4x4 convert

[CliveV]

I agree - Auctions are a good place to buy - after all it is where the dealer invariably picked up the ones on his fourcourt.

However, you do need to be very wary as it at auctions that all the dross will end up at. Of course there are bargans to be had. Years ago a friend of mine bought a Rover 800 Si at an auction (Auction fever must have got him) but joking aside he paid peanuts for it, put 4 new tyres on it and drove it for several years without problems.

It was a company car with slightly higher than average mileage but not by much, and a full dealer service history. It was spotless in side and he and his family loved it.

His trick was to ask the driver is the car started ok and what history the car had. If the driver says nothing - walk away - if he says it started OK and that it has a service book then consider it.

Apparently the driver is allowed to confirm any good points but is forbidden to say anything bad about the car?

Never having bought a car at auction I do not know - anyone able to confirm

 

[lee_5091314]

hi clive,

yes you are right, I have bought two cars the disco and an astra estate P reg, again had the astra 3 years now, no problems.

the way the auction works is: the cars are rowed up, they start each car and drive it down to the auction stand, usually in doors, the best option is to pick your cars, watch them start from cold, some may have been stood all week. don't sit and wait inside. you will see if it has to be jumped or pushed to start and if it smokes much. and other props it might have if any.

then follow the car down to the bid house, don't be shy, open the doors and check the sills, landys go on the back door corners and back wings. ask the driver to pop the bonnet, as the car is waiting in line you can get him to rev it up and check the water level, oil filler cap for sludge etc. don't take the drivers words to much, they work for the auction house and should not comment.

but the biggest clue is: watch the guys with the little bibble books "glassis guide" they are dealers, easily spotted, let them check it, if they bid then it's not a bad motor. I saw a disco on an Y go for 2800.00 but the dealers didn't touch it, afterwards I found out that it was jumping out of gear and knocking it's nuts off. that was only spotted by watching it start, and drive to the auction house, once inside it looked a ok to the untrained eye. well valeted and waxed etc.

larger auction centres " trusted places" check the car, to make sure it is as it should be, the auctioneer will give his description, milage warranted " correct not wound back" uk car " not an import" and if it has ever been a total loss.

also most decent auction hoses give you one hour to test drive the car to make sure there is no major faults, if you get a dud you can take it back and ask for your cash back.

hope this helps anyone.

 

[CliveV]

hi clive,

yes you are right, I have bought two cars the disco and an astra estate P reg, again had the astra 3 years now, no problems.

the way the auction works is: the cars are rowed up, they start each car and drive it down to the auction stand, usually in doors, the best option is to pick your cars, watch them start from cold, some may have been stood all week. don't sit and wait inside. you will see if it has to be jumped or pushed to start and if it smokes much. and other props it might have if any.

then follow the car down to the bid house, don't be shy, open the doors and check the sills, landys go on the back door corners and back wings. ask the driver to pop the bonnet, as the car is waiting in line you can get him to rev it up and check the water level, oil filler cap for sludge etc. don't take the drivers words to much, they work for the auction house and should not comment.

but the biggest clue is: watch the guys with the little bibble books "glassis guide" they are dealers, easily spotted, let them check it, if they bid then it's not a bad motor. I saw a disco on an Y go for 2800.00 but the dealers didn't touch it, afterwards I found out that it was jumping out of gear and knocking it's nuts off. that was only spotted by watching it start, and drive to the auction house, once inside it looked a ok to the untrained eye. well valeted and waxed etc.

larger auction centres " trusted places" check the car, to make sure it is as it should be, the auctioneer will give his description, milage warranted " correct not wound back" uk car " not an import" and if it has ever been a total loss.

also most decent auction hoses give you one hour to test drive the car to make sure there is no major faults, if you get a dud you can take it back and ask for your cash back.

hope this helps anyone.

Hi Lee - as I say - never bought at auction but have been tempted to go - your info very useful.

 

[sparkes]

Whatever you do, don't buy a green one!

 

[craigmurray]

you wont go far wrong buying a landrover lolly, ive had two, a defender and now a ranger rover classic, admitadly (i cant spell either) you may end up spending money on it but they are well worth it giving you immense pleasure when driving. Parts are cheap and readily available and you have the safe knowledge you are driving one of the best 4 x 4's x far.....have fun and enjoy.....Might be worth tho changing the tyres when needed to all terrains as its ok having a 4x4 but with road tyres it just means that you have 4 wheels turning instead of 2 if you do get bogged down......

 

[cooky1]

I f anyone is thinking of a 4x4 try taking a look at the Mitsubishi Pajero. They have a good level of kit, most are auto and tend to be in excellent condition when first imported.

They have a strong following (see POCUK.co.uk) and many people use them for towing.

 

[CliveV]

Imported vehicles from Japan do make good value. But you do need to make sure that spares are available. Some vehicles are significantly different to UK spec equivelents.

However, my son is very much into Japanese cars and says that spares these days with the www is just not a problem.

The Landrover mags run adverts for a firm that imports Discoverys RR's etc from Japan - they even occaisionally get hold of the Honda badged version of the Discovery (The Honda Countryman I think) They seem good valye

 

[DavidW1]

Lolly,

Congrats on "joining the club" the best type of towcar you could have - go anywhere, tow anything and safe as houses for the family.

Wouldn't go so far as echoing the sentiment on the make but it's your choice, get good brakedown cover and have a repair slush fund and you should be OK.

Is it going to be the latest model? If so I'm really jealous they are the biz!

 

[cooky1]

Clive, I have had my Pajero for a few months now and it has been excellent. The bodywork/paintwork is unmarked as is the inside. I had it undersealed when it was first imported and a major service. Parts seem to be ok to get - I think Mitsubishi dealers accept the imports now probably because they are still getting parts sales. I bought an oil filter from my local motor factors with no problems. Halfords stock wiper blades etc. Most parts are the same as the Shogun (like the towbar I had fitted).

Like you said, with the www it's easy to get bits (and through forums).

I fancy an FTO next (mid life crisis time)!

 

[cris_408518]

I'm joining the 4x4 club as well, I've ordered an R500. LH drive ready for next spring and new home. Should cope with the van OK

 

[cooky1]

What a fantastic car - yep should be able to cope with most caravans!

Why LHD do you drive a lot abroad?

 

[cris_408518]

We are in the process of buying a house in southern France and quitting the UK

 

[Paul_5041248]

As they are all saying do not go near a Disco - they are so unreliable.

I bought mine, a 96, in 2001 with 65,000 miles on it. It now has 155,000 miles on it and the problems I have had. In that time I have had to replace:

the fuel pump

brake discs - but with asbestos gone from pads they are harder so discs require replacing more often so a service item

rear antiroll bar links due to wear

and the normal servicing items

If you call that unreliable!!!!!!

As I am on this forum it does also tow a caravan

Paul

 

[cris_408518]

My car cherishing neighbour had three Nightmare Disco's from new with many thousand's of

 

[Wendy-Norfolk]

We've had three Discos, and have never spent any money on them other than for the usual servicing and general wear and tear.

Looking at a Series 3 on Sunday, with definate views to purchase:O)

 

[cris_408518]

Disco's.

To me goodlooking cars and very able, new Disco 3 was on my list until moving home changed things.

But -

"Few things strike fear in to my heart more than when a friend asks 'can you help me find a good used Land Rover Discovery?'

It's not that all Discoveries are bad cars. I've had conversations with owners who have circumnavigated the globe in them, but I can also recall all too readily the distressed phone calls, e-mails and letters from owners driven close to mad ness by a catalogue of never ending problems.

Buying a good used Land Rover Discovery is, in equal proportions, a combination of luck, judgment and blind faith. So by all means buy one but be prepared for the unexpected."

"Summary

Discovery's got two sorts of reputations, and both are deserved. The first is for being a go-anywhere, do-anything 4x4, happy to tackle snow, mud and desert. The other's not so marketing-friendly; patchy build quality, poor reliability and all-over rust. But the model from 1998 (with major revisions again in May 2002) was a big improvement, with better electronics, more powerful engines and improved safety."

re Disco 3

"RUNNING COSTS: Predicted to cost 105.7 pence per mile to run, though LR promise a 40% reduction in servicing costs. LR hardly synonymous with peerless reliability; our car developed two minor faults."

"No isolated incident: Disco 3 is a failure and I am throwing it away"

"After talking to a vehicle journalist the other day, I now undertsand why Ford in the US is starting to get sick and tired of the lack of Quality coming out of the workforce in the UK - expect to see production moved to the US soon - sorry for Brit Bashing here but its true. The quality is just not there guys - something has to be done."

Nice cars but you pays your money and takes your chance

 

[CliveV]

I have driven in more 4x4's than most I suspect. Including a rural Funeral Director who when asked why he gas an Isusu Trooper on his fleet says " Because some silly f**ker always dies in the middle of a field".

In my view NOTHING beats a Land Rover product in ability or capability or endurance.

But I am biased and welcome all comers prove me wrong.

I hate people who are just one marque junkies!

4x4's are incredible vehicles from a little Suzuki (who I have seen run rings round bigger vehicles) to Defenders that are awsome!

As the advert says (and I am a cynic about such things!)"one day you will be glad you are in a LandRover. Having just done a round trip of nearly 400 miles in a day in air conditioned comfort and oodles of power, as well as what can only be described as "sure footedness" - I cannot see how anyone would want to do anything else?

But then, the Trooper is a great vehicle! As is the Pajero and the Patrol (what a beast that Nissan is on Sand!) and that Suzuki is light enough to beat many in the mud but not that good at towing.

Lighten up everyone! a 4x4 of any type will outperform a boring eurobox anyday of the week and twice on Sunday.

Just accept it you anti's and focus your attention on saving the whale, the frog, the moth etc etc, because if you do, no doubt you will find one of tne afformentioned 4x4's helping you do just that.

 

[cris_408518]

I have driven in more 4x4's than most I suspect. Including a rural Funeral Director who when asked why he gas an Isusu Trooper on his fleet says " Because some silly f**ker always dies in the middle of a field".

In my view NOTHING beats a Land Rover product in ability or capability or endurance.

But I am biased and welcome all comers prove me wrong.

I hate people who are just one marque junkies!

4x4's are incredible vehicles from a little Suzuki (who I have seen run rings round bigger vehicles) to Defenders that are awsome!

As the advert says (and I am a cynic about such things!)"one day you will be glad you are in a LandRover. Having just done a round trip of nearly 400 miles in a day in air conditioned comfort and oodles of power, as well as what can only be described as "sure footedness" - I cannot see how anyone would want to do anything else?

But then, the Trooper is a great vehicle! As is the Pajero and the Patrol (what a beast that Nissan is on Sand!) and that Suzuki is light enough to beat many in the mud but not that good at towing.

Lighten up everyone! a 4x4 of any type will outperform a boring eurobox anyday of the week and twice on Sunday.

Just accept it you anti's and focus your attention on saving the whale, the frog, the moth etc etc, because if you do, no doubt you will find one of tne afformentioned 4x4's helping you do just that.

Well you pays your money and takes yer chances with all tin box's be they 4x4 or not.

I'm joining the 4x4 club, but not the green laning club.

thought you only posted from work or at weekend CliveV

I gotcha ;-)

 

[CliveV]

I have driven in more 4x4's than most I suspect. Including a rural Funeral Director who when asked why he gas an Isusu Trooper on his fleet says " Because some silly f**ker always dies in the middle of a field".

In my view NOTHING beats a Land Rover product in ability or capability or endurance.

But I am biased and welcome all comers prove me wrong.

I hate people who are just one marque junkies!

4x4's are incredible vehicles from a little Suzuki (who I have seen run rings round bigger vehicles) to Defenders that are awsome!

As the advert says (and I am a cynic about such things!)"one day you will be glad you are in a LandRover. Having just done a round trip of nearly 400 miles in a day in air conditioned comfort and oodles of power, as well as what can only be described as "sure footedness" - I cannot see how anyone would want to do anything else?

But then, the Trooper is a great vehicle! As is the Pajero and the Patrol (what a beast that Nissan is on Sand!) and that Suzuki is light enough to beat many in the mud but not that good at towing.

Lighten up everyone! a 4x4 of any type will outperform a boring eurobox anyday of the week and twice on Sunday.

Just accept it you anti's and focus your attention on saving the whale, the frog, the moth etc etc, because if you do, no doubt you will find one of tne afformentioned 4x4's helping you do just that.

Got back from a seminar in Cambridge late evening - Just had to catch up before I went to bed.

This is far better than anything on the Telly!

Thankfully it is poets day today.

"Thank goodness as I only post from work and very rarely at the w/e's I was spared the drama of it all."

When you run your own business you never stop working!

 

[popupJohn]

4X4s ??

Forgetting the comments about particular makes I would say go for it if it does the job you want it to.

I`m on my 5th one now of variuos makes and refuse to go back to the days of 2 wheel drive and getting stuck in mud.

OK I live in the country amoung winding narrow lanes and 4X4 is usefull but when (as last week) I was stuck trying to move into position on a soggy campsite with a new caravan the extra wheels driving realy became a boon. 2 Wheel drive just wouldnt have coped. The site had been ripped up by 2 wheel drive wonders and it was a treat to show the grass respect by using 4 wheel drive to protect it.

The only 'iffy' 4X4 I had burned a clutch out in 11000 miles. This latest one a Suzuki Grand Vitara is just starting to show clutch wear at about 25000.. maybe the way I drive and tow.. but thats my fault if so.

Do look at prices tho, theres many out there rely on adding a few

 

[giovanni_5060838]

I have driven in more 4x4's than most I suspect. Including a rural Funeral Director who when asked why he gas an Isusu Trooper on his fleet says " Because some silly f**ker always dies in the middle of a field".

In my view NOTHING beats a Land Rover product in ability or capability or endurance.

But I am biased and welcome all comers prove me wrong.

I hate people who are just one marque junkies!

4x4's are incredible vehicles from a little Suzuki (who I have seen run rings round bigger vehicles) to Defenders that are awsome!

As the advert says (and I am a cynic about such things!)"one day you will be glad you are in a LandRover. Having just done a round trip of nearly 400 miles in a day in air conditioned comfort and oodles of power, as well as what can only be described as "sure footedness" - I cannot see how anyone would want to do anything else?

But then, the Trooper is a great vehicle! As is the Pajero and the Patrol (what a beast that Nissan is on Sand!) and that Suzuki is light enough to beat many in the mud but not that good at towing.

Lighten up everyone! a 4x4 of any type will outperform a boring eurobox anyday of the week and twice on Sunday.

Just accept it you anti's and focus your attention on saving the whale, the frog, the moth etc etc, because if you do, no doubt you will find one of tne afformentioned 4x4's helping you do just that.

clive v,!!! Your last statement? just wondering if there was any

need for it,afterall you are only repeating the same type of

view piont, you have already posted on this thread!

"400 MILES" WAS THAT OFF ROAD? otherwise i do not understand your statement. I mean 400 miles isn't much,and most new cars do

come with air/con! and as for surefootedness statement,and your

out perform a eurobox statement.

 

[Lol1]

I have driven in more 4x4's than most I suspect. Including a rural Funeral Director who when asked why he gas an Isusu Trooper on his fleet says " Because some silly f**ker always dies in the middle of a field".

In my view NOTHING beats a Land Rover product in ability or capability or endurance.

But I am biased and welcome all comers prove me wrong.

I hate people who are just one marque junkies!

4x4's are incredible vehicles from a little Suzuki (who I have seen run rings round bigger vehicles) to Defenders that are awsome!

As the advert says (and I am a cynic about such things!)"one day you will be glad you are in a LandRover. Having just done a round trip of nearly 400 miles in a day in air conditioned comfort and oodles of power, as well as what can only be described as "sure footedness" - I cannot see how anyone would want to do anything else?

But then, the Trooper is a great vehicle! As is the Pajero and the Patrol (what a beast that Nissan is on Sand!) and that Suzuki is light enough to beat many in the mud but not that good at towing.

Lighten up everyone! a 4x4 of any type will outperform a boring eurobox anyday of the week and twice on Sunday.

Just accept it you anti's and focus your attention on saving the whale, the frog, the moth etc etc, because if you do, no doubt you will find one of tne afformentioned 4x4's helping you do just that.

Perhaps the qualities of an Alfa as a towcar would make this post more balenced Giovanni?

 

[Lol1]

4X4s ??

Forgetting the comments about particular makes I would say go for it if it does the job you want it to.

I`m on my 5th one now of variuos makes and refuse to go back to the days of 2 wheel drive and getting stuck in mud.

OK I live in the country amoung winding narrow lanes and 4X4 is usefull but when (as last week) I was stuck trying to move into position on a soggy campsite with a new caravan the extra wheels driving realy became a boon. 2 Wheel drive just wouldnt have coped. The site had been ripped up by 2 wheel drive wonders and it was a treat to show the grass respect by using 4 wheel drive to protect it.

The only 'iffy' 4X4 I had burned a clutch out in 11000 miles. This latest one a Suzuki Grand Vitara is just starting to show clutch wear at about 25000.. maybe the way I drive and tow.. but thats my fault if so.

Do look at prices tho, theres many out there rely on adding a few

 

[Lol1]

Did some post go missing on this thread?

 

[giovanni_5060838]

Perhaps the qualities of an Alfa as a towcar would make this post more balenced Giovanni?

lol, firstly clives statement did not have the words towing in it! and so therefore makes your question piontless.

but answer it i will.

Caravan feb 2006, page 78. its a favourible report,on the 156.

In otherwords, what makes you think it could not make a good towcar? mine has more than enough power and torque. 175bhp and

295 ft/lb of torque. Any good at maths? because it weighs 1350kg

so it packs a good power to weight ratio, something that seems

to get missed on here everytime towcars get mentioned? i wonder why,because my understanding of physics means it pulls a smaller

trainweight, therefore would perform far better than a vehicle with a higher trainweight and the same power!

It amazes me how often this is overlooked, with claims from some

that there large underpowered 4x4 fulls briliantly,and they

don't even know they are pulling a caravan! Amazing really,as

they seem to break the laws of physics?

Whats more towing a 1000kg caravan, i will put my small car up

against any large 4x4 on a run across europe,to see if indeed

a older type discovery could indeed keep up on the inclines,or

be safer or faster anywhere, bar driving in fields!

And once the caravan is unhitch,please lets not even try to claim that a large 4x4 is anywhere near as much fun,or stable

or anything for that matter,where tarmac is concerned.

and 400 miles, is something i have done regular between fuel stops, more than once ,when doing close to a 1000 miles in a day,

leaving lake garda at 7.30 am, and getting to leicester b4 the

chipshop closes, not towing mind you, but clive again did not mention towing.

I drive a car, i do not need a 4x4 lr to tow, nor do i need people trying to preech, statements full of half truths.

there is a site where you can put in car and caravan types to see how they match,and if you can read it proper, you would see

that half the statement made about large 4x4s, simple do not add

up.

YES there is a place for them,and yes they have their use,but if

you believe clives last statement, then you either drive everywhere at 30 mph,or need some more motoring experirence.