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Im an engineer and have workshop access to tinker on it at work. A properly maintained Lanny to the correct service schedule is no more unreliable than any other car.
A badly maintained or abused example however WILL break the bank unless you know how to fully strip and service sometimes heavy and complex assemblies. An example is a good friend who unwisely didnt take me to look at a nice and shiny 52 plate Defender XS that he bought. It cost him £2k in parts &labour for a service and for the front axle to be rebuilt with new swivels, and four new calipers all round.
Dont be fooled by 'cheap' parts costs-what you see in the magazines from the likes of Paddocks or Craddocks etc is usually Britpart branded crap-yes it is cheap but it will fail very quickly again, ONLY EVER fit genuine LR or OEM sourced parts which obviously cost more.
However I love mine and wouldnt swop it for anything.
What other car can you do this in on a Sunday and then drive to work Monday morning?
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What other car can you do this with?-not have you wife fix it but be able to cook on the engine?
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Quick motorway services snack-chicken breast wrapped in Parma ham and garlic butter, 20 miles at 60mph. (Garlic prawns only take from Lee Quarry to Hebden Bridge, bacon butties are about the same distance)
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What if this IS your Monday morning office;
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crash out at the end of tiring day with an ice cold beer from your onboard fridge freezer (Engel)
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http://overland-live.blogspot.com/2009/11/expedition-land-rovers-through.html
I'm a one third owner for this....
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We've had it about 6 months, it passed the MOT no worries, costs 190ish a year to tax, does high 20's to the gallon on the road, and it's great fun. Drove from Manc to Reeth in it the other weekend, no issues.
Oh, and the reg plate was already on it!
I'd whole heartedly say scratch that Defender itch!
Franksinatra: Sorry you've not had a more useful response on here - slightly inevitable I'm afraid!
Have a look on www.landroveraddict.com/smf or www.defender2.net.
There are guides on there about what to look for when buying and, more helpfully, if you offer a few beer tokens someone with a wealth of experience will probably come a look at the one you have in mind with you - they did for me when I started out. I'd offer myself but I see you're in the Scottish Borders - I'm in Surrey, sorry chap!
Daily drive or not, if you've got the landrover bugyou'll love a 110 - good luck!
hp_source
You got seats in the back of that?
Two sideways facing ones with lap belts by the windows, they fold up when you need the space. the rest is just carpeted/trimmed out.
Honestly? Unless you need a Defender (and very few do), a Discovery is a lot better as an all-round vehicle that's still hugely capable off-road.
A good Disco II (and there are some VERY bad ones out there) will cost a good deal less than a similar-age Defender, will be a lot more car0-like, and will still cimb any mountain, ford any stream etc etc
My 20 month old son shouts "Land Rover" whenever he sees one - and it's NEVER another 4x4 mistaken for one - cool! I drove modded 110s for years as part of a Geotec Engineering job - they got pushed VERY hard indeed.
We nearly got a new 90XS after a 24 test drive (wife also took her driving test in a 90 pick up and had a couple - both white, both bought new) - my thoughts were:
It's pretty gutless for almost £30k
It's very draughty inside.
The new interior is a big improvement
Very noisy
Looked DAMN cool.
In the end we got a Jimny - now before falling over laughing... inlaws rave about the one they have (having had many LR Defenders) because:
Same "performance" (ahem) as a Defender
Smaller overhangs and better approach/departure angles
Better ground clearance
Much lighter
Never break down (the inlaws Defenders often did as did our site ones when I was a Geotec engineer)
Have more "safety" features (but still hardly safe)
So far, we have been everywhere in our Jimny that a Defender can go (if not modded) - very severe greenlanes and worse
It cost peanuts to run.
However the Defender can tow far more and has much more torque and I will always like them!
This is my mates recently rebuilt landy, he's had it since 1990ish. It is great fun.[img] 
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having said that my brothers Toyota version is as good if not better off road and better on road.[img] 
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I had the land rover itch from the age of 15. It took me until the age of 23 before I had finished uni and could afford to buy one. a 2002 TD5 90. The best decision I have ever made. As has been said already, the depreciation is negligible. Mileage isnt as much of an issue as people say either, as long as there is evidence of regular servicing.
They're also not "awful" to sit in or drive etc. You get used to it. Im 6 foot and have no real issues with leg room.
I've also learnt loads when it comes to repairs and maintenance. Most of the jobs are do-able, with a bit of research (Haynes Book of Lies and the forums on lro.com and lr4x4.com where they have comprehensive tech archives with step by step photographs). Failing that, it wouldnt surprise me if you didnt find someone local on the forum who would come and give you a hand! If youre ever in the NE with a problem, let me know!
Ignore the impracticalities. Theyre unbelievable cars.
Dickydutch - where are you located in the NE?
I'm from near Northallerton, but earn my living on the other side of the pond in Den Haag.
Cranberry. I live in Sunderland at the moment for my sins.
Are you not called cranberry on one of the forums too?
I sold a lightbar to someone in Northallerton a while back - that wasn't you per chance was it?!
I know defenders inside out (Done a few rebuilds, have 3 pals that are specialists, former committee member of Scottish Land Rover Owners club) I was once what you call an enthusiast.
Chassis - Look for rust. Take a screwdriver and tap the steel all along it and listen for dull tones. Often sign of rust eating its way out. Check the rear cross member (sort of rear bumper) for rust. Also outriggers (box section/tubes that come out the side of the chassis) for rust also the middle and back 2 of there are you seatbelt maintaining points. these call all be replaced but expensive.
Engine - Go for a 200tdi/300tdi/TD5. the new Puma engine is terrible IMHO. Do not got for a 2.5 td or NA. Too slow. Listen for tapping, check oil (if thick and gloopy, run) and water level. Make sure fan works, and all arms intact. Look at radiator and check for the fins and make sure the majority are intact. If not there might be cooling problems which mean the chances are the head is f@@ked. Also lift oil cap and smell for burning/look for a rainbow. Again chances are head is ****ed.
Electrics - check all lights work as you would expect. They are notorious for bad earths. Easy to resolve if you know how. Chances are on an older one fuel gauge wont work. Common fault.
Gear box. Drive up and down all gears in both high and low box as well at in Diff lock (if it has it. TD5 onwards wont)if you don't get drive in any gears chances are transfer box is done. Check for clutch slipping and listen for clunking. Take on to grass, some stones, pull away quick and get someone to check all 4 wheels spin when out of diff lock. If not Diff/Half shafts could be needing replaced.
Bulkhead (bit under windscreen) - Look all over for rust of bubbles. Again can be replaced but very, very big job.
Interior - Check there is some. Don't worry about this too much, again check all (most) things that are important to you work.
If you are in the Glasgow/Edinburgh or anywhere close by I'm happy to come for a look at any you fancy. I also know a few dealers that I can put you on to.
They are great fun cars, take alot of love (and often money) to run. there are some absolute tatties out there so beware. You get used to the drive very quickly and will have great fun, if you have the patience. Enjoy.
good checklist that Xan. I got carried away with justifying it for the poster!!
Sunderland? I hope you at least enjoyed the sinning.
I'm also on LRO.com as Cranberry. No, the lightbar wasn't for me.
FrankSinatra - register on LRO.com and say hello - there'll be someone near you that will take a look at a Landy with you in return for a beer or two - it could save you from buying a vehicle in poor condition.
This is all really good stuff, thanks for all of the comments.
Turns out the Land Rover I was going to look at is 19yrs old, not 10! Kind of shifts the balance a bit and not a project I'm able to take on.
Still have the itch and will scratch it, eventually...
xan - what's wrong with the new engine? Must admit I was a bit underwhelmed by it having driven 1000s of miles in td5 powered ones which felt better.
There's something about spending almost £30k on a vehicle powered by a Ford Transit engine that grates...!
xan - what's wrong with the new engine? Must admit I was a bit underwhelmed by it having driven 1000s of miles in td5 powered ones which felt better.
This is only my opinion but I think it is hugley underpowered. Drove one a year ago and it just didnt feel like a landy. I know someone that uses it as a workhorse and for towing and their description is that it wouldn't pull you out of bed. I think the Puma engines are strong but just dont have the guts. Plus all the new fangled electronics make in no where near as good off road as the old 200/300 engine. To be fair the TD5 has even lost some of the "off road" appeal of the older ones.
Turns out the Land Rover I was going to look at is 19yrs old, not 10! Kind of shifts the balance a bit and not a project I'm able to take on
I wouldnt worry too much about age. My last one was a 1986 and I spent over 3k getting it perfect. It was in better condition than most of the 10 yo cars on the road. When it comes to landies dont go by age, go by condition. I have seen 4-5 yo cars that are rust buckets. As I said if you need help let me know. See your based in the borders so if there is anything you really fancy I am happy to combine a visit to see a car with a trip to one of the stanes.
I have heard that the 300 engine is probably the best.
A four pot 2.4 just seems a bit lame for a Defender even if the torque is higher and the bhp about the same as the td5 unit. The new engine is also VERY noisy!
I did like the "look" though and the new seat arrangement was much handier. This is the one we had for a day:
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franksinatra
Mines a 98R 300Tdi 110 Hard top with Side windows, roofrack and XS alloys.
2 Owners from new (Anglian Water & Me) done 80,000 miles, Full service history. It's done about 8000 miles with me over the past 4 years. (I don't drive much)
I think I'm gonna sell it 🙁 because I just don't use it enough. So if you do want a 10 (and a bit) year old one then let me know.
Otherwise I'll keep it.
I think if I were to replace my TD5 90, I'd probably go for a 110. Just that bit extra room for bikes.
Have owned Defender 90's (300tdi)for the best part of 10 years, still gives a grin when used on road and off road, use mine as the only car and its great. Yes they leak are thirsty, built crap etc, etc but there is something about them and the random people that come over and start talking landys when yer in the local supermarket carpark.
Seats are ok if yer no over 5'8 (which I'm not), have driven mine all round the UK and Scottish islands without (m)any issues. Even had the GF driving it off road for the first time, which was scary for me as the passenger.
Dont think I would be without one now, and it got me home everyday during the freaky Scottish winter.
I have heard that the 300 engine is probably the best.
Without a dout. Remove the EGR valve, turn up the turbo a bit, bigger intercooler and they are flying machines. A guy I know has a 300tdi Tomcat that can beat V8s. the late 300s with the ECU could be re-mapped at well, but they are hard to come by.
TD5 can take a fair bit of power too with the right mod's. Twisted performance and Jeremy Fern have turned out some pretty quick TD5s.
The TD5 (especiallt the XS with the Aircon dash) are much nicer inside than the old ones, whilst still keeping that original look.
My mate is selling a 110 300tdi Hi Cap (perfect for bikes). new galvy chassis, newish 300tdi engine (4k miles), s reg, years MOT, 6 months tax, and full rebuild costing c £13k. Think he was looking for about £5.5 - £6k for it. Thats alot of car for not alot of money. Pic below. If your interested let me know and I can put you on to him.
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had this TUM 110 FFR for 7 years nearly,
brought it from the British army auctions@ witham specialist vehicles, it came green and completey full of sand and dust in places, 34000 mls on the clock when I brought it and on it's second engine.( should be noted that ffr stands for fitted for radios, it has a throttle lever like a choke so you can set the revs to run the radios or charge the batteries while parked up, putting quite a lot of extra wear on the engine,)
it has permanent 4 wheel drive and all the diffs etc, the base is built onto a beefier landrover chassis and looking underneath you can see the difference,
i haven't started it since new years day but i know just a turn of the key and a few pumps on the peddle and it will be off,
downsides include: 65mph top speed, 20 mpg 8O, funny looks from other drivers, the odd mistake by military convoys flashing at me etc etc.
plus points include: always having right of way on roundabouts, junctuons etc, you don't get much abuse from road rage drivers, scratches dont count, go anywhere ability, free shed 8O. washable interior,
it is for sale at the end of the summer, money is going to go on a newish 110 county 7 seater TD5 for summer jaunts to southern france and alps 😛
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Drove from Manc to Reeth in it the other weekend, no issues.
I've also learnt loads when it comes to repairs and maintenance.
😆
My mate is selling a 110 300tdi Hi Cap (perfect for bikes). new galvy chassis, newish 300tdi engine (4k miles), s reg, years MOT, 6 months tax, and full rebuild costing c £13k. Think he was looking for about £5.5 - £6k for it. Thats alot of car for not alot of money. Pic below. If your interested let me know and I can put you on to him.
I know someone who may be interested - can you get in touch : jwoffle [AT} goog lemail DOTcom - cheers.
😆 @ Konabunny
I've spent a few hours tinkering too! But, touch wood a bit of prep/checking/maintenance has so far done the trick, although that may be more luck than anything else.
Woffle - YGM!!
If you really must, I think these are ubercool (don't pretend to be a faux-farmer like a car-Fakinger with a defender) Instead of you sisters jeans, fake-farmer-Defenderman wears faux-flat caps, faux-checked country shirts and hang out thinking they look 'farmer old-money to their neigbhours' or kid your neighbours that you must have a rich-land owner farmer away from your pokey flat in Bristol.
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This however is for the discerning man who is respected by all I bet..:
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I used to drive a 110td.
Slowest, noisiest, ,thirstiest, most uncomfortable, most expensive, least reliable car I have ever had.
It was great fun though and I miss it.
Hora, stop, please. Your choices of both the Volvo and RR are perfect but my missus doesn't get them 🙁
I know, mrshora thinks of black shiny Audi S3's and all I can think of is big load space and a strong wearing interior with 90's-retro looks...
Just bought my little boy a 1/32nd scale 90 TD5 hardtop - he loves it!
I have a open rear cab Landrover (90?) with a date stamp 1975 from my childhood sat on my desk.
Land Rovers are for poor people
Buy a Range Rover FFS.
I have a open rear cab Landrover (90?) with a date stamp 1975 from my childhood sat on my desk.
Same age as me then!
Land Rovers are for poor people
Ahem..... are you sure, the Queen has one, and she ain't poor
Ahem..... are you sure, the Queen has one, and she ain't poor
As does pretty much every single major land owner in the UK...
Dales_rider - Member
Land Rovers are for poor people
Wrong.
Land Rovers [i]make[/i] poor people 😀
But they also make happy people too, because they're awesome 8)
I have a open rear cab Landrover (90?) with a date stamp 1975 from my childhood sat on my desk.
1975 produced car would have been a Series III. First year of production of a 90/110/130 was 1983 (changed to Defender in 1990, however with it being a model it could be a Series I, Series II, Series IIa or a Series III
I'm sad I know!!
"Made in England by Britains Ltd, 1/32 scale S.W.B Land-rover"
I remember STANDING on it to try and break etc etc etc - and no. Its still in one piece 😀
what to look out for, a complete sense of humour failiure, they're quite comon with any car thats passed through british leyland's hands!
'spooney - disilusioned midget owner
I remember STANDING on it to try and break etc etc etc - and no. Its still in one piece
You can also do that to the full sized ones, it's lots of fun.
You can also do that to the full sized ones, it's lots of fun.
I remember standing on my wing cleaning out the gutters on the house. Stopped doing that after I got a paint job and a load on new panels on mine mind you.
Mind you quoting you can stand on it without breaking it is a very risky claim lol. Have you ever seen the rust on some of them??
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What else can do this on a sunday and drive to work on a Monday? A Nissan Terrano!
Bombproof engine, comfortable. Rear axle has a limited slip diff as standard so very capable off road as standard.