Land Cruiser vs. Series

[farmerdave]

So when I was in Botswana on a fishing trip, my guide had very definite opinions about which was better in the bush. We were in a Toy 75 pickup, so you can figure out his opinion. Why should I choose a series truck, which I favor for no reason other than I like them and have wanted one for years?

[superstator]

Because you like them and have wanted one for years.

[I Leak Oil]

They are both good vehicles, each in their own way. If you ask that question on a brand specific BBS you're bound to get skewed answers from the brand faithfull. Personally, I don't feel the need to convince anyone to buy a rover. Either you want one or you don't. Cruisers are bought by the practical, rovers are bought by those who are practical and passionate!

[badvibes]

Run what you like. Rover, Jeep, Toyota, Warn, Ramsey, etc, etc, they all break down, they all will get stuck if you run them hard enough. That's what a good friend told me once, a guy who runs hard and has rolled and winched all of them. So pick what you like. Let us know what you decide. If it's a Rover there is a lot of support available on this board.

Jeff

[rejeep]

after being a jeep guy my entire life I recently bought and partially restored my first land rover..

I have to say.. the first difference that comes to mind is "rugged simplicity"...

Rovers are much more apt to be field maintained, repaired, and cobbled together in the event of a breakdown..

While I feel more comfortable with a jeep in terms of mechanical work, I feel I would be able to do more with my rover with less equipment..

[Lawrie]

I have owned both -I loved my old FJ40, the 6 cyl torque (a great engine -copied from chevy). The Cruiser did what i asked of it, but is bigger, heavier steering, more open slop around space in drivers compartment and steel bodied.
I have been in Rovers -Series, Defenders, tdi's,.. and like the feel better (as stated above so much of this is personal) but also find suppprt in the north east/parts, stuff is better for Rovers (Texas and Calif. better for Toyota), more options in rover, more models, more variations: easier to take a hardtop off a Rover -convert to pick up for an errand,..
Once you get to Rover TDI's then you have wonderful torque, effeciency, and low maintenance.
my thoughts.

[leafsprung]

rover advantages:

-lower center of gravity
-better parts availability
-better literature availability (parts manuals for cruisers are very difficult to find.
-dont have that silly tapered cab where your knee hits the window winder
-less rust prone (if thats possible)
-market is typically a little stronger for the rover.
-more varied models available (swb pickup,fc etc,)
-tops are interchangeable
-stronger t-case
-parts interchangeability is greater over more years

Cruiser advantages:

-more power
-longer front springs
-stronger axles
-good aftermarket support for more varied drivetrain options
- body has fewer components and is less prone to rattles and sqeaks
-better seating
-continued to develop over time getting discs/power steering etc

[amcordo]

S*%ts gonna break on this thing and it's going to drive you nuts and poor at times - unless you're miraculous at everything on Earth. So it better just be...

Because you like them and have wanted one for years.

+1+1+1+1+1+1+1

[farmerdave]

Exactly what I was looking for. Rover bias. 109 it will be.

[I Leak Oil]

Exactly what I was looking for. Rover bias. 109 it will be.

Welcome to the insanity!

[Billy5]

This is a good thread. I am buying my first Rover next week. 1969 series 2a. I have to say that from what I read and saw, it is the raw, basic go anywhere purpose of them. Just look at the driving instruction video on youtube. No pavement to be found. I have had cruisers before that. Loved it. But I am sure I will love this as well. I also like the fact they are aluminum, et..My research has shown me that both are based off the Willys Overland. My biggest problem with the cruiser scene is the fact that every other one i see has a v8. Why take out what was good and almost bullet proof? That is what makes a cruiser a cruiser or a rover a rover. My opinion is they are also overpriced. Well, most not all. I look forward to spending lots of time with my series. It will be my dd, and part of the family.

[LaneRover]

My brother Peter - who got me into Rovers and has owned Jeeps, cruisers and Rovers said, "The Jeep was the best down the highway, the cruiser was OK on the highway and OK off-road, the Rover was the best off-road."

Brent

[msggunny]

My buddy who runs a game farm in Zimbabwe has a 109 and he hates it, drives his LC all the time. Gives me **** about it all the time. Guy i hunted with in Limpopo South Africa had same deal, he just left his 109 to rot. Father in law wont touch a rover and drives LC's (he lives in Zimbabwe), oddly enough his shop rebuilt my 88's engine.

The people i met in Africa who had rovers and loved them would drive nothing else. I think the biggest issue is the individual and his/her choice in the matter. Both break.

Its like our Ford vs Chevy thing over here.

[I Leak Oil]

Its like our Ford vs Chevy thing over here.

What? That's no contest....Chebby all the way.....

[yorker]

Just buy a stage 1 109, that will more or less get you a 109 with decent ability on highway when needed as well as the simplicity of a series. Land Cruisers are great but you obviously have your heart set on a Land Rover so go for it- otherwise you'll always be wondering what it is like to own one.