Toyota guy looking at making a switch to a LR

Toy-Roverlander

Adventurer
stones?? We're not living in medieval times anymore. We have the metric system which makes way more sense. :sombrero:


By the way, look at the way tire sizes are stated, metric, percentages and imperial all combined.... where's the logic?!?:Wow1:
 

newhue

Adventurer
You're not permitted to do that. You can't start with English and switch to metric. That's an iso9001 violation. This website will be burried in usless paperwork to clear that database mess. t's either in stones or pounds now mother****er

sorry, amateur. 5' 10" 209 pond. Note sure of the abbreviation. So not shot, but can get my fat ******** in nicely.
 

REDrum

Aventurero de la Selva
Yes. Do that the 80 series is the answer.

Don't forget about 98 & 99 UZJ100s with locker package. For moderate off-roading 2XL is fine. Plus a 100 gets better MPG and chances are it will be in much better condition than a FZJ80, very few leave pavement.
 

luk4mud

Explorer
Interesting thread to a non- LR guy. Seems like the Toyota guys recommend ... Toyotas. The LR guys embrace theirs with mixed feelings. With no bone to pick either way, I would consider reliability a huge issue if you are going alone a fair amount. I would not have hesitated to drive my 80 series with 180k miles cross country and deep into the sticks, but dont plan on even owning my Jeep with similar miles, much less take it anywhere remote. Seems the same logic applies with the LR.

I think Jeeps and LRs share reliability issues, but for different reasons. Toyotas are indeed a bit boring, but boring and reliable are ok when you are 75 miles from pavement.
 

samuelashirley

Observer
Guys,

Thanks so much for the information! I honestly at this point need to get out there and drive a D2 and an LR3.

I love 100 and 80 series and the reliability is fantasic, i just feel like there is something missing. I defintely love that I could take an 80 or D2, add some tires, a winch and an RTT and be good to go explore.

Either way, Ill be sure to let all of you know what I do!

BTW sorry for looking like I abandoned my own thread, busy week. The lady said yes :) So now there is a tacoma on her finger.. Now to save for an actual 80,100, or D2 !
 

Scott Brady

Founder
Toyota for work
Land Rover for pleasure

Drive the car that makes you smile. For some people, they want an appliance that always works- that is a Toyota. For others, they want to date the supermodel- high maintenance, but you are dating a supermodel- that is a Land Rover. ;)

The one exception to the Toyota dullness is the 60 and 70 series in my opinion. The 60 has all the class of a Land Rover. The 70 series has (nearly) all the charm of a Defender.

When I first started traveling, reliability was everything. I was afraid of the unknown and had little experience. After a few laps around the globe, I would leave in my Discovery or Range Rover (or an ex-mod Defender) tomorrow. The world is just not a scary place and Land Rovers are far more predictable and serviceable than people realize, particularly anything built before 1999

$.02
 

samuelashirley

Observer
Thanks! Throwing my new steering rack on this weekend, to start teaching her how to drive off road, I have'nt had power steering in two years.

She has'nt had much desire to learn and since its rather hard to drive (no power steering, and a gearbox with 400k on it) I have just done all of the driving when we go. But recently, we were out camping with a friend and his GF was driving his 4runner, getting it wayy to stuck for anyones good... but learning none the less. Now my, fiance, wants to try again. Figured I would fix the steering to make it a little easier.
 

newhue

Adventurer
The lady said yes :) So now there is a tacoma on her finger.

Just saw this, congratulations. It's a wonderful time of life. Wish you and the fiancée the best of luck with you future.

Remember:- life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the ones that take our breath away.........you won't get that in a Land Cruiser. :)
 

ozzymondo

New member
Hi ,just read the thread ,having owned a defender 90 for 5 years (td5 remapped) previously which I really enjoyed ,did plenty of camping /off road /socialising with it + functional stuff like regularly chain harrowing paddocks ,taking water browser back and forth etc , as I got more and more into overlanding I quickly realised the defender had to go as the engine/transmission/wind noise were simply too much over thousands of miles !, added to the fact the LR is extremely desirable to steal in the UK (which is a massive problem) so I moved onto a 70 series cruiser as they're boxy and have a real off road build about them ,loved the truck bit made the mistake of buying one with the 3.0td (smooth quiet engine but have cylinder head issues ),making a wrong decision on the supplier and mechanic who fitted the new head led to its demise and so I moved onto an 80 series (4.2td 1992 auto) it's a pretty awesome truck tbh ,comfortable ,extremely reliable with minimal electronic engine components ,they do have they're issues like slow running electric Windows and front solid axles need a routine service now and then (mines 22 years old you see !),also if you get an older 12 v model Like mine then the big end shells need replacing for acl's ) it's a must do and not maybe !.ultimately landies are great and the social element is great but if you do buy one get a good quality socket set and befriend a mechanic !, my ideal vehicle would have to be a 76 series cruiser with a v8 td ,it's got the raw rigid look of a defender but with bombproof technology .
 

A.J.M

Explorer
I would go for the LR3.

For your original budget, ( not sure if sticking a ring on a finger has dented that or not. Congrads regardless :D ) you can get a nice LR3, V8 with HSE trim and HD package. Will have plenty of cash left over to go round the car, fixing any wear and tear items it will have, like any used car has, regardless of make or model. This will get you a superb base to start your modifiying needs and desires.

The basic car is very capable for off roading plus it has the ability to munch miles like an executive saloon. It's pretty quiet, comfortable riding on the road, has a great sound system and you can arrive anywhere not feeling like you have endured a long drive. Plus it has huge space in it. The boxy nature of the car gives a large boot, the 2nd row seats can fold flat to create a huge open space.

Plenty of companies can cater for underbody protection, sliders, rear wheel carriers, roof racks, snorkels, height rods, tyres, wheels etc.

One of the best things is you can alter, or sort most electrical huffs with an iid tool that can connect to your ipad.

Nwoods on the Lucky8 LR3 thread has a superb off road guide to getting the most from it.
I have written a pretty comprehensive buyers guide for what to check.

The LR3 platform is 10 years old now, all the quirks are well documented online, with guides to fix and rough costs. It's very easy to work on and most mechanical parts have good access.

I have no regrets about buying mine 2 years ago. It's been a great car and has never failed to get me home, regardless of weather conditions.
 

TRIARII

Adventurer
If you go with the D2, be sure to find one with extensive service records indicating it was properly cared for and not neglected. If your planning on doing overlanding or off-roading than be sure to find one that has the center differential locker. Most 1999 and 2004 models have the cdl stock but in 2001 i think LR removed the cdl, only refitting it in 2004 due to popular demand. Once you get a D2 inspect the front prop-shaft, make sure its an aftermarket fully serviceable shaft. The factory shaft was not serviceable and becasue its so close to the cats and power steering system, the grease inside breaks down and eventually the shaft will fail. Any D2 owned and maintaned by an enthusiest should already have the aftermarket shaft installed. Next in line is the engine. Try to find a D2 that has had the headgaskets done. These engines are from the 60's (formally the Buick V8) and they do not like delayed oil changes.... change the oil every 3,000 miles and your engine will be happy. Next swap out the factory tan colored thermostat and invest $80 for a genuine grey TD5 180 thermostat. It will keep your engine temps 10 degress cooler thus decreasing any chance of overheating issues. If the truck has over 130k then update the cooling hoses. Next check all the wheel hubs for play and inspect all 4 abs sensors. The electronics on board are very sensitive. If the computer detects any discrepancies with the wheels it will trigger the notorious 3 amigos (traction control light, abs light, hill decent control light). Invest in a cheap amigo/abs code scanner. Around 130k your power steering pump will probably need to be serviced. Dont buy rebuilt power steering pumps cause they are notorious for failing, buy a new pump and forget about it. Invest in an ultra-gauge, you can check and clear check engine codes, monitor engine temps, monitor mpg and many many other things, very useful. If you dont use the cdl very often then at least engage it and move the linkage around a bit once a month, otherwise it will kinda freeze up and require lubrication, but lub it anyways! When you find a d2 that you want, have an engine compression test done before you buy it to!

There is a wealth of information available for D2 owners, many active forums and a handful of quality parts suppliers that cater to older Rovers including the D2. Rovers North, Atlantic British, Lucky llc, RTE-Fab, DAP Enterprise and many more. If you get a d2 come join us on forums: http://landroverforums.com/forum/discovery-ii-18/ and be sure to download the free pdf complete workshop manual for the D2 otherwise called "Rave". Has everything you need to help you work on your truck. Good luck and happy hunting.

PS: I love my 2004 D2 and im prepping to drive it cross country from New Hampshire to Alaska in April. Cant wait!
 

Forum statistics

Threads
185,530
Messages
2,875,568
Members
224,922
Latest member
Randy Towles
Top