Complete Newbie & a 110 Perentie

[StunningMorelia]

Hi all,

First off; hello! I'm very new to Land Rovers, and driving in general I guess. Currently on my red P plates. I've been saving up for a while and have a few grand tucked away, and am still saving.

I've been looking at getting a 110 Perentie, and I had a few questions.



What are some of the basic, necessary mods would you agree need to be done if bought at auction, and where would you suggest getting this done?
I'm after a car with at least five seats, but the more the better. Ideally, I'd like to convert/buy one capable of sitting at least 7. So from that, I have a few questions.



Is it possible to modify one to have removable seats? So it can be a great car to take the mates to a party in, but then on the weekend, take out the seats, load up the back, and then go on for a trip?
Is it better to get fold down seats instead to serve this purpose?
I live in Brisbane, relatively close to the city, would the 6x6 be too big to practically drive around?



So far, I have the "dream" shortlist, but am still discovering how realistic this is (I understand that these can easily go for at least $20k)



6x6 Crew Cab (removable seats in back?)
6x6 Assault Pioneer (seat conversion?)
6x6 Infantry Carrier (seat conversion?)
4x4 Personnel Carrier
6x6 Cargo (seat conversion in back?)
4x4 FFR (seat convers,ion in back?)

So I know I am being very optimistic in wanting the best in both worlds, but you don't know unless you ask. I've downloaded a lot of the regulations/laws regarding the seats, but it is quite convoluted and I as hoping someone with experience would be able to succinctly sum it all up perhaps.


My belief is that I'd rather get a car that I'd cherish for my whole life, and spend money on keeping it going, and learning all about the mechanics of it along the way (with all the mishaps and adventures that come with that), than go through life buying and selling and "upgrading" cars that I don't particularly really want.



In summary I guess I am after this; the most affordable and practical car to provide:


A cool military look (vain, I know)
Robust, no frills, logical mechanical system that I can learn and work on myself
Capacity to fit a lot of people legally, so it can transport a bunch of mates (ideally, 7+)
Capability to be a camper/be able to go on big trips across Australia to see family (sleeping in the back of the 6x6 Crew Cab would be pretty great)

Hopefully I didn't offend anyone with my ignorance, and cheers for your patience and time!

Regards,
Richard

[Benda64]

Hi Richard,
The only one of those questions I can answer is, "is a 6X6 to big to drive around town". I have one and you can drive it around but at nearly 6 metres long and 2.2 wide you have to pre think where you are going and why, the turning circle is not good either, mine is purely recreational I have a SWB jeep that I use around town or bike
The main mod I would recommend if you buy a 4X4 is power steering, unless you want an upper body work out each time you drive it.

Cheers

Brad

[Phil B]

Richard
Welcome to the forum
Best way to see if a Perentie will suit your needs is to go a drive in one
Lots of members on here and on FB who live in Qld. Ask someone to take you for a drive
Also be aware you will need a different licence to drive a 6x6 because of its weight

[DiscoMick]

Hi all,

First off; hello! I'm very new to Land Rovers, and driving in general I guess. Currently on my red P plates. I've been saving up for a while and have a few grand tucked away, and am still saving.

I've been looking at getting a 110 Perentie, and I had a few questions.



What are some of the basic, necessary mods would you agree need to be done if bought at auction, and where would you suggest getting this done?
I'm after a car with at least five seats, but the more the better. Ideally, I'd like to convert/buy one capable of sitting at least 7. So from that, I have a few questions.



Is it possible to modify one to have removable seats? So it can be a great car to take the mates to a party in, but then on the weekend, take out the seats, load up the back, and then go on for a trip?
Is it better to get fold down seats instead to serve this purpose?
I live in Brisbane, relatively close to the city, would the 6x6 be too big to practically drive around?



So far, I have the "dream" shortlist, but am still discovering how realistic this is (I understand that these can easily go for at least $20k)



6x6 Crew Cab (removable seats in back?)
6x6 Assault Pioneer (seat conversion?)
6x6 Infantry Carrier (seat conversion?)
4x4 Personnel Carrier
6x6 Cargo (seat conversion in back?)
4x4 FFR (seat convers,ion in back?)

So I know I am being very optimistic in wanting the best in both worlds, but you don't know unless you ask. I've downloaded a lot of the regulations/laws regarding the seats, but it is quite convoluted and I as hoping someone with experience would be able to succinctly sum it all up perhaps.


My belief is that I'd rather get a car that I'd cherish for my whole life, and spend money on keeping it going, and learning all about the mechanics of it along the way (with all the mishaps and adventures that come with that), than go through life buying and selling and "upgrading" cars that I don't particularly really want.



In summary I guess I am after this; the most affordable and practical car to provide:


A cool military look (vain, I know)
Robust, no frills, logical mechanical system that I can learn and work on myself
Capacity to fit a lot of people legally, so it can transport a bunch of mates (ideally, 7+)
Capability to be a camper/be able to go on big trips across Australia to see family (sleeping in the back of the 6x6 Crew Cab would be pretty great)

Hopefully I didn't offend anyone with my ignorance, and cheers for your patience and time!

Regards,
Richard
I wouldn't drive a 6 x 6 around the city, but it can be done.
I think a 4 x 4 with folding seats would be the most practical choice from your list. Be aware these are trucks not cars. Then I would spend my money on servicing.
Power steering is necessary if it doesn't already have it. And figure out how to stop people stealing it - maybe an immobiliser and a visible locking bar for the steering - clutch.
Welcome BTW

[weeds]

6x6 is no hassle driving around cities....and parking isn't that big of an issue, I used to drive to brookside shopping centre and park with out issues. It's an easy 2/3 point turn, getting out take I little longer.....not much different to the effort some drivers go to with a Mazda 3.

Increasing the number of seats is not straight forward......would take some dollars and a good engineer

I don't think there are many personnel carriers left or dual cab 6x6's

If you want a 5 or 7 seater probably best to buy a 4BD1 county and paint it camouflage

[manic]

Or, a discovery 1 TDI.

Think about it.

7 seats, cheap, better fuel economy, power steering, AC, pretty much the same running gear as a TDI defender. Can wrap it in camo if you really want to and it will be ready to take you and your friends any where you want to go.

A D1 would be a more enjoyable introduction to land rovers than a perentie which will take alot of work to make yours. You want some spanner time to learn but not too much to do. Use your first 4x4 for experience whilst you save up for your dream rover, and if your dream car is a perentie 6x6 it would be better to have one as a second car so you have something else to drive whilst you work on it, which you will, alot!

Just a thought , do what you will.

[cripesamighty]

I tend to agree with Manic. Grab a Disco until you save up for what you want and get some 4WD experience while you are at it. I went from driving a Puma Defender to looking around for another Land Rover after having my testicles removed through my wallet. (Note to self - don't go out with anyone with Borderline Personality Disorder again!)

After quite a bit of fruitless searching, I eventually settled on a well looked after 300 Tdi Disco 1 as a stopgap until I could find a suitable Defender. More than five years later I still have the Disco and I won't be moving it on any time soon as it has turned out to be an awesome touring vehicle with minimal mods. I will still get myself a Defender, Perentie or Series vehicle, but am not in any hurry now. Sometimes it pays to think outside the box!

[rar110]

Yep, I agree a D1 300tdi would be an excellent choice.

[Grumbles]

Awww.....c'mon people........a Disco.....really......no cachet, no street cred......uncool.....not hip......:D

[StunningMorelia]

If you want a 5 or 7 seater probably best to buy a 4BD1 county and paint it camouflage

Googled the County, and it looks like a beast! Saw that there are even 9 seaters? Are they here in Aus? Where would be the best place to find a 4BD1 County?

[StunningMorelia]

[QUOTE=manic;2636251 Use your first 4x4 for experience whilst you save up for your dream rover, and if your dream car is a perentie 6x6 it would be better to have one as a second car so you have something else to drive whilst you work on it, which you will, alot![/QUOTE]

I think this is the best option, but leaning towards a County Defender or something of the sort!

Thanks very much everyone for the replies, each and every one was greatly appreciated and helpful. Now what's everyone's opinions opinions on the best spot to find a County? I love the ones with three seats up front

[Landybitz]

If you want to have a test drive, more than happy for you to try either a 6x6 Double Cab, 6x6 Mortar, 4x4 RFSV Mk1 and a Carryall Station Wagon.

Just flick over a PM.:)