Costs of owning a LR and MPG?

[OneTime]

Hello. I currently own a 92 LC 80. I bought it last year and now have a the Expo Bug. I 'm looking to sell the 80 basically for MPG reasons. That and comfort. The 80 lacks interior comfort ie.. no arm rests. My modeal also has no ABS or lockers. And with 200.000 on the clock dont think its worth it now to start moding it.

Right now Im leaning towards a Montero. They seem to be the bastard child of SUV's and can be bought at a bargain. I have been reading other forums trying to find the right rig for my needs. Which are: I'm looking for a truck to do long distance trip hence the need to good MPG. Most of those trips will be for either MT biking or Kayak/Surf trips to places like Baja.

But I also want to start to do some Expo Travel and a little wheeling. Nothing major like Rubicon stuff. I have very limited mechanical skills but can do simple things like fluid exchanges.

I like Rovers but have alway heard that they are expensive to mantain. From what I have read here it appears to be the luck of the draw as far as if you get one that has issues or doesnt.

The only reason I considered one is after a CL search I was amazed at how many Disco II are availabe in my area at a low cost.

Can anyone chime in on costs and MPG?

 

[Redline]

Consider the older 4Runners too.

 

[bovw]

Parts are expensive, and I don't trust any old shop to work on more than the basics. I just had a head gasket, radiator replacement job done to the tune of 2k, and I got a deal. The radiator alone will run 500 unless you go aftermarket. Last summer I drove my D1 to TX and averaged 15.2, all interstate. I doubt that is any better than a 80 series Cruiser.

If you are looking to get a Disco, find one that has been maintained properly, and has proof of it. My first, the D1, I bought 2 years ago with 98k on the clock from a dealer. I've replaced leaking power steering lines, a leaking brake caliper, the radiator, vicsious fan, head gaskets, and heads redone. Totaling up to not much less than I paid for the truck, and it only has 114k on the clock now. The last one I bought has 195k, bought from the second owner with all records from original owner included. This one runs better than the others, drives better, and the only thing I 've done to it was replace the exhaust to pass inspection last fall.

Thes things can be a love/hate relationship. Personally, I don't know that I'll ever be roverless. Good luck with your search.

 

[boblynch]

You may want to also consider the Izuzu Trooper. Might not be the top pick for mpg, but they are very durable and inexpensive. See the Scott's ExPo review of the trooper for details.

 

[Yorker]

The devil you know is better than the devil you don't.


Stick with your truck- you know its service history, there are loads of TLCs out there with 230,000+ miles on them and still in good shape- How many Discoveries you find with that many miles? Invest a reasonable amount of $ into your current truck and you'll have a great vehicle that will continue to serve you faithfully.

I like Land Rovers and have stuck with them for years but honestly I've never personally met someone who started out with TLC's who was satisfied when they went to LR's. You might pick up another 2-3 MPG over the 80 series- What would that save you per year with your annual mileage? Unless you are already a LR enthusiast I'd look elsewhere for your next vehicle. I'd DEFINITELY never choose a Disco for MPG reasons.

 

[UnfrozenCaveman]

Fuel mileage, HaHaHa....

I've been using the Disco this winter almost exclusively when the weather is too crappy to drive the VW (that uses significantly less fuel, duh).

So, I just filled it up at lunchtime ... 11mpg. Seems that cold weather+short trips+loads of snow and ice = lousy mileage

Shocking, ain't it.

 

[bovw]

The devil you know is better than the devil you don't.


Stick with your truck- you know its service history, there are loads of TLCs out there with 230,000+ miles on them and still in good shape- How many Discoveries you find with that many miles? Invest a reasonable amount of $ into your current truck and you'll have a great vehicle that will continue to serve you faithfully.

I like Land Rovers and have stuck with them for years but honestly I've never personally met someone who started out with TLC's who was satisfied when they went to LR's. You might pick up another 2-3 MPG over the 80 series- What would that save you per year with your annual mileage? Unless you are already a LR enthusiast I'd look elsewhere for your next vehicle. I'd DEFINITELY never choose a Disco for MPG reasons.

I'd have to agree on that. I'd probably stick with the LC. For what you would spend buying and modifying a LR, you could do alot more to the LC in your driveway, and maybe have money left over in the long run.

 

[MuddyMudskipper]

If gas mileage is what you seek, Land Rover is not the answer.

You take the good, you take the bad, you take them both and there you have....a Land Rover.

 

[TeriAnn]

Fuel mileage, HaHaHa....
So, I just filled it up at lunchtime ... 11mpg.

And you forgot to mention that it takes premium gas. I hear 11-13 MPG all the time from owners of those vehicles (most Series average about 15-16 miles/US gallon highway & around 8 MPG stop & go. But at least they take regular). The aluminum V8 engines are fragile, the manual gearboxes are almost strong enough for the stock V8 engines. while the coiler axles are stronger than the Series Rover axle, the transfercase and front swivel balls are weaker. There has to be a reason resale value goes into free fall when the Discos & Rangies go off warranty. I suspect it has to do with the price of parts and lack of reliability.

Ford has been discontinuing parts support for the Range Rover Classic and Discovery I So expensive replacement parts are getting hard to find. And the coiler brakes don't last long.

The only reason I might even consider accepting a free used Land Rover product (other than Series or Defender) is if it had a part on it I wanted. I''d pull the part & send the vehicle on. Series & Defenders are worth the effort in my book, but you have to remember there's little about them you could call plush and they tend to be minimalist in comfort type accessories. But when you get home you can just hose out the interior to clean it.

 

[MuddyMudskipper]

And you forgot to mention that it takes premium gas. I hear 11-13 MPG all the time from owners of those vehicles (most Series average about 15-16 miles/US gallon highway & around 8 MPG stop & go. But at least they take regular). The aluminum V8 engines are fragile, the manual gearboxes are almost strong enough for the stock V8 engines. while the coiler axles are stronger than the Series Rover axle, the transfercase and front swivel balls are weaker. There has to be a reason resale value goes into free fall when the Discos & Rangies go off warranty. I suspect it has to do with the price of parts and lack of reliability.

Ford has been discontinuing parts support for the Range Rover Classic and Discovery I So expensive replacement parts are getting hard to find. And the coiler brakes don't last long.

The only reason I might even consider accepting a free used Land Rover product (other than Series or Defender) is if it had a part on it I wanted. I''d pull the part & send the vehicle on. Series & Defenders are worth the effort in my book, but you have to remember there's little about them you could call plush and they tend to be minimalist in comfort type accessories. But when you get home you can just hose out the interior to clean it.

It's not THAT bad is it?

 

[Andrew Walcker]

...The only reason I considered one is after a CL search I was amazed at how many Disco II are availabe in my area at a low cost.

If this is your only reason than it's not a good enough one to buy into a LR. There is an old saying that goes something like, "I'd rather push my LR than drive a LC". In all seriousness, I've owned four FJs and have loved everyone one of them, but I always really wanted a LR.

 

[TeriAnn]

It's not THAT bad is it?

They are in my book. At 10 years of age, they have no resale value and they seem to be all rushing to the wrecking yard. Rover just made them too complicated without focusing on long term reliability. But if you want a fancy plush Rover that does quite well off road be my guest. Of course Ford isn't helping by discontinuing parts support.

Mind you I've owned a 1960 Land Rover for 30 years as of this month. 2 years from now the vehicle will have its 50th birthday, and I do like the Defenders as well as the various Series rigs.

 

[98sr5]

yeah i was surprised at how many are being sold for next to nothing its down there with early nineties chryslers

 

[MuddyMudskipper]

They are in my book. At 10 years of age, they have no resale value and they seem to be all rushing to the wrecking yard. Rover just made them too complicated without focusing on long term reliability.

I think that this is a trait that is common to all of the British marques, especially those sold in the U.S. The difference is do you want vintage quirky and problematic or relatively modern quirky and problematic. Sometimes the preceding reputation is unwarranted but a lot of times it is and I think it is a stigma for both old and new Rovers. With so many modern trucks going to the wrecking yard parts will be abundant for a little while. I can't argue the poor resale value, so very true.

But if you want a fancy plush Rover that does quite well off road be my guest.

Too late. In all honesty I want both but for now it is impractical for me. Until I stop fiddling with other types of cars and things I'll have to stick with my springer as my main off highway transport. Defenders are simple trucks but many of the contemporary (for era) truck problems plague the Defenders too. Beneath that sparse interior and utilitarian skin lurks many, many fancy plush Rover components.

Of course Ford isn't helping by discontinuing parts support.

Couldn't this be likened to the pull out of Land Rover in the U.S. by the Leyland group in the old days? Back then there was noooo support or parts being imported sans the indie shops. Much like then, parts were found and Rovers continued running. We're enthusiasts therefore resourceful.

Mind you I've owned a 1960 Land Rover for 30 years as of this month. 2 years from now the vehicle will have its 50th birthday, and I do like the Defenders as well as the various Series rigs.

Congratulations! I enjoyed reading your post on the transition from a near basket case, to running farm truck, to Dormobile. I can only hope I can keep enjoying my springer Rover as long as you have your leafer Landy. I guess you really are an old fashioned girl at heart.

 

[RonL]

I have two, 1997 Discovery SD and a 1999 Discovery SD (Series 1).

I have never used premium fuel in the 1997, it runs fine. No different betweem the 1997 and the 1999 which gets premium(its the wifes).

I have never had the heads redone on either, 128,000 and 119,000. We have own the 1999 since new and the 1997 for three years. I do my own work, and maint' myself. They are easier to work on then a LC, this can be debated all day, but that is just my view.

Over the 9 yrs we have own the 1999, it averages 15.5 MPG with a 2" lift, roof rack, ARB bumper, and 265/75-16 A/T tires. MPG are not great, but better then my brother Suburban, yes i know they are bigger, but they wieghted the same.

You either love them or hate them. All SUV have problems, my Rovers have been better then the Chevys they replaced. There will always be room in my garage for a Rover.

Now with all that said, mine are Discovery Series 1, not Series 2. Series 2 are not as easy to work on because the Traction Control/ABS and sealed one peice wheel bearings.

If you have specific questions, just ask.