So I'm conflicted... May sell the VX. Unique opportunity

[taylorRichie]

So...

I have an opportunity to buy one of the very few vehicles I could even THINK about replacing my Vehicross with. It does everything the vehicross can do... maybe even a bit better, (It's even a head turner, maybe not to the extent of the VX but it definitely doesn't go unnoticed)

It can haul my fam (Me, Brit, Berlynn, and 120lbs worth of dogs) And still have room for my ARB Fridge/Freezer, and gear. It gets 30MPG even. But... I can't get it and keep my VX. And it only has 65,000 miles

What to do What to do...

[rowhard]

That would certainly get the job done. You can always pick up a VX down the road of life.

DO IT:grino:

[Ldub]

What to do What to do...

Get the number of a competent mechanic.

[taylorRichie]

Actually this is one of the most mechanically simple vehicles on the planet...

300TDI Diesel Motor. No bells and whistles. I've been on other forums (cheating) and doing research... There are people with over 300,000 on this motor, with nothing more than routine maintenance (Filters and Oil changes, occasionally a belt). And this one only has 65K. And being a diesel it eliminates almost all possibility for Electrical Gremlins.

Everything else is easily serviced as well, which is why this is a popular outback, or overland travel vehicle. Almost everything can be repaired trailside or in the middle of the desert.

And Parts are readily available... Everything from replacement body panels, tops, trims, bumpers, lockers, bulkheads, Frames, tubs etc. And it uses Salisbury(Dana) axles.

Of course I have a Land Rover dealership about 30minutes away. Just in case. And I live in Utah... Which is a mecca for reputable backyard Mechanics.

[crotchrocket]

Its a nice 4x4, there's no doubt about it but it is a utility vehicle, say good bye to the comfort of the VX!

have you tested one yet?

[taylorRichie]

Its a nice 4x4, there's no doubt about it but it is a utility vehicle, say good bye to the comfort of the VX!

have you tested one yet?

Only the D90 not the 110. I know it's not without its trade-offs. But here in the states these are rare!! way more so than the VX. Only 500 legally imported in 94, and then a few hundred Grey Market imports, and now a handful of Imports under the 25 year import law. And I have a 3 mile commute :D If I was really after "Comfort" It wouldn't be a VX I'd be driving anyway, especially not one with 33" tires and Bilstiens :D

Of course what comfort I did/do have may go out the window with the D110. But what I loose in comfort I make up in Doubling my fuel mileage.

[vt_maverick]

That would certainly get the job done. You can always pick up a VX down the road of life.

DO IT:grino:

x2. :)

[crotchrocket]

Only the D90 not the 110. I know it's not without its trade-offs. But here in the states these are rare!! way more so than the VX. Only 500 legally imported in 94, and then a few hundred Grey Market imports, and now a handful of Imports under the 25 year import law. And I have a 3 mile commute :D If I was really after "Comfort" It wouldn't be a VX I'd be driving anyway, especially not one with 33" tires and Bilstiens :D

Of course what comfort I did/do have may go out the window with the D110. But what I loose in comfort I make up in Doubling my fuel mileage.

Dude, sounds like you got the bug, if the Landy is all good, go for it!

[nfpgasmask]

Oh wow, doood. Finally a "thinking of selling" thread that I have some respect for.

Jeez, that is a wicked tough choice. It pains me to say it, but given the circumstances, I would say go for it. I think this vehicle is a rarer opportunity than a VX. And I think you could probably get another VX down the road if you wanted to.

I love my VX, it's paid off, and I have no reason or desire to sell it. The D90s and D110s are like my other dream vehicles. If I was made of cash I probably would have sourced a 110 instead of the Trooper. Granted, I love my Trooper, but yeah, the Defenders are SOOO cool. My Trooper is going to be a "poor man's 110" by the time I am done with it, but you have a chance to have the REAL DEAL. That said, part of my decision to NOT get a Rover was the cost, and the fact that I already knew I had a nice support network of ZuZu fans at the ready. Plus, I actually do like the look of the 1st gen Troopers. I'm sure there are some good LR forums so you will be just fine.

Just promise me you will meet up with us sometime so I can see this thing if you get it!!

---> If there was a smiley with a hard-on it would go right here <---
http://www.nathanphilpot.com/thepot/defender110.png

FINALLY someone who is thinking of trading up for an equally cool vehicle and not a CAR or something more practical and boring like that! :laughing:

Bart

[VX KAT]

Having owned a '97 D90 for 5 yrs, Dave & I can weigh in here... (although ours was not the TDI..ours was regular gas 4.0).
OBSERVATIONS:
~We were very comfortable in the OEM seats for many a long trip across TX, NM, AZ. I did put some nice seat covers on them that were like wetsuit material. I also made some lumbar support pillows, Dave did say he sometimes got a bit of an ache after long drives, but the lumbar thing fixed that.

~We couldn't get that flying brick over 72 on a flat highway....think diesel may be even slower(?) Passing was a risky, calculated operation as it could barely get out of it's own way....

~IIRC, they only made the 110 in white (or at least the ones exported here), so this may be a re-paint job..check out it's condition

~Where's the front exoskeleton roll bars (Camel bar)? For some reason, not sure why, I thought that was required for it to be licensed in U.S. I needed that to climb into it, along with the step rails we added. Looks like this one has the flip down step. I used the top horizontal bar of the exo roll bar over the door to grab and hoist my self in...it was a necessity in my case.

~Creature comforts- ZERO, nada, nil, zip, null, big goose egg.......
~Modern technology or ammenities -ZERO, nada, nil, zip, null, big goose egg.......ummm, it did have a digital odometer display though! :p

~That weird dash turned out to be exceptionally functional for holding stuff and having it readily at hand. I was co-pilot, so the dash was my territory. It was like having an open glove box right there, very handy.

~Assuming it has the A/C unit....the bolt on a/c was a bit in the way, made for a pretty confined foot area, but the shins didn't hit it much. It certainly wasn't a very strong unit though...keep in mind we lived in TX and it was hot! It could barely keep up. Otherwise, the front flaps were great! Good airflow! And had screens on them so bugs don't fly in and hit yer teef!

~MPG on our gas model.....15 tops with heavy tail wind with OEM gas tank. They do make auxiliary tanks you can add. We could go precisely 225 miles on a tank, maxxxxxxxxxxx. Don't know about the diesel. We had to plan routes carefully to know where gas was available if we weren't carrying our 2 jerry cans on roof rack.

~Tires- It came with the BFG A/Ts but we changed to Bridgestone Dueler REVOs.

~Ride /suspension was great, no complaints, much better than our '95 Wrangler.

~We bought ours at 5 yrs old with only 9k miles, drove it for 5 yrs to about 45k, nothing ever repaired.

~I know you've probably been there already but hit atlanticbritish.com and roversnorth.com to drool over stuff. Definitely need a roof rack. We got the Brown Church. I'd also get a brush guard, but I've been told by many that the brush guard just does more damage to the Rover in a wreck.

~It was awesome for the dogs, absolutely perfect. We removed the 4 jump seats so we had tons of room for gear & dogs. I can't recall how many/if there are jump seats behind your 2nd row...but yank 'em! Sold mine on ebay for $1,200!

BOTTOM LINE- Absolutely go for it...If you like off roading & even more attention than the VX, ride of a lifetime! Life circumstances & changes happen :(, so we sold it to buy our FJ Cruiser (outright) which was another factor. We were lucky enough to hit the upswing in D90 values and sold it for only $2 or $3k less than we paid 5 yrs earlier. We don't regret a minute of it!

OK, sorry for long book here....hope you enjoy it...

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/thumbs/Picture_0201.jpg (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=14756)
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/thumbs/Picture_0071.jpg (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=14753)
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/thumbs/Picture_0033.jpg (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=14752)
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/thumbs/Big_Bend_Dec_2003_073.jpg (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=16892)
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/thumbs/Big_Bend_Dec_2003_092.jpg (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=16894)
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/thumbs/Big_Bend_Dec_2003_0931.jpg (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=16895)
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/thumbs/Big_Bend_Dec_2003_122.jpg (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=16896)
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/thumbs/Big_Bend_Dec_2003_129.jpg (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=16897)
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/thumbs/Big_Bend_Dec_2003_1311.jpg (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=16898)
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/thumbs/Big_Bend_Dec_2003_133.jpg (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=16899)
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/thumbs/Near_the_Rio_Grande1.jpg (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=16900)
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/thumbs/Sue_Out_Hiking.jpg (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=16904)
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/thumbs/SOUTHWEST_VACATION_11-05_031.jpg (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=16903)
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/thumbs/New_Mexico_2004_253.jpg (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=16902)
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/thumbs/New_Mexico_2004_244.jpg (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=16901)

[LittleBeast]

I am confused on this one.....





Why do you want a red school bus?????





Just wondering :)

[VXorado]

Good choice, Ive always wanted a defender but feared it would be riddled with mechcanical problems. Sounds like you've found a good one :winky:.

Like crotchrocket said, how does it compare in ride quality to the VX? Does it have leaf springs or coils F+R?

[nfpgasmask]

~We couldn't get that flying brick over 72 on a flat highway....think diesel may be even slower(?) Passing was a risky, calculated operation as it could barely get out of it's own way....

That sounds exactly how my Trooper was before the motor swap. Gutless.


~Creature comforts- ZERO, nada, nil, zip, null, big goose egg.......~Modern technology or ammenities -ZERO, nada, nil, zip, null, big goose egg.

Wow, that is exactly the Trooper as well.


~MPG on our gas model.....15 tops with heavy tail wind with OEM gas tank. They do make auxiliary tanks you can add. We could go precisely 225 miles on a tank, maxxxxxxxxxxx.

That is exactly what I get on both the Trooper and the VX.

You guys make me jealous.

Bart

[alterastro]

I too have had a 90. I'm 6' 2" and found the driving position very uncomfortable, with no shoulder room at all for me. Ultimately though I sold it as I love my luxuries and comforts - both of which are no existant on the Landie. The heater was next to useless - if it did work I just steamed up the windows. No AC, so in summer, cooling the interior meant trying to reach the window winder without crashing and hoping the heater would actually switch off :smilewink

They have a huge following in the UK, not because they are comfy, never breakdown or go anywhere - but simply because parts are everywhere and very cheap, so when it breaks down, its an easy fix.

As far as I'm concerned, I'm glad I've owned one, but I wouldn't have another. I sold mine and bought a VX :smilegray

Nick

[circmand]

I own a 1974 Jensen Healey and love it and made it reliable but a few points on British Vehicles

1. There are always electrical problems. The issue is not limited to the engine type. My JH runs on 3 fuses and was a nightmare before I had it totally rewired. There is a reason they call Lusa the Lord of Darkness. The only thing Lucas ever made that didnt suck was their vacuum cleaner.

2. There are always mechanical problems. From ill fitting hand assembled pieces to the tradition of a few pints at lunch nothing fits together well.

3. They design cool vehicles though. They have to when comort, reliability and dependability are missing.

That said I love my JH and would not sell it for what it is worth. Maybe for what it cost to get it running though.

[cyronman]

do it.

dooo iiit.

[djvx]

It doesnt look like something you'd have to sell your vx to pay for? Don't pay too much for it. Rare or not it doesn't look as good as a vx. 1st gen. Troopers better. Older deisels were not as reliable as some of the ones made today. 30 mpg is like a dangling carrot in front of you but if it means puttin' up with a lot of B.S. It might not be worth it. That said it's your decision, so good luck with it either way.

[Knivx]

:drool2::drool2::drool2::drool2::drool2:

Do it! I miss and want back my Series II more than any other vehicle I've ever owned! Drove my uncle's Defender 110 off road and it was awesome. Especially if you're going for the Overland vehicle thing, not too much can be crammed into the VX. I'm at a similar crossroads, though I'd probably end up with a disco or rangie on my budget.

[ZEUS]

I dunno man - what's the 0-60 time on something like that? I really think it's around 25 seconds. Diesel IS more expensive than gas unless you use Premium, perhaps. You know it's a personal choice... I think you'll be able to enjoy the positives of owning it while putting up with the negatives just like with the VX. However, if you don't bite the bullet you may not let yourself live it down and you may come to view the VX differently.

P.S. - They get mileage that high because they don't go over 60 or 65mph - 45 going up hills... ;)

[lasturbo]

I work for a dealer so I say do it!!! A rare 110 is a nice find as long as it is not a rust bucket.

........and I still have a 1989 Range Rover County Classic which I will never sell!!

[taylorRichie]

Hey all, Thanks for the feedback.

Of course most of it is just as conflicted as mine :D It will go 75 with the R380 transmission (downhill and tailwind) It's definitely a 'slow and steady' vehicle. But I also do a 3 mile commute on a 25MPH street. And when I'm headed out camping I'm a patient driver anyway, especially when it's time to hit the dirt. And if it's an extended highway trip we've got our other car for that.

Just like Justin said I'm sure I'd enjoy the positives, and put up with the negatives, just like 'any' vehicle.

Eitherway, I hope I don't get kicked out of the compound when Dub finally gets it set up.

Look for a posting in the for sale section... :):(

[taylorRichie]

and @KAT

Love the pictures... just makes me want it more. I remember a thread somewhere you saying that was one vehicle you wished you'd have hung onto. Which is another reason why I really want it. :)

This 110 is not one of the 500 US Market specific 1994 D110s (white with cage) It is a grey market Import, with a solid frame, and bulkhead. Minimal surface rust on frame, no body rust. Not mint, but very good shape. I've already been shopping for it in my head. one of the 1st things I'll do is Line-X the bottom 1/4 of the body, and most of the interior. The rest... time will tell.

All of this assuming I end up with it in the driveway.

[blacksambo]

Two cents here. Mis-spent a lot of my youth under a hopelessly broken Defender, trying to get it to live up to its fighting reputation. It's totally different from a VX. A VX was meant to handle on any surface, a Defender was meant to traverse any surface. If you can get a winch on the front, and then add some nudging blocks you'll have the full look and experince going on. The Defender is Hollywood legend, the VX is controversial. You can take it from here.

[Ldub]

Eitherway, I hope I don't get kicked out of the compound when Dub finally gets it set up.

Little Bro...You, Brit & Berlyn ain't NEVER gonna have ta worry bout being welcome in the pre, during, or post apocalyptic VX dubworld...:yesgray:

You & your family have proven, time & time again, to be some of the most worthwhile folks I've ever had the pleasure to meet.
Yeah, I know, I haven't technically met Berlyn yet, but if she's cut of the same high quality cloth as her Ma & Pa, I know for a fact that she's OK by me...:heart:

Frankly, I hope Y'all produce about a dozen more chilluns, just to make up for the massive deficit at the "deep end".:yes:

[PittVXr]

Tough choice. The Defenders are definitely cool, in an old school kind of way. I've ridden shotgun offroad in a D90 before and it got us where we wanted to go, no ifs ands or buts. I've never seen a 110 in person. I guess if I got the chance to pick one up, I'd have to seriously consider it. 4 doors would be nice.

Parting with the VX would be tough to do though!

[VX KAT]

I dunno man - what's the 0-60 time on something like that? I really think it's around 25 seconds.
P.S. - They get mileage that high because they don't go over 60 or 65mph - 45 going up hills... ;)
Yer right on the money Zeus, going uphill, Ha!, 65mph would be optimistic. We lived in Dallas and it's a solid 11-12-13 hrs to cross the mighty state of Texas, so it didn't matter if we were goin' West starting vaca headed to NM or CO or comin' home, we were always jammin' across Texas on I20. Jammin' and D90/D110 are mutually exclusive!

We apparently got really lucky on the reliability, but it was a major factor in our reason to sell (well, that and I was having a harder & harder time climbing in it) as we were downsizing our life when I left work, so Toyota was it....and had some creature comfort features too! "Reliable" and "living in the boonies" needed to be mutually INclusive for us. Still think the FJ is a bit whacked looking though. :goof:

[lasturbo]

I have been with Land Rover since the first North American Spec. Range Rover rolled off the truck in 1987. My how time flies! We were privileged to sell quite a few of the 1993 US version D110 in San Diego and what a treat that was. The D90 was the "Jeep on Steroids" in 1994-1995 and then the automatic 4.0l version in 1997. There has been many talks of bringing the D90 back but with all the R&D and making in DOT spec.etc.etc.etc.,unfortunately, we will not see one in the showroom soon. It does bump the value of the other D's though. A grey market is even more rare because of all the restrictions to get em here but whatever your final decision is, both the VX and the 90/110 are great choices IMO. Good luck!!

[taylorRichie]

Frankly, I hope Y'all produce about a dozen more chilluns, just to make up for the massive deficit at the "deep end".:yes:

That's just about the nicest compliment ever. :yesb: Thanks Dub!

http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs283.ash1/21035_314512944554_830394554_3288024_5808703_n.jpg

If all goes well this time next year I'll be in the market for a high mileage VX to make a dedicated play toy out of :)

[ZEUS]

Still think the FJ is a bit whacked looking though. :goof:
Yer right on the money there too, Kitty! :yeso:

[taylorRichie]

Keeping the VX...

Had it for sale for only ~1 week...

Sorry the crowd I was getting off of KSL classifieds wasn't worthy of VX ownership... I couldn't let her go. And since I've had it for sale I've been chased down and stopped several times... Last night for instance, a guy followed me home (creepy, I almost went elsewhere)

But then he said...

(dude) What is that!?!?

(me) Isuzu vehicross.

(dude) My son said... DAD, there goes one of my toys... and I said, WHOA! that is one of your toys... So I had to chase you down to see what it was... Hats of to you! that's a great looking vehicle.

(me) Thanks!

====

I can't let it go... So looks like I'll be keeping a rotation of vehicles now...

The Red 110 was sold, right out from under me... guy didn't understand I was committing to purchase... So now I'm awaiting for information on a Blue 110. Wish me luck.

[Ldub]

Keeping the VX...

Had it for sale for only ~1 week...

Sorry the crowd I was getting off of KSL classifieds wasn't worthy of VX ownership... I couldn't let her go.

====

I can't let it go... So looks like I'll be keeping a rotation of vehicles now...

The Red 110 was sold, right out from under me... guy didn't understand I was committing to purchase... So now I'm awaiting for information on a Blue 110. Wish me luck.

:dance:...:dan_ban:...:dance:

:luck: on the Blue one!

[crotchrocket]

I found this, i am keen on it but not turning to the dark side :D

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201007352479703/sort/priceasc/usedcars/transmission/automatic/model/defender/make/land_rover/postcode/nw35rn/page/1/radius/1500?logcode=p



Good luck with your searching!

[crotchrocket]

Heres some with the steering wheel on the wrong side, don't know how much 110's are over there but maybe these are worth a thought for an import??

People buy LHD landies for european expeditions etc

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201003350432213/sort/priceasc/usedcars/model/defender/make/land_rover/postcode/nw35rn/page/1/keywords/lhd/radius/1500?logcode=p

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201007352474195/sort/priceasc/usedcars/model/defender/make/land_rover/postcode/nw35rn/page/1/keywords/lhd/radius/1500?logcode=p

[nfpgasmask]

Dude, if you manage to keep the VX and buy a 110, then you will be my hero. I would have done EXACTLY that if I had the cash flow. Don't get me wrong, I am 100% good with my Trooper 110, but the real thing is awesome. Someday.

Bart

[ZEUS]

Keeping the VX...

Had it for sale for only ~1 week...

Sorry the crowd I was getting off of KSL classifieds wasn't worthy of VX ownership... I couldn't let her go. And since I've had it for sale I've been chased down and stopped several times... Last night for instance, a guy followed me home (creepy, I almost went elsewhere)
I totally understand that! :mad: I had my Jeep listed on KSL and Craigs and all I hear from are idiots or people with no money:
#1 "Wanna trade for a stupid Grand Cherokee and $2000?"
(Seriously...? I have enough Jeeps, thanks.)
#2 "I want to tow a trailer around LA with it..."
(Do you really think a comp Jeep should be a tow rig on the highways of LA!?)
#3 "I need a new Jeep; I totalled my last one."
(Here's your sign!)

I have a hard time selling to someone I know is probably go to get someone killed with my Jeep. Is that so wrong!? :o

Good call, Rich!

[taylorRichie]

@CrotchRocket: Has to be a 1993, or older than an '85 to import a 110 to the states :( But I have several over the pond that I've been looking at. Basically exporters will rebuild it for you, do a galvanized, or waxed chassis and bulkhead, drop in a TDI, or TD5, and ship it to you. And it's not cheap to get the work done, but our supply is very limited here. Oh and as far as the first one you posted... I'd definitely go for a 4 door, not a 3 or 2 door, unless you don't intend to use the back seat.

@Bart: You say that... but you have a Porsche, a VX, a Trooper, and a FALCON!! ;)

@Justin: It was HORRIBLE!! Fielding the phone calls... I actually got offered a 2007 Jeep Wrangler... But I couldn't do it with the mileage, or the fact it wasn't an unlimited... the point of selling it was to get a car that had more room for dogs and baby!? Plus I got a bunch of kids calling, and complaining about cost... "My bank will only loan 'X' why are you charging so much?" I said... If you want me to remove the wheels and tires, and all accessories I can sell it to you for that. ;) I actually had 4 different people call me from their bank! asking for vin etc. And all the while I was never really 'sure' I was going to sell it... I suppose if someone had shown up with a check, I would have, but I was getting tired of the run arounds, low balls, complaining etc. My standard response was. "I don't need to sell it, I just put it for sale for what I would sell it for if someone was interested. I wish you best of luck on your car search, let me know if you have any other questions."

I was always very nice, I know it's 10 years old... but I was selling it for what it's worth to me. (only to find out it's worth more) :D

[ZEUS]

That makes me feel good... and bad... about what I'll be up against when I actually do start advertising mine as for sale. I just hope to get $7000 for ZEUS, really. Should be easy...

[taylorRichie]

It'll sell quick. The banks were willing to loan $10,500 for mine. Want to give me your diffs first ;)

[Ldub]

It'll sell quick. The banks were willing to loan $10,500 for mine. Want to give me your diffs first ;)

IIRC, I've got dibs on a diff swap...:naughty:

[ZEUS]

It'll sell quick. The banks were willing to loan $10,500 for mine. Want to give me your diffs first ;)


IIRC, I've got dibs on a diff swap...:naughty:
Yup Dub is first on the list and Bart is second. Too bad it takes so much work to swap out two sets of diffs... :(

[taylorRichie]

So maybe you could just set a date... a weekend or something, and whoever comes and helps you remove and replaces your diffs gets them?

;)

HA! just playin' (but really next weekend is good)

[ZEUS]

HAHA! You make a strong case, Rich - how about May 10th at the Redrock...? :p

[Ldub]

So maybe you could just set a date... a weekend or something, and whoever comes and helps you remove and replaces your diffs gets them?

;)

HA! just playin' (but really next weekend is good)


HAHA! You make a strong case, Rich - how about May 10th at the Redrock...? :p

Him what gots the most tools wins...:naughty:..:_wrench: