In search of Isuzu County... Where do I look?

[TheVolunteers]

Greetings from the U.S.! I've been a lurker on the forum here for awhile and I think I've caught the Isuzu County bug, Australia seems to have a knack for making a good 4x4 better! I've wanted an older Landy but unfortunately here in the States Countys and defenders are very rare, and those that are here are outrageously overpriced. I've actually found that the cheapest route is to import one.

That being said, I've been looking for awhile to find one by searching some of the main for sale sites in Australia, but I've been coming up empty. I know these vehicles are pretty rare and go quick when they do come for sale, any chance I can get some advice on sites to look on to find one aside from the obvious ones (carsales, etc)?

I appreciate any help you can give me, and I hope you don't mind sharing with your American cousins :)

[pop058]

Welcome to the forum and just to confirm you are chasing a 110 with coil springs ?

[Vern]

My advice, get a perentie and leave the countys here![emoji6]

[JDNSW]

All Isuzu Countys are at least 28 years old, and I suspect most of the ones still in service have owners (like myself) who have not the slightest intention of ever selling it.

V8s are possibly slightly more easy to come across, and some of these have been converted to Isuzu engines, but you would have issues finding some of the special bits, most importantly the flywheel housing.

The Perentie is easier to find, as a lot of them have recently been put on the civilian market, and it if desired it would be feasible to convert the body etc to be a close replica of a County - like all the family, the body is made up of interchangeable, bolt together parts.

Be aware though that the electrics of the Perentie are different is some respects, as are some other aspects.

[tc_s1]

All Isuzu Countys are at least 28 years old, and I suspect most of the ones still in service have owners (like myself) who have not the slightest intention of ever selling it.

V8s are possibly slightly more easy to come across, and some of these have been converted to Isuzu engines, but you would have issues finding some of the special bits, most importantly the flywheel housing.

The Perentie is easier to find, as a lot of them have recently been put on the civilian market, and it if desired it would be feasible to convert the body etc to be a close replica of a County - like all the family, the body is made up of interchangeable, bolt together parts.

Be aware though that the electrics of the Perentie are different is some respects, as are some other aspects.Any vehicle without the original type of motor in it cannot be imported, so a v8 conversion won't meet the need for US import. Some sites (mileage may vary) are Carsales, gumtree and for Perenties greys auctions or australian frontline machinery though I believe they only sell military equipment directly to Australian nationals. You may also want to reach out to KLR as they can sometimes help and act as an agent to inspect and set right any purchase, though I havent used their services for that, they have been very helpful (as have members here) for parts and advice. All the best in your search.

[TheVolunteers]

Welcome to the forum and just to confirm you are chasing a 110 with coil springs ?

I am indeed chasing a coil sprung 110, although I may be tempted if I find a leaf sprung series Isuzu for the right price. While I do like the Perenties, I'd like to retain at least some semblance of civility and practicality of a 110 wagon to keep my wife happy, and I'm not sure I want that much of a project to get a perentie to that point (not that any land rover isn't a project).

I guess I just have to be patient, I saw a nice looking Isuzu County get snapped up about a month ago when I was still figuring out what direction I wanted to go, hopefully I don't get caught sleeping again!

[Vern]

Any vehicle without the original type of motor in it cannot be imported, so a v8 conversion won't meet the need for US import. Some sites (mileage may vary) are Carsales, gumtree and for Perenties greys auctions or australian frontline machinery though I believe they only sell military equipment directly to Australian nationals. You may also want to reach out to KLR as they can sometimes help and act as an agent to inspect and set right any purchase, though I havent used their services for that, they have been very helpful (as have members here) for parts and advice. All the best in your search.I have a mate (yank) who in the last 12 months or so has imported 2 rangies both with isuzu motors, no issues at all. I believe the vehicle has to be 25 years or older.

[tc_s1]

Some get through, but that's not supposed to be allowed. 25 years+ but also the original type of motor. They have even stopped some when turbos were added aftermarket on original N.A. models.

[87County]

I am indeed chasing a coil sprung 110, although I may be tempted if I find a leaf sprung series Isuzu for the right price. While I do like the Perenties, I'd like to retain at least some semblance of civility and practicality of a 110 wagon to keep my wife happy, and I'm not sure I want that much of a project to get a perentie to that point (not that any land rover isn't a project).

,,,


TV, If you purchase a Perentie station wagon, respray it (to appease your need for civility) and fit a rated towbar, you'll have virtually the equivalent of a County, with both a superior chassis and superior spare wheel storage.

Why not fix the gearbox in that one on gumtree ? ... hmm - might just do it myself while everybody continues messing around discussing it on this forum :)

And TV ... if you get a leaf sprung Stage One, IMHO I think you'll be disappointed,,,,

[101RRS]

TV, If you purchase a Perentie station wagon, respray it (to appease your need for civility) and fit a rated towbar, you'll have virtually the equivalent of a County, with both a superior chassis and superior spare wheel storage.

The chances of finding a Perentie station wagon for sale is probably far less than finding a diesel County.

[Vern]

The chances of finding a Perentie station wagon for sale is probably far less than finding a diesel County.One for sale in vic

[Bearman]

One for sale in vic

With a buggered gearbox. The ad says a problem with stripped gears in 1st gear but otherwise it drives OK. What an understatement. Basically it needs a new gearbox - around 7K for a winch version. I can imagine how much metal has been moving around in the gearbox if he has still been driving it. I wouldn't mind it myself but not at the asking price. It ain't worth that in that condition.

[d2dave]

With a buggered gearbox. The ad says a problem with stripped gears in 1st gear but otherwise it drives OK. What an understatement. Basically it needs a new gearbox - around 7K for a winch version. I can imagine how much metal has been moving around in the gearbox if he has still been driving it. I wouldn't mind it myself but not at the asking price. It ain't worth that in that condition.

Where in Vic and how much. Can I have a link to the ad please?

[101RRS]

One for sale in vic

This one? - https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/heidelberg/cars-vans-utes/1988-land-rover-perentie-ffr-sc-110-ex-military-defender/1196906585 - one of 11 built - how many diesel Countys still around but I do agree that at the moment the number of Perenties for sale out number Countys 1 to 0.

[Vern]

This one? - https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/heidelberg/cars-vans-utes/1988-land-rover-perentie-ffr-sc-110-ex-military-defender/1196906585 - one of 11 built - how many diesel Countys still around but I do agree that at the moment the number of Perenties for sale out number Countys 1 to 0.Thats the one

[ian4002000]

What a coincidence !
I was reading this thread this morning and next thing a very immaculate Isuzu powered County 10 seat wagon comes through the gate.
The owner may be tempted to part with it if the price is right. The colour is blue.

Ian
Bittern

[TheVolunteers]

What a coincidence !
I was reading this thread this morning and next thing a very immaculate Isuzu powered County 10 seat wagon comes through the gate.
The owner may be tempted to part with it if the price is right. The colour is blue.

Ian
Bittern

Thanks Ian, that is an awesome coincidence! I'd love to see what the owner has and follow up.

[TheVolunteers]

Still on the hunt for now, I saw a series Isuzu pop up but I'm starting to think that I've really got my heart set on a coil sprung County. If any of you hear of one coming up for sale I'd really appreciate the referral!