TimC
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| posted on 18/1/12 at 10:36 AM |
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Defender - what do I need to know.
Morning All,
Myself and the brunette both love the look of a Landrover Defender. I'm about to move away from a Co Car so it presents a potential opportunity
to give proper 4x4 ownership a go.
The side-benefit is that I'll have something to tow the racecar.
Now truth be told, I don't see myself doing much offroading; I confess it's an image thing as much as anything.
I don't want to spend 5-figures, in fact much less would be better. But, can I get something really smart and reliable for sensible money?
What are the pitfalls?
I really like the look of this on Pistonheads.
What do you think?
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tul214
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| posted on 18/1/12 at 10:41 AM |
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I have never had one but did test drive a few. (we ended up buying a D3!)
From what I saw at that price, it is a bargain.
1.6 Raw Super6 sold
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loggyboy
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| posted on 18/1/12 at 10:46 AM |
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quote:
Originally posted by TimC
Now truth be told, I don't see myself doing much offroading; I confess it's an image thing as much as anything.
What do you think?
You want to look like a C***?!?
[Edited on 18/1/12 by loggyboy]
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TimC
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| posted on 18/1/12 at 11:02 AM |
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quote:
Originally posted by loggyboy
You want to look like a C***?!?
[Edited on 18/1/12 by loggyboy]
Talk me through that then Genius....
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loggyboy
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| posted on 18/1/12 at 11:08 AM |
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Just my opinion on 4x4s that are bought as status symbols!
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splitrivet
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| posted on 18/1/12 at 11:26 AM |
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Havent had a Land Rover but used to drive a jeep was good fun for the first 6 months but soon got sick of having my teeth shaken out on even the
shortest journey, cr@p handling, cr@p, fuel consumption, no security (just had to pop the soft top to nick gear) and generally feeling like I was
driving 1940's technology and this was after I'd uprated suspension/shocks. In the end the missus wouldnt even get in it.
When the sun came out and you removed the ragtop it was brill but usually as soon as you started taking the top off you could see the clouds coming
over and it took half an hour the put the bleeding thing back on.
But I did have bazzing fun offroading in it at weekends, but if your not offroading and have no intention of doing so I honestly cant see the
point.
Cheers,
Bob
I used to be a Werewolf but I'm alright nowwoooooooooooooo
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TAZZMAXX
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| posted on 18/1/12 at 11:34 AM |
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TimC, I had a 200tdi Defender truck bodied and it was a fun vehicle, good for towing as well. My only criticism of Defenders, and you'll find
out whether this affects you by sitting in one, is that you may get annoyed with your right arm being so close to the door and window and then your
left arm having to reach out a mile to change gear. A foible of the original design as it were. Being before ecu's it will still be nice and
simple, no unitized injectors to fail and break the bank with. If you fit in it and feel comfortable you will enjoy it.
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tul214
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| posted on 18/1/12 at 11:36 AM |
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quote:
Originally posted by loggyboy
Just my opinion on 4x4s that are bought as status symbols!
What do you suggest I buy then to pull 2 horses + box out of a muddy show field?
1.6 Raw Super6 sold
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loggyboy
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| posted on 18/1/12 at 11:50 AM |
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quote:
Originally posted by tul214
What do you suggest I buy then to pull 2 horses + box out of a muddy show field?
You really need to think about that a bit more....
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tul214
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| posted on 18/1/12 at 11:56 AM |
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Why?
1.6 Raw Super6 sold
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loggyboy
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| posted on 18/1/12 at 12:00 PM |
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Geez - you have one cuz you need one, where as im stating that i find it laughable that people by them for status symbols without acctually using them
for their intended purpose.
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Neville Jones
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| posted on 18/1/12 at 12:02 PM |
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Toyota Hilux crew cab or Landcruiser.
Thousands of terrorists, minority armies, african militia, NATO and UN can't be wrong. 
Cheers,
Nev.
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tul214
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| posted on 18/1/12 at 12:04 PM |
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quote:
Originally posted by loggyboy
Geez - you have one cuz you need one, where as im stating that i find it laughable that people by them for status symbols without acctually using them
for their intended purpose.
You made the sweeping comment!! 
1.6 Raw Super6 sold
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loggyboy
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| posted on 18/1/12 at 12:10 PM |
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Sweeping as in saying that people that buy 4x4s for status symbols are c***s. Not that sweeping, id say its a fairly recognised in public opinion.
'Chelsea Tractors' and all that.
[Edited on 18/1/12 by loggyboy]
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TAZZMAXX
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| posted on 18/1/12 at 12:15 PM |
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quote:
Originally posted by loggyboy
Sweeping as in saying that people that buy 4x4s for status symbols are c***s. Not that sweeping, id say its a fairly recognised in public opinion.
'Chelsea Tractors' and all that.
[Edited on 18/1/12 by loggyboy]
That's an argument that could be applied to many vehicles though about needs and wants. We can't use cars on public roads that are capable
of achieving over twice the motorway speed limit, but we have them. True, a lot is about status but why not if you can afford it?
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T66
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| posted on 18/1/12 at 12:17 PM |
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My mates TD5 90 on mt tyres used to do 30mpg....
If a 4x4 is a status symbol, whats a Lotus 7 type car by the way ?
Loads of good London charge victims kicking about, Im seriously considering buying one so I can join you looking like Loggy suggests.
My last 4x4 was a Lada Niva, (Ukrainian tractor) I bought this purely as a Chelsea tractor/status thing - Cravat, Plus4s and a tweed
moustache...current one is a Freelander van, rigger boots, Snickers jacket and 40mpg.
90 TD5 in the planning stage.
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loggyboy
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| posted on 18/1/12 at 12:19 PM |
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But if you buy a 100k ferrari and only use it to tootle back and forwards to work or shops you are definately a c***! more so than the Cheltrac
owners!
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michael kitching
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| posted on 18/1/12 at 12:20 PM |
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defenders are great vehicles but you do need a constant supply of money with them. before you buy check bulkhead for rust and oil in the loom. and
also be prepared for a loud and fairly harsh ride. but this vehicle will do everything you want it to.
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PSpirine
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| posted on 18/1/12 at 12:21 PM |
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Bla bla bla.
Back on track.
Defenders are rubbish to drive. I have the opportunity to drive brand new ones and even those are appalling. If you're going to do some
off-roading, they are fab and a lot of fun. However, they are crap on most roads, and have a HORRENDOUS turning circle.
If you think you may ever decide you want to have some fun green-laning etc. then you could always give one a try. 80s-90s defenders seem to have
stopped depreciating if kept in decent nick so you won't lose much if you run one for a year. They're fairly reliable in the sense that
they'll usually get you where you're going, but bits WILL stop working and there will constantly be small things to fix.
I'd have a think about what it is you want from it as a car.. There are other cars to look "cool" in (perfectly valid reason for a
purchase if that's what you want) which are much better to drive..
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michael kitching
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| posted on 18/1/12 at 12:23 PM |
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bla bla bla?
i just basicly said the same as you have!
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loggyboy
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| posted on 18/1/12 at 12:27 PM |
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quote:
Originally posted by michael kitching
bla bla bla?
i just basicly said the same as you have!
I think he was bla-ing at me!
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mad4x4
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| posted on 18/1/12 at 12:28 PM |
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Look for obvious damange on the chassis esp the central crossmember under the gearbox, this takes abuse offroad.
RUST on Chassis and out riggers, Rear crossmember,
Check Bushes where axle ties to chassis
Front Axle spring mounts on Axle rust badly
Bulkhead just at the corner below the windscreen and down the A pilar.
Dents on the front wings just in front of wheel arch show it has been offroad
Biggest thing is go over the chassis very carefully. every thing else on them is not to bad.
If shouldn;t "wander" to much on the road if it does check backlash on steering
Check the drop arm out of the steering box these fail due to lack of grease/maint . Cheap fix if you catch it before it fails completly.
Scot's do it better in Kilts.
MK INDY's Don't Self Centre Regardless of MK Setting !
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PSpirine
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| posted on 18/1/12 at 12:30 PM |
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Sorry bla bla bla was in reference to the off-topic chat about chelsea tractor images etc. Whilst I agree with it, it's completely irrelevant to
the OP!
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tul214
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| posted on 18/1/12 at 12:31 PM |
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quote:
Originally posted by loggyboy
quote:
Originally posted by michael kitching
bla bla bla?
i just basicly said the same as you have!
I think he was bla-ing at me!
And me!
1.6 Raw Super6 sold
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Ian Pearson
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| posted on 18/1/12 at 12:32 PM |
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A Toyota Landcruiser or Hi Lux will give you years of comfort and reliability with comfort. I grew up on a diet of Landrovers, but the Landcruiser
decimated the Landrover market for a reason. I worked in the oilfield in the Mid East for 7 years and the Landcruiser Pickup was the workhorse.
Rugged, reliable and extremely capable, it's also comfortable. I almost bought a Discovery a few years back, but after much research, ended up
with a 12v 80 Series Landcruiser. It'll legally tow up to 3.5 tonnes with ease, and seven years later I'm still driving a 22 year old car
that looks and drives like a car under ten years old.
It's thirsty though, but the 24v is slightly better. The Hi Lux is probably more fuel efficient. Do some research and don't rush your
decision.
Good Luck!
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