Informed non-Land Rover prejudiced Road Worthy Check Mechanics Bundaberg to Brisbane

Hello All,

Can anyone recommend a Land Rover friendly mechanic between Bundaberg and Brisbane that would be prepared to do an inspection on my 1993 Defender 110 ute? The timing would be around November - December 2025 to early 2026. There is a total lack of local mechanics who like Land Rovers in Bundaberg. There was apparently one - however, they never responded to my phone calls or texts.

The timing would be preferably before the year is out - even if I have to organise a hire ute and a car trailer to tow Snowy all the way to Brisbane. There used to be a Land Rover mob in Rockhampton - heading the other direction and closer to Bundaberg than Brisbane. However, I am not sure if they are still around. There used to be a mob in Hervey Bay - really close to me too - however, they disappeared years ago. I did email a big mob on the Sunshine Coast just off the Bruce Highway - however they never replied.

I have reached the point of reluctance to proceed with further work on Snowy without having some professional reassurance that I am not am attempting to polish a turd. Once I get back from holiday in October and save up some money again, it will be time for me to be proactive and get the lack of certainty surrounding Snowy finally sorted out.

Yes, I know - I have my priories in the wrong order. Fancy going on holidays first before working on a Land Rover. I can only just contain my sense of shame [wink11]

Kind regards
Lionel

I was going to suggest British Off Road but it seems you've contacted them by email, might be worth calling them.

Otherwise the old Gold City Land Rover, in Gympie which seems to be LRS now...Land Rover Spares and Repairs - We are land rover experts

The internet also finds this in Bundaberg...https://www.bundabergservautocareser...ice-bundaberg/

This might be of interest....Bundaberg Land Rover query

Randlover beat me to the suggestion of Gold City and British Off Road.
Emails can be forgotten or overlooked in a busy small business, a phone call needs immediate attention.
Why not get an unregistered permit, far cheaper than hiring a vehicle.

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Originally Posted by V8Ian

Randlover beat me to the suggestion of Gold City and British Off Road.
Emails can be forgotten or overlooked in a busy small business, a phone call needs immediate attention.
Why not get an unregistered permit, far cheaper than hiring a vehicle.

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Hello Ian,

I would need to install the KLR brake conversion kit to be able to drive Snowy that distance. At the moment the parts are still in their packing and could be resold as still being new. Plus, I would need to have someone follow me in another car so I can get back home. With a hire car/trailer I could do things 100 percent independently as well.

The irony is that Snowy was bought to be my dedicated tow vehicle.

Kind regards
Lionel

Do you want a roadie, or pre-inspection? Either way, it should only take half an hour.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by V8Ian

Do you want a roadie, or pre-inspection? Either way, it should only take half an hour.

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Hello Ian,

I would like a full going over from the front bumper bar to the tow ball with all points in between examined. I would like to find out what needs to be replaced for road worthiness and for reliability. Including things like what parts need to be replaced immediately and while okay now, what parts will need replacing in the near future. The type of inspection that includes the, "that looks like it is starting to be on its way out - but won't need replacing in the next year" sort of parts.

Not an inspection that is just checking to see if the head lights and the indicators work. An inspection done by a Land Rover mechanic that knows the vehicles and what sort of work they need done on them for them to be reliable into the future. While keeping the Department of Main Roads and Transport's vehicle inspectors happy.

I am not sure what the term for this type of thorough - nuts and bolts vehicle inspection is called. I do not care if it takes half a day or longer to get such a thorough report done.

Kind regards
Lionel

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Originally Posted by Lionelgee

Hello Ian,

I would like a full going over from the front bumper bar to the tow ball with all points in between examined. I would like to find out what needs to be replaced for road worthiness and for reliability. Including things like what parts need to be replaced immediately and while okay now, what parts will need replacing in the near future. The type of inspection that includes the, "that looks like it is starting to be on its way out - but won't need replacing in the next year" sort of parts.

Not an inspection that is just checking to see if the head lights and the indicators work. An inspection done by a Land Rover mechanic that knows the vehicles and what sort of work they need done on them for them to be reliable into the future. While keeping the Department of Main Roads and Transport's vehicle inspectors happy.

I am not sure what the term for this type of thorough - nuts and bolts vehicle inspection is called. I do not care if it takes half a day or longer to get such a thorough report done.

Kind regards
Lionel

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Jeez with hourly rates these days ,that sounds expensive. I use Gold City for my RWC,s but he seems really busy as there is always cars stacked up in his yard when I go past. Give him a call to see if he can do it. His name is Allen and he took over from his late father. Been there a long time. I have been going there 30 odd years. 54828722.

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Originally Posted by 123rover50

Jeez with hourly rates these days ,that sounds expensive. I use Gold City for my RWC,s but he seems really busy as there is always cars stacked up in his yard when I go past. Give him a call to see if he can do it. His name is Allen and he took over from his late father. Been there a long time. I have been going there 30 odd years. 54828722.

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Hello 123 Rover50,

The RACQ charge $360 for their pre-inspection service. So, I imagine I should start budgeting from that point as a commercial comparison. I have bought parts online from Gold City a couple of times too. Always had good service from there.

Kind regards
Lionel

What about MR Automotive at Redcliffe?

Lionel,
I think you are trying to hit two birds flying in different directions with the one stone. You'll miss both. And in this case, the stone will cost you serious money.
Any decent home mechanic will be able to check the car over for you and give you a good idea of what should be done and what the costings look like. And he/she will probably be flattered that you've listened (because no one else does) and delighted with the slab you've insisted upon them taking.
Armed with that advice (and probably a second or third opinion) you'll have a fair idea of whether the project is worth pursuing.
Assuming that it is and you do the necessary repairs, your next step is the roadworthy. And for that you need the appropriately licensed person. Anything they pick will probably be minor.