Henry_b

Think outside, no box required.
Arguably LR most versatile vehicle atleast in my opinion

Does everything a Defender can do ;) And tbh most of what the P38 can/could do. ;)

My motor still continues to impress me whenever I take her out, whether it's to anchor a 3 ton tractor behind it or to simply get from A to B, the thing amazes me.

It has all the creature comforts, but she's still simple enough to be spanner'd on relatively easily.

looks great and spacious inside.

Gets ok MPG

anything for our fellow D2'ers to add?

As to why you have and like the D2?
And the Million pound question, would you have another?

I would, OBVS lol
 
I would have another one.
At least after 5 years of ownership I'd know what to look for and would be happy to walk away if I wasn't happy.
In hindsight, I maybe should have walked away from the one I bought, but they are so rarely up for sale over here that I wasn't exactly spoilt for choice.
That said, the chassis on mine is excellent, it's been everything else that has given me problems :D
 
I have a theory that Land Rovers get a worse reliability reputation than most cats because A they are kept running for much longer than other cars and B people do fit low quality aftermarket parts seeing as there are so many available for little money. I can cope with most things but the water ingress is the one that gets me. Otherwise they are great fun and so versatile
 
It is said that 3/4 of all LRs ever built are still on the road, or Sorned. Like to see another car manufacturer equal that, if true.
I like both D1s and my D2, but wouldn't go for anything later. agree absolutely re the versaitlity of them.
 
As to why you have and like the D2?
And the Million pound question, would you have another?

You've summed up my answer to Q1 quite nicely already and my answer to question 2 is yes, I did. Had my first one for 5 years (new 2002 ex demo from 2003 - 2008) then had 5 different Defenders before coming back to D2. Had my current one 3 years and no plans to off load it at present.
 
In my opinion, the best Land Rover never built, would have been a defender body on a D2 chassis and running gear.
 
I have a theory about car technology which says that for those of us that want to be able to spanner our own vehicles and therefore be able to take them to places where sophisticated workshops may not be available, there is a sweet spot from about the mid 90s to the mid 00s. During that decade cars were modern enough to be really comfortable, but not so complicated or reliant on computers that only a main dealer can work on them. This also means that they are less susceptible the availability of IT spares which quickly become obsolete and so limit the longevity of the car.
The D2 and P38 sit right in the bracket, the D3 and L322 just outside. My Gen3 Volvo V70 D5 also sits just outside which is why I cannot repair or replace the broken radio. My wife's Jag XE is way, way, way outside, but touch wood is still working fine.
I think the Defender extended the bracket to 2015 and if the Toyota 70 Series Troopy were available in Europe, the bracket would still be open, but in truth neither are particularly comfortable.
So for self-supported overland travel what modern vehicle would you replace a D2 with?
 
Had mine for nearly 3 years, after my Freelander sadly passed away!
Would not change it now, the more work I have to do to keep her running! The more I enjoy the pleasure of understanding how it's put together and the ease of repair.
I have just fixed the offside front wheel bearings, ball joints, track Rod and had time to sort out the front steel bumper.

And still drive it and pass new cars waiting for recovery on the side of the road (the ones that you need an "ology" for from NASA) and yes have seen many D3,4 and see my first D5 last week on the back of an AA flatbed:eek:.

I have "Not" gone past a D1 or 2 as yet? (Probably still on the drive being fixed :D;))

And yes would buy another in a heartbeat.
 
Had mine for nearly 3 years, after my Freelander sadly passed away!
Would not change it now, the more work I have to do to keep her running! The more I enjoy the pleasure of understanding how it's put together and the ease of repair.
I have just fixed the offside front wheel bearings, ball joints, track Rod and had time to sort out the front steel bumper.

And still drive it and pass new cars waiting for recovery on the side of the road (the ones that you need an "ology" for from NASA) and yes have seen many D3,4 and see my first D5 last week on the back of an AA flatbed:eek:.

I have "Not" gone past a D1 or 2 as yet? (Probably still on the drive being fixed :D;))

And yes would buy another in a heartbeat.
D2’s are normally led on there side across 3 carriageways with a caravan on the back
 
D2’s are normally led on there side across 3 carriageways with a caravan on the back
Have not seen any down south, east and west yet! Will be traveling up north in a couple of weeks and will check then! Hahaha :p
 
That's all well and good, but is it easy to wash and polish?

:p

Rain and deep water etc washes mine and hedges that are too close together 'polishes' it.
Although, the secret of an even polish is to maintain the same pressure along both sides of the car.
Too much on one side is NOT good...

Annual washing at Billing:

washing....JPG

Polishing not going according to plan:

polishing 'accident'.jpg

If you're reading this Chris, THANKS!!!
 
I have a theory that Land Rovers get a worse reliability reputation than most cats because A they are kept running for much longer than other cars and B people do fit low quality aftermarket parts seeing as there are so many available for little money. I can cope with most things but the water ingress is the one that gets me. Otherwise they are great fun and so versatile
When you say water ingress, do you mean rain or when you wash it?
I had it bubbling out of the heater vents that day!
My mate, who was a passenger at the time, keeps reminding me now every time we drive off tarmac that "THIS ISN'T A BLOODY SUBMARINE!" :D:D
 

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