Jeeper considering Land Rover

[SummitJeep]

I have been in Jeeps since I learned how to drive (15 then, 40 now). I have been watching the Land Rover world for a long time but have always thought it was unaffordable and very limited by availability of U.S. vehicles. I am now determined to learn what I can and begin my journey into LR ownership. One concern I have is the practicality of a Defender. I would want a 110 with diesel if possible but I am wondering if vehicle availability, parts availability, and comfort (daily driver) is possible with a 110. Does anyone have any feedback for LR's that fit these needs other than a high dollar Range Rover? Any help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
John

 

[joey]

Welcome to the forum, a 110 diesel will be hard to find here in the US since they stopped bringing the 110 over in the early 90's and not sure if any diesels were even legally brought here at all.

As far as the rest considering your looking at a vehicle that is around 15 years old I would say vehicle availability will be hard to find, parts not so hard unless it is body parts (drive-train is shared across platforms), comfort well it is a 15 year old vehicle so not as comfortable as say a new LR4.

 

[Big_Mark]

Welcome SummitJeep, From a Former Jeep owner gone LR.

I traded my CJ-8 Juggy for a fully loaded/lifted set up 1994 D1. 4 months later I'm daily driving a 2006 LR3. I'm glad I made the jump HOWEVER....

I had more of a Buggy than Jeep at the end (Owned the Scrambler for 15-16 years) and really wanted to sell it. Nobody would buy it so I took a trade offer (the D1) because it met all the criteria I wanted, Windows, Heater, Street legal, ready to drive.
I was also offered a Cherokee (bleech..) and a 4 Runner.
Like you I've always liked the idea of Land Rover ownership. What I've found is the LR community is great, there is a lot of information available (see Disco Mikes sig for links to shop manuals). Then there is the vehicle itself. In my case the D1 came with an old man Emu lift, as well as a rear locker. So I am still able to run most of the trails and logging roads I've been driving on for years. Sure I can't take all the "Extreme lines" but I have already done all that so no big loss there. With the D1 the ride is great, with the D3 the ride is F'n awesome! (I don't wheel the D3) the D1 gets around, has solid axles front and rear, are plentiful (compared to the overpriced Defender) and have lots of aftermarket options.

What I'm getting at here is if you still want to run trails that might cause minor body damage (from low hanging branches, etc..) go for a D1 since they are more common and can be had cheap if you look on Craigslist enough. There are more than one brand of lift kits available as well. If you just want a unique wheeler to go to the mall with the Defender is a good option but getting into one isn't an option for under 5 figures.

I've been happy after my switch, and all my buddies with their Jeeps are surprised that my Disco goes so well. I just laugh at them from behind my windshield and comfortable heated environment.. LOL.

In a few years I'll take my D3 on a trail run, but not now, it's still to nice!

 

[SummitJeep]

It sounds like I am in quite the conundrum. I like the looks of the 110 wagons and trucks but with the hopes of a diesel version and finding one that is nice enough to use for a daily and distance driver I may have narrowed my chances down to numbers in the decimal range. I like the appeal of working on my own stuff (the older LR's) but I like the dependability of the newer stuff (LR3, LR4, so on). I have heard horror story from friends and family and even read it on the different dealership reviews on how costly service is, that the dealer is the only one who can do the service, the amount of time it takes, and in the end numerous bad experiences with LR dealerships, not just one.

I am aware of the Discos problems (I & II). I am seeing LR3's in Autotrader in Denver with decent miles and within 2003 to 2008'ish in the $20's and $30's. I live about 100 miles from the closest LR dealer so service would be a drive every time. So all of those stories scare me. I thought about looking for a refurbed older Defender and found the companies online but I haven't seen any prices, so that is leading me to believe that if I have to ask.....I can't afford it.

This whole thing is starting to feel like owning a Jeep. You have to love them to put up with some of the quirks and troubles that come along with owning them....LR's just need more love to put up with their rare availability and higher costs.

I am not deterred yet, but I would like to start finding some good or encouraging info....haha

John

 

[Big_Mark]

This whole thing is starting to feel like owning a Jeep. You have to love them to put up with some of the quirks and troubles that come along with owning them....LR's just need more love to put up with their rare availability and higher costs.

Yup!


Regarding the service, any good mechanic can work on a Land ROver you just need to find said mechanic!
I got lucky with my LR3, $16k 95K miles and the dealership is awesome and reasonably priced. I also have a back up mechanic, my buddy. He works at the shop that the dealerships send stuff that they can't fix

Since you are no doubt a DIY guy (do it yourself) look for a D1 or older D2. The D1 for sure is more familiar grounds than the later. It will be easier to work on and you can get parts readily at Oreilies, Napa, Shucks, etc..For LR specific parts there are plenty of online options. I was really worried I'd be stuck paying premium prices for all my Disco parts, that has not been the case.