300bhp/ton
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It is a shame about the TDV6 engines and the risk, although I'm not sure how much chance there really is of an individual having an issue with one. And other car makes and engines also have issues too. Very rare for a vehicle to have no vices at all. No matter who makes it.
The TDV6 is used in many many vehicles, not just the D3/4. Jags, Pugs, Citroens. I suspect the actual percentage of failures is pretty low overall.
As said, if you don't need a 6 seater, take a look at the Range Rover's (including the L322). The TDV8 engine is very nice. I drove my Uncles L405 RR round Wales a few weeks back and got 32mpg from, which is superb considering the power output and performance of the things.
L322 full fat RR available with the 3.6 or 4.4 TDV8, easily within your budget. petrol V8's available too, but tbh I really don't think you'll get a frugal petrol in anything of this size/weight class with a good tow rating.
L320 Range Rover Sport can be had with the 3.6 TDV8. These use the same chassis as the D3/4 but a slightly shorter wheelbase.
L405 full fat Range Rover and L494 Range Rover Sport share a platform and many parts. Both very good vehicles and should be well within your budget. Lots of engine choices, although again the TDV8's probably the best of the bunch overall.
Unlike many above, I'd certainly still advocate a Land Rover product.
As for alternatives. I must admit I do rather like the Shogun. Overall very capable. But there is no denying that they are in a class down from the RR's and the like in terms of luxury. The interiors are very grey and plastic by comparison. Functional, but not very luxury. The are also pretty slow, only one engine option in the UK being the 3.2 diesel with just shy of 200hp. Good vehicles and several notches up in comfort/refinement over a traditional Defender, but very different to a Disco 4.
Wrangler - now these I do really like. Although like the Defender, prices are frankly nuts on them. I suspect your budget would get you into a JK, which was launched in the UK back in 2006 for just under £20k believe it or not. At some point along the way, Jeep doubled the price on them. So residuals are crazy strong. The JK is a very very good traditional live axle 4x4. It is closest in sprit to your current Defender, but built for recreation rather than utility. Early JK's could be had with a manual 6 speed gearbox, but are rare or a 4 speed auto. Around 2011 they got an interior facelift, a bit more power and all became autos (5 speed I think). The only engine in the UK is the 2.8 diesel. It gives similar performance to the 2.7 TDV6 Disco 3 or the Shogun. But much slower than a 3.0 TDV6 Disco 4 or the TDV8's.
Do remember the Wrangler is an off road focused recreational vehicle with a ladder frame chassis and live axles. While it will be more comfy and refined over a traditional Defender. It isn't the same class as a Disco 4 in this regard. They will drive like a proper 4x4. The roof is completely removable, as are the doors and the windscreen can even be folded down. A very cool and capable vehicle. But not a luxury setting by any means.
If you want to tow, you'll want to check the specs out. In the USA a Wrangler has a pitiful tow rating (not due to physics or mechanical parts, I believe due to politics & marketing, they'd rather you bought a pickup truck to tow with). In the UK they generally get a better tow rating than the US, but I think it is only the LWB Unlimited version, not the SWB 3 door one. Online specs also get these mixed up a lot. But well worth confirming before you buy.
The biggest thing with the JK Wrangler is, it was a completely new design in 2005 (USA launch). It didn't carry over any parts really. The Defender on the other hand was more of an evolution from 1983 thru to 2016. A Wrangler should be nicer on road than a Td5 or Puma Defender 110 in all regards.
The JL version of the Wrangler was lunched in 2017. But not sure if they would be in your budget. The JL improves on the JK in every area, with some new engine options and more tech inside.
For your budget, I suspect you could also look at an older G-Wagon if they take your fancy. Again quite similar to a Defender or Wrangler. But more comfort and refinement than the Defender. They also hold money well, but at least you could buy with the knowledge that it won't really depreciate.
There really is quite a lot of choice for £30-35k IMO.
Lots of crossover SUV's too if any take your fancy. Although many will be far less rugged and off road capable and a lot less 4x4 like. But depends what you want really. The Jag F-Pace/RR Velar siblings for instance. And lots of offerings from BMW, Merc etc. in this sector too.
