Chauch

Chauch

New Member
I have started the hunt for my Defender. Initially, the mental picture was a soft top 90 V8 with a minimum of 4 seats to accomodate the family - a garaged toy only to be rolled out for use at weekends, the odd bit of very light green laning and a burble to sort of replace my old TVR and a long history of sports cars.

Ideally, I would not spend more than about £5-6k and want something that fits the "tonka toy" mental image always pictured - the lift, spots, wheels, rock sliders etc (all for vanity reasons rather than necessity!).

Having started the hunt, I am told by many that it is very likely that the green laning WILL become addictive and that I should forget all about V8 burble and concentrate on the diesels. I also realise that an SW 90 looks the most likely candidate as 4 seats seems unlikely from a soft top.

Any advice (aside from comments on the self professed vanity statements please!!) very warmly received.
 
the v8's aint bad off road, a diesel if just better.

primarily, less susceptible to water. unless lots of time is spent waterproofing the V8, then it will not perform as well/at all when it gets wet, whereas the diesel just needs air above water, and ideally the alternator too.

the TDi's are not far off the power of a V8, and a half decent TDi will i rekon be as quick as a moderately tired V8.

The cost of fuel will also scare you off a V8.

That said, IF i could afford the fuel, I would buy a V8, with 2 large exhausts, and i would waterproof it. Cos i like the sound :)

Just the laughable fuel economy...
 
The fuel economy in low range will be amazingly bad.
I can go out for several hours in my tdi green laning on 20 pounds worth, same with the old series land rover.
Im trying to remember who told me the other day of a fuel figure of 9mpg when laning!


Lynall
 
Long standing argument this, been on the trialling scene for years and there has always been this general assumption ever since the 200 and 300 tdi came out that they're 'nearly as a powerful as a v8'.

Which isn't entirely true, what people don't remember is the Rover V8 is probably one of the most variable engines ever built. I don't profess to knowing the entire history of the motor but I seem to remember reading about a 2.7l supercharged version used in a limited edition run of sports cars, right up to the 5.0 engine found in TVR Griffiths and Chimaeras.

So when people compare a TDI to a V8 they're mostly thinking of the old tired 3.5 carbed units you'd find in early 90/110 station wagons and the original Stage One. Although they still sounded nice these really didn't pack much of a punch, but if you get anything that has been fitted with a later EFI motor be it a 3.5 or a 3.9 you can expect anywhere between a 40 and 60 bhp increase over the tdi, which is definitely noticeable!

If you do decide to go for a V8 of any description, if it hasn't got one fitted budget for an LPG kit. Although EFI motors are much better on fuel than original V8s you'll still be looking at low 20s much of the time, possibly less if you like the noise!
 
wiltshire landyman said:
really:eek:

i would like to see a tdi keep up with my v8 202bhp
what does a tdi have? around 130bhp so yeh pretty close i spose:doh:
Click to expand...

In Boydy's defence he's talking about factory fitted V8s, if you get a retrofitted one of which there's plenty about, or even a 50th 90 they'll be a different beastie altogether!
 
The early V8 even had restrictors in the inlets , and the V8s dont take that much to waterproof them for what you should be doing on a green lane, unless you want a submarine! The fuel consumption is getting on for twice that of a dismal tho.
4 seats in a ninety budget for folding face forwards they are not cheap , and a big roll cage if going soft top . JMHO
 
"Ideally, I would not spend more than about £5-6k and want something that fits the "tonka toy" mental image always pictured - the lift, spots, wheels, rock sliders etc (all for vanity reasons rather than necessity!)."

I would say you are heading to buy a vehicle just because of what it looks like rather than how good it actually is.
If I was buying a secondhand vehicle I would buy the straightest, most standard and best condition one I could find and then modify it to my own tastes, that way you can't be swayed over a £200 lift kit or a £50 line of spots across the windscreen. If you let your heart rule your head you could end up buying something completely unsuitable that puts you off LR ownership for life.
 
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A factory fitted low compression 3.5 V8 is no faster than a decent Tdi, and MUCH more thirsty. Go for the V8 if it's purely a toy, but if you want to use it for anything other than playing, it's got to be a Tdi unless you have VERY deep pockets to keep putting fuel in.
 
Many thanks for all of the replies guys.

I went to see a TD5 90 today and was most impressed with the powertrain as it does match the character of the Defender really well - possibly even enough to cancel any thoughts of the V8....

I agree completely about finding the right one and then adding mods myself - something I would really enjoy doing. The one I saw today was fairly basic....
 
Chauch said:
Many thanks for all of the replies guys.

I went to see a TD5 90 today and was most impressed with the powertrain as it does match the character of the Defender really well - possibly even enough to cancel any thoughts of the V8....

I agree completely about finding the right one and then adding mods myself - something I would really enjoy doing. The one I saw today was fairly basic....
Click to expand...
youve moved the goalposts now then:doh:

a td5 is a different kettle of fish to the tdi and far more tuneable
 
LOL - to be honest, I did not think a TD5 was an option within budget, but have seen a few within reach and like the one I saw very much today.
 
wiltshire landyman said:
youve moved the goalposts now then:doh:

a td5 is a different kettle of fish to the tdi and far more tuneable
Click to expand...

wilty mate - id give your LSE a shot against my TDi... ;)

However, as i said, if i had deep enough pockets id still go V8 and tune it lots. Silly power can be obtained with enough money.
 
Well, having looked at a few more, I have secured the TD5 today! Cannot believe I have found one I am so happy with. Let the journey (and maybe the open wallet surgery) begin :)

Thanks for your help guys....
 
Chauch said:
Well, having looked at a few more, I have secured the TD5 today! Cannot believe I have found one I am so happy with. Let the journey (and maybe the open wallet surgery) begin :)

Thanks for your help guys....
Click to expand...

Awesome. Get some pics up asap! :)
 
Sadly I am away with work for a week or so, so am only going to collect it on the 21st - what a long wait that is going to be!!
 
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