Faults:

Bought cheap, hearing and reading how easy they are to work on, how cheap the parts are and expecting the worst, so not disappointed there then...

After an initial inspection, I replaced all door hinges and locks, invested in cooling fan (overheating) and thermostat, changed track rods, fitted quality all terrain tyres and alpine lights (hardtop), replaced timing and drive belts, fully serviced it then drove it for six months; MOT due so replaced rotted with galvanized chassis and new bulkhead, exhaust system, front suspension cones, dampers, power steering pump, rear center upper link ball joint, overhauled brake system and even wax oiled it!

General Comments:

I drove a series 11a Land Rover on security duties for a while in the forces, but the 90 is just so much better with coil springs and all synchromesh gearbox.

The engine is easy to access of course for servicing, and though very slow in today's traffic conditions, especially uphill, the Land Rover gets up to 70mph on the motorway, does 32/33 mpg, is relatively quiet on its Michelin tyres, and even though the seat cushions are broken and covered, they are very comfortable.

The vehicle now starts, drives and stops (copper lines and fluid flush) very well, you sit up high so feel safe; I carry passengers, shopping, rubbish to tip, domestic appliances and animals, I park the 90 easily, do not worry about scratches or depreciation and bought most of my parts including chassis on e-bay! Now too good to off road, which was my first thought when buying.

Faults:

Just general wear and tear...

Replaced a few bushes,

Steering joints replaced,

New steering damper (it sprung a leak),

New shock absorber,

A bit of welding on the chassis,

New seats.

General Comments:

What can you say...it's a land rover and in being one you learn an awful lot about working on a car. Its great fun to drive on the road and is very impressive off road. The fact that it does exactly what it was designed to do... go off road... is the reason why I gave it 8/10 performance wise. Definatly not for its top speed of cornering abilities.

Insurance is cheap for an 18 year old and I've had fun messing with the infamous Lucas electrics. Adding a stereo and some 100 watt spots put a lot of strain on my alternator, but its still chugging away... albeit with a bright light on my dash :)

All in all I'm very happy... mind the list of things to do never shrinks.

Faults:

Fan cowl fell off and destroyed fan, Radiator and water pump.

Rusting bulkhead.

General Comments:

Fantastic off road - it will go places you won't dare take it. OK on road once you get used to it - V8 is quick compared to other engines available.

Cabin is cramped if you are tall (not much leg room).

Very utility - not a "luxury" ride, but it was never designed to be!

Expensive on fuel (14mpg)

Faults:

The fuel gauge (I'm English, and so is my spelling!) didn't work when I bought it, which was fixed a couple of days later.

The heater blower is inoperative, which is being fixed as I write this.

General Comments:

I absolutely adore this vehicle. The driving position is a little cramped for me, but then I am over six feet tall! (I'm intending to replace the bulkhead behind the seats with a tubular structure which should allow a little more rearward movement)

It performs on the road rather better than it seemed at first. It's almost quick, in a stiff-legged sort of way! It doesn't handle all that badly, despite its tendency to feel top-heavy until you get used to it.

Off-road performance is nothing short of phenomenal, and that's before I put larger (750X16) mud tyres (English spelling) on!

The engine is a bit noisy, but there are numerous soundproofing kits available, so it won't be for much longer.

The seats are surprisingly comfortable and I'll wait until I've sorted out the legroom before deciding whether or not to change them.