Moving to the dark side.

[kingstonandy]

I'm a Landrover owner, seriously thinking of changing my Defender 110 for a Surf.
I'm hoping for increased economy, comfort & practicality.

I'll have £2-3k to spend, but as I know very little about these vehicles so would appreciate some pointers in the following areas:-

differnces between the models (apart from the obvious)
typical economy
known weakneses/ problems to look for

Sorry for the newbie questions, but a quick search didn't turn anything up.

Andy

[MattF]

With regards to possible problems, some 2.4's had a slightly
iffy head which was prone to crack. Doesn't happen to everyone,
however. Generally, any common sense checks will cover most
problems. Due to the age of the first and second gens, (the rugged
looking ones, unlike the more girlie looking third gens), , general
wear and tear will be found, but nothing generally too drastic. Keep the
cooling system in good order, and joints/shafts well greased, and
everything should be fairly sweet.

As to the model differences, if you figure that one out, you're a gem.
The consensus appears to be that the model, e.g: ssr-x, ssr-g or
whatever is pretty moot. It appears they just put whatever they had
to hand in the models at any given time.

Economy wise, (restraining manic chuckle), anywhere between
20 - 30 mpg, If I remember correctly.

I'm sure someone else will add further pointers. The main problem
is the blackhole effect that they seem to have on your wallet as the
irrepressible urge to keep replacing and upgrading bits for no real
reason slowly creeps up on you


Matt

[joker??]

£3 grand get a 3,0 td if possible if not get a 2.4 that as had the head done
heads seem to be a weakness especially on the 2.4
i ended up paying £3250 for a 3.0 ltd surf after getting told i would have to pay more ,lol
say 23 to 28 mpg depends how heavy your foot is lol,
if you do get a surf you will get loads of help from the fellahs off this site
also if you get a surf you will get a free smile
look at a few before you buy to see what you get for your bucks
main point is get a green one ,faster , more mpg , cooler , also get a bigger smile others will try to steer you to another colour , they dont know nothing lol

[POPEYE]

Joker's absolutily right!! apart from the colour, Green is for wellies and the stuff ya get on stagnant ponds, Gunmetal grey is the head turner, 3.0lt is the one to go for, not much difference in fuel consumption but more power,
Igot a 2.4 but wish for a 3lt, Just have a dam good look round and a good test drive, Go with your head and yer heart will soon follow

[fatfires]

main point is get a green one ,faster , more mpg , cooler , also get a bigger smile others will try to steer you to another colour , they dont know nothing lol [/QUOTE]

far be it for me to criticise however ...if we dont know nothing we must know something and that is;
1. according to the national poll on this forum
2. good taste
3. informed choice
4. straight commom sence
If you want a classy truck it can only be Blue or Black at a pinch (red is for engine blocks so that any problems show up)

[kingstonandy]

The main problem
is the blackhole effect that they seem to have on your wallet as the
irrepressible urge to keep replacing and upgrading bits for no real
reason slowly creeps up on you

Don't be daft, I'm coming from Landrovers

Economy wise, (restraining manic chuckle), anywhere between
20 - 30 mpg, If I remember correctly.

That'll be a 50% increase in efficiency then.

[bobafatass]

Best thing is to get out and test drive one , coming from the green oval badge side of the 4x4 market, the first thing you will notice is the comfort !
The spec doesn't vary that much , 99% have aircon allround electric windows,some have sunroofs , some don't.
3k will certainly get you a very nice 2.4 that's had the head done , and poss a 3 litre if your lucky , 3k will probably get you a 3L V6 as these don't fetch as much as the diesels.

Oh , and black ones are more stealth like ! and quicker

Andy.

[MattF]

Don't be daft, I'm coming from Landrovers

Different beast, same urge.

By the way, just to clarify some of the posts above, you have to
take into account local dialects and remember that blue, green
(and burgundy, which will be coming shortly, believe me), are
merely localism's for gunmetal grey.


Matt

[Chillitt]

away from the dark side, surely?

[andrewlee31]

its not burgundy.. its claret over gunmetal.

the tasteful choice

[Spoggle]

I thought it was wine.......................... ................Oh no!.........It's happening to me again

Cheers!!!! Spoggle

[Spoggle]

And whats more....Your feet wont get wet when it rains. Thats what I miss about Land Rovers 'wet feet'. Never mind what they say... IT HAS TO BE WINE OVER GREY. Pure class!

Spoggle

[fatfires]

burgundy.. claret

Wine, Wine, Wine

[Spoggle]

Someone say WINE? Yes please, make it a large one

Spoggle.
If it's turned blue, I would see a doctor

[kitesurf_phil]

Burgundy is a very tasteful colour. (Don't tell anyone, but I secretly fancy a black Surf with lots of chrome ).

Sorry, where are my manners? Welcome to the nutty side of 4x4 ownership.