Thread: My first Landrover : What to look for

Depends on what the compliancing laws are like. If you require a modification plate for changing the seats (as we do in Qld) and this has not been done, then changing back is as easy as swapping the parts. However if WA does have a certification requirement, you would probably have to get another plate fixed to certify another change, plus, as in Qld, keep the old plate on the vehicle as well, hence 2 mod plates and no apparent modification.

Price would depend on the condition overall but I would have thought a series 3 would have to be in pretty exceptional original condition to be warranting $6500, there always seem to be plenty of good looking S3 vehicles around for between $1500 and $3000.

the factory isuzu diesel made it desireable for me. has the fairly overdrive too. its the one listed in the marketplace. interior needs some work as im fussy

For that price it would want to be in near perfect condition. I would think most would be worth about $5k in fairly good order.

I assume this is a Stage 1 with Isuzu. These are considered a desirable vehicle and are quite rare in good condition. Some parts are hard to find and expensive when you do.

The engine is almost certainly in quite good shape - they go forever. Check for rust in the doors, bulkhead and chassis, these will be the major likely expenses. It is likely that the non-original seats are not legal (check your state's requirements), and will cost you to either replace or get legal.

Apart from this, check all the usual things you would on any second hand vehicle. The engine is noisy, and vibrates badly at idle, but at road speeds should be smooth and well behaved. Gearbox should change all gears easily and transfer high/low as well. Check vacuum operated centre diff lock works (dashboard warning light tells you). Some transmission noise is normal, but should not be pronounced in any gear.

Check for excessive free play on prop shaft splines and for any free play on the U-joints, especially the double cardan CV joint on the back of the front prop shaft. CV joints on the front half shafts should make no noise when turning sharply.

John

Thanks, yes, looking at it now, it is a Stage 1. Are the interior parts different? or much the same? as that seems to be what is needed.

Daniel

Originally Posted by snaggs

Thanks, yes, looking at it now, it is a Stage 1. Are the interior parts different? or much the same? as that seems to be what is needed.

Daniel

There are a few fittings that are optional extras on other models, and the floor panels and transmission tunnel are different, but otherwise I believe they are pretty much the same. Seatbox will have a few minor differences, but nothing that you can't fabricate. The main bits that are hard to come by are on the front axle, as some of these are different from both other S3s or Rangerover or 110.

John

To add to what pfillery said, there are good SIII's out there for less money, but I'm interested to know why you're looking at a wagon when you want to "chuck wood in etc" ?