Ray Hyland
Expedition Leader
Here's my first Land Rover. It was a 2005 td5 110 hardtop.
Cheers
Ray
Cheers
Ray
65 Years of Land Rover: Thank You for the Inspiration
- Thread starter Scott Brady
- Start date
timmy!!!!!!!
Explorer
I was in Land Rover New Orleans to pick up a rear main seal for my disco and it hit me that I have been driving these things since Dec. of 2003. Even though I would love a Defender someday I think a Disco with a tdi will suit my needs much more in the long term.
MedicalCowboy
Adventurer
We have been through three Discos and are currently on our first Classic. Like others have said it's an addiction. I love my Land Rovers and my wife is gaga about her classic. People always ask me "why"? "They're so hard to fix" blah blah blah... There's no feeling like driving a rover. You've never truly lived until you have driven a Land Rover. :elkgrin:
Attachments
UnfrozenCaveman
Explorer
Pictures eh...let's see...
Back in the mid 90s, i was on holiday with the parents, in Aberdeen and walking through the car park. Sitting there was a brand new (less than 2 weeks old) 300tdi Disco1.
I had never seen one like it before, had a look around it and was staggered at how different it was to my dad's car. I was 7 and i wanted one.
Roll on a few years and my late gran managed to get a friend to give me a passenger drive in his last of the line D1 ES in silver. Was a great car.
I still have the car mags showing the soon to be launched disco3 (LR3) in the loft. I had spec'd mine back then, even before i had passed my driving test.
Fast forward to turning 21 and i wanted my first LR, the parent's thought going from a Renault clio ( mk2 2000 model, for our US people, google it. it's a tiny car ideal for young people ) to a D2 was a jump to much, so i went for a mk1 freelander. A facelift 04 td4 SE hardback in olso blue.
I had it for 7 weeks before it was totalled by a lorry that skidded on black ice, i was inside and walked away with no injuries. I was heart broken as i had saved for years to get one, and it was gone, i was screwed over by my own insurance company on the payout as well. A proper nightmare situation.
So, i did what anyone would do, i bought another one. From the same dealer, in the same colour and spec. While they were nearly identical in spec. They were far from identical in reality.
The new one suffered VCU and IRD failure, killing the rear diff mounts, the propshaft bearings and a propshaft, all repair work was carried out by a Indy, who screwed me over and caused me months of suffering and grief, he lied to me while my granpa lay on his deathbed. He ruined the car and it was never the same again.
I suffered 3 seperate master cylinder failures, 1 slave cylinder failure and the first owner had ran it on petrol, which on a CR diesel is almost certain to kill the fuel system. So i got rid when the injectors starting to fail as they were £1000 to buy 4 new ones. Then labour to remove old ones and fit them plus any other issues that could arise.
Was a great car when it worked and i spend a small fortune on fixing it and modifying it to what i wanted. Would average 37mpg, with a best of 45mpg and 598 miles on 1 tank. But was terrible in the reliability stakes. It never failed to get me home but would need garage sessions at regular intervals to solve whatever the latest issue was.
Sold last August as i could at 25, finally justify the car i've always wanted. A silver with black interior, HSE auto with privacy glass and a good history.
This car became the envy of my friends, and cost me a friendship. It costs a large chunk of my monthly wage to own and run, but i will never sell it.
It has in 8500 miles, not let me down once. It is the only car i know that can carry 7 adults one day, can turn into a van the next, can tow 3.5 tons in comfort, has such a vast spec and with proper tyres, is totally unfazed by deep snow or mud.
A proper jack of all trades and master of all car. Will slowly gain many more modifications and take me on an overland trip.
3 Land Rover's, all very different but all capable in their own right. I have the LR itch, and i have it bad. Shame a gallon of diesel costs $9.88.. :Wow1:
To summerise LR's.. " Every landrover has character, as you get used to owning it, it gets used to being owned by you, and may try your resolve and patience to see if you are worthy of being it's owner"
I had never seen one like it before, had a look around it and was staggered at how different it was to my dad's car. I was 7 and i wanted one.
Roll on a few years and my late gran managed to get a friend to give me a passenger drive in his last of the line D1 ES in silver. Was a great car.
I still have the car mags showing the soon to be launched disco3 (LR3) in the loft. I had spec'd mine back then, even before i had passed my driving test.
Fast forward to turning 21 and i wanted my first LR, the parent's thought going from a Renault clio ( mk2 2000 model, for our US people, google it. it's a tiny car ideal for young people ) to a D2 was a jump to much, so i went for a mk1 freelander. A facelift 04 td4 SE hardback in olso blue.
I had it for 7 weeks before it was totalled by a lorry that skidded on black ice, i was inside and walked away with no injuries. I was heart broken as i had saved for years to get one, and it was gone, i was screwed over by my own insurance company on the payout as well. A proper nightmare situation.
So, i did what anyone would do, i bought another one. From the same dealer, in the same colour and spec. While they were nearly identical in spec. They were far from identical in reality.
The new one suffered VCU and IRD failure, killing the rear diff mounts, the propshaft bearings and a propshaft, all repair work was carried out by a Indy, who screwed me over and caused me months of suffering and grief, he lied to me while my granpa lay on his deathbed. He ruined the car and it was never the same again.
I suffered 3 seperate master cylinder failures, 1 slave cylinder failure and the first owner had ran it on petrol, which on a CR diesel is almost certain to kill the fuel system. So i got rid when the injectors starting to fail as they were £1000 to buy 4 new ones. Then labour to remove old ones and fit them plus any other issues that could arise.
Was a great car when it worked and i spend a small fortune on fixing it and modifying it to what i wanted. Would average 37mpg, with a best of 45mpg and 598 miles on 1 tank. But was terrible in the reliability stakes. It never failed to get me home but would need garage sessions at regular intervals to solve whatever the latest issue was.
Sold last August as i could at 25, finally justify the car i've always wanted. A silver with black interior, HSE auto with privacy glass and a good history.
This car became the envy of my friends, and cost me a friendship. It costs a large chunk of my monthly wage to own and run, but i will never sell it.
It has in 8500 miles, not let me down once. It is the only car i know that can carry 7 adults one day, can turn into a van the next, can tow 3.5 tons in comfort, has such a vast spec and with proper tyres, is totally unfazed by deep snow or mud.
A proper jack of all trades and master of all car. Will slowly gain many more modifications and take me on an overland trip.
3 Land Rover's, all very different but all capable in their own right. I have the LR itch, and i have it bad. Shame a gallon of diesel costs $9.88.. :Wow1:
To summerise LR's.. " Every landrover has character, as you get used to owning it, it gets used to being owned by you, and may try your resolve and patience to see if you are worthy of being it's owner"
Green96D1
Explorer
it all started for me back in 2000 when my mother Traded her Montero on a 1997 D1 LE epson green. at first I did not like the vehicle. but then I looked up photos of what appear to be the Rovers doing almost impossible things and started to appreciate the Discovery alot more. Fast forward five years. My Dad ended up taking the 97 D1 and my mother bought a 2002 D2 SE. after I graduated from High school class of "05". I received a 96 D1 SE as a gift. I built it, wheeled it,broke it and fixed it. Retired it as a parts truck and sold. Then I bought a 97 SD a very basic D1 which is what i wanted and she has been wheeled however I have not broken a axle and im not that easy on truck off road. As of now the The 2002 D2 remains as well as my now "bright white" D1 although I have love for yotas,G-wagens,and the new rovers. Im a Discovery man at heart and for the future I will continue to be. It makes me mad at times but i wouldn't own anything else.
Krisbarger
Observer
Just bought our first LR4 and we are loving it! Looking forward to many family outings. We are planing our desired builds to it. We will stay simple. Rack ladder winch and maybe a little protection? We will see.
I am sort of concerned about what is happening to the rovers here in the USA. They seem to be veering away from tradition and going more "Sally soccer mom" This has me some what concerned.
However, Im Glad I got ours! Now maybe ill get another one, maybe older?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I am sort of concerned about what is happening to the rovers here in the USA. They seem to be veering away from tradition and going more "Sally soccer mom" This has me some what concerned.
However, Im Glad I got ours! Now maybe ill get another one, maybe older?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Sirocco
Explorer
I have only ever owned 3 vehicles.
The 1st, a 1984 90,
the 2nd, a 1969 Series II Lightweight
and the 3rd, a 300tdi D90.
I dont know anything else
Currently sat typing this in Khiva, Uzbekistan where my D90 is sat outside having brought us here from the UK.
So far our D90 has travelled to: France, Spain, Morocco, Western Sahara, Italy, Belgium, Netherlands, Denmark, Germany, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Turkey, Gerogia, Russia, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan
Its building up its heritage just like it is suppose to
Thanks for posting this Scott
The 1st, a 1984 90,
the 2nd, a 1969 Series II Lightweight
and the 3rd, a 300tdi D90.
I dont know anything else
Currently sat typing this in Khiva, Uzbekistan where my D90 is sat outside having brought us here from the UK.
So far our D90 has travelled to: France, Spain, Morocco, Western Sahara, Italy, Belgium, Netherlands, Denmark, Germany, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Turkey, Gerogia, Russia, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan
Its building up its heritage just like it is suppose to
Thanks for posting this Scott
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MtnX
New member
Agreed - and great post, Scott!
There are two (2) types of people who buy Rovers:
1) Purchases a perceived status symbol - poor (if any) maintenance beyond having it washed & waxed by someone down the street, drives the snot out of it, doesn't carry tools (if they even own any), allergic to grease on their hands, yells when something DOES need repair/ replacement, quickly sells the truck at the first hiccup, and spends the rest of their days proclaiming how unreliable Land Rover vehicles are.
2) Purchases a vehicle because of a honest, inherent desire to possess the vehicle with the most pure, adventure-driven lineage on the planet - these owners have semi-permanent grease-stained hands, understand and are not afraid of regular maintenance, has a collection of service manuals and binders of updates, upgrades, and modifications printed from the various forums - each identifiable by the greasy fingerprints, understands that things will (eventually) go "BANG"/ or not go at all - and uses this as a new learning experience, understands the "continual lubrication and lubricant exchange" feature designed into the vehicles by way of specially and secretly designed seals and gaskets that operate as no other seal or gasket in the world, and understands the deal that was made with the devil that required Lucas electronics to be present to offset an otherwise overwhelming monopoly of the market. All of these this owner identifies with and accepts - and buys a Land Rover from the above owner for a song, rips it apart, and rebuilds it into a machine that is capable on and off road to be utilized as an integral portion of their family's fun, adventure, exploration, and teaching to their children about the forgotten world outside of the concrete jungle.
This owner also understands that, with friends (especially those with spare parts), a little knowledge, a bit of ambition, and the required presence of Guinness - the Land Rover can be repaired and/or modified into most anything one would like, and will serve their family well for many years to come.
Sure, they have their issues - and every single automotive marque in the world does. When asked about the dependability/ reliability of Rovers; I typically point out that if being plagued with mechanical/ electronic gremlins were unique only to Land Rover, there would be no need for each and every dealership of other marques to have such extensive service bays.
There are two (2) types of people who buy Rovers:
1) Purchases a perceived status symbol - poor (if any) maintenance beyond having it washed & waxed by someone down the street, drives the snot out of it, doesn't carry tools (if they even own any), allergic to grease on their hands, yells when something DOES need repair/ replacement, quickly sells the truck at the first hiccup, and spends the rest of their days proclaiming how unreliable Land Rover vehicles are.
2) Purchases a vehicle because of a honest, inherent desire to possess the vehicle with the most pure, adventure-driven lineage on the planet - these owners have semi-permanent grease-stained hands, understand and are not afraid of regular maintenance, has a collection of service manuals and binders of updates, upgrades, and modifications printed from the various forums - each identifiable by the greasy fingerprints, understands that things will (eventually) go "BANG"/ or not go at all - and uses this as a new learning experience, understands the "continual lubrication and lubricant exchange" feature designed into the vehicles by way of specially and secretly designed seals and gaskets that operate as no other seal or gasket in the world, and understands the deal that was made with the devil that required Lucas electronics to be present to offset an otherwise overwhelming monopoly of the market. All of these this owner identifies with and accepts - and buys a Land Rover from the above owner for a song, rips it apart, and rebuilds it into a machine that is capable on and off road to be utilized as an integral portion of their family's fun, adventure, exploration, and teaching to their children about the forgotten world outside of the concrete jungle.
This owner also understands that, with friends (especially those with spare parts), a little knowledge, a bit of ambition, and the required presence of Guinness - the Land Rover can be repaired and/or modified into most anything one would like, and will serve their family well for many years to come.
Sure, they have their issues - and every single automotive marque in the world does. When asked about the dependability/ reliability of Rovers; I typically point out that if being plagued with mechanical/ electronic gremlins were unique only to Land Rover, there would be no need for each and every dealership of other marques to have such extensive service bays.
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macro1
New member
Over 12 years ago I lived in Australia for a couple of years, fell in love with the country, rovers and my wife. Ever since Land Rover reminds me of Australia. Sure Toyota's outnumber the Rovers down there, but there has always been a rugged and adventurous look to these vehicles. When I returned to the US my eye would constantly be on the lookout for a Rover. Being a newlywed college student without a trust fund I certainly couldn't afford a new one, let alone a reasonably used one. I sure coveted having one for years. It got pretty ridiculous at times reading forums and seeing all the 'cool' guys on forums out on adventures with the best gear and the best rover builds out there. A friend and I would watch the Camel Trophy's and as we would travel to work we would issue a "moment of silence" as we drove past the Land Rover Dealership.
When it came time to buy my first Disco I could still remember the unique feel it had. It wasn't about any bells or whistles, modern lines, etc.... I was engrossed in the experience the vehicle had to offer both on and off the road.
Fast forward 10 years and three Disco's under my belt without having to hire a Mechanic to work on any of the trucks at all I'm still just as in love with the car as I was 10 years ago. MtnX is certainly right about the two kinds of rover owners. Every time I need to repair something I start looking for another vehicle to buy. But when I'm done fighting her, have it fixed and driving again I say to myself "I'm never never never going to sell this truck".
Thanks Land Rover for the knowledge, experience and adventures!
When it came time to buy my first Disco I could still remember the unique feel it had. It wasn't about any bells or whistles, modern lines, etc.... I was engrossed in the experience the vehicle had to offer both on and off the road.
Fast forward 10 years and three Disco's under my belt without having to hire a Mechanic to work on any of the trucks at all I'm still just as in love with the car as I was 10 years ago. MtnX is certainly right about the two kinds of rover owners. Every time I need to repair something I start looking for another vehicle to buy. But when I'm done fighting her, have it fixed and driving again I say to myself "I'm never never never going to sell this truck".
Thanks Land Rover for the knowledge, experience and adventures!
