austingypsy
26-08-2010, 09:43
Just saying hello!
I have been looking at this forum for the last few weeks (when it lets me log-in!) and I think it is great!
I was working as a welding inspector on the building of the LNG pipeline in S.Wales 2 years ago from Milford Haven to Brecon. Being self employed I had to supply my own 4x4, knowing that the vehicle would get a hammering I decided not to spend a lot on it.
I found a 1993 swb Maverick for £1100.00 - never heard of one before, outside my Mondeo comfort zone! I didn't know how it would perform - most people had Discos, L200s or Defenders. As I had to go to every part of the pipeline in all weathers, some parts being really steep, I was a bit apprehensive.
We were all given 4x4 off-road instruction, the school vehicle being a LR Defender, I'm glad I had the lessons - learned many techniques, example going up a 45 deg. muddy, rutted incline in low ratio 1st gear with df engaged, half way up switching off the engine and immediately engaging reverse, not touching the handbrake and restarting the engine, still with reverse engaged and not depressing the clutch pedal, and reversing down the hill on tick-over, fighting the urge to press the brake pedal!
Anyway my little Maverick was the best thing I could have bought, in 2 years of off-road work I had to be towed only once but I towed others more than once! Often I would pass bogged down Discos. On one occasion I reached a long, steep muddy incline with a sharp left hand bend at the top, I was advised 'Don't attempt it in that' however, I couldn't walk carrying my gear, so into LR 3rd with the LS it just sailed up. I had the back seats folded down, in addition to my gear I had 110v petrol generator permanently in the back, the passenger seat was also full of equipment.
I loved that car, I did have a new gearbox and clutch fitted and replaced a noisy propshaft, the gearbox had a very sticky 5th gear when I bought it, this eventually failed due to knackered selectors.
It was gutless on the road but magnificent in the dirt. What I really liked was the wind-up windows, no EMU, no alarm - just bog-standard workhorse, giving 30mpg! Incidently it was just as capable in the snow, I live in rural Herefordshire 700 feet up, we had a heavy fall of snow in February 2007, I was able to get home with no qualms.
I have now bought a 2004 LWB Terrano 2.7 - last winter dictated this! What a contrast to the Maverick, I like the Terrano....but, I shall never forget my little Maverick!
I have been looking at this forum for the last few weeks (when it lets me log-in!) and I think it is great!
I was working as a welding inspector on the building of the LNG pipeline in S.Wales 2 years ago from Milford Haven to Brecon. Being self employed I had to supply my own 4x4, knowing that the vehicle would get a hammering I decided not to spend a lot on it.
I found a 1993 swb Maverick for £1100.00 - never heard of one before, outside my Mondeo comfort zone! I didn't know how it would perform - most people had Discos, L200s or Defenders. As I had to go to every part of the pipeline in all weathers, some parts being really steep, I was a bit apprehensive.
We were all given 4x4 off-road instruction, the school vehicle being a LR Defender, I'm glad I had the lessons - learned many techniques, example going up a 45 deg. muddy, rutted incline in low ratio 1st gear with df engaged, half way up switching off the engine and immediately engaging reverse, not touching the handbrake and restarting the engine, still with reverse engaged and not depressing the clutch pedal, and reversing down the hill on tick-over, fighting the urge to press the brake pedal!
Anyway my little Maverick was the best thing I could have bought, in 2 years of off-road work I had to be towed only once but I towed others more than once! Often I would pass bogged down Discos. On one occasion I reached a long, steep muddy incline with a sharp left hand bend at the top, I was advised 'Don't attempt it in that' however, I couldn't walk carrying my gear, so into LR 3rd with the LS it just sailed up. I had the back seats folded down, in addition to my gear I had 110v petrol generator permanently in the back, the passenger seat was also full of equipment.
I loved that car, I did have a new gearbox and clutch fitted and replaced a noisy propshaft, the gearbox had a very sticky 5th gear when I bought it, this eventually failed due to knackered selectors.
It was gutless on the road but magnificent in the dirt. What I really liked was the wind-up windows, no EMU, no alarm - just bog-standard workhorse, giving 30mpg! Incidently it was just as capable in the snow, I live in rural Herefordshire 700 feet up, we had a heavy fall of snow in February 2007, I was able to get home with no qualms.
I have now bought a 2004 LWB Terrano 2.7 - last winter dictated this! What a contrast to the Maverick, I like the Terrano....but, I shall never forget my little Maverick!