which landrover to avoid?
 

am more a japanese fan but it seems there is a better and cheaper choice of Landrovers in South Africa. I know there are some models to avoid but dont remember which one. Was it the 2.5 Td5 or the 300 Tdi or ?

Both 300TDI and TD5 are fine. 300TDI is generally regarded as the safest option as its a really good engine without any electronic engine management. TD5 was the next generation engine and the first to have the electronic management but there are a lot of people that have used them successfully on long range expeditions including trans africa and they don't seem to be getting much in the way of negative publicity. The only real downside to the 300TDI is that, whilst you can still order a new one directly from landrover with the 300TDI engine, in terms of general sales, they were phased out in the late 90s which means most options have been around for a while now. The TD5 being newer means that there are later models available with less use. Having said that, I've got a 300TDI 110 from 1994 and its fine, its just a reality that most of those options will be in older trucks and depends what you are looking for.

There are other options in SA such as the 2.8 petrol which don't enjoy a great reputation as seen as thirsty and not that poweful.

Thanks Toby2!
No TD5 for me than. Last year we bought a Ford F250 Powerstroke here in Brazil (from a british traveller), full of electronics too. Nice car. When it all worked. Well to cut a long story short,in 20.000 km I know about all workshops now in southern america, more then in the 500.000 km with a Landcruiser and XT500 togehter. Glad we managed to sell it...

Are gearboxes a bit of a weak point of Landrovers as i have heard of many travellers who had to repair them on the way, even with newer vehicles. Or has it more to do with mistreating them, not the right oil, not enough. Or does one has to change gearoil more often or any other advise;

Hi

If you have had a Landcruiser why would you be considering the back-ward step to Landrover...?
I am just curious...

Travel well
Graham

One has to experience as much as possible in life....

We sold the LC(here in Brazil) and we want to travel in southern africa. Lots of Landrovers over there. Cheaper too than the Toyotas and as it is only for 3 months...
But I must admit too I do not like the newer cruisers that much, too sophisticated for my taste. The design of a Landrover is unbeatable, but that is my opinion and that is just the outside....

which landrover to avoid?
All of them, run past them quick, Landrover are to the 4x4 world what Harley are to the bike world.
Stick with your Toyota mate, worth the extra money !

In South Africa, the Land rovers have been superceded now by all of the new light 4 x 4s. I'd consider Isuzu, Nissan and Toyota 4x 4 pick ups or twin -cabs long before considering a Land Rover.

My cousin has an Isuzu, and off road trailer and has been all over the place with it.

Good luck
Graham

PS I agree that the new Cruisers are too sophisticated... but they are Toyota electronics, and will still be more reliable than an old simple landRover.

but you all forget the feeling you will have when you sit in a landrover!
it's daktari feeling:D

you won't have it, when you drive a rice-cooker.:funmeterno:

this is the old, very old question between lr and toyo. you can't clear it. only by yourself.:mchappy:

No, it's not the Daktari feeling at all, it's the feeling of relief that if you are smart enough to be driving a Toyota you won't be spending half your trip hunting for workshops!
Now, more than ever, is not the time to purchase a vehicle which may not be in production within 12 months!!
Forget the Daktari feeling - get real - think with your head!

It makes me laugh ......
 

It really does make me laugh this argument.......

I am sure that there must be examples of Land Rovers faililng, but I have read HUNDREDS of overland websites and not come across one.

Go to the link below and see that, surprise surprise, Toyotas break down catastophically too! And even more ironically, spare parts for the Toyota weren't available and it has to be shipped back to the UK, whilst they continue the rest of their trip in a hire car.

End of the trip

Now to be fair to Graham they have had a great trip, and written some nice stuff, but he was also a huge advocate of Toyatos and wrote several emails explaining why you shouldn't take a land rover. I think he is now of a different opinion, but I believe he reads the HUBB and so will most probably answer for himself.

I think all I am trying to say is anything you drive could break down, but remember, it's not all about just getting from A-B but it's about the adventure, well certainly it is for me.

Long Live Romance!

PS Well done Graham and family for their great trip, and for inspiring others with their great blog and photos! Good luck for the rest of the trip :)

first: i haven't have so much repairs on my 110 HT diesel and my 300tdi during my trips.:thumbup1: (my sIII was different)

second: i have seen toyotas break down:oops2:

third: i'm thinking with my head, but more i try to feel with my heart!:D

On some yes. Discos and Defender 200Tdi and early 300Tdi have a problem with the input gear of the transfer box. It doesn't get lubricated enough, and the input shaft and gear wear, in the end causing you to loose all drive.

Newer models have the input gear cross drilled so oil can get in and the problem doesn't occur.

Pieter

Pieter, do you know till what year the 300Tdi´s suffered this problem?

The thing that makes me laugh is that every overlanding style trip report I read in the LR mags seems to feature at least one trip report.

Also, pretty well every LC owner I know who regularly does trips to N. Africa and beyond, started using LRs, but upgraded to an LC due to LR reliability problems and have never looked back. And despite comments on this board, they have

And yes, LCs can break down, but that is more often down to poor initial servicing or abuse, as opposed to due to inherent weaknesses.

As for finding a vehicle, get in touch with B A I L L I E ' S O F F R O A D & S A F A R I S - Chris C and others have highly recommended them - they may be able to put you in touch with someone selling an LC.

LR vs LC
 

Perhaps the LR Vs LC debate should be taken off to a differnet thread? It would seem that Mr Marker is after some serious advice here .... and it would seem that he is aware of the reliability record of a LC over a LR ....