.
Series 3 Landies will have leaf springs (think carthorse) and steer like a barge compared to modern cars (no power steering so expect well muscled shoulders). Measure breaking distances in days, not feet/meters unless perfectly set up (and very well maintained). Out of a 2.25 petrol (common) you'll get 14-18 MPG (from experience). Diesels get slightly more but will take you 1.5 times as long to get anywhere. You'll also need to be handy with a spanner, not mind oil on your driveway and sell your soul to the devil to keep the electrics running. Most series will be well recycled with the second hand spares Market flooded with parts.
Definitely test drive before you think about owning one to make sure you can get on with the relatively ancient technology.
Defenders were a massive leap forward. 25-30 mpg is not unattainable, Coil springs and disc brakes (on most models, very early ones still had drums all round, discs on front & drums on rear is common, discs all round on newer models) upped the ride comfort and stopping power. Most Defenders should have power steering (except really early or MOD released models) which helps a lot. However, it's still not car-like if you're expecting a Mondeo like ride. Avoid normally aspirated diesel models (2.5 non-turbo) unless you're never in a rush to get anywhere, 2.5TD models can have issues and have a bad reputation for reliability although most proper experts reckon it's down to being thrashed and poor maintenance. The 200 & 300 TDi models are sought after as theyre the most easily serviceable at home, as such they're becoming more expensive. Watch for the quality of work on models that have had Disco or Range Rover engines swapped into them, the engines are not exactly the same and need some fettling to fit. The TD5 is a good engine much lambasted for it's use of electronics but if you're planning to get it garage serviced, don't worry about it.
On all models you need to check the heavy steel chassis and bulkhead (the panels beneath the front windscreen) for corrosion, the factory skimped on a lot of rust-prevension measures and even relatively modern vehicles can suffer from rot quite badly depending where they were used. If you're friends with a decent welder, they are infinitely repairable.
Panel gaps are to be expected also, if it rains, there is a very good chance you will get wet.
On the bright side, they look amazing. You'll rarely have trouble getting anywhere eventually (even those that hate chelsea-tractors love a Landy driver in the winter) and you'll own a car that'll will probably end up unique and a character. Other drivers tend to beep & wave which is quite nice, so there is a sense of 'community'...
I've got more info in my head if I haven't bored you all enough or put you off already.
As I say though, I love Landys but i drive a Jeep. There is a reason.
