Hello everyone here.
As you can see I'm a new member. I've firstly come here for advice and information, some of which I have already read up on but I need slightly more specific help.
Quite simply I have a 1970 Land Rover Series 2A 88-inch (currently a canvas topped vehicle). I had been keen on a later Land Rover model (Discovery or Range Rover Classic) but they always prove to often be rotten and are pathetically behind in reliability and build quality compared to other European and Japanese vehicles of the same age on the whole.
The reasoning behind wanting a more modern vehicle over my classic, is quite simple. Very soon I will be required to be able to drive into town and city centres on a regular occurrence to my job(s) as an ICT Technician. On several occasions the Land Rover has posed... troublesome, more often than not in poor weather conditions where the visibility is appalling (but that's to be expected on a vehicle of this type and age). I've also had a few close encounters with other rather 'pushy and aggressive' road users who would love to risk their lives and other people's lives, simply because the Land Rover isn't quick enough for them.
The Land Rover is old and slow by modern standards. The 2.25 Litre Petrol is also very thirsty on fuel (average 15mpg around town -at best-).
So then. As a more modern LR was out of the question, and I am growing to really like what the Japanese manufacturers have to offer, I have to ask for some help.
Currently I'm seventeen years old, and the Land Rover is insured with the National Farmers Union for £500 Fully comp and unlimited mileage. What I'm being tempted by is a Toyota Hilux/Surf. I've been reliably informed to ideally stay away from the 2.4 and go for the 3.0 Litre diesel engine.
What are people's recommendations for a young driver in regards to having a Hilux? Furthermore, what are 'rot spots' on these vehicles in particular? I understand they have superb build quality, but everything must have a weak point in corrosion protection.
Oh, and a final note. I already understand why a vehicle without a central diff should not be ran in four wheel drive as my Series has the part time system as well.
Many thanks,
-Rich.
As you can see I'm a new member. I've firstly come here for advice and information, some of which I have already read up on but I need slightly more specific help.
Quite simply I have a 1970 Land Rover Series 2A 88-inch (currently a canvas topped vehicle). I had been keen on a later Land Rover model (Discovery or Range Rover Classic) but they always prove to often be rotten and are pathetically behind in reliability and build quality compared to other European and Japanese vehicles of the same age on the whole.
The reasoning behind wanting a more modern vehicle over my classic, is quite simple. Very soon I will be required to be able to drive into town and city centres on a regular occurrence to my job(s) as an ICT Technician. On several occasions the Land Rover has posed... troublesome, more often than not in poor weather conditions where the visibility is appalling (but that's to be expected on a vehicle of this type and age). I've also had a few close encounters with other rather 'pushy and aggressive' road users who would love to risk their lives and other people's lives, simply because the Land Rover isn't quick enough for them.
The Land Rover is old and slow by modern standards. The 2.25 Litre Petrol is also very thirsty on fuel (average 15mpg around town -at best-).
So then. As a more modern LR was out of the question, and I am growing to really like what the Japanese manufacturers have to offer, I have to ask for some help.
Currently I'm seventeen years old, and the Land Rover is insured with the National Farmers Union for £500 Fully comp and unlimited mileage. What I'm being tempted by is a Toyota Hilux/Surf. I've been reliably informed to ideally stay away from the 2.4 and go for the 3.0 Litre diesel engine.
What are people's recommendations for a young driver in regards to having a Hilux? Furthermore, what are 'rot spots' on these vehicles in particular? I understand they have superb build quality, but everything must have a weak point in corrosion protection.
Oh, and a final note. I already understand why a vehicle without a central diff should not be ran in four wheel drive as my Series has the part time system as well.
Many thanks,
-Rich.
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