Land rovers for under 5k?

So run for my life or what?

Which model?

I mean... I'D do it, but your $5k would probably be better spent on an XJ Cherokee, but that's boring.

I did it, no regrets so far

I think I'd rather have the clap.

Think of it as an MG that can't corner, or a Jeep that never starts, has horrible wiring problems and almost no instantly available parts supply.

I was looking at a disco II. Specifically this disco II.

http://grandrapids.craigslist.org/cto/3116224715.html

That yellow one looks like a Laforza.

The LaForza would be more reliable.

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/20219-The-ExPo-Guide-to-Land-Rovers

Knowledgeable advice in that thread. I looked at them, but in the end got a Jeep Cherokee.

I heart British cars and am not in the least afraid of an engine swap, yet I refuse to own one. This means run like hell.

EricM wrote: http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/20219-The-ExPo-Guide-to-Land-Rovers Knowledgeable advice in that thread. I looked at them, but in the end got a Jeep Cherokee.

For what it's worth.... i also ended up with a Jeep Cherokee.

I'd rather have a La Forza.

That said, I ended up with a 2nd gen Montero SR (not the Monter Sport)

Yeah, I'd run. The XJ is just such a better vehicle on all accounts, unless you like to sit in comfortable chairs in your garage and read (using a drop light, the map lights will stop working on you).

So I was on a road trip with one of my non-enthusiast buddies a few weeks ago. He brought up LR and how good they look and that he had seen a really nice looking example for $7500. I told him to avoid them like herpes and he shot me a confused look and asked for elaboration.

5 minutes later, we pulled into a gas station right next to LR with the hood up, puking it's coolant everywhere and some poor lady pouring a bottle of FIJI in the top. Sweltering heat and kids in the back.

"See that? That right there is why."

I just wish i could have a LR interior in my XJ.

When I was convincing myself I didn't want a laforza, among other things I found out that brake rotors are nla. No thanks. I want a Mercedes 300d if I was to get a non American suv.

In reply to Tyler H:

Actually that's a fairly typical problem because the thermostat on these fails shut. However "people like us" would probably just throw in a new thermostat when they buy one.

I like them, but I still try to avoid buying one. One of these days I'll probably end up with one, though...

To the OP - check for rust on it, the trunk floors and the frame can rust. They have the typical Land Rover build with steel frames and aluminium cladding so the corrosion can be hard to spot until it's too late.

Other than that, they have a drinking problem compared to say an XJ and the engine isn't very powerful either.

As the only person who owns one who has answered this post, mine has been reliable, fun, soooo comfortable, highway cruiser, and lousy on gas, premium at 15mpg.

It rides better than any car I have ever owned.

Mine makes 380hp and squeaks 4 tires at 35 mph.

It is my wife's favorite and cannot be sold.

4.6 Supercharged FTW

I really want one of these, but certainly not available for less than $5k.

if i were to get one it would be like steve's...

i tried to snag a 99 with bad t-case for $500 here on CL. i read about transfer case repair and how much it costs and got scared away. then a couple weeks later there was a t-case for $200 listed for a 99. that's usually how it works with me.

dyintorace wrote: I *really* want one of these, but certainly not available for less than $5k.

That makes two of us. No idea why they are so expensive though.

93EXCivic wrote:

dyintorace wrote: I *really* want one of these, but certainly not available for less than $5k.

That makes two of us. No idea why they are so expensive though.

Supply and demand. The Canadian military sold a bunch at auction here a few years back. They were beat and totally used up. Even what I'd say was a parts truck went for thousands of dollars. It boggled my mind.

ddavidv wrote: The LaForza would be more reliable.

No it wouldn't. I've owned a number of classic Range Rovers, a Couple LaForzas and a Jeep Cherokee.

The Rovers were all fantastic for off roading(especially with the OME suspension) and were very reliable. The LaForza was a rough riding, kit car build quality, nice looking joke on wheels-far less capable than the Rover. Jeep was good, had more power than the Rover by a good bit and nearly as good off road.

Of course, for under 5k you're looking at a moonbuggy.

I dug my 99 DiscoII. It was a cool vehicle. They are DIY'able but I would spend some time on the Land Rover forums first to see what to look for when buying one.