do i sell it or keep it...

[FBF]

this is my dilema. i have a ford 'bronco II'  its a capable 4x4 from what the americans tell me and im a big fan of yank stuff.  (i have a few other american cars in the fold) domnt mind left hookers etc the engine is enough its a 3ltr V6.

heres my dilemma.

i bought the bronco for 500 quid spent 350 getting it mot'd and now its faultless and in fantastic condition for its age.  its a good one basically.  and well worth 1500 quid if i wanted to sell it.  thing is now im at the stage where the whole off road bug has bitten me and im wondering: should i plow money ion to the bronco with a lift big tyres etc etc (these mods are cheaper via the states with the strength of the £) or do i sell up and buy a deisel landy and spend the money on that? for 1500 quid i could get something of a similar age and i know if i look long enough a nice one will come up at that price sooner or later.

what if i break something major on the bronco its going to be harder to get thatn a landy part would..  but then again nice to have something diffrent from everyone else and something that could potentially be better than a landy for all i know...

any thoughts?

[Jim-Willy]

£1500 won't buy a very nice 90 at all.  You are highly unlikely to get a TDI.  Folk will tell you different but imho that isn't enough to buy a decent Landy other than a Disco.  Start gently and see what the yank tank can do..........

[FBF]

this one tempted me but i didnt have enough..

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=015&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=250061463815&rd=1&rd=1

i thought that was a good one.

[Jim-Willy]

Hmmmm......  that engine isn't exactly renowned as any good, it has had a rebuild though but i wouldn't want one.  It is at an age where it is highly likely to need welding if it hasn't already been done.  Problem is that is the bargain basement end of the market.  Be very careful when viewing and take someone with you who knows where the problems areas lie.  Check chassis (particularly the rear x member), bulkhead, check gearbox and drivetrain for backlash and be very very sure a TD is sweet!

He he, that sounds like they are rubbish and that isn't true they are unique though, they need maintainence and love and are money pits, they all leak, are noisy, slow etc etc but if you like it and look after it they are reliable and the best at what they do, you will be hooked forever lol.

[FBF]

top advice jim thanks. im here to learn. i do trade in cars so have a good eye for them and do know what to look for but that said its good to have the specifics.  im thinking maybe just spend a little on the yank knowing they are reliable and see how it does compared to the landys.  really the bronco is a suzuki sj with a bigger engine.  that said if i break a prop or similar its a big part to ship over the pond..  on a lady it'd be for sale round the corner type thing.

[bezzabsa]

for 1500 you can get a very capable , and usually off road equipped , range rover... may even have lpg for that sort of cash too....worth a thought

[FBF]

howe do range rovers compare to land rovers?

[nickW]

they are the same but cheaper :D discovery's are even cheaper again

only thing to worry about is the rear over hang

[v8kenny]

 on a lady it'd be for sale round the corner type thing.

 :shock:  So..................are you used to buying things from ladies who hang aroung on corners .................. :lol:

[bezzabsa]

howe do range rovers compare to land rovers?

comfier - coil sprung wonderful V8 - and can be fitted with just about ANY engine!!

[FBF]

 on a lady it'd be for sale round the corner type thing.

 :shock:  So..................are you used to buying things from ladies who hang aroung on corners .................. :lol:

eeerm...  put it this way..  cos of guys like me you can play rugby for ipswich...    they desperately need more hookers

[Rich_P]

howe do range rovers compare to land rovers?

A Range Rover Classic is almost the same underneath as a Discovery 1.  The main differences of the later RRC model to the Disco 1 is the engine, and of course the body bolted to the chassis.

However, be warned that both the Discovery and Range Rover Classic can rot badly in places around the shell.  Sills, wheel arches and driver's floor are common rot spots so make sure to check those areas carefully when looking at either the Discovery or Range Rover Classic.

Where as with a 90/110/130, the majority of the body is aluminium, but the bulkhead is steel and rots and so does the chassis.  Discoveries and Classics tend to not rot much in the chassis in comparison to the more utilitarian models.  You also get a lot more for your money with a Discovery or Range Rover Classic compared to the coil sprung utility vehicles.

Basically, if you can get a good RRC or Disco, do so.  Then make sure you put plenty of protection on the steel parts of the shell that rot and the chassis, such as yearly appliance of waxoil and perhaps chassis paint too.  This should slow if not stop any rot starting on the 'outside' of the vehicle where it gets the most exposure water and other corrosive materials.

The others on here can fill you in on parts that also can cause problems on either the Range Rover Classic or Discovery (such as leaky alpine windows on the Disco roof).

[FBF]

to be honest..  and im gonna get bitch slapped for this...  they all sound pretty crap old rust buckets. beggining to wonder if a jeep might be a better option

[Keri]

to be honest..  and im gonna get bitch slapped for this...  they all sound pretty crap old rust buckets. beggining to wonder if a jeep might be a better option

 :?  Maybe you are better of without one then with that outlook

[hairyasswelder]

to be honest..  and im gonna get bitch slapped for this...  they all sound pretty crap old rust buckets. beggining to wonder if a jeep might be a better option

Whatever floats your boat  :D
If it is made of steel, it rusts.
I personally wouldnt swap my 'pretty crap old rust bucket' for a Jeep  [-X  
All cars have their faults, Land Rover group of 4x4's can rust, so can a Jeep and Im guessing rust protection is not a priority in USA?

It's all about personal choice, as a welder I would rather it rust than anything else  :)

Steve

[AbyssDJ]

if you're not prepared to take on the possible problems with a land rover (which they all have) as well as the massive plus points of them, then its not worth spending on one.

id rather push our 110 down a greenlane than drive a jeep or similar down one... and at the moment thats the only way its going to go down one, because theres a big piece of engine sat in a box next to me.

as for how much it would cost to get a good one.. you just cant say. we paid 4 grand (should have been 5) for ours... good engine (except that its just broken...) nice body, nice colour, general good condition EXCEPT that it has a chassis made of edam.

my dad paid 2 grand for his A reg 110... naff body work, worse paint, even worse engine (very VERY slow 2.5NA) and generally a mess............................ perfect chassis.

you've just got to look around.

[marjan]

Come to the dark side my son and buy a Vitara!, you may get shunned by landy drivers but you can have a laugh when you see them falling apart and breaking down every hour  :lol:  :lol:  :lol:  :lol:  :lol:  :lol:

And before you all get on my case, I have been on 7 days out either pay and play or greenlaning this year and on every outing at least one of the Land Rovers with us has had problems whilst the Vitara just keeps going.

[hairyasswelder]

whilst the Vitara just keeps going.

DURACELL BATTERIES???????  :lol:  :lol:  :lol:  :lol:

[Rich_P]

to be honest..  and im gonna get bitch slapped for this...  they all sound pretty crap old rust buckets. beggining to wonder if a jeep might be a better option

A massive amount of them are 'rust buckets'.  There are however quite a few very tidy and clean ones still about as well.

I've not heard of the Jeeps of similar age to the RRC/Disco 1 having good anti-corrosion protection either.  The few I have seen have had more rot than the typical Range Rover Classic, and that's saying something there.  :shock:

It's the same with any aging car.  You get what you pay for, if you check everything carefully before handing over the money then you should not have much of a problem.

I have to also put forward that it appears the older Land Rover vehicles survive better than the later coil sprung vehicles.  Take a typical Series 2/2A for example, and they are often not all that bad considering their age.  Yet you often find coil sprung vehicles in far worse conditions that aren't even a third of the age.

What you need to ask yourself is what do you want to use the vehicle for?  Write down on a piece of paper all the various things you want or would like to do with it or want it to be able to do.  Then reply here and tell us, so that we may give suggestions. ;)

[freeagent]

ok, heres how i see it...

the Jeep is a bit different, would be an awesome off-roader if you modded it a bit, if you keep the rust in hand and keep it nice it probably won't loose any money, in fact as it gets older and rarer it may even go up a little, but only if its in A1 condition.....
....but secondhand parts are not an option unless you find a specialist breaker, many service items are going to be difficult to source, you'll have to swot up on parts compatibility (like filters and alternators) but in reality you could have the vehicle layed-up for periods whilst you try to source parts from the US..... they maybe cheap over there but by the time you add freight charges, and get stung by customs....

a £1500 landrover... hmmm... don't bother with a defender or 110/90 variant, you wont find anything worth owning for £1500...
you will however find a tidy, well maintained discovery or rangerover for that sort of money...
an early 1990's disco will fetch that sort of cash, and yes, there are loads of rotten ones about, but there are loads of very sound and tidy examples that will give years of good service if you look after it.
..for me the big bonus with landies is parts availability... you'll find any secondhand part you want on the various web forums, or ebay, and there are so many places doing aftermarket parts at sensible prices you are spoilt for choice... you'll never be stuck waiting for parts as you can pretty much get anything sent overnight... there are shows and other events where you can find serious bargains....

my Dad is currently selling a tidy early 1990's disco, with no body rot, and a long MOT for £1450....
...and I paid £2200 for a mint 1996 Disco with 100k on the clock and full service history in april this year... however in order to fund it, i sold a 1995 defender, with almost 200K on the clock, in pretty scruffy condition for £3000....

if you want to get into the off road scene, go for a rangie or disco, the mid-1990's disco is currently the best value secondhand 4x4 out there.... by a long way...

[Mudlark]

... you'll find any secondhand part you want on the various web forums, or ebay,

With the amount of times I've seen "My *90/110/series2/Disco/RR* was stolen last night" I can't say I'm really surprised at that :?

*cross out as applicable


I'd say keep what you got - you might find as I did, it's mostly green oval vehicles that break things

[marjan]

whilst the Vitara just keeps going.

DURACELL BATTERIES???????  :lol:  :lol:  :lol:  :lol:

Hee,Hee, I wish mate, it does about 20mpg with M/T tyres on  :shock: .

[Rich_P]

I'd say keep what you got - you might find as I did, it's mostly green oval vehicles that break things

Oh yes, they do break a lot.  But that is also largely down to crap quality pattern parts and certain parts are becoming almost impossible to get anything but crap pattern parts.  :?

[FBF]

think i am going to keep what i have its an 88 but in great condition.  it really is like a 6 month old motor under neath.  sometimes its better the devil you know..  saying that i have a series 2 on the way coming in on a part ex so will see whats thats like

[Rich_P]

Pleased to see you've made the right decision for yourself. :)

Although I've not heard of the Series 2 being part exchanged?  Do you deal with classic cars?  Or is it a Discovery 2? (yes, the Discovery 2 is a Series 2 too  :roll: )

[bezzabsa]

series 2 will be a culture shock after the comfort of a yank....but guarantee you'll have a grin on ya face when ya drive it :D

[Range Rover Blues]

whilst the Vitara just keeps going.

DURACELL BATTERIES???????  :lol:  :lol:  :lol:  :lol:

Hee,Hee, I wish mate, it does about 20mpg with M/T tyres on  :shock: .

Hell FIre, I though they were meant to be economical.

[Range Rover Blues]

I'd say keep what you got - you might find as I did, it's mostly green oval vehicles that break things

That's becasue Land Rovers try harder

With the amount of times I've seen "My *90/110/series2/Disco/RR* was stolen last night" I can't say I'm really surprised at that :?

*cross out as applicable

There's a saying, "not even worth stealing", as that what you think about your Bits-a-missing

[Mudlark]

I'd say keep what you got - you might find as I did, it's mostly green oval vehicles that break things

That's becasue Land Rovers try harder

With the amount of times I've seen "My *90/110/series2/Disco/RR* was stolen last night" I can't say I'm really surprised at that :?

*cross out as applicable

There's a saying, "not even worth stealing", as that what you think about your Bits-a-missing

I'd better not take too many trophies with mine then, otherwise the chavs will start thinking that Mitsubishi's are the way to go :shock:  :shock:

[Range Rover Blues]

 the chavs will start thinking that Mitsubishi's are the way to go :shock:  :shock:

No, I think you'll still be in the minority there