LIFES TOO SHORT TO DRIVE BORING CARS
Mad about Rovers
Mad About Land Rovers: The Ultimate 4x4 Experience
We’re obsessed with Land Rovers—on-road, off-road, for work or play, these vehicles bring joy every time you get behind the wheel. Sure, anyone can drive a Jeep, but if you want to stand out from the crowd, there’s only one choice: the best 4x4 by far—the Land Rover.
Owning a Land Rover isn’t just about having a great vehicle, it’s about owning a piece of history. With the original Defender models no longer in production since 2015, these iconic vehicles are becoming rare, vintage, and collectible. Prices are rising rapidly, and with the classic “they don’t make them like they used to,” it’s clear that Defenders are a sound investment. Will they appreciate over time? Almost certainly, as their rarity and iconic status only continue to grow. Our mission is simple: to offer great cars at fantastic values that are accessible to anyone who wants to experience the Land Rover lifestyle. Whether you use it for daily drives, weekend adventures, or off-roading, these Defenders are meant to be driven, enjoyed, and celebrated.
Right-Hand Drive (RHD): For True Land Rover Lovers
If you want to experience a true-to-form Land Rover and stand out on the road, you might have to adjust to driving on the “right” side. Right-hand drive (RHD) vehicles are exactly like their left-hand drive (LHD) counterparts in terms of controls—gas, brake, clutch, and gear stick are all the same. The only difference is that you’ll be sitting on the right side, using your left hand to shift gears. For us, RHD just feels more natural and engaging. It’s part of the classic British Land Rover charm. While it may take a few minutes to get used to, driving a RHD Defender feels surprisingly natural, and the experience is far more rewarding than driving a converted LHD version. We’ve driven LHD Defenders, and to be honest, they feel a bit cramped and awkward. Since all LHD Defenders are converted from RHD models, the gear tunnel shifts to the left, making the driver’s position feel off-kilter. RHD, on the other hand, feels perfectly comfortable, and once you’re familiar with it, you’ll enjoy the added excitement and engagement that comes with driving a true Land Rover. Whether you’re using your Land Rover as a daily driver, a weekend toy, or for off-roading adventures, you’ll love the way it handles—and you’ll definitely turn heads wherever you go. At local cars & coffee shows, your Defender will steal the spotlight from Ferraris and Porsches, and on the streets, you’ll likely get some curious looks. Either way, we’re sure your Land Rover will put a smile on your face every time you drive it.
Life's too Short to Drive Boring Cars!
A True Icon
A Defender Is Not Just A Car – It's An Experience
Please keep in mind that Land Rovers over 25 years old were never designed with comfort, speed, handling, or smooth rides in mind. These vehicles were built to go from point A to point B—no matter what obstacles lay in between. Whether it’s a desert, jungle, mud bog, mountain pass, off-road trail, or remnants of a road long forgotten, Land Rovers were designed to endure. They were created to tackle extreme conditions—driving through waist-deep water, across deserts, or navigating through dense jungles. These are rugged, utilitarian vehicles, built for serviceability, not luxury. While they certainly have their charm and character, they do come with their own unique quirks, ticks, and rattles, especially considering their age. After all, they are all over 25 years old, and as such, will show signs of their past lives. If you’re looking for fancy leather interiors, air conditioning, cruise control, and smooth ride comfort, then a Land Rover may not be for you. But if you’re seeking a vehicle that is fun, full of character, and offers a driving experience like no other, then a Land Rover Defender might just be the perfect choice.
What’s it Like to Drive a Defender?
It’s an experience you’ll never forget. Some drivers will love it; others might be so shocked by the ride and handling that they’ll run for cover. Even new Defenders can be considered noisy, uncomfortable, and unresponsive compared to modern SUVs. But that’s not the point. The Land Rover Defender was built to be a utilitarian, fully analog truck designed to go anywhere, do anything, and endure any environment. The charm of these vehicles is precisely what makes them unique—but also what can be challenging for some. They were not built for comfort or luxury; they were built to perform. These are serious off-road machines, equipped with a manually operated four-wheel-drive system with high and low ratios for tough terrain. When it comes to off-roading, few vehicles can match a Defender's capability. The short wheelbase 90 model delivers a choppy ride, while the long-wheelbase 110 can feel a bit like driving a bus. Steering, braking, and stability require a different driving style, but once you adjust, many owners would never choose any other vehicle. Mechanically, Defenders with a 200Tdi or 300Tdi engine can cruise at 68-75mph comfortably. Daily commuting in one might not be ideal, but it’s certainly possible for short trips or weekend use. However, if you’re looking for luxury, modern comfort, or high-tech features, this is not the vehicle for you.
Expect the Quirks, Embrace the Charm
Land Rover Defenders are not showroom-perfect vehicles, so please don’t expect a like-new experience. While we occasionally offer beautifully restored Defenders, we focus on delivering vehicles that are ready to drive—quirks and all. These are classic, 25+ year-old vehicles, and they come with their own set of unique characteristics. Old vehicles, whether it’s a Land Rover or any other classic car, will make odd noises, have their quirks, and sometimes do strange things. Defenders look better with faded paint, a few dings, and what we affectionately call "love marks." These imperfections add to the overall character, patina, and charm of the vehicle. They are tough, rugged, and have stories to tell.
For the right owner, a Defender is the perfect companion for weekend adventures, driving around town, or enjoying a fun second vehicle. We make sure the vehicles we sell are mechanically sound and ready to go, but please remember—they are Land Rovers. They were always meant to be agricultural, and they will always have that raw, rugged feel.
Land Rover, it’s a way of life!
The Import Process
Why Mad Rover Imports?
When a vehicle turns 25+ years old, it becomes eligible for importation to the United States. However, the process of bringing these iconic Land Rovers into the country is not as simple as just putting them on a boat. It’s a complicated and detailed procedure that involves various steps—steps we handle for you. At Mad Rover Imports, we take the headache out of importing. We are the direct registered importers for all of our vehicles, which means we manage the entire logistics process for you—from international shipping to customs clearance. There’s no need to worry about DMV registration, title work, or navigating the complexities of customs. We’ve got all of that covered.
Legal, Safe, and Hassle-Free
All of our vehicles are legally imported to the U.S. and have passed rigorous inspections by Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Homeland Security, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Department of Transportation (DOT). Before being sold, each vehicle undergoes a thorough North Carolina State Inspection to ensure it meets safety and emissions standards. We handle all the paperwork, ensuring the vehicle is sold with a clean NC title. As an authorized NC dealer, every vehicle undergoes a third-party NC inspection prior to sale, so you can have peace of mind knowing your purchase is both legal and safe.
Your Dream Vehicle, Made Easy
With the intricate details involved in importing a classic vehicle, having a professional take care of the process saves you time, money, and gives you peace of mind. When you buy from Mad Rover Imports, you’re not just getting a rare, iconic Land Rover—you’re also getting a seamless, worry-free experience that adds value to your investment. Should you decide to sell in the future, the legal and clear title increases the resale value and ensures you can move forward with confidence.