How much should we expect to spend on a 2nd hand land Rover to drive us around Europe for this summer?

Question

Me and a mate need to purchase a land rover to travel around Europe this summer. We're looking for a defender (year about 1990) that isn't going to break
down before we get to Calais. We're looking to not to spend not much more than £1,500, Is this going to be possible? We're looking on auto trader and e-bay
as we speak. But any other suggestions would be welcome.

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

Forget about getting a Landrover, they will let you down, I have worked on them for 30 years, and if it's getting on in age, there will be something about to break.
I often go to the south of France, and have been driving a Shogun, the first of which I had as a part exchange and allowed £300 for it, the one I have now has been down 4 times now and each time towing a three and a half tonne trailer full, plus wife,dog etc. I bought it off ebay for £600 and fitted a s/hand turbo for thirty quid. Going again a soon as the new dogs passport is sorted!
Whatever you get Fit a new cambelt.

Answer 2

If you're going to travel Europe, are you looking for a LWB County Station Wagon? If so, at 1990, you'll get a 200Tdi engine, with 5 speed box, but have to pay about £3k for something decent. The engine will be ok, if it breaks, it's more likely to be something trivial as a result of age. For £1,500 you'll get something with the same good 200 Tdi, but probably a cosmetically ropey LWB van type body, or a SWB van. Both will get you round Europe without too much problem, particularly if you give it a good service before you go, but it won't be as comfortable as a County. Be aware that if you take a LWB County to France, it is a 12 seater, and requires an additional category on your driver's license, as it falls under French rules as a mini bus, which they can't drive on a car license.

Have fun!

Source(s):

Land Rover Anorak!!

Answer 3

not sure if it comes within you budget or not but a Toyota landcruiser is bullet prooft. one of the most reliable cars out there and should not give u any problems

Answer 4

I'm a bit of a landrover fan (and I own one), but I would'nt drive around Europe in an eighteen year old one. You would be better advised to get a Landcruiser or Pajero as the parts availability in mainland Europe would be much better than it would be for a landie. If you insist on using one, get very good breakdown cover and bring some of the more difficult to get parts (head gasket, diesel pump, etc.) with you so you won't be stranded. Best of luck!

Answer 5

If it's a 1990 Land Rover, you likely won't get all around Europe without breaking down at least once. Make sure you buy roadside assistance.

Answer 6

i got a vauxhall frontera L reg 6 months tax 12 months mot only got 88k miles - would take £400 - want it??? definitely won't break down :-)