Land Rover Range Rover 1981
  • Economy

    Value

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Later models offer more car for your money, but the earlier ones have simplicity in their favour.

    Costs

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Earlier models score high here, as parts are far more reasonable than 'loaded' later models, and just as easy to get hold of. If you pay a mechanic for fixes, an earlier model, because they are easier to work on and just about tolerable on costs.

  • On the road

    Driving

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Very good. On road older models without anti-roll bar are a bit wobbly and roll a bit, off road they are better than later models. Driving experience is a bit strange, but once you get used to it, addictive.

    Performance

    3 out of 5 3.0

    On road performance of earlier model is not as good as later ones, but the 3.5 motor will pull motorway speeds comfortably enough, and corners better than it has any right to! Off road they are just astounding.

  • Living with it

    Reliability

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Depends on how well looked after they are, and how thrashed they are. Well looked after they can be pretty good, and tend to be fairly durable. Mine was thrashed by the wife though, and I spent more time fixing it than driving it!

    Image

    2 out of 5 2.0

    Classics are a bit 'tired' and clichéd now. Cheap examples hopped up for off-roading as week end toys I suppose are slightly different, but tidy standard example looks a bit passé next to a shogun, but it's still respectable in most company.

    Comfort

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Not as well appointed as later models, but plenty comfy enough, though back seat passengers don't have much leg room.

  • Security and Service

    Security

    2 out of 5 2.0

    Locks are a joke. Especially on rear tail gate!

    Service

    1 out of 5 1.0

    Didn't use Franchise dealers. Couldn't afford their labour or parts prices!

  • Problems and Ownership

    Problems

    Engine

    Wife blew it up (left auto box in 2nd). After a £700 home rebuild with all new parts, it was rather good though!

    Other

    Niggles- doors dropped and needed new hinges and re-hanging power steering squealed. had to replace hub seals (about £15 a corner and a couple of hours work) For a car of its age, really nothing major apart from the engine rebuild, and that wasn't the car

    Ownership

    Did you buy the car new?

    Used

    Would you buy the same model again?

    Yes

    Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?

    Yes