1982 Land Rover Series 3 LWB review from UK and Ireland
"Nonsensical, but huge fun and very seducing"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Heater plugs failed as soon as I bought it.
Complete brake failure on 3 wheels.
Profuse oil leak.
Profuse radiator leak.
Gearbox worn - often slipped out of first on descents.
Complete electrics failure.
Ineffective dampers - bounced like a pogo stick!
General comments?
I bought my beloved 'sue' while in the Falklands. It had to be bump started and after a very noisy, very bouncy, very slow and very scary 30 miles home, I fell in love.
Only the drivers side front brake was functioning and had two settings: not applied and wheel lock.
2286cc diesel was loud and bumpy in power delivery, but pulled like a train at slow speeds - happily pulled a laden 110 and 6 people up steep inclines... you just can't rush her!
Can be fixed with a length of no. 8 fencing wire and a brick.
Superb off road ability. There was always a real sense that she wanted to get you there - it went everywhere 90s and range rovers went, just slower and less comfortably!
Very handy on recessed farm tracks where you can put her into low range, lift the clutch, hop out on to the bonnet and let her drive you home.
Would struggle to top 55mph and got very thirsty towards its top end.
The faults with these vehicles are integral to their charm and I defy anyone to have more fun in, and more emotion for, any other car.
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| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model year | 1982 |
| Year of manufacture | 1982 |
| First year of ownership | 2002 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.3 diesel Manual |
| Performance marks | 6 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 8 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 1 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 300000 miles |
| Previous car | Fiat Panda |
| Date of Entry | 26th January, 2008 |