1970 Land Rover Series 3 A diesel from Costa Rica

Summary:

Love it

Faults:

One of the rear half-shafts broke about a month after purchase. However checking on Wikipedia, it states "Rover designed the shafts to have a weak point, so if the transmission was over-stressed, the easily-replaced half-shafts would break instead of a differential unit or the main gearbox." I suppose this was better than the diff blowing, but was rather inconvenient. I had to put it into 4x4 to limp home on the front drive.

The gear shifter snapped while shifting from 1st to 2nd as well. That was somewhat unexpected, but I suppose the metal fatigue from 36 years of use finally got to it.

Shakes and rattles come and go. Some days it's noise free, others the doors shake and rattle.

General Comments:

The axle and shifter were cheap to fix. Axle about $150 USD and a used shifter installed about $50 USD; mind you I'm in Costa Rica where parts are cheap.

The rattles can be taken care of, I just need to take it to a body shop or as a friend put it, seek each one out on a Sunday for something to do and fix it yourself.

I love the spartan interior, and it rides like a tank.

This car I bought off a guy who spent quite a few dollars dressing it up like a Defender; it confuses a few people, but everyone loves it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 30th August, 2007

11th Sep 2007, 15:22

Thank you for your review. It was very helpful. I reside in Costa Rica as well and I am looking for a similar Land Rover. Please let me know if you come in contact with one. Thanks.

Gctkfam@yahoo.com.

1970 Land Rover Series 3 Diesel from Singapore

Summary:

At last, a reliable Series 3 - it is great!

Faults:

Bought sight unseen - when on business trip. Wired the money by internet. Picked up the following week.

$15 paint and $5 for 4 paintbrushes - changed the colour to pillarbox red in 2 days over CNY.

$300 gave it a new fabric roof.

$280 for a full service and break overhaul.

Running very well with jumbo wheels of chrome.

Finally found out to start the glow plugs so excellent starter now.

Steering a bit vague - but better than most S3s.

General Comments:

Car is very entertaining. Reliable for its age.

Exceptionally cost efficient due to expected $1 COE.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st March, 2007