What to Know About Purchasing a Used Land Rover

Is there anything more British than an iconic defender? At ECD, we don’t think so. While there’s nothing better than sitting behind the wheel of a fully customized classic Land Rover from ECD, the first step is to find a solid vintage Land Rover to begin the restoration process. Of course, finding and purchasing a used Land Rover can come with quite a few challenges. Luckily, working with ECD can make the whole process much easier. Read on to learn more about the rich legacy of Land Rover and what you need to know about purchasing a used Land Rover for your custom Land Rover build.

A Brief History of Land Rover

As British icons, the entire  Vintage Land Rover family has a rich legacy. In 1948, the Rover Company, a British car manufacturer, began producing Land Rovers inspired by the jeeps that the British Army used throughout World War II. These new Land Rovers quickly became sought-after vehicles not only in the U.K. but around the world. In addition, the vehicles quickly garnered attention as the ultimate off-roading vehicle, combining practicality with style. Two of the most popular Land Rovers to restore today are the Defender and the Range Rover.

The Unique History of the Land Rover Defender

In 1983, the original Defender rolled off Land Rover's production line. At the time, this vehicle was not known as a “Defender” but rather as the Land Rover One Ten. The name simply corresponded with the wheelbase measurement in inches. After success with the One Ten, Land Rover created the smaller Land Rover Ninety in 1984, and then the pickup version known as the Land Rover 127 in 1985. Interestingly, the company chose to stylize the vehicles as One Ten, Ninety, and 127, although only 127s were marketed numerically.

Another interesting fact about the history of these Land Rovers was that they were not marketed as Defenders until nearly a decade after their initial production. In 1989, Land Rover introduced the “Discovery” Land Rovers to their lineup. To differentiate between the original One Ten, Ninety, 127, and the new Discovery lineup, Land Rover began marketing the original lineup as the “Defenders.” At that time, Land Rover decided to make some additional stylization and marketing changes to the lineup. The Land Rover One Ten simply became the Defender 110, the Land Rover Ninety became the Defender 90, and the Land Rover 127 became the Defender 130.

The Legacy of the Range Rover

Land Rover produced the classic Range Rovers between 1970 and 1996. During the first ten years of production, Range Rovers were manufactured as 2-door vehicles. In 1981, Land Rover decided to produce the first-ever 4-door Range Rover. Then, in 1992, Land Rover made a huge change in the Range Rover lineup with the first long-wheelbase (LWB) Range Rover County. What made the Range County drastically different compared to the classic Range Rovers was the additional 8 inches between the wheels.

Today, the Range County, along with the Defender, are two of the most popular Land Rover vehicles. What makes the vintage Range Rovers so sought after is their blend of practicality, style, and legacy. It’s a vintage SUV that's made for both comfort and off-roading with its spacious interior and rugged exterior. Restored Range Rovers make the perfect SUV for both long road trips and off-roading adventures.

Which Land Rover Is Best for You?

If you’ve been considering adding a restored Land Rover to your garage, you’ve probably wondered which Land Rover would best suit your needs and how to purchase a used Land Rover. Well, before diving into buying a used Land Rover, it’s important to know what make and model of Land Rover you’re looking for.
Of course, there are pros and cons to owning any type of vintage vehicle. So, when considering what Land Rover is best suited to your needs, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons. Let’s compare two of the most popular vintage Land Rovers: the Defender and the Range Rover.

Pros and Cons of Vintage Defenders

There’s no denying that vintage Defenders are iconic vehicles. While there are certainly pros to owning this piece of history, there are also some drawbacks when restoring a vintage vehicle.

Some of the top benefits of owning a custom vintage Defender include:

• Vintage Defenders have an iconic style that simply can’t be matched
• Defenders are built to be the ultimate off-roading vehicles
• Custom vintage Defenders blend legacy with modern conveniences

In contrast, here are some drawbacks to remember when considering a custom vintage Defender:

• Owning a vintage Defender means owning a vehicle that's 30+ years old
• Due to their age, custom vintage Defenders may need to be completely rebuilt to run smoothly

While there are certainly challenges associated with owning and maintaining a 30+ year old vehicle, there’s nothing that can beat the feeling of cruising around in a custom-built vintage Defender.

Pros and Cons of Vintage Range Rovers

Just like vintage Defenders, vintage Range Rovers come with their own pros and cons. While the two have their differences, the pros and cons are similar.

Some of the top benefits of owning a custom vintage Defender include:

• Vintage Land Rovers are spacious and serve as an ideal family car
• Despite its increased cargo area, the Range Rover still makes an ideal off-roading vehicle

In contrast, a custom vintage Defender has drawbacks:

• Owning any vintage vehicle means being willing to pay for continuous maintenance or for it to be completely rebuilt to run smoothly out on the road

Things to Keep in Mind When Purchasing a Used Land Rover

Whether you decide on a vintage Defender or a vintage Range Rover, there are certain factors to remember, no matter what used Land Rover you’re after. Here are some key considerations when purchasing a used land rover:

Body Condition

One important aspect of a used Land Rover is the vehicle’s overall body condition. While this may seem obvious, it’s essential to check the vehicle for rust, missing parts, damage, and visible dents before purchase. Too much damage can greatly affect time and cost when it comes to restoring a vintage Land Rover back to its full potential.

Mileage

Another key element to look into before purchasing a used Land Rover is the mileage on the vehicle. Buying a 30+ year old model means the vehicle could have already racked up a good amount of mileage in its day.

Model-Specific Issues

Other factors to keep in mind when purchasing a used Land Rover are model-specific issues that may be associated with the vehicle you’re looking at. This simply means doing a little research on the make and model of the Land Rover before exchanging any cash.

Restore Your Own Used Land Rover With ECD

At ECD, we understand that finding the perfect used Land Rover can feel a bit overwhelming. Luckily, you don’t have to take on this challenge alone. Our professional team is here to bridge the gap between British Land Rover imports and American consumers. Not only do we simplify the process of finding vintage Defenders and Range Rovers, but we also specialize in customizing these iconic vehicles to your exact specifications. No matter what you envision for your vintage Land Rover. ECD can make it happen.

Are you ready to start the process of purchasing a used Land Rover and customizing it to your exact vision? If so, contact us today to find out how to start a custom Land Rover build today!