About the Land Rover Perentie
C B purchased this Land Rover Perentie used for $35,000 (including all on-road costs) in 2020. C B would buy this car again because: “It is a classic made for purpose off-road patrol vehicle that has no electronics to mention that could go wrong, classic Land Rover styling! A bush buster with all that you need, nothing superfluous.”
How reliable has your car been? Tell us about any issues.
Surprisingly very reliable now. When I first bought it from a lovely gentleman in Tasmania it had some battery/electrical problems which were sorted.
It also needed a good wheel alignment to prevent another trip to the dentist to replace loose fillings. I’ve had one puncture with the old split rims on, which was on the way to get them replaced with wolf rims so I took the spare tyres off.
I then needed a flatbed to the tyre place, not my best idea. I also replaced the dampers with Terrafirma. I drove from Tullamarine to Queensland no troubles, but it was damn hot!
What do you think of the ownership experience with your car?
It’s old, hot and noisy, but I love it. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea and certainly not the ideal daily driver which it is.
There is no aircon, it rattles, I’m forever adjusting the outside mirrors which find a new position every time I slam the door and it leaks oil but that’s just marking its territory.
Barney is great and I love him. We are planning a trip out west of Queensland in June where he will thrive and prove to be the beast he is.
Are you happy with the price and features of your car?
The price was great. The Regional Force Surveillance Vehicle (RFSV) has everything you would need as standard.
Two fuel tanks (112 litres combined), air compressor, power steering, four wheel disc brakes, PTO (Power Take Off) winch, raised air intake, two-wheel spare tyre rack off the back, gardening tools on the bonnet, two large lockable side bins inside the back, and provision for 11 jerry cans throughout the vehicle including underneath.
A two-inch lift is standard. Plus a 3.9-litre four-cylinder Isuzu Diesel engine considered unbreakable.
What do you think of the performance and economy of your car?
The performance is exhilarating. The wind in your hair, the knowledge that you will never get another speeding ticket is euphoric!
Performance is measured not in kilometres per hour but in how many days will it take. Economy? Well, it’s a heavy beast Barney, some 2747kg.
I average around 13-14 litres per 100km. Some get better some get worse.
What do you think of the technology in your car?
What? Ha ha ha! Well I have Jemtech Trip metre fitted as standard which is awesome for waypoint measurements. The lights work, all of them. I don’t need a sunroof as I can just roll back the canvas.
I had to fit door and ignition locks for the roadworthy, but that was simple.
What do you think of the ride comfort and handling of your car?
It’s an ex-Australian Army Land Rover, it’s not meant to be comfortable! But the new Terrafirma dampers front and back have been great.
It turns like an enraged elephant on the Serengeti, lots of space needed but otherwise it’s a beauty.