Deals on Series Rovers

[ajguida]

I'm doing a little market study on the demand for Series Rovers in my area (central Arizona). I can get deals on having them brought into the country and want to see how many of the faithful would either buy or spread the word.

Anybody know of a dedicated Series dealer anywhere in central Arizona? I wouldn't be huge but I would have access to plenty of rigs. Anyway, the more feedback the better.

[WineryRover]

I think most people buying series are willing to look in a large area, they are not expecting to go to the corner lot to buy one. There are a number of series available, in good condition, but not restored, in the 6-8k range. I would think you will need to import them in similar to better condition, register them, sell them in that same price range, and make a profit. If you can't do that, you might want to rethink taking this on.

I don't know you or what kind of access you have to series, and I don't mean any disrespect, but you are not the first to have thought of importing series to resell state side. You need to think about why it will work for you when it has failed for others.

[ajguida]

I know, that's why I'm just seeing what sort of response I get from people. I know I'm not an original thinker on this subject.

When I typed Land Rover Sereis for sale the first website that popped up was Skytop in Philly. I didn't see anything out here.

I'm just thinking about it right now and doing a little investigating.

[ajguida]

I love your defender by the way!

[rmuller]

Letsee... Sky Top does import some Series but I think their main focus these days is to federalize 1993 Imported D110s ... Tidewater Rovers down in NC always has a few trucks for sale... Copley Motor Cars in Boston focuses mainly on Defenders, but recently has had a bunch of Series ... I've seen dozens of other garages around the country selling multiple Series trucks.. As WineryRover said, you have to think of something unique to be able to push them to make any real profit.

[ajguida]

Know of any out west? My concerns are the duties and getting them registered here. I know I have to calculate the possible profitability of such a venture.

At the very least I'm going to buy one for myself. Whether it be imported or bought stateside.

[WineryRover]

Originally Posted by ajguida

Know of any out west? My concerns are the duties and getting them registered here. I know I have to calculate the possible profitability of such a venture.

At the very least I'm going to buy one for myself. Whether it be imported or bought stateside.

West Coast British in Livermore CA has long been a source for series trucks. They are not a "used car lot" but usually have connections to several for sale.

Honestly, I don't know if there is that big of a market for series. Lots of people like them, some say they want to own one, but few follow through. It is not because they are overly expensive, or overly difficult to find, I think it is because it is rarely a primary vehicle, or very practical. I don't know if importing more will fill a need that exists (to the extent that you will make reasonable profit on them).

Having said that, I love my series .

[gordo]

There is a company on Ebay that is selling quite a few. They are based in the UK. They buy them, fix them up a bit and then sell them on ebay and include shipping to the US in the price. The shipping is to a port on the east coast but their prices are going to be hard to beat. Ive seen several around 4-5k including shipping. I noticed they always appear to be in good shape and are described as that but they recently changed their seller ID so that makes me nervous. I agree too that there are still plenty of series out there if you hunt around and some cheap ones too. i just bought a 73 for 550 bucks. not a driver but not bad either. Gordo

[KevinNY]

Series trucks can look great in pics and be absolute sh*t when you get underneath them. I would not buy one sight unseen unless the buyer was willing to send specific, detailed ,and well lit digital pics that you request of such things as the outriggers, bulkhead corners etc.

[Muddy Oval]

Everyone wants a Series, but few people come through. I've seen a LOT of Series come in with enthusiastic new owners who thought they got a great deal, but in reality they have something not even useful as a parts donor and they paid WAY too much.
Especially if you'd have to pay a shop to fix the more difficult stuff like bulkheads etc, you can easily end up with ten grand in repairs to make a truck worth six grand. Lots of people have tried to become a "series dealer" and none have really been successful.
Bringing over a couple and doing it for a hobby would probably be more rewarding.

[ajguida]

Thanks for all the input, I think after looking deeper into it I'll just get one or two for myself.

[Rat Patrol]

I drove 18 hours to p/u a 56K original SIII in San Jose..from El Paso.

If you really want to import one drop me a PM or email and I'll talk with a couple of friends from Ireland and put you in touch with them.

[black and tan]

Forum consumer advocacy....

I know Buyer beware, I'm still happy to have my LR-S3. Just trying to not have others make the same mistake, unless your like me and look forward to a chassis swap...
For now they will remain nameless, except for this:
A fella that exports from the U.K, I purchased from him,(actually my wife for me) his photos never show the chassis, and they are usually shot along a farm fence backdrop...my chassis is good and rusted, I just got lucky and most of the major components had enough wax to keep em safely drivable, my advise.


NO chassis photos NO sale