Talk Morgan Forums Community Vehicle Talk (non-Morgan) Land rover bargains

I know that feeling all too well.

People say the two happiest days of boat ownership are the day you buy them and the day you sell them; personally, I've found Defenders to be not too dissimilar. People talk about Morgans needing fettling but I seemed to spend all my time doing something on the Land Rovers and when I wasn't, I was worrying about corrosion protect.

I've never owned a Series I but I have had a Series II, IIa, III and a few Puma Defenders. I've enjoyed them all; however, the early cars are primitive (no surprise there!) and the later Pumas have build quality issues and the complexity made them less appealing than older versions when they did go wrong.

About a decade ago, I remember comparing a same year Defender against both a German and Japanese equivalent (all early 90s) and struggling to see how anyone could have bought the Defender new had they done a direct comparison.

When I purchased my last one in 2015, there were various patches of surface rust on all the 'new' ones sitting on the forecourt, with a few already showing bubbles on the regular areas.

Prices are still reasonably strong for many of them; however, they are starting to wane and I wonder how long until the heart vs head argument is harder to justify.

Nevertheless, I still smile when I see a proper working Defender (Graham's, Tim's or Richard's Series included) and for me, that is when they are at their best, rather than being driven around Chelsea with a load of aesthetically challenged bits bolted onto them (22" wheels, blinged out chrome trim, bonnet lettering proclaiming who 'tuned' it, and so on!)

+1

Our Series III only had one panel that wasn't dented. A long hill with the horse trailer on the back was deafening. Flat out in third gear for what always seemed like an eternity. I sometimes wonder where it is now.

There are a few around here that look used and abused. Some of the local farmers have kept a LR 90 as their shepherding truck since they are a lot lighter than a Hilux and will go a lot further on wet hills whilst doing less damage. However, most now have a Hilux / Ford Ranger etc in addition as the tow truck for their cattle / sheep float.

Sadly, the romance of the thought of owning these things is often shattered by the reality of actually owning one.......😆
There's a huge following for defenders at the moment, I think if you've managed to get a good one and you've owned it long term.....it's definitely worth holding on to.

When you compare a land rover to any modern japanese pick ups there's no contest..........but........ flawed though the certainly are....... they are cool.........😁

I have a 1973 series 3 a nut & bolt restored car. Yes they are primative but you have to bear in mind Series Land Rovers are between 77 and 40 years old so can be in any condition.

Mines tax and MOT exempt and I look upon it as an investment as I still think id get more money back than I paid for it which is more than I could say for my 4/4.
I have toyed with the idea of buying a 2015 Landrover but Road tax and running costs are high and prices dont seem to be dropping to me in fact the reverse. A decent reasonable mileage 2015 XS is £35K to £40K

Pics here

Thanks for posting those Craig!