Mine has the usual leaks and is a bit slow but not too bad, but has power steering, good brakes, some extra soundproofing and out of the cars I've got, ironically its got the comfiest seats. I used to have a S2a years ago and this is a Rolls in comparison- but put in perspective to a Disco or Toyota... I would say drive one first...
 
I do really appreciate all of the insight here from those with no doubt lots of experience of the Defender (and the tone seems to be "be very careful!" :) ). As said I have driven one (very briefly) and that was now a few decades ago. I may be being a bit misty-eyed about the experience. I've just always loved the look, history, mojo or whatever you want to call it. And also quite bored with my Landcruiser...

I work from home and only really drive at weekends or when away for short breaks/holidays to somewhere remote out in the country to give the dogs (and family) a good run out. I don't usually do more than 2K miles a year. However, you've all made me cautious about moving to a Defender and I will certainly tread cautiously. But it seems like one day I'll be posting here about some problem or other if so I may be here one day asking for help of a different sort :).

Paul
 
Do it. Big, smelly, damp, cold, uncomfortable, noisy and those are some of its better points. I'm now in a position where I could have any car I like and it turns out a dented TD5 makes me happiest. You can always sell it if it's not for you.
 
Mudstyler said:
Do it. Big, smelly, damp, cold, uncomfortable, noisy and those are some of its better points.
Click to expand...

+1 - Do it. It's your life, they're you're choices or mistakes to make. It would be no use to me, as my legs are too bl@@dy long - but it is not for me, it's for YOU !!

Mudstyler said:
I'm now in a position where I could have any car I like and it turns out a dented TD5 makes me happiest. You can always sell it if it's not for you.
Click to expand...

Likewise :) - I was talking to someone the other day, he had an "old" :confused: Golf - 2008 (!!) - and he was moaning about it being "an old thing" :rolleyes: - I left him to it :p - we've a grown up daughter younger than either of our Discos :D
 
Disco1BFG said:
+1 - Do it. It's your life, they're you're choices or mistakes to make. It would be no use to me, as my legs are too bl@@dy long - but it is not for me, it's for YOU !!



Likewise :) - I was talking to someone the other day, he had an "old" :confused: Golf - 2008 (!!) - and he was moaning about it being "an old thing" :rolleyes: - I left him to it :p - we've a grown up daughter younger than either of our Discos :D
Click to expand...

That is because people are obsessed with outdoing the jones next door.
Whay they forget is all that jones nice gear belongs to the finance company!
 
I don't know what your budget is, but if you have deep pockets it could be worth looking at Windmill Garage Mellor near Blackburn.
They have been in business for years and seem to stock newer vehicles and are near you.
If you are in the market for a more budget vehicle watch out for:
  1. Rust.
  2. Rust.
  3. Rust.
  4. Badly repaired Rust.
  5. Lack of maintenance.
  6. Poor repairs.
  7. Weak / worn syncromesh onn2nd and 3rd gear.
  8. Silly modifications.
  9. Pointless modifcations.
  10. Disguised stolen vehicles.
  11. Disguised Rust.
  12. Rust.
  13. Rust.
As others have said, they are horrible to drive, they are basically a 1958 Series 2 body on a 1970 Range Rover chassis, fitted with progressively more refined engines.
Build quality peaked with the Series 1 Land Rover and gradually declined over the years.
 
I just recently bought a very nice Lexus (that my wife will be driving a huge amount more due to me working from home) so I think I can handle the agricultural nature of the landy as it'll be used so infrequently. I'll definitely be on the lookout for a decent one. I've a good friend who's very competent on vehicle maintenance who I will drag along (he's currently rebuilding an elderly Morris Minor).

Thanks again for all the warnings and the positive vibes!
 
Paul! said:
I just recently bought a very nice Lexus (that my wife will be driving a huge amount more due to me working from home) so I think I can handle the agricultural nature of the landy as it'll be used so infrequently. I'll definitely be on the lookout for a decent one. I've a good friend who's very competent on vehicle maintenance who I will drag along (he's currently rebuilding an elderly Morris Minor).

Thanks again for all the warnings and the positive vibes!
Click to expand...
Morris Minor. Now you are talking.
Ideal second car, nice drive, and minimal running costs as it is a historic vehicle.
You can even go into London.
 
Pappasmurf said:
Defenders are awesome. But you should not expect perfection, unless your paying £25k for a 2014/15. I bought a 1989 Ninety, with the original td engine. I bought it because it was £4k, and had a solid chassis, the rest is just bolt on stuff that I knew I would be doing. They are loud, uncomfortable, leaky and will require constant work. I love it, such a real driving experience. But then I've always preferred classic cars to modern crap.
Click to expand...
25K Euro nowadays seems like a dream. What do you put the present 110 in great shape will cost?
 
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