[mtbnole]

We are talking about getting a jeep to have as a fun third car. We have the f30 and a honda odyssey right now. We live in Florida, so the idea is to be able to drop the top, go to the beach, and still bring our 2 kids along. We would also like to be able to drove it to work once in a while. I'm looking at Jeep TJs but also window shopping land rovers (defenders, series II). The land rovers are of course more expensive, but I'm looking at the rougher ones. The TJs vary vastly in price. Any thoughts? Anyone selling one of these?

[Nitrousbird]

Land Rover = you will spend a greater time with it in the shop (or you working on it) than enjoying it. I may get one when I retire so I have enough time to work on it...and I'm retiring no time soon.

[mtbnole]

I plan to do most of the necessary work on my own, whatever it is. A land Rover seems like it could be more of an investment in the long run.

[overcoil]

What motor is in the Rover ?
Were these gray market or U.S. DOT certified?
Don't know much about them but really like them when I see them.

[ezndo]

I have an '04 TJ as a plow vehicle and a '13 JK for one of my daughters. Easy to own and modify to your liking with helpful forums online. Thought about a Defender, just can't justify the price for a 3rd vehicle and I'm sure parts for it aren't cheap either.

[lowbudgethero]

I had a 97 TJ jeep 4.0 during high school and college as a back up car, it wasn't great on the highway but was nice and small around town. Most of the problems with it now are due to road salt (brake lines needed to be replace, some terminal corrosion, bad ac pulley bearing). I've driven through snow up to it's bumper no problem in it and it's been reliable.

[fcman]

Originally Posted by mtbnole

I plan to do most of the necessary work on my own, whatever it is. A land Rover seems like it could be more of an investment in the long run.

I see the Jeep being a better investment tbh, the second hand market is massive and people buy classic jeeps all the time. Modern Land Rovers have lost the rugged, hard core reputation they used to have, now they are mostly driven by rich high school girls.

[gtron]

i had a 79' cj7 with monster wheels - possibly the most fun i ever had.

the wife likes land rover. i like it too.

imo, if you're looking for fun, go with a tank... i mean jeep. if you looking for a classy suv for your family, go with the land rover.

i think i'm going to get one too. then again, i want almost every car/truck that's fast or strong.

[Viffermike]

Both are statistically among the least reliable consumer vehicles you can buy, particularly in the time frame you're considering (at least several years old ... and any TJ will be at least eight years old). That said, smaller Land Rovers of the time period have a horrific reputation matched by few imports. I would avoid anything but full-on Range Rovers like the plague.

It sounds like your family appreciates vehicular variety ... so go for a TJ and don't think twice. It will be far less expensive (cheaper parts, more places that can fix them, the often very collegial Jeep enthusiast) and far more fun (modification, the "Wrangler" experience).

[secretsquirrel]

I agree with the others, get the Jeep. The LR will likely cost double (or more) to maintain.

[CJinPa]

Get a TJ with a six cylinder and manual transmission. It will hold its value. The Jeep will be easy to work on and the availability of aftermarket parts will amaze you.

[mtbnole]

Good feedback. I'd like to honestly have both at one time or another. Still looking around. Thanks. I'll post if we find something viable.

[MChat]

Originally Posted by CJinPa

Get a TJ with a six cylinder and manual transmission. It will hold its value. The Jeep will be easy to work on and the availability of aftermarket parts will amaze you.

This. And if you can find a Rubicon model, you'll have a very capable off-highway vehicle stock. Also, if you want to add a suspension lift, I highly recommend the Rock Krawler long arm kit. Being in Arizona and active in the 4-wheeling community here, I've seen virtually every suspension kit for the TJ/LJ and none (save fully custom/fabricated) that work better than the Rock Krawler (and is what I run on my own LJ).