Thoughts on RHD vehicles?

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novasupra

Member
Hi guys,
new member here, actively on the hunt to find a Land Rover to call my own. (if you know of a good condition, well-sorted Defender with a 200/300tdi, let me know!)

Anyway, just wanted to get some feedback on RHD vehicles. Being in the states, I never considered buying an RHD vehicle but given the availability of RHD Defenders, i'm giving it some serious thought.

My question for all you RHD owners, at any time, did you regret it? I know its the same car, just a different driving position, it shouldn't be that big a deal but it's a big unknown for me and if I find my Defender, I plan to daily drive it. Everything in the states is built around LHD cars, how do you guys handle parking garages (assuming the truck fits) where you have to pull the ticket from the machine or toll roads where the attendant is on the left side? Is it something that is a fun novelty at first but wears off quickly as you get used to the realities of living with a RHD car?

Just curious and looking for some honest, unfiltered feedback.

Thanks again, looking forward to learning more about these rigs and hopefully having my own Defender soon.

Lester
 
mgreenspan

mgreenspan

Founding Member
You can get power windows to make it easier. I daily drove RHD for 7 years onto base 5-6 days a week so always using the window to show ID. I’d say about 1/4 of the gate guards would cross to my side of the truck. I don’t know. I’m 74” tall and have long arms so it wasn’t difficult for me to do the window crank with my left arm and a little slack in the seat belt. RHD is cheaper, but resale will always be harder compared to LHD. I personally like RHD more for the natural right hand steering left hand shifting, but that might be a single cockpit jet pilot thing...
 
N

novasupra

Member
mgreenspan said:
You can get power windows to make it easier. I daily drove RHD for 7 years onto base 5-6 days a week so always using the window to show ID. I’d say about 1/4 of the gate guards would cross to my side of the truck. I don’t know. I’m 74” tall and have long arms so it wasn’t difficult for me to do the window crank with my left arm and a little slack in the seat belt. RHD is cheaper, but resale will always be harder compared to LHD. I personally like RHD more for the natural right hand steering left hand shifting, but that might be a single cockpit jet pilot thing...
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Well, i'm 6-4 so maybe it won't be too bad... i have to hit the toll road every day though and those guys definitely aren't going to change sides for me...

my big question was actually resale, does the resale value take a hit when it's RHD? The LHD's seem to hold their value pretty well, if not go up... not sure if that's the same for the RHD versions.
 
T

TravelinLight

Well-known member
I have a RHD 1971. The parking garage with my badge is a tough one to reach. ATMs, drive throughs, and the like are tough.

Passing is not a concern as it is a Land Rover after all.
 
Cronus

Cronus

Active member
I’m a lefty and drive a RHD 200tdi 110, and love it...LHD does cost more, hold value better and can be resold faster, but I’d say drive a RHD and see how you feel about it. I haven’t had any issues in drive-thru’s...but it does surprise the person serving you.
 
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hillstrubl

hillstrubl

Founding Member
Its really not a big deal for driving if you don't have van sides (making a right in a RHD vehicle without windows over there is pretty blind). But on the other hand I honestly prefer it for a few reasons. 1) I can't justify the "premium" for LHD, I'd rather have more vehicle for the same price. 2) I it opens up a much larger market for vehicles to buy IMO (UK, SA, Aus) 3) It gets more looks! :)
 
uc4me

uc4me

Well-known member
..plus it looks as if your dog is driving when they accompany you on the ride. After about a year, you won't continually be walking up to the left side door to get in.
 
mgreenspan

mgreenspan

Founding Member
novasupra said:
Well, i'm 6-4 so maybe it won't be too bad... i have to hit the toll road every day though and those guys definitely aren't going to change sides for me...

my big question was actually resale, does the resale value take a hit when it's RHD? The LHD's seem to hold their value pretty well, if not go up... not sure if that's the same for the RHD versions.
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The value doesn’t take a hit, it will just never be worth the same as the exact built vehicle in LHD form because the US is a LHD market. You will also limit your buyers when trying to resell. RHD is a deal breaker for some even though it is a silly deal breaker. The flip side is as a buyer being open to RHD increases the available market of vehicles. I’d personally go for a South Africa RHD galvanized frame and bulkhead truck over a LHD of the same vintage and drivetrain. Get a smart tag, EZ pass, or whatever and the toll road shouldn’t be an issue.
 
SARTech

SARTech

Well-known member
I like my RHD. I live very rural so drive in situations aren't very often. I do stop for coffee once in a while. I just drive in reverse through the line.
 
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NMEXPAT

Well-known member
I've had a RHD for a few years now. For driving it's not a big deal at all. The first week or so it is strange, after that it's second nature. Drive throughs are a NO, unless I have a passenger. There's one local toll that only accepts cash. I have to get out, walk around and pay. RHD attracts a lot of attention while driving and at stop lights. It is fun.
 
Parrie

Parrie

Well-known member
I find my RHD enjoyable to drive. Drive-thrus are no go without a passenger but other than that no complaints. I wasn't looking specifically for a RHD but when I started comparing prices to LHD I quickly narrowed my search. I'm guessing I saved $5-$7K four years ago going RHD...savings may be greater these days. I'm not too concerned about resale, it should hold it values as a RHD truck.
 
N

novasupra

Member
mgreenspan said:
The value doesn’t take a hit, it will just never be worth the same as the exact built vehicle in LHD form because the US is a LHD market. You will also limit your buyers when trying to resell. RHD is a deal breaker for some even though it is a silly deal breaker. The flip side is as a buyer being open to RHD increases the available market of vehicles. I’d personally go for a South Africa RHD galvanized frame and bulkhead truck over a LHD of the same vintage and drivetrain. Get a smart tag, EZ pass, or whatever and the toll road shouldn’t be an issue.
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cool, this is good to know that RHD does hold their value. I'm sure they will never be worth as much as the same LHD vehicle which makes sense since they start out cheaper, but as long as they hold their value, that's all that matters to me. I've been looking for a diesel so RHD certainly does open up some more options.
Good to hear everyone's feedback and have it be so positive so far. i'm sure i'm just overthinking it but didn't want to make such a big purchase only to regret it a few months later.

The search goes on!
 
Parrie

Parrie

Well-known member
Many good trucks available on this forum from trusted members...some relatively close to DC. Take your time, stay away from ebay, BAT and the likes unless you can put a good eye on the truck...tons & tons of overpriced polished crap out there. GLIYS!
 
N

novasupra

Member
Parrie said:
Many good trucks available on this forum from trusted members...some relatively close to DC. Take your time, stay away from ebay, BAT and the likes unless you can put a good eye on the truck...tons & tons of overpriced polished crap out there. GLIYS!
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Thanks for the heads up! I've seen lots of lipstick on a pig refurbs and definitely trying to avoid those. I've got some feelers out to some of the vendors that frequent this forum, hopefully i'll find a nice rig that i'll enjoy for many years!
 
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