Thanks everyone for their replies. Although a classic would be a simpler rover, I have decided to stay with the LR3 considering I have it completely sorted - and I'm just kind of attached after 80k miles in the driver's seat. Plus after seeing what I could sell it for, and what kind of classic I could get for that price, I just don't think it's worth it.

I used to camp when I was growing up and want to get back into it, with more of an overlanding spirit.

So starting in the spring I'm going to start a build, nothing crazy, but will be doing an ARB front bumper, roof rack w/ tent, AT tires, etc. to prep for my Yellowstone trip. Should be a fun project!

Oh yeah.. and I'm going to take everyone's advice and get the iCarsoft LRII or similar.

 

Sounds like a fun build. Definitely don't go too crazy with tire size and such....and I'd recommend at least comparing the iCarsoft against the IIDTool from GAP. I don't know much about the former but the latter has saved my **** a few times.

 

Yeah, I don't plan on doing any rock crawling or mudding so I'm not going to be changing the suspension. I have a set of 19s with Bridgestone Dueler Alenza all seasons, and a set of 18s with blizzaks. The all seasons are about done, so I'll probably sell the 19s, get another set of 18s and put BFG ATs on there - thinking 265/65R18.

 

Funny I just came into this section for the first time because I'm considering the complete opposite. I have a RRC and since my wife wrecked my daily driver I was considering going to an LR3 and possibly selling the classic to fund a mild LR3 build. I take about 4-5 2000 mile trips a year. So whatever I have needs to be able to do this job fully loaded with stuff, wife and dogs.

My Beemer wagon was an excellent road trip machine. Room for my dogs. Plenty of smooth power. Great gas mileage. Now that car may be totalled I may go LR3 as an all around mild off roader and road trip machine. But I wonder if the money would be better spent into the Classic.

Certain things stop me:

HVAC system being one of them. It sucks. All the Classics I've had can't seem to make enough air flow or put it in the right place. I doubt there is a way to retro that stupid inadequate system layout.

Engine failures. Weather it be head gaskets or a slipped liner or other internal failure. For some reason ive never fully trusted the Rover V8. Although I've never had one blow apart. Plus the 3.5 is so ridiculously slow it's really painful to go though mountain passes fully loaded.

Interior

The classic interior is great for being simple. Great for off roading. Man the LR3 interior is huge huge upgrade. On a long long trip that's important. Less sqeaks. Rattles. And a far better AC system. In 110 degree heat that's important too.

 

^ do it, you will never look back. We have a completely sorted 04' D2(third car) with a nice lift, michelin off road tires, perfect clean interior. Its like I drew the short straw when I have to drive it.

Its mind boggling that the D2(04') and an LR3(05') are worlds apart.

 

Keep the RRC as the toy and get the LR3 as the DD roadtripper