Very few non-mainstream vehicles can withstand the test of time. I'm not talking stylewise, either. I'm referring to general reliability, both in the long run, and in day-to-day use. There are some vehicles that, where ever you go, you're bound to run into, and I'm not talking about your run of the mill boring everyday cars, either. I'm talking about vehicles built to survive long after humans. Cars like the W201/W124 Mercedes, the E28 and E34 BMWs, Volvo 240s, and what have you. Notice I didn't name any outright trucks. That's because there's only one two that are built that way. The Mercedes Gelandewagen (G-Class for the US), and the Land Rover Range Rover. Built since 1970, the first generation really is the one to go for. Available until 1995 (on American shores), with no significant changes, they're one of the "classic greats" in the SUV market, sharing the ranks with the G-Class and Wagoneer and Toyota Landcruiser.
What sets the Range Rover apart from the dozens of other soccer mom mobiles is its ability to go off-road. And go off-road it does. It's able to power through snow, through the stickiest of mud, and it has the ability to push itself through water and up steep hills too. I don't think I've ever seen a Range Rover get stuck in bad weather, either. One more bit of trivia: A stolen Range Rover in California was able to outrun the police for more than 2 hours on flattened/spiked tires at speeds of 80MPH. Don't try that, but if that's not a testament to their indestructible-ness I don't know what is. Let's see your GMC Yukon do that.
Since the first generation Range Rovers were made for about a quarter century, finding a used one usually won't be a problem. However, a quick check on autotrader revealed none within 50 miles of me. A good example can run anywhere from $2500 for a complete beater to about $12,000 for a really nice one if you can, indeed, find one. Finding parts for this ol' reliable shouldn't be too hard either, with several Land Rover and British only yards throughout the country.
So, whattaya say. You ready to trade in that tired old GMC Yukon with 185k on the clock and step into something better?
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