S3 Lightweights

im new to the wonderful world of landrovers, but need a 4x4 as the house ive just moved to is up a steep track that although is ok in my wifes freelander will take the sump off my rover 200, so i need to change. i also ride downhill mountain bikes and as a result drive on fireroads a fair bit

quite like the look of lightweights, but being new to old landrovers im not really sure what to look for when buying.

does anyone have any experience of what to look out for when looking, and common faults. im not afraid to get my hands dirty with cars, but dont want something thats going to rot away within a few years.

if i get one im also thinking of getting it lpg converted - does anyone have a rough cost of getting this done by a garage, and is it easy doing it yourself?

what sort of fuel economy should i expect one to return both on petrol and gas?

finally ive seen a vast variety in prices, what sort of money should i expect to pay for a reasonable condition one.

many thanks

Ed Davies

Ey oop chuck!

First thing you need to do is drive one. If that doesn't put you off then...

Mr Ed said:

and common faults. im not afraid to get my hands dirty with cars, but dont want something thats going to rot away within a few years.

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The IR switch often causes trouble - sounds simple enough but people spend months searching for that elusive electrical fault, only for someone who's been through it all before to show 'em the secret. Usual LR stuff like rotten bulkheads etc.

Mr Ed said:

if i get one im also thinking of getting it lpg converted - does anyone have a rough cost of getting this done by a garage, and is it easy doing it yourself?

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Not much room in an Airportable anyway: if you stick a bloody great tank in the back there'll be less luggage space than in my Europa.

Mr Ed said:

what sort of fuel economy should i expect

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About 18 mpg give or take. Dutch LWTs are available with gazole injuns if you fancy a trakta.

Mr Ed said:

what sort of money should i expect to pay for a reasonable condition one.

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A nicely restored one could cost about 3 grand. A tatty runner should be about 1000 ~ 1500. A box of bits for 300 of your English quids, and all points in-between

First thing u need to mate is DRIVE ONE!! cos they ent the nicest!! with all the knockin noises and the none existant brakes i personally wouldnt get a lightweight as again you will have no space in the back for ur tank get a series 2/a or a 3 if you want a more up to date moderner one (well it ent that modern)

But first drive one and get the feel of one if you dont like it maybe shop around!

mine cost me £555 and i spent £1000 on it and loads a time and now sold it for £3500 so not to pricey really the best place to look is a barn in a farm! there are always some hidden there!!

U cn cum drive mine!(as long as u dont break it)