Which should I buy.

Forgot to mention both are 2.25 petrols

Series Landies are only slightly more refined than tractors, so they're both relatively similar to drive. I'd be rockin' the Series 2, for looks, rag top and free road tax.

I've had quite a few Land Rovers and always prefer the SII to the SIII. Hardtops are cheap so easy to add one for winter if needed.
I heard a story years ago when somebody with a rag top got asked for van rate at the Dartford Crossing. They simply got out and rolled up the sides saying something like "it isn't a van now"

Paul H

As Paul says, hard tops (or truck cabs for even better warmth) are dead easy and cheap to come by. Plus, with a truck cab you don't need to mess with changing to a rear door - just swap roofs as & when the mood takes you. It's easier to get a hard top/truck cab 2nd hand than a canvas tilt where there will invariably be parts missing (hoops, door frame etc....) that you'll then need to source elsewhere.

Plus, it's tax exempt.

Plus, the S3 has chequerplate wingtops. That alone would be a deal breaker for me becasuse I personally detest them (I know they can be removed, but....GAH!!)

If you're questionning a lot of play in the steering, are you sure that a LR is for you? Often a quick nip up of the aduster on the steering box will have it back to a factory spec 40 degrees of slack.

No brainer if you ask me - the £235 road tax saving alone will see you with a nice hard top and stock of paracetamol you're going to need for your aching arms, aching clutch leg and aching but cheeks after driving one for more than a few miles.

The SIIA is a late model and both the ones I owned had a hybrid gearbox from new - SIII full syncro with SII bellhousing. 200TDi without turbo is straight fit but LPG conversion is probably better option if you are worried about economy.

Paul H

My SIIa had a great heater, i could never understand why people complained about them so I guess there is quite a bit to be said for making sure they are working correctly and a clear of gunk, don't forget some models had a tap on the block to isolate the heater circuit. I still used to have to defrost the inside as well as the outside of the windows in the morning but they never froze back up again.
Comfort wise I never had a problem driving them but it does depend on how tall you are, its simple enough to fit some more modern seats if you need more support

Fair play for having that attitude to it mate, it really does pay to hold fire when it comes to old Landies - there are loads around so it's not like you'll never see another one come up.

If i were you i'd make a list of exactly what you want. Hardtops are ok, but a well look after ragtop will be just as waterproof, warmer and quieter - series' are rattly old things at the best of times, anything to deaden the sound is a winner. You'd also be raging when you see someone out in another one with the roof off and the screen down in summer - takes 5 minutes with a tilt, hour of spannering and awkwardness with a hardtop. They're just so much more versatile.

Also think about engine choice - everything factory fitted to a series, even the very latest, is going to be nearly 30 years old by now. Everything will be needing to be rebuilt, but that's all part of the fun with them i guess. Gearboxes aren't too much of a worry, they're strong behind original engines and cheap to fix or replace, similarly engines aren't hard to come by and everything just coms unbolted.

Horses for courses really - i built my 80" up to be everything i wanted to be. It's pretty rare, is an absolute riot to drive, massive amounts of fun, seats 7, will return 45mpg and crack a ton.

There's also a lot to be said about a 109", there really isn't much space int he back of a shorty.

TL:DR version; work out what you fancy and don't be afraid to haggle on anything - parts are so cheap and easy to come by/ replace - just avoid Britpart like the plague. Galv chassis isn't the be al and end all either, though it is a nice perk. Just get something solid and enjoy it.

Never knew Britpart made any OE stuff? Have only ever come across the pattern parts which are all, without fail, atrocious.

If it arrives in a blue box, don't let it get anywhere near your car. Several friends have had steering relays shear, Britpart shouldn't be allowed to trade...