John Craddock Ltd Magazine (April 2023)
Is a classic Land Rover worth the price? Many Land Rover enthusiasts would strongly agree with that statement. Some car collectors may have one, two or even multiple classic Land Rover cars as part of their car collection. On the other hand, other Land Rover enthusiasts may be thinking about purchasing their first classic Land Rover.
As a Land Rover parts and spares specialist, many of our customers are Land Rover car owners or collectors and they come to us in the search of parts to restore their classic Land Rovers. We have taken this opportunity to create this guide on what you need to know prior to buying a classic Land Rover.
Before you take the plunge and seal the deal with a classic Land Rover, we strongly suggest you have a read of this article to help prepare you in the best possible way for one of the most exciting decisions you will ever make as a Land Rover owner or enthusiast!
1) Make A Budget Plan
With any other investment, it’s important to create a budget plan and stick to it. Buying a classic Land Rover comes with additional costs along with the cost of purchase, such as insurance, restoration and running costs. In the case of unexpected events, repair and maintenance costs can cost a fortune, so it’s a good idea to put some money aside to keep yourself covered while ensuring your classic Land Rover is in good condition.
2) Pick the Right Model
Once you have set a budget, you can move on to picking the right model for your budget. When searching for the right classic Land Rover model, you need to take your requirements into account. Are you looking for a practical and spacious Range Rover Classic model or are you looking for a Series 1 model with authentic interior? Whatever your top priorities are in a classic Land Rover, it’s important to choose the model wisely in order to satisfy them.
3) Do Your Research
After picking a model, it’s time to do your research. As it’s a big investment, you will want to know exactly what you’re buying. There are many ways of collecting research on a specific model including online forums, joining an owners club and getting advice from members who own the same model, contacting the manufacturer, seeking a specialist and so on. Once you have gathered enough information, you can make a clear decision on whether or not you should purchase that particular model. On the other hand, you may be advised to explore other similar models that suit you better.
4) View It Before You Buy It
The number one thing to look out for when viewing a classic Land Rover is rust. The most common areas to develop rust in classic Land Rover’s are generally the bulkhead and the chassis. Once you have inspected the whole vehicle, make sure you have a good look around under the bonnet. The engine should be in good original condition without any abnormal damage or leaks.
If you’re planning to take it for a test drive, the vehicle transmission should shift smoothly and hold gears at all times while also being relatively quiet. Loud humming noises are usually an indication of worn-out bearings. Some classic cars are kept in fantastic condition whilst others require repairs or restoration.
5) Visit A Genuine Supplier For Parts
Finally, if you’re planning on repairing or restoring your new classic Land Rover, you will need to find a genuine supplier to purchase parts and spares from. What better place than the world’s largest supplier of Land Rover parts, spares and accessories? At John Craddock, we have an extensive range of over 10,000 items, from tyres and brake pads to anything else you will need to restore and maintain your classic Series, Range Rover, Defender, Freelander or Discovery model.
If you are still in search of a classic Land Rover, check out our vehicle sales, which includes the latest Land Rover available for sale (you may find a classic vehicle that completely catches your eye!). For any enquiries on our range, please contact us today.
