Defender 110; vs Range Rover classic

[spikemd]

Yes, rovers are a dime a dozen across the pond, especially the pre-84 models. Just tough finding a clean non-rusted one. Keep us posted on the paperwork if you actually import one over. I am considering doing this in a few years. Also, if you are going to convert it to left hand drive, I have heard it is easier to get it done in the UK where parts and labor are cheaper/more plentiful than trying to source the parts here in the states. There are some outfits that will rebuild the vehicle from scratch if you have enough cash. 110 left hand drive with 300tdi...hmm...

 

[Storz]

Holly molly look at uk auto trader 100s of defenders Under 4000 price

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/search/used/cars/land_rover/defender/page/3

Ugh that killls me that I can't afford to bring one over right now!!

I work with a guy that lived in South Africa for a while, he said Defenders are everywhere down there as well and because its a much drier climate than the UK they are generally rust free. His recommendation was to look to arid climates to find a Defender to import, and skip the UK examples. Might be something to think about, try to bring one over the S Africa, Saudi Arabia etc.

 

[DividingCreek]

one thing that hasn't been brought up is that RRC's were production line vehicles with robots etc. Defenders continue to be hand built trucks which has always kept production numbers low and prices higher.

 

[Rovertrader]

one thing that hasn't been brought up is that RRC's were production line vehicles with robots etc. Defenders continue to be hand built trucks which has always kept production numbers low and prices higher.

And that is why the occasional discrepancy between rear badge numbers and VINs on NAS trucks- Defenders that is... ;-)

 

[Snagger]

Findinga nice pre-87 110 to export from the UK would be tricky - they're almost all complete sheds at that age due to road salt, the damp UK climate and lack of maintenance of such an old and worthless car. You'd probably be looking at a new chassis, bulkhead and doors just to start off with, and if it has a 19J engine, you'd be needing to replace it with a 200Tdi engine or rebuild the 19J with new pistons and head... An ex-MoD 90 or 110 from a disposal company like Withams would be a safer bet for such an age, but almost all have the 12J NAD. That's a very reliable and tough engine, but it's asthmatic. I'd still have that over a 19J, which was essentially just a 12J with a turbo bolted on and wasn't up to the increased pressures and temperatures. You'd still have to be wary about the bulkhead on an old direct-release ex-MoD vehicle, though the rest should be in good order (the body may be very good or very rough, depending on what units it served with).

 

[azarmadillo]

The frame is in fact NOT the same. The 110 has a 110" wheel base (maybe 109" if you want to really get technical) and the Range Rover has a 100" wheel base. The Range Rover LWB has a 108" wheel base which would be closer to the 110 and have a heck of a lot more leg room than a 110. The extra 8" is all in the rear door on the LWB.

 

[REDrum]

If the decision point comes down to a, now vintage, '87 110 from UK vs a NAS early '90s LWB RRC for <$15K, IMO, you will get more truck and less head ache from the later. Albeit, less head ache from a an English vehicle is relative Cache of the 110 aside, I don't think the 110 has any significant performance advantage over a RRC.

As others have noted, West coast and SW RRCs can be had rust free for reasonable prices (5 to 10k).

 

[spikemd]

U can find 100% rust free classics in west cost all day long. I have 1990 almost brand new cond. I am gonna give it as agift to my doctor friend. She loves old rovers
I know ahe is gonna keep her much better than i do

Tnx.for the heads up on 87 model. I looking forward to it.even tho its gonna.be pain in the $$$ to drive right hand drive stick shift. Haha but its kinda cool

Keep us posted as to how you go about importing a rover into California. I have thought about it for a long time, but never pulled the trigger. I would consider it in the next year or so. Also, what smog restrictions will there in be CA if it is gas? or diesel?

 

[REDROVER]

Keep us posted as to how you go about importing a rover into California. I have thought about it for a long time, but never pulled the trigger. I would consider it in the next year or so. Also, what smog restrictions will there in be CA if it is gas? or diesel?

since most rovers are diesel in Europe i will get a diesel and register as a diesel in calif, so even later i put ZO6 CORVETTE motor of 6.5 turbo i wont have to go true the system again.

i will post here every step of the way

 

[overlander]

So which one calls to you more in this picture?

 

[REDROVER]

So which one calls to you more in this picture?

Mark for me they are both the same i love them both, but as far as being more practical for overland use , hands down its 110 or better 130 . just look at that defender its screaming TAKE ME OUT TO PLAYYYY lol

more comfort and same class offroad nothing beats classic range rovers ride.

 

[Daryl]

That depends on how much tarmac is between me and where I'm getting dirty. I think the choice based on that is obvious to anyone here.

 

[ntan]

As much as I love the way the Defender looks and everything it hearkens to, I'd have to go with the RRC. Capable and comfortable on- and off-road.

 

[Snagger]

So which one calls to you more in this picture?.

Of those two, the 110 - I love both vehicles (I have a heavily modified 109 and one of the last RRCs), but I always feel less is more with a RR; I like them with only discrete mods or none at all, while Defenders only get more interesting with intelligent mods (not just suspension lifts and big tyres - we see too many ****-kickers doing that here, usually with a "one life..." sticker, to look anything other than stupid).

 

[overlander]

My philosophy is everthing I add has a purpose for how I use the vehicle. I never consider how it will look. By luck, usually looks follow function (Not always, but most of the time). The Defender is amazing in that way. Clutter seems to add to it's purpose driven image.