Datatek said:

A decent Shogun/Pajero is bloody expensive, that is why I now have a P38

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I had a 2.8 TD Shogun LWB a few years back. Nice enough to drive but it was an absolute alcoholic on fuel. 20-23 mpg. The rear chassis was rotten on it as well and needed a fair bit of work. EGR valve gave a lot of bother on it as well and in all honesty, it wasnt that powerful.
My brother has an 04 Hilux 2.5D4d. Another good jeep and he loves it off road for farming. Hasnt had any real issues with it mechanically other than a rotten fuel tank and sender unit. He would say that it likes a drink as well and is only getting around 23mpg unladen.

I don't think the numbers work for you mate. That kind of budget probably won't get you a decent defender or cover the work they inevitably need. That's not to say there isn't a bargain to be had but prices are going up and finding that diamond in the rough is becoming increasingly difficult.

Well I don't mind spending 5K but of course the more I spend the more I expect.

My experience with landys has always been that whether you spend a minimum, or blow your budget, and regardless of whether you get the diamond, or the lemon, if it's a land rover, you're going to need to spend money on it sooner rather than later.

To that end, I'm going to aim for around 4K, and then like most people, regard it as a rolling project. I've never owned a defender but have driven them in many different walks of life and I fear that if I don't own one soon, with prices going only one way, I never will.

We presently own 3 L200 warriors. 2 2002 ones and a 2004.

All excellent vehicles, and I dont know what everyones crying about the turning circle for. Its fine, I never struggle to park.

Handling wise - They are designed as a work truck but to be fair I feel happier caning the L200 down a lane more than my 110. Many L200's are abused though and people dont look after them. A set of decent dampers makes a world of difference. Also watch the pitman arms as they get sloppy and make it handle like a bag of spanners.

Reliability - Been excellent, of the 5 I have had over the years only our present 04 one has ever been any bother. Make sure they have not have the power chip fitted as this makes them into a grenade just waiting to go wrong.

I paid £2100 for the 04, and £1800 a pop for the 2 2002 ones. All with hardtops, leather etc etc and with reasonable mileage.

My 2002 silver one is my commuter vehicle and does 30mpg all day long - with egr removed, and the intercooler pipework sorted out. Presently on 170,000 miles. The centre propshaft bearing went yesterday which is the first jip I have had with it. £25 for the replacement.

Leaks NO oil, uses no oil, loses no water, runs on veg oil. Does 95 mph, cruises down the motorway quite happily at 70mph in comparative quietness (compared to a defender!)

Whats not to like?

I wouldnt pay £4000 for one though, as said ours were all half that price.

My old l200 (a 1998 one) did 320,000 miles before the chassis rotted through.