I am planning to purchase a landy purely for off roading; I have no experience on trails and I am wondering which land rover would be the best all around machine off road. My choices are a 1997 Defender(90 of course), 1997 Range Rover Trek(4.6), a discovery 1 xd, or a 2002 discovery 2 kalahari. I have no visual preferences, plan to do little to no modifications(tires, wheels) and have an LR3 for commuting. Remember i am a rookie looking for Pros and Cons of each all cars are in good condition.
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1998 Range Rover (Leased)
1995 Disco 1 SE7 (totaled)
Black LR3 SE (It's a piece)
defenders are nice... personally if it is JUST a trail rig, get a cheap DI. find a 5speed if you want to stick with a manual transmission. you won't care about body damage on a $1k-$3k disco, but definitely will on a $20K+ defender.
So we have established that a lot of people like Defenders. A lot of these posters are not from the US though and don't realize that A) a diesel '97 defender is a very expensive custom job here and B) You can't register it in MA anyway since it will not pass OBDII on inspection.
I would get some experience before you go buying a purposed use rig. Have you been out on the trail with others as a ride along? Your LR3 will go a lot further than you think, don't go buying a new truck until you learn a bit first. You might find more difficult wheeling isn't your thing, or you might get totally into it. Perhaps take a 2 hour lesson at LRE in Manchester using an LR3 first. (In the interest of full disclosure, yes I work there part time). That or at least come along on a ride with SNHLR or attend Offroadin4kids this July in Hoosick,NY.
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"The Goat",1973 Series III coil conversion, Daihatsu 2.8 Td, power steering, dual ARBs Etc.
'91 RRC, bone stock
Location: Bloomfield, CT If I died today, I lived there all my life.
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Mostly out of necessity, I have become intimately familiar with Defenders. More so my 110 than a D90, but aprt from the '97 D90, the differences between a '93 110, and a '94 or '95 D90 are negligible, apart from the obvious.
While a 110 is very capable for general offroading, there are loads of situations where it flatly falls on it's face, largely due to it's length and weight.
All 90s are extremely capable offroad, and I for one feel a '97 with it's autobox isjust easier in sticky situations (short of failed steep ascents)
BUT..............
A modestly well prepared Disco 1, and even a Disco II in certain situations, is every bit as capable offroad.
Since many dedicated offraod trucks see their fare share of modifications, consider what the mods do to the bailout value of the truck. One mans mods on a Defender can have a more severe impact on it's value than the same mods to a truck initially costing you 25% (or less) the price of a Defender.
If you're planning on buying this truck strictly for offroading, the only place a diesel will help you is deep water fording, or if you plan on going deep in for days, twice the fuel range.
Don't rule out a SWB Classic Range Rover either. They may be getting a bit long in the tooth, but they are extremely capable offroaders.
Defenders are a very basic utility truck, and lack much, if not all the creature comforts a Disco or Rangie offer. I can load my 110 to the gills, but empty or loaded, it's not as comfortable a truck for my uses as other choices. It's largely considered an excellent choice as an expedition truck.
If your leaning is towards a D90, consider that overturning is frequently a possibility, so look for a SW (for the same benefit you'll get from a Range or Disco, something that 'may' better protect your cocoanut)
Kevin and Terry. You both have very good arguements for (or against) Defenders but there's one very important thing you've both overlooked.
The coolness factor... Sure, Defenders are going to have their problems just like any other Landrover, but let's face it, they are definitely cool. And if I had the money I would own one.
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Tom
2006 LR3 SE - Stock except for 255/60/18 General AT2s
2004 Disco II SE - 3" OME HD Springs/Shocks, Borla Cat-Back Exhaust, My Front Shaft Is A Woody, ARB Sidesteps, 255/60/18 General AT2s
Kevin and Terry. You both have very good arguements for (or against) Defenders but there's one very important thing you've both overlooked.
The coolness factor... Sure, Defenders are going to have their problems just like any other Landrover, but let's face it, they are definitely cool. And if I had the money I would own one.
I highly doubt the squirrels he'll be passing on his expeditions will really care what he is driving as long as they don't get run over.
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(Roll Over Very Extreme Rocks)
JAKELRD1 96' D1 "TK"
defenders are nice... personally if it is JUST a trail rig, get a cheap DI. find a 5speed if you want to stick with a manual transmission. you won't care about body damage on a $1k-$3k disco, but definitely will on a $20K+ defender.
Why are Defenders so expensive over there and Disco's so cheap? Over here in South Africa it is just the opposite. The Disco's guys looks down on the Defenders and the Defender guys thinks the Disco is only good for parking on a Johannesburg pavement.
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Best all around OFF ROADER
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