Most sensible model for first timer

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mattie_uk

New Member
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4
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Edinburgh
Hi all

I'm working in Edinburgh and finding I'm not needing my car for a commute as much as when I lived in the south, so given I'll miss the functioning heater, comfortable seats and decent radio on a less frequent basis I'm interested in swapping my current car - a Freelander 2 - for a Defender in order to fulfil one of my ambitions. The missus has, to my surprise, given a slightly wavering consent for this but given her previous reticence I'll admit I've not really investigated options or, indeed, thought this through.

Any recommendations for a sensible model to consider would be appreciated. I'm looking to keep purchase cost down and have a modicum of reliability (it may still be needed for some commutes and longer motorway journeys for work), for which I'm prepared to sacrifice aesthetics, any semblance of niche value (I'm not fussed if it is not a generally desirable or sought after model) and feature. No kids to fit into back, so a 90 would be OK, and I've already begun to come to terms with likely hike in road taxes and drop in fuel economy.

Advice also on pratfalls to avoid - those that first time buyers would tend to make and regret - would be much appreciated.

I appreciate this is a broad request, happy to clarify any points if at all useful.

Cheers
 
Zoolander-Movie-GIFs.jpg
 
nobber said:
How much do you want to spend exactly?
Click to expand...

Budget not fixed, but as close to 5k as possible and would have trouble getting anything above 10k past the missus.

eta: I live in a flat with on-street parking which limits opportunities for doing my own running repairs, so keen to avoid a project or anything that would require too much continual work - I accept an old vehicle will ongoing maintenance which I'd currently need to rely upon a garage to do. This might impact choice and options.
 
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For 5k you can get a reasonable mid nineties defender but be careful thou as their some all fur and no knickers. Best type for no children is Commercial versions to make do your own. Nineties and One Tens have different anti rolling characters on those Scottish moors.
 
Have you driven one? You mention a 90 but they are very very small, the footprint is about the same size as a modern golf. In the back of a 90 you can fit either people, or luggage, or a dog, but not more than one of the above, and you will struggle to fit bikes in the back if it has seats. You would need to think about what you are going to use it for and if a 90 is appropriate, a 110 is not as huge as it once was when you compare it to other cars on the road.

If you are going to need it even occasionally for motorway work you will be looking at tdi or newer for the engine, and possible will want to consider either fitting or buying on which already has a discovery transfer box to increase the gearing.

Main pitfall - buy on condition NOT on age, mileage, looks etc.
Better off with a 30 year old vehicle with 300k on the clock that has been loved and cherished and wanted for nothing, than an 8 year old one with 90k that has been abused on a farm, never had an oil change, and given a quick coat of metallic paint and some "off road" accessories to make it pretty for a quick overpriced sale.
 
Plus do not forget extra security , lots of it , which can be a PITA if you are using it often for short trips.

But the good news is, if you buy a good one at the right price and decide it is not for you, then selling on should not be a problem.

Cheers
 
I wouldn't consider a 90 as they are too small. I think if I was in your situation I would be looking for a good 110, TD5. They area bit better for motorway trips and seem to have better creature comforts like heaters etc. And if your parking it on the street you will need to improve the security on it.
 
As this is going to be your first venture into Land Rovering, I would advise that, once you have found a few to have a look at, put a shout out on here and see if anyone is available with knowledge, hammer and screwdriver to give it a once-over.
There is a lot of experience available, and Skype is a great medium of communication.
 
Oldseadog said:
As this is going to be your first venture into Land Rovering, I would advise that, once you have found a few to have a look at, put a shout out on here and see if anyone is available with knowledge, hammer and screwdriver to give it a once-over.
There is a lot of experience available, and Skype is a great medium of communication.
Click to expand...

In a similar vein it may be worth trying to test drive a couple. If this is your first time driving one you will be in for a shock if you are used to modern cars, they are slow, noisy, and lean around corners. Is this something you will be bale to live with?
Driving a few will also give you a better idea of what they should feel like and will help you spot problems when you test drive one you are really interested in. However the best bet will be to talk to and preferabley take with you someone who is used to them.
 
I'd have to agree with @dag019, @mikescuba and @saxavordian, I've got a 90 CSW and it's practicalities are limited.
I could only fit one grown up bike in the back sensibly and there's no way of getting a kip without putting your feet up on something.
TBH honest my old Berlingo was more useful that way. That said it was a heart, not head, choice and I love it to bits (literally - it's a bit tatty).

+1 on all the security stuff - the new Defender defender looks interesting, that and the normal mechanical deterrants.
+2 on getting further advice here when you've found something that takes your fancy.

For what it's worth, I did a full engine and transmission oil change over Christmas out the front of the house - is a doddle, if a bit messy (big sheet of ply to protect the asphalt).

Good hunting mate, don't forget to show us what you end up with.

Oh, and show this to the missus....

image1 (002).jpeg
 
Turktowner said:
Uh-oh, the sleeping Tratter monster opens a rheumy eye... :eek:
Click to expand...
something like that mate, these kind of posts make me cringe. I 5k isn't going to get him anything that isn't going to require the poor guy to be lay under it several times a year practicing his new found vocabulary..... I paid 2800 for mine on a G reg 4 maybe 5 years ago with hardly any mechanical knowledge.. Now I can weld. I can do practically anything on it because I have had to due to the constant maintenance needed. Mine was full of expanding foam and filler. My advise would be take a magnet with you for the chassis and bulkhead, or keep the freelander :D

5k isn't going to get a galv chassis 90 nor will it buy a TD5 at the moment.
 
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