Reliability of RR L322 2009 and Defender 110 (or 130 HC) 1985-90

[rlynch356]

rlynch356:

you might want to do some homework. I drive a 2007 L322 and it has a Jag 4.4, not a BMW power plant. In 2006 Rover dropped BMW and started fitting Jag motors which are hands down night and day different in terms of reliability over the BMW power plants.

i stand corrected then...

On the budget for a defender question.. sure all of your assumptions can be correct they just usually don't turn out that way on the ones that i have looked at.. Johan on the source is selling a 110 PU for what he has it in right now which is apt $17k - generally solid but still he is selling vs putting the rest of the money into making it what he considers good. I can take pictures of it if its still available when i can get out there if your considering it or give you others whom can do the same thing.
there are many scams out there dealing with defenders. be careful whatever you decide.

 

[rtkraken]

I know that this is a strange comparison to do but I am looking for opinions from anyone that has owned (or still own) both. The primary use of the truck will be as a daily driver occasional wheeling/trails. Looking for reliability and capability. I understand that they are vastly different as far as luxury/electronics/comfort are concerned but my question is about reliability. looking to spend in the low 20's. Pretty mechanically inclined but major repairs would be done at an indy shop. Thanks

Daily driver, low 20's, occasional off-road, and you have access to a good Indy... go for the L322. My 07 Ford/Jag has been very reliable and what few repairs I've had to do (rear shocks, air compressor maintenance, brake work) have been relatively easy. Get yourself a diagnostic device to keep you from an Indy visit for something stupid.

 

[nick325i]

I have a 94' RRC and a 08' RRSC. Both have been good vehicles and I would say are reliable. The 94' definitely requires more maintenance and little fixes but it gets used fairly hard while the 08' mainly just gets cruised around town by the wife. From many opinions the 07' - 09' rovers are pretty much the best ones for reliability and I can agree with that. I had more issues with my 12' LR4 than my 08' RRSC and I bought the 08' at 100k miles.

They are just very different vehicles. Very rough, technical trail the 94' is great but on a snowy mountain hwy the 08' is king. I would also send the wife across country by herself in the 08' and I can't say the same for the 94'. The good thing that the RRCs are inexpensive enough to own as a second vehicle and it serves the extra vehicle purpose very well.

I can't speak for a defender but the mechanics are basically the same as an RRC or D1 so I assume the reliability is similar. They are definitely extremely cool and I would love to own any defender some day.

 

[lbg500]

Daily driver, low 20's, occasional off-road, and you have access to a good Indy... go for the L322. My 07 Ford/Jag has been very reliable and what few repairs I've had to do (rear shocks, air compressor maintenance, brake work) have been relatively easy. Get yourself a diagnostic device to keep you from an Indy visit for something stupid.

LR indy is about an hour away but doable if needed. As long as I can drive there and I am not in "limp mode". What is the diagnostic device for L322's?

 

[lbg500]

I like this setup here and may have to copy your choice of going with both. The other option was getting a 300gd for heavy off road use.

 

[lbg500]

I have a 94' RRC and a 08' RRSC. Both have been good vehicles and I would say are reliable. The 94' definitely requires more maintenance and little fixes but it gets used fairly hard while the 08' mainly just gets cruised around town by the wife. From many opinions the 07' - 09' rovers are pretty much the best ones for reliability and I can agree with that. I had more issues with my 12' LR4 than my 08' RRSC and I bought the 08' at 100k miles.

They are just very different vehicles. Very rough, technical trail the 94' is great but on a snowy mountain hwy the 08' is king. I would also send the wife across country by herself in the 08' and I can't say the same for the 94'. The good thing that the RRCs are inexpensive enough to own as a second vehicle and it serves the extra vehicle purpose very well.

I can't speak for a defender but the mechanics are basically the same as an RRC or D1 so I assume the reliability is similar. They are definitely extremely cool and I would love to own any defender some day.

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How wide is your garage? They seem to fit nicely.

 

[rokrawlr]

LR indy is about an hour away but doable if needed. As long as I can drive there and I am not in "limp mode". What is the diagnostic device for L322's?

The IID tool will do pretty do/scan much everything you need to keep you up and running.

 

[SteveMfr]

Thanks rokrawlr!

We see the reliability differences with our customers. The 2006> L322s are better than the earlier BMW based models - but for the most part that only applies to the gasoline powered RRs. The BMW V8 is not bulletproof whereas the Jag motor is great. Electronically there is not that great a difference. The L322 is miles better than the P38. There is simply no comparison. I take my L322 off-roading and overlanding. You do need some more tools in your toolbox to work with the electronics, but it is not rocket science. For long trips especially, the L322 is nicer than a Defender. More comfortable, cleaner, and economical. My 2cents worth...