Land Rover Buyers guide

Available from 1948 - 1958 . These vehicles are not common for resale and are usually only available via word of mouth. The SWB 88" versions are the most common while the 80", LWB and PUP versions are few and far between. Most are still used functionally with only a select few restored to original condition. Spares are difficult to source and are best imported from the UK, or cannibalised off wrecks. Models and Specs

Series 1

Available from 1958 - 1971 . The majority of the vehicles are IIA models, with very few if any Series II models available. They are fairly common but most of them have had a hard life and are noisy, rattle and are bumpy to drive. Complete original vehicles are very scarce as most have had engine conversions, upgrades to S III parts, and worst of all had crude modifications or repair jobs done. Coastal vehicles also suffer from chassis and bulkhead rust, but inland vehicles are usually quite good. Spares availability and cost is reasonable, except for the 6cyl 2.6l engines which are expensive and difficult to repair. Spares are available as second hand and new re-manufactured parts via independent suppliers. Models and specs.	MODEL Not running LWB S/W SWB	PRICE (R) 10 -15 k 20 - 30 k 25 - 35 k 20 - 40 k

Available from 1971 to 1985. These are the most common of the series family, and are easily obtainable, mainly in LWB form and less so in SWB form. Driving comfort is slightly better than the Series II due to comfort improvements in the plastic dash and full syncromesh gearbox. Fully original late SIII's are still obtainable but the majority have undergone engine conversions and various other modifications. A later model, the SIII S or R6 was available between 1980 - 1986. Boasting bigger engines ( 6cyl twin carb 2.6 petrol or 4cyl 3.9 litre ADE diesel) and stronger and more suitably geared gearbox, they were available in S/W and PUP form. These vehicles were the most comfortable and fastest (more so the petrol) of all the series models, but the petrol engine had overheating problems, and the diesel was noisy and lacked RPM. Models and specs.	MODEL Not running LWB S/W SWB 3s LWB/SW	PRICE (R) 10 -15 k 20 - 35 k 25 - 40 k 20 - 40 k 25 - 40 k

What to look for in a Series vehicle

Rusted chassis, outriggers and spring hangers, bad chassis repairs
Rusted bulkhead at window frame and footwells
Cracks in body paint due to excessive putty and overpainting
Cracked or sagging springs, lean of vehicle
Condition of rubber spring bushes (in spring & in chassis)
Condition of electrical wiring & safety thereof
Originality or workmanship of engine, gearbox, seats & dash modifications
Grating gears on selection, jumping out of gear and slipping clutch
Pulling sideways or jerking on braking
Is the vehicle complete or are there parts missing, very NB for Series I's

Introduced in 1970, the Range Rover changed the way typical 4 wheel drives were used, it was only in 1979 when they were available in South Africa. The Range Rover drive train of coil springs and full time 4 wheel drive with centre differential was to become the basis of future Land Rovers. The majority of vehicles used the carburetored 3.5l V8. Very early models had basic vinyl and cloth trim, and were not very luxurious. In 1986 Vogue models were introduced, and took comfort to new levels with full executive specifications and bigger fuel injected 3.9l and 4.2l V8 engines. Early Range Rovers have become common and affordable on the second-hand market, but have probably seen their fair share of off road work, and can be costly to repair. Second hand spares are available at reasonable prices, but some newer parts may need to be imported. Carb fed vehicles have high fuel consumption.	MODEL 2D classic '70 - '79 2D classic '80 - '85 4D classic '83 - '89 4D classic '90 - '95 4D vogue '92-'02	PRICE (R) 17 - 32 k 20 - 40 k 30 - 70 k 40 - 90 k 100 - 360 k

What to look for in a Range Rover

Year of manufacture and specification level, what still works and what doesn't
Rusting on rear chassis and rear of tailgate, bonnet corners and under front bulkhead
Excessive transmission noise, this is mostly minimised in automatics
4speed gearbox is clunky, 5 speed is smoother but weaker, autos are usually fine- oil must be red
Suspension bush wear and old shocks affect handling drastically but can be replaced easily
Coil springs tend to sag and may need replacement
Body damage - may be costly to repair
Worn engines often need new camshafts to restore power

Available from 1985 to 1990 were 110 models, then after 1990 when the specification changed the name was changed to Defender. The bulk of early 110's had V8 engines, but 2.5 petrol and 2.5 turbo diesels were also available, utilising 4 speed gearboxes and in some cases the 5spd LT77. Defenders between 1990 and 1994 had V8 or 200Tdi engines and 5 speed LT85 gearboxes. From 1995 to 1999 the 300Tdi engine was introduced as well as a locally developed BMW 2.8i engine all running through a refined R380 5spd gearbox. In 1997 the 3 year factory warranty was introduced. In 1999 the TD5 was introduced, it is slightly more refined than the 300Tdi (quieter and smoother) and produces slightly more power, however it uses more fuel and is fully electronic. The R380 gearbox was slightly uprated for this new engine. In 2003 the Defender received a minor upgrade, with a strengthened one piece rear door, new square style mag rims, cup holders and central locking. Early 110's are available on the second-hand market costing slightly more than Series III's, but have newer technology in the coil springs and full time 4 wheel drive, which improve drive comfort and handling. In the Defender models comfort is further improved with power steering and in the S/W county models accessory levels are higher with power steering, aircon and interior trim. Defender 300tdi models have become quite sought after as they are the last "non electric" type engines to be manufactured and have proved to be quite reliable and cost effective to maintain. However these models usually have high mileage around 200 000 km.
See the reviews page for driving impressions

MODEL
110, 127
pre '90
D110, 130
'90-'94
D110, 130
'95-'99
D90
'95-'99
D110, 130
'99 - '03
D90
'99 - '03

PRICE (R)
40 - 70k

60 - 80k

100 - 150k

90 - 130k

150k - 300k

140k - 240k

What to look for in a Defender

Transmission clunk, worn propshafts, centre diff functionality, gearbox noise
Trim condition and completeness, trim is very expensive
Suspension bushes and shocks cause a really terrible ride if they are worn.
Tyres are expensive so look at the wear
Alloy rims look good but are not as strong as the steel rims
Oil leaks in power steering
Tdi's must run very well, repair costs can be high, service history incl oil changes is a bonus.
Record of timing belt changes or lack thereof is useful.
High mileage Tdi's (over 200 000 km) may start to need engine rebuilds or replacement

The Discovery first became available in 1990, and quickly grew to become the most popular Land Rover to be seen on roads in South Africa. Based on the chassis of the Range Rover, the Discovery combined exceptional off road ability with road comfort. Since its introduction, the vehicle had three main eras: '90-'94 V8 3.5l, or 200Tdi engines and LT77 and LT77S 5 speed manual and ZF auto on V8; '95-'98 V8 3.9l or 300Tdi engines and R380 5 speed manual or ZF auto gearboxes; '99-'04 Discovery SII completely revised vehicle with new TD5 engines and revised V8 engines, improved gearboxes and many other electronic traction control, handling and safety features. These vehicles look and feel more stable than the Discovery 1. 2005 sees the introduction of the completely new Discovery 3 (see more) which has a completely re-worked chassis, new styling, interior and new engines. Secondhand Discovery's are a good buy especially ones that have seen little off road work. The V8 models are more plentiful and cheaper than their diesel counterparts, later Diesels, after 1996 are better with increased power output, with the post '99 Td5s delivering the most output. The later Discovery vehicles after '99 also have improved .
See the reviews page for driving impressions

MODEL Disco '90-'94 Disco '95-98 Disco '99-'04	PRICE (R) 70 - 100k 75 - 150k 140 - 410k

The Freelander has been very successful in South Africa, and has become the best selling vehicle in the Land Rover stable. Launched in 1998, 3-door and 5-door versions are available with either 1.8i petrol engine or 2.0 turbo diesel. In 2001 the Freelander received an upgrade in the form of more powerful Td4 and V6 engines (more). In 2004 the Freelander received a much needed face lift and interior restyling (more).Solidly built and fun to drive with electronic traction control and no transfer box for lower gearing, means that these vehicles are light off roaders. Freelanders are readily available on the second hand market.
See the reviews page for driving impressions

MODEL '98 -'00 '01 - '03	PRICE (R) 100 - 170k 150 - 250k

Land Rover Buyers Guide