1985 109 vs 1970 88

[Skookumchuck]

Well my deal of the log house for the Rover fell through the purchaser is moving to California. So anyway I have one of two options available to me. I can purchase a Series III 109 pick up ex-mod LHD with a 2.5 na Diesel and I have the sides and a safari top availabe for it for $350.00. Or I go for a 1970 Series II 88 currently with the 2.25 but the owner has a 200 TDI that I ca get with it. The TDI is out of a defender and comes with the Defender Trany and transfere case. The issue with the 200TDI is that it appears that it has a dropped valve. When you turn the motor over by hand it only rotates so far and then it stops but you can rotate it the other direction freely until it stops again. So it at least needs to have the heads pulled and a valve job done. The 88 runs the way it is and it also comes with a pickup cap and safari top. I guess the other option is to buy the 88 and have the other owner sell me his spare 2.5 na. WAY TO MANY QUESTIONS

So the question is which of these two would give me the best ride and be the better toy. thanks for the imput.

[I Leak Oil]

If it were me and the frames, bulkheads, and prices were all comparable, I'd go with the 109".

[Jim-ME]

I am very happy with my 88 and would only consider a 109 if I could own two Rovers. Unfortunately that is not ot be.
Jim

[SafeAirOne]

If the condition of the 2 trucks were equal, I'd rather go with the 109 and a known good 2.5D than the 88 with a known bad 200Tdi.

I figure the dead 200Tdi has the exact same horsepower and MPG numbers as a dead Briggs and Stratton go-kart engine.

[Terrys]

I figure the dead 200Tdi has the exact same horsepower and MPG numbers as a dead Briggs and Stratton go-kart engine.

That's harsh.
Skookumchuck, buy both. Any serious series owner needs to have a spares yard. If that isn't to be, I'd go the 109 route too.
The 200 Tdi will very liekly need a new head ($$$), piston and who knows what the walls look like.

[Skookumchuck]

Both trucks are the same price $5K. I also just got a call for a 1976 SeriesII frame up restoration will a coil and disc brake conversion for $12K it has a roverdrive in it and a rebuilt 2.5 l motor. Now I am having to think way too hard. If the 109 was a 5 door it would be a no brainer but it is a truck with a tailgate. My wife would kill me if I bought both.

[luckyjoe]

...but it is a truck with a tailgate.

Those are usually the best ones

[I Leak Oil]

My wife would kill me if I bought both.

Umm...only if you tell her.

[cousindave]

Spend the 12k. You wont regret it. Just think, you can drive it without worrying about rotten frames questionable brakes, electrical rats nests, rotten bulkheads, bad tranny's.......... the list goes on and on.....

[SafeAirOne]

Spend the 12k. You wont regret it. Just think, you can drive it without worrying about rotten frames questionable brakes, electrical rats nests, rotten bulkheads, bad tranny's.......... the list goes on and on.....

Where's the "adventure" in that?

[I Leak Oil]

My first memories of my first rover was driving it down Rt. 9 in mass, barely any brakes and discovering the hard way that I'd disturbed a wasps nest!
If you just go buy a truck your first memory will be that of visiting the bank for a check. Why do that? When you own a rover you'll have lots of chances to repeat that process!

Seriously though, go with what you're most comfortable with.

[SalemRover]

If you could swing it I would get the 12k 88 and start saving for a 5 door donor vehicle. Money seems better spent up front on these "hobbies".

-Jason

[gudjeon]

Oh, to have such a dilemma!

[Skookumchuck]

Trying to get the wife to agree to the $12k 1976 88, but she is trying to get me to go with the 1985 109 for 5K. I really like all the upgrades to the 88 but I want the diesel in the 109......Anyone need a rebuilt 2.5 petro motor? Maybe I need to sell th eMustang convertable to get thediesel and put it inot the 88.....

[Skookumchuck]

Going with the rebuilt 88 for 12K. had to sell the mustang convertable to get it done, but flying out to pick up the Rover on Wednesday. I will post pics when I get her home.