Are US Rover lovers mad like Toyota lovers?

[ShottsCruisers]

Great post. Many truths in there!

For me it's simple....my main reason for opting for Land Cruisers is reliability. There are 4-wheelers out there that I like as much or better. To me, nothing is more important that reliability and in-breakability.

I'd also LUV a Disco. So far, I can't make the jump due to what I hear and read about troubles. Hmmm, sure would luv one though! Nothing is better looking IMO than a Disco II or III. SLURP!

 

[ChuckB]

I must say Rovers are what brought me here. When I was in my teens I went on a trip to the Carribean with my parents. A "safari tour" in the back of D110 around one of the islands got the expedition bug in me... When I was finally in a position to buy my own vehicle questions about reliability sent me toward Toyota and I ended up with my FJ60. I honestly have no regrets, even though its 20 years old it has been the most reliable vehicle I have owned thus far. I have beat on it pretty hard and it just keeps on ticking...
I will always have a thing for early Series Rovers and D110s!

 

[Sharkman]

Lr

If I lived somewhere other then the US then a new Defender 110 would be my choice. In the US it would be an 2004 Discovery 2 (4.6L, CDL, etc)

I’m not sure I would consider the DIII / LR3 to be ‘dumbed down’. I’ve seen these trucks off-road and have been amazed at what they can do. But with 27 computers, Independent suspension and serious limitations when it comes to modifying the LR3 wouldn’t make my wish list.

My opinion is that there is no ‘do all’ production expedition vehicle but the LR Discovery 2 is my choice for the following reasons………

>On highway it is very acceptable even with MTRs, rack, lift, etc (80mph all day along)
>Off-road it is very capable (CDL, TC, heavy duty build, solid axles)
>Easy to modify/upgrade for improved off-road performance (lift, lockers,etc)
>Large selection of factory and aftermarket accessories
>Capacity/comfort (not big enough) but decent with a SD rack and creative packing.
>Reliability (Based on my experience and others in our group) Yes we have replaced parts on the trail but I’ve never experienced issues with well maintained trucks.
>LR expedition heritage and ‘way-cool’ factor.

I currently own a 1999 Discovery 2 w/87Kmiles and a 1995 RRC SWB w/110Kmiles.

We have not spent much time off-road in the RRC yet but the Discovery gets out on the trail a couple times a month. The reliability of the both trucks has been great and the Discovery has never been to a mechanic or dealership since the warranty expired at 40Kmiles (warranty was for minor things). I find the truck easy to work on and maintain. I have never owned a Toyota so I have no first hand experience to compare.

In general LRs like to be maintained and are an acquired taste…some people don’t get it but once you do you’re hooked.

Steve

www.gllrc.com

 

[Nullifier]

Well in my mind the tranny and other options debates are simple. Part #'s and set up time. Now I know that you guys are gonna say well they make the taco in a 5 speed why not the d-cab. Well Almost all "work" trucks sold are reg cabs. Not to many crew cabs at all. Those D-cab rigs are sold mostly to Joe public, and 80+% of Joe public wants an auto for battling traffic lights.

It helps to decrease cost in assembly time if trucks or cars are made with one drive train option. It is cookie cutter and that is what helps profitability for the builders. You can't get a d cab with manual windows either. It's power all the way and for the same reason. taking the time for assemblers to switch from electric to manual cranks takes time and opens up room for mistakes in assembly just as in tranny options.

Ultimately I wish I could have got an '04 style tacoma with a manual tranny, deisel, front bench seat, manual windows and manual hubs like our bordering nations can get. Hell they could fill that niche market by just bringing them up from Mexico with hardly any major cost but they won't do it because Bling is in. Even if they said ok we will bring in 25 units at a time and have pick up only availability somewhere in Texas I doubt they would sell enough of them to make it worth there wild.

 

[ShottsCruisers]

My wife's mint 2004 Double Cab 4WD TRD goes on sale tomorrow. Has the Hoe and Deav Baja 1000 package (and more). Was taken on a dirt road once for poser pics. Never 4-wheeled.

http://shottscruisers.smugmug.com/gallery/636402

 

[Ryanmb21]

how much for the '04 tacoma?

 

[ShottsCruisers]

how much for the '04 tacoma?

Not sure yet. I'll know the next 1-2 days. I know that a stock one Private outs at $19,890 though I have many extras not figured in. I'll hold onto it until I get top dollar. It's like new. It'll hit eBay in a week or so.

 

[gjackson]

If I lived somewhere other then the US then a new Defender 110 would be my choice.

Why limit yourself?! Seriously, D110s are great vehicles, but the best was never imported into the US. TDI and disk brakes all round for a start. The current price of D110s over here is staggering, but you can always find grey market ones for a little bit less. Just have to be careful and watchful.

cheers!