Solve : Land Rover experts needed?

OK, so I'm back, and so on.
But I still don't have a lot of time, sorry.
So don't expect to see me around much.
With that in mind, I'll keep my (slightly odd) question brief.

Are there any Land Rover EXPERTS or enthusiasts here?
I ask because if there are not there isn't much point asking my other questions.
Also, does anyone know of any good Land Rover FORUMS?
I have found several through the miracle of Google, but I'd like a good one, so if someone knows of one with a good reputation or some good people please reply.
Thanks in advance.
Calum.A friend of mine is a Landrover expert but he doesn't do the internet thing Calum.
If you have some specific questions I can run them past him for you.Pretty general stuff really.
I'm looking at getting a classic (pre-72, no road tax) Land Rover as my first car, on the recommendation of a friend.
Basically, I'm just trying to find out how feasible it is, and what I need to be looking for. Not having owned a car before, I have only a basic knowledge of all things vehicular.

A few of the questions I have are as follows.
How practical is a Series Land Rover to a new driver? I may or may not have driven one before (it's illegal to drive without a license, so of course I haven't, officially, but if I did it was on a deserted woodland road with no danger involved, and I found it pretty easy) but is it too hard to navigate the road in one?
What sort of fuel efficiency can I expect? If I'm looking at a gas guzzler that I have to put £100 of petrol in each week it's no use, I haven't got that sort of money.
And, following from that, what engine should I look for? Petrol or diesel? And what size? WHat are the benefits of each, and the drawbacks?
What are the major differences, other than age, between the Series 1, 2, 2A and 3 Land Rovers?
Am I right in discounting the Forward Control models? As I understand it they are fairly rare and look a bit like a motor home, I don't think they'd be much good to me.
There are long wheel base and standard wheel base variants. I understand that LWB are larger and can therefore fit more people/stuff in them and SWB are better for off-roading (which I don't plan on doing a lot, at least not to the extent that SWB vs LWB will be important). Are there any other differences or reasons I should get the long or standard variants?
How easy is a Series Land Rover to repair? Could I learn to repair and maintain it myself?

I think that's everything for now but if I think of anything else I'll add it in.
I understand if your friend doesn't want to spend time answering some random 16-year old's newbie questions, so no worries if they don't have time or whatever, or if I'm barking up the wrong tree entirely.Mate, unless you live in a remote area without roads then I suggest you forget the landrover idea all together.
16 years old, limited money, limited car knowledge = Go & buy an old Escort. InThe-UK-ThinkToyota

AlsoHere Yep Toyota MAKE great cars. Mate, are you wanting to learn how to drive in a Landrover?!

ChrisQuote from: chriscool9 on August 24, 2007, 04:24:05 PM

Mate, are you wanting to learn how to drive in a Landrover?!

Chris

I was.
I'm not so sure now though.
I think I'll have to TALK it over again with the guy who suggested it to me originally.
I just want something a bit different, you know?
I still have around 9 months before I can even think about getting a car anyway.
Quote from: Fed on August 24, 2007, 02:01:55 PM

Mate, unless you live in a remote area without roads then I suggest you forget the landrover idea all together.

Nope, on the outskirts of a city.
When all said and done though, they are pretty nice cars, and they are majorly different from most people's first cars.Yea theres a few things that probabily will hold you back. For starters having a Land Rover as a first car, for a young driver is gonna push your insurence through the roof.
Second I wouldnt recommend learning to drive in a Land Rover as if you do learn to drive in one and then actually get a smaller car, for example a 1.1 its a massive jump.
I honestly think youll be best learning on something like a Corsa, thats what my mates learn in. I however use our HONDA Civic.

ChrisInsurance was going to be one of the last things I considered because it seems more complicated.
The fact that there was no road tax was a plus though, as was the fact that the car itself can be pretty inexpensive.
I'll have a chat with the guy who recommended it anyway, and probably come back and have changed my mind again.