Newbie w/ questions

[Deanger]

I've always loved the D-90's and the 110's for that matter. THinking of taking the plunge. I can't stand you can't get these cars in the US new, on the other hand that means you can turn it into a project.

I was leaning towards the D-90 hardtop wagon, but would love to hear thoughts or been given places to look for more research on doing this right.

Sure you guys get this every now and then, and I've done some searching, but would appreciate any thoughts. Is there a year I should avoid? Etc..

Also, how do you all feel about the new RR as compared to classics like the D-90?

Thanks

[rover4x4]

You got a 959?!?! Cant really compare the D-90 to the new RR as I think they are 2 totally different cars. D-90 is more of a utilitarian working truck the RR is super luxo. D-90 isnt very comfortable its noisy etc. I have the Station Wagon i love it. THe positives outweigh the negatives with the Defender, I wouldnt get rid of mine unless i really had too. As with Rovers in general they need attention and if they dont get the required attention they become expensive. If you want the SW 95 and 97 are the only years this configuration was availible. there were a handful of similar configured 94's called the port of entry hard top. They didnt have the roll up windows or the side opening back door. All the D-90's are desirable some of the 94's had the trouble prone transmission but many were replaced at the dealer. The transmission you want has the reverse down and to the far right. 94 and 95 had manual tranmissions and a 3.9 V8. All 97's had a 4.0 and a automatic. Both are good but I think the 4.0 had a few more electronics in addition to a distrubitorless ignition. There are a few D-90 related sites on the www. I think this and the yahoo D-90 group are the best on the web. Just read around they are pretty simple trucks. hope you get one soon. there is a site www.lrfaq.org they have a good D-90 section. What do you plan to do with your D-90 should you aquire one?

[Deanger]

Thanks for the info. I'd want to hit the trails with the D-90. My friend has a Rubicon Jeep and we've had some fun with it. Was thinking about getting one of those but have always admired the D-90. Have heard the Discovery had automatic tranny problems that may also been seen in the '97 D-90. Seems like a D-90 should be a manual to me, though I could be convinced otherwise. I wonder if all that kit talk is real or rumor.

[Buckon37s]

The kit is real, whether or not it is a good decision for you is another thing. Might be. I am in So Cal too, hope you get one so we can meet on the trails!

[dmarchand]

Nothing wrong with the ZF transmission. If I were you, I would try driving an automatic on the trail, then try manual. Jeep, rover, whatever, you as the driver need to know whether you want the manual or auto. Myself, I went with the '97 explicitly for the auto box. One less thing for me to focus on while riding down the trail.

[Joe P]

Dean,

Where in So Cal. I'm in Irvine if you want to check out a 97ST. I agree with Phillip. When my friends ask me how I like my car I tell them it's noisy, expensive, sucks gas, leaks when it rains, and cold. I then quickly end with I wouldn't get rid of it for anything.

I did a ton of research and went with the 97 because I like the auto due to the amount of driving I do on the local freeways. Also, how can you live in Southern California and not get a soft top. Just doesn't seem right. The D-90ST was made for So Cal.

As far as problems go, I would just look for one that has been propoerly maintained. If you find this you can't really go wrong no matter what year/color/configuration. The only other advice I would give is don't settle for the first one you find. I looked for over a year and I am glad I did b/c I found the perfect one for me.


Joe

[Doug]

Check www.lrx.com for vehicles for sale. Choose NAS Defender, all years. You will spend lots of money, but get it all back in fun on the trails! There will be a bunch of Rovers -- Defenders, Classics, Discos at the Corva Truckhaven Poker Run on the 17th. Check www.sclr.org for details. Camp is at 'Uno Palm'.

[Buckon37s]

Doug,

You going to truck Haven over Superstition?!!? Come on man!

[Doug]

David,

Superstition? Guess I'm not on the mailing list. Where, who and when?

DW

[wicks]

Dean, I chose the '97 hard top wagon, limited Edition willow green in color with all the right gear factor fitted. It has a nicer interior, automatic tranny, the 4.0 engine and is what I consider the best appointed Defender sold in the US, and the last.

Have a couple of friends with the new RR, and last time we towed a bunch of bikes to the desert, I suggested to him that he tear off his front air dam and get some real tires. He said with zero doubt, "Never." I think that sets the stage for the difference of the NRR to something like a Defender or RR Classic. I'd love one for trips to Whole Foods. ;)

[Buckon37s]

Hey Doug,

Superstition Run is held by the San Diego 4 Wheelers every Jan. This year the 16th and 17th. It is HUGE. I will be there and there is a chance Billster and KC will show. It is kinda close to Truckhaven, you can see the Saltin Sea but the 4 wheeling is way better. I have been to both, truckhaven is kinda rutted hills up and down and then up, to the top, down. Super has trails from cake to guaranteed body damage. There are always major rolls which are fun for everyone, and there are raffles, vender tents, sponsors like ORW, CTM, Mastercraft, Red Bull, Rock it Parts and way more. I would really recommend that anyone that can get there make it for sure!! :cool: Hope to see you!

[wicks]

Hmmm. that sounds interesting. A trail like a Malaysian SS would be nice, but I doubt they have that.

[Doug]

Whew, that's another 1.5 hrs on top of the three to Truckhaven. Humm.... Landscape looks similar, better dunes tho -- but then there's the Calcite Mine night run at Truckhaven. ;)

DW

[Deanger]

Awesome info, thanks everyone. I've already been stalking LRX and the other sale sites for a while... It's funny, the Jeep Rubicon is awesome, but there is just something about the Defender...

[Deanger]

Originally posted by wicks

Have a couple of friends with the new RR.... I'd love one for trips to Whole Foods. ;)

LOL -- I see 50 of them there all the time, including mine. I've taken it on very mundane dirt roards and people have seen it dirty and look at me like I am offending someone.

FWIW -- The new RR appears to be very capable, it just doesn't get my blood pumping the way a nicely outfitted D-90 does.

Are D-90 wagons long enough to fit bikes inside? Also, how are those fold out seats? I like them from what I've seen.

[Buckon37s]

hhhmmm,

Front and rear I.S. on those new RR (In the office space voice)- "Yeah, no, not so capeable, uh huh"

Sure you can throw a bike in there with the front tire off.

[Chaucer]

Its not easy to fit an average sized 21-speed in the back of a Station Wagon. You *can* do it, but you have to take the front wheel off, then have your passenger hold the forks to steady the bike as it rests on your center console.

Not too fun.

[scoloco]

Originally posted by Deanger
I'd want to hit the trails with the D-90. My friend has a Rubicon Jeep and we've had some fun with it. Was thinking about getting one of those but have always admired the D-90.

My TJ was much more comfortable than my D90 is. Especially now with the cold. It was much more carlike on the inside in that respect. Jeep is much easier to find parts and people to help fix it up.
That said I do get more attention now on the trail with the D than I did with the TJ.
-scott
'94 ST

[kellymoe]

Hey you could buy my 1968 109 and fit your bikes and lots more in there. With the money you save you could do all sorts of mods to it.
I am in Burbank, email me if interested.

[wicks]

Put that 109 back together already. That would be a great one. What year?

[wicks]

Likewise Dean, all the housewives at Whole Foods look at my Defender kinda curiously when I park it next to their freshly waxed NRRs. Only id they actually realize that they are also driving a Land Rover. ;)

Bikes can go in with wheel off (though I use a hitch carrier) , seats are great. People have fun sitting back there because they are facing each other.

[rover4x4]

I 2nd the hitch carrier i once got 3 mtn bikes in the back of my D-90 SW

[Eric Siepmann]

Get the hitch carrier from Yakima. I used to stuff my bikes into the back - just tears things up trying to get it in. Even my singlespeed and road bikes have trouble at times. the Yak' keeps your back looking good as well, and less cleaning after muddy rides or cyclocross races (even worse)!

EwS

[kellymoe]

It is a 1968 109 with tons of extra series parts and 4 extra series wheels. I also have $500 in Dupont land rover light green paint and am waiting for good weather to paint it. Chevy inline 6 engine, the thing realy goes.

$7500 obo

[wicks]

I'd give tha tone to ECR for a full & complete original restoration with an uprated original engine.

[rover4x4]

:bling

[kellymoe]

I have had series trucks with the original engine. Weak!!! and a little mor expensive to work on. With the chevy I can drop into pep boyz or auto zone and get parts cheap.

Sorry to get off subject.:)

[wicks]

Not to hijack, yeah, but what would you do if you were in Malaysia or Irkutsk? ;)

My 69 IIA was faster than my D90 bone stock.

[Deanger]

Originally posted by Joe P
Dean,

Where in So Cal. I'm in Irvine if you want to check out a 97ST.

Joe

Joe, I'm in Brentwood, but would be happy to meet up some time. Likewise to any other So. Cal Defender owners. Will trade a ride in either a) new RR -- whose suspension can raise or lower. b) 1987 959 -- whose suspension can also raise or lower

;)

PS -- Is there a RR site like this one?