New Kid On the Block - advice sought

[SutchnSutch]

Just joined up today!

I am an ex-pat Brit veteran, living in the lower mainland, considering purchasing a 1987, ex-military, LR110. I understand this was pre-Defender designation. Is there someone on this forum, that owns or knows these vehicles, that would be willing to chat on the phone for 10 minutes about this with me please? Thank you in anticipation.
David 604.240.8539 cell

Spec - 1987 LR110, 2.5NA Diesel with LT77 transmission.

[harv]

Hi, welcome here. There will for sure be people here who can answer your questions. Maybe also post in the “New Member” section, or even the “Mechanical Question “ section to get a few more views.

[Rob]

Welcome to the group!

Here's a couple of video links that would be well worth your time to watch regarding buying a used Defender (doesn't pull any punches)
Part 1:
Part 2:
And one more that's a good "newbie" guide

I've had three XMOD defenders (or what we now refer to as a "Defender") and in my opinion a 1987 110 with a 2.5 NA and the LT77 is not a very desirable model. The NA is a great old lump of a motor that really doesn't have the power to make the heavy 110 vehicle a comfortable daily driver. It's fine off-road or around town but feeble for highway use. The LT77 is also a weak link, there are some that came with heavier components but overall the LT77 isn't a great gearbox. XMODs can have lived a very tough life though some were pampered or never really used but those are the rarities as most are quite beat by the squaddies. That being said, they also get a lot of maintenance while in military service but your 87 has likely been out of MOD service for a long time so private owner maintenance will be important to scrutinize (and there are some bodged together rigs out there that will have a questionable history for sure). In my opinion, the WOLF models are a better option to the earlier MOD defenders (300TDI, R380, power steering, lift, full internal roll cage and lots of other upgrades) or the later civilian 90s and 110s are also nice alternatives. I've been very pleased with my XMOD 90 and though it has a rough exterior it is a real gem mechanically and is a great performer. At the end of the day, it's a motor vehicle so condition and maintenance is everything. There is quite a bit of performance variety depending on the model and power train and each have their strengths and weaknesses so it will boil down to what type of use you have in mind for your rover. I am sure that others will have differing opinions but my experience is leads me to recommend the later TDI rovers over the earlier MOD units.

Good luck in your search and I hope you find what you're looking for.

Cheers, Rob

[yrayray]

are you considering the ex ffr on fb marketplace without bc reg?

[bkrueckl]

Make sure the vehicle is already registered in BC. It's now illegal to register ex military cars in BC. I got lucky by one month importing my Wolf. Had no idea the law was coming into place but i've heard horror stories since of people not being able to register simple things like penman trailers

[SutchnSutch]

Such valuable and informed comments thank you. I have video's to watch and more questions to come!