waltzinblack Posted November 13, 2011 Share Posted November 13, 2011 So guys, looking for opinions and advice here... will be moving out into the countryside (ish!) Now we aren't gonna be exactly out in the sticks miles from anywhere (will actually still be very close to London), but will still be in the kind of place that doesn't get much gritting attention in potential icy/snowy conditions. This will be a problem... because I have a 300bhp RWD Zed, haha. I do currently have a 'Shed' which is my trusty Citroen Saxo.. my first car haha. I'd probably manage in the snow in the Saxo as it's light and FWD, but it's past 90k miles now, and for a little French hatchback that is far beyond the point of no return, and it is just falling apart and I want to get rid. It's a VTR too, so with all it's boy racer owners it hasn't exactly had an easy 90k miles. I also just WANT a 4x4. I like the idea of having one, and the extra space will also be useful for a shed car, the Saxo isn't really big enough to justify it's current use as a Shed for transporting my massive dogs or stuff that won't fit in the Zed. And now I'm living slightly in the countryside I won't look like a dick for having one. Budget is £3000, MIGHT stretch to 5, but no more than that. I want an awesome 4x4, and am currently temtped by the Old Discoverys, Defenders and Vogues that I'm seeing on Autotrader. My questions is, are the old Land Rovers really that good? And crucially, are they reliable? I don't care about mpg as the car will only be used for DIY materials, taking the dogs to big parks and in the snow. So if the big V8 Petrol ones are any good then that's cool! Insurance is a factor, but surely a 15 year old 4x4 can't be that expensive to insure?? Really interested to hear about reliability though, that's my main gripe with the current shed. And especially because the models in my range are mostly over 90k miles. Or if there is anything better that still retains the Land Rover 4x4 abilities, and also has the presence and imposing looks.. then suggest away! Cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DoogyRev Posted November 13, 2011 Share Posted November 13, 2011 Get an old Defender If you shop around you can get some really good deals. Maybe worth looking at ex-MOD ones, they may have high milage.... but they have been maintained well Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
martinmac Posted November 13, 2011 Share Posted November 13, 2011 Having driven very old landies in interesting terrain with bogs and minefields I would expand your search range. They really are great vehicles and good fun. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Southernspeed Posted November 13, 2011 Share Posted November 13, 2011 I love LRs but seriously, go with a Pajero or Land Cruiser etc. Land Rovers and Disco's rot really badly as do Range Rovers (what the Disco is platformed on.) Their chassis', outriggers and bulkheads rot as do door frames. If you're not too worried about size, Suzukis are great, reliable, light weight 4x4s. With a LR you are paying a few grand over the odds for 'status'. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
waltzinblack Posted November 13, 2011 Author Share Posted November 13, 2011 I love LRs but seriously, go with a Pajero or Land Cruiser etc. Land Rovers and Disco's rot really badly as do Range Rovers (what the Disco is platformed on.) Their chassis', outriggers and bulkheads rot as do door frames. If you're not too worried about size, Suzukis are great, reliable, light weight 4x4s. With a LR you are paying a few grand over the odds for 'status'. That's the main problems I was hearing about, so thanks a lot for mentioning I'm really hoping to see how many others say the same! But I'm happy to pay a bit extra for status. Land Rovers look cool and quite mean, Suzuki Vitaras do not (sorry to any owners! ).. their presence and looks will be one factor in why I buy. Might be a shed, but I want an awesome looking Shed. Looks is a big factor, that's why I bought a Zed over a Porsche too! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beau Posted November 13, 2011 Share Posted November 13, 2011 Get a Toyota Landcruiser my friend! More reliable and maintanence is cheap, IF they do have issue (which they never do) parts are cheap and they are easy to work with. I own a 1997 Toyota landcruiser colorado, through owning it the past year I have gone through a lot of pads, recently changed disc and steering rack Bushes. Thats all and with 150k on the clock still going strong. They are good for all round and good fuel consumption (30mpg) Heres mine and yes it does have big rims but I dont need it for off roading! The UK models come standard with centre diff locks and a rear diff lock and you can pick up a good one with less than 120,000 miles for 3k or opt for the latter D4D model with more grunt which will set you back about 4-5k. Or you can go for the 80 series amazon, a good one will set you 4k but high mileage and they are quite thirsty. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Southernspeed Posted November 13, 2011 Share Posted November 13, 2011 I love LRs but seriously, go with a Pajero or Land Cruiser etc. Land Rovers and Disco's rot really badly as do Range Rovers (what the Disco is platformed on.) Their chassis', outriggers and bulkheads rot as do door frames. If you're not too worried about size, Suzukis are great, reliable, light weight 4x4s. With a LR you are paying a few grand over the odds for 'status'. That's the main problems I was hearing about, so thanks a lot for mentioning I'm really hoping to see how many others say the same! But I'm happy to pay a bit extra for status. Land Rovers look cool and quite mean, Suzuki Vitaras do not (sorry to any owners! ).. their presence and looks will be one factor in why I buy. Might be a shed, but I want an awesome looking Shed. Looks is a big factor, that's why I bought a Zed over a Porsche too! Unfortunately, unless you pay for one that's only a few years old the chances are it will have been welded already and will probably need welding again for the next MOT. There's a very good LR specialists close to me and they are kept very busy with all that sort of work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
waltzinblack Posted November 13, 2011 Author Share Posted November 13, 2011 Thanks for the quick replies guys! @Beau, that's the kind of alternate suggestion I was after, will also look into them! @Southernspeed, judging by what has been said above about Ex-MOD LRs, would you expect them to be going the same way? Surely the Army couldn't afford to keep vehicles that rust to pieces all the time!? On the MOD sales site, the LRs seem to be going very cheap and being ex-mil they look awesome. I also found http://www.mod-sales.com/direct/vehicle ... 2_MK_2.htm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
martinmac Posted November 13, 2011 Share Posted November 13, 2011 Military cars have $$$ thrown at them. There used to be a pecking order. They were shipped from one area to another depending on the readiness state. If they are in the UK I would think they would be a good buy as they will have just reached that age. Remember the price the MOD will pay for a toilet seat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
waltzinblack Posted November 13, 2011 Author Share Posted November 13, 2011 Military cars have $$$ thrown at them. There used to be a pecking order. They were shipped from one area to another depending on the readiness state. If they are in the UK I would think they would be a good buy as they will have just reached that age. Remember the price the MOD will pay for a toilet seat. So do you reckon it's worth booking an appointment to go and see them? I'd be interested to know what the insurance will be too.. hmm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Husky Posted November 14, 2011 Share Posted November 14, 2011 Land Rovers and Disco's rot really badly as do Range Rovers (what the Disco is platformed on.) the RRS is platformed off of the disco the RR is a different platform. Sounds like you don't need the most capable 4x4 out there so no need to go to the extremes of defender, disco etc. Stick with a cheaper jap 4x4 and you'll be fine. Your Saxo should be perfectly fine through the winter if given the proper care and some winter tyres. A well set up FWD car can still out do a badly prepared 4wd vehicle. tee hee http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3211559.htm or more seriously go for something like this http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3381872.htm or http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3002835.htm or http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3356109.htm or http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3370933.htm pick your brand Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ozz Posted November 14, 2011 Share Posted November 14, 2011 I had a 52 plate disco, got rid of it pretty quick. horrible to drive though did look nice and very roomy. got a sorento instead, love it though not great in the snow as its RWD (fine when put in 4wd). Get a cheap hi-lux maybe. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Iwantone Posted November 14, 2011 Share Posted November 14, 2011 You'll not go far wrong with a Pajero. I'm on my 2nd one now and they are a lot of car for little money and they behave themselves. The downsides are that they are virtually all auto gearboxes and they do like diesel. My 2.8 Exceed typically does 23 mpg and I have a very light right foot! The 2.8 has a timing chain so no silly belt to worry about, the 2.5 does have a belt. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EH 370z Posted November 14, 2011 Share Posted November 14, 2011 What about the American route? Cheap enough http://www.drivencarsales.co.uk/used-cars/jeep-grand-cherokee-3-0-crd-overland-5dr-auto-thornaby-201145426815175 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ianphampton Posted November 14, 2011 Share Posted November 14, 2011 I bought a Hilux last December, having had one a few years ago, great vehicle, gets 28mpg almost regardless of how I drive it, and really useful for towing trailers and caravans and so on. I bought mine new but you can definitely get them on eBay for your £3k budget - and every now and then you get finance company repos from dodgy builders at really knockdown money - I saw one a couple of months ago when a 58 Reg went for £4100. http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... :MEWAX:VRI Alternatively - my ex drives a Suzuki Jimny and although you might say Suziki's are not cool, it's performed really well in all weathers and she's got over 100k on it and it's still in pretty good nick. (Mind you, having had all my money when she changed from my missus to my ex I'm surprised she hasn't bought a new one and gold plated it just to spite me) Anyway - don't knock them, they're real 4x4s and cheap - and cheap to run, too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nzr350z Posted November 14, 2011 Share Posted November 14, 2011 If you buy a good Defender dont think you will lose much money,especilly if you get a diesel,brother in law offroads in one,will go nearly everywhere,parts are plentifull and cheap.If you are mechanically minded AND can weld no problem Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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