Looking for a V8 County, what should i be looking for?

[Dan346]

Hi guys,

My name is Dan and im starting to look around for an earlier county. What i think i want is V8 wagon, small lift, 35's and a winch.

Is there anything i should know about before i start looking around? i understand the firewalls are a likely place for rust, but what other areas should i be looking at? The v8 im guessing is fairly reliable, having been around for half a century.

I plan to use it for camping, carting my dog around, and general getting lost in the bush.

Thanx guys

[JDNSW]

Biggest problem with the V8 County will be that the last one was made over twenty years ago!

I would be inclined to get one without factory air. In most cases the "works" will need considerable work, which will be both labor intensive and need a lot of parts that are not very easy to find. And it is not very good even when it is working.

The five speed box is probably better from the driving point of view, but the four speed is more durable, not that this should be a problem with the V8.

Look for one that is as original as possible, and has not been used as a bush basher.

The doors changed from lift up to push button handles in 1987. The earlier ones give you more elbow room, but the push button ones rattle less and are probably more durable. Both have frames that rust quite well. Check rear door for frame broken by weight of spare, especially if oversize wheels have been used.

For preference avoid ones that have had the electrics messed with, and make sure everything works.

Check all suspension bushes and the ball joint on top of the rear axle, but expect to replace some bushes anyway. Check whether the self levelling strut (if still fitted) works - it probably doesn't. Look for leaking steering box, tie rod ends with free play, swivels needing attention, bent tie rod (or heavy duty one installed). All of these can be fixed readily but affect price.

Rust is most likely to be in the firewall, rear crossmember, door frames, centre door pillar. Seat box is largely steel, check for rust, although this is probably the cheapest part to repair. If possible get one that is from the inland, and avoid ones from the tropical coastal areas.

Check condition of seats, upholstery, foams and steelwork. Check dash area for disintegrating bits of plastic - these are mostly available, but do add up.

John

[Carslil Jim]

I too was interested in a V8 County...and I bought one. It all looked good at time of purchase (Sept last year), but I have found many problems. So far I have driven it less than 100ks but I live in hope. I paid $4000 unregistered, and now I have passed the $11,600 mark after rego and repairs (incl new clutch and a gearbox rebuild)...and I still have the A/C to fix and a fuel block to sort. I have significant rust in door frames, but not in the chassis. The winch motor turned out to have rusted beyond repair. I suspect I am up for a new winch. My recommendation, is save more, pay more, and get a more current machine. I think I have had problems with almost everything John has listed as potential faults.

Having said that I am still throwing money at the machine because it looks great!

[LoveMyV8County]

I agree with John's points - all good comments, especially avoiding factory air if possible (love the vents). Other place to look for rust is rear cross-member. I'd strongly recommend LPG to keep the fuel costs down.

I've had my '85 V8 County for 7 years, threw some money at it in the beginning (engine had a dropped liner) but once sorted they are a fabulous Landy.

The chassis and panels are heavier gauge than most of the newer ones, parts (so far) reasonably easy to get, engine is easy to maintain, V8 is decent in traffic and sounds great of course.

Personally, I have to say I wouldn't swap my County for a newer Defender.

Chris

[2234jones]

I would go for a diesel, why a V8 for interest. Just fuel economy really for long trips, my 110 does around 9-10l/100kms. I paid $4000-00 for mine and spent $800-00 including transfer fees to fix the problems., however owned it for two years now, and spent 3500-00 including tyres and servicing, not bad really I suppose.
If you can get a diesel, get one, as it would also sell better.

thanks Mark

Land Rover 200 Tdi Defender owner

[101RRS]

If you can get a diesel, get one, as it would also sell better.

Diesel countys are hard to find and can be 2 -3 times more expensive than the V8.

Garry

[ScottW]

Diesel countys are hard to find and can be 2 -3 times more expensive than the V8.

There is a reason for that

[Mick-Kelly]

I would go for a diesel, why a V8 for interest. Just fuel economy really for long trips, my 110 does around 9-10l/100kms. I paid $4000-00 for mine and spent $800-00 including transfer fees to fix the problems., however owned it for two years now, and spent 3500-00 including tyres and servicing, not bad really I suppose.
If you can get a diesel, get one, as it would also sell better.

thanks Mark

Land Rover 200 Tdi Defender owner

Howdy Mark
Just looked at your blog, fantastic looking defender. Love the colour.

[Freestyler]

Go the V8 county, I have one with a 4.4 Leyland V8 EFI on Gas and is cheaper to run than a 300tdi or Isuzu with the added advantage of heaps of grun off the mark to red line and no waiting for the turbo to kick in or the Isuzu destroying the vehicle. I also have a 2nd being fixed up for a scrub basher / shooting wagon and my Father has a 1990 v8 county with a 4.6 rover v8 nealy finished. They are a great truck and are cheap for a v8 and parts are still easy to get and you can subsitute defender parts. They are a great bush truck, go well and make a lovely noise in the bush! As the first reply is right on the button for what to look out for.
Tim

[VladTepes]

A big pile of money to pay for fuel ?