Cawdor118 Posted November 19, 2014 Report Share Posted November 19, 2014 I'm after a new vehicle for everything, my heads saying go with the Hilux - reliable, relatively comfortable, practical and just generally a good all round vehicle. However my heart has always wanted a Defender 90... Unreliable, uncomfortable, cold, poor fuel consumptions- however I have ALWAYS wanted one. I have never owned a defender... They say you should never own your dream car. What do you think? What to do? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
V8 90 Posted November 19, 2014 Report Share Posted November 19, 2014 My thoughts - Defenders are the most stolen vehicle in the UK - Fact !! The Hilux will serve you well & take you everywhere you need to go - it's more likely to remain your property too But there's "something" about owning a Defender - I had a 1989 V8 90 CSW for a few years & it put a massive smile on my face every time I drove it :good: If you do buy a Defender get the best security fitted to it you can find & even then don't leave it where the scum can lift it onto a truck with a Hiab Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
docholiday Posted November 19, 2014 Report Share Posted November 19, 2014 Defender cos they are just fun Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elmafud Posted November 19, 2014 Report Share Posted November 19, 2014 Personally I would have a hilux, all the people I know with landies have problems with them, but they love em still. Get a hilux with rear diff lock and it will not disappoint. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spandit Posted November 19, 2014 Report Share Posted November 19, 2014 Defenders run on 2-stroke, roughly equal amounts of fuel and oil needed to keep them going (and that's not including the Waxoyl!) Charming, but I don't miss mine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
digger Posted November 19, 2014 Report Share Posted November 19, 2014 hi lux rolls like a barge. I had one as a company car. speed humps were like being in the channel in a force six ! sat navigation was a pig. lovely to look at bug prefer the Amorak Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
four-wheel-drive Posted November 19, 2014 Report Share Posted November 19, 2014 I would say get a defender drive it about for six months then put it in part exchange for something better Ie the Hilux but you will enjoy it much more this way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jgguinness Posted November 19, 2014 Report Share Posted November 19, 2014 (edited) Life is too short, go with your heart. If you have always wanted one then scratch that itch. Chances are you will love it. Other Defender drivers wave, you will have a smile on your chops, will get you anywhere and if you really dislike it, you can sell and won't have lost anything. Edited November 19, 2014 by jgguinness Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Konnie Posted November 20, 2014 Report Share Posted November 20, 2014 defenders are fun, better clearance than hi-lux lot of said 4x4 are getting lower to the ground with trims etc. the defender is a large mecharno set if you are practical but has little luxuries loved mine, they are theft magnet wheel clamp and steering lock recommended atb Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the_commoner Posted November 20, 2014 Report Share Posted November 20, 2014 ive had 6 defenders, always been reliable, they just keep on going ..... 5 of the 6 were 200 & 300tdi's ...... awesome engines they are however noisy and not as comfortable they will go anywhere THE most fun vehicle ive ever owned bar none Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
four-wheel-drive Posted November 20, 2014 Report Share Posted November 20, 2014 ive had 6 defenders, always been reliable, they just keep on going ..... 5 of the 6 were 200 & 300tdi's ...... awesome engines they are however noisy and not as comfortable they will go anywhere THE most fun vehicle ive ever owned bar none This makes me think about the old couple who always go to Clackton on sea for there holidays asked why they said we do not no why we just do and always have done for the last 50 years. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ditchman Posted November 20, 2014 Report Share Posted November 20, 2014 never mind a new one.....they are for hairdressers....................if you have that sort of dosh buy a really nice seris 2...galv chassis ....capstan winch...soft top.......and use it when you really need to use it..........then spend to rest of the money on some sort of jap stuff that when you press a button it keeps your bottom warm ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fuji Shooter Posted November 20, 2014 Report Share Posted November 20, 2014 If you can fit in one and have movement in your right arm get a Defender - it will also be your next hobby Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thepasty Posted November 20, 2014 Report Share Posted November 20, 2014 hilux defenders are **** Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fendrover90 Posted November 20, 2014 Report Share Posted November 20, 2014 ive had 6 defenders, always been reliable, they just keep on going ..... 5 of the 6 were 200 & 300tdi's ...... awesome engines they are however noisy and not as comfortable they will go anywhere THE most fun vehicle ive ever owned bar none I'm now on my 3rd def 90 none of which were sold through mechanical faults downtime or excessive failures I don't know where people get the idea that all defenders are unreliable I've only ever done brakes and a clutch it's true that a hi lux would be a more useable daily vehicle but I doubt a hilux would stand the punishment I tend to give my defender and it certainly wouldn't go where mine can Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
four-wheel-drive Posted November 20, 2014 Report Share Posted November 20, 2014 never mind a new one.....they are for hairdressers....................if you have that sort of dosh buy a really nice seris 2...galv chassis ....capstan winch...soft top.......and use it when you really need to use it..........then spend to rest of the money on some sort of jap stuff that when you press a button it keeps your bottom warm ! If I could afford to have two cars a nice comfortable car as my daily driver and an old Landy like you say that would be my dream but for me Landys are a bit agricultural for driving on the road most of the time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
archiebald Posted November 20, 2014 Report Share Posted November 20, 2014 Defender all the way! Easy and cheap to maintain and fix, hold their value, tough as old boots, and most of all great fun to drive! They are a hobby to own! Go for it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cawdor118 Posted November 20, 2014 Author Report Share Posted November 20, 2014 The decision is crippling me! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michufc Posted November 20, 2014 Report Share Posted November 20, 2014 I have had 4 defenders now and every time I sold one it was because I was sick of working on it. I now have a l200 so maintenance free so far. Each time I sold the defender I said I wouldn't get another one but between me and you I don't think I have got them out of my system yet but rehab is keeping them at bay for now. If you have never had one just go for it and get it out of your system Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matone Posted November 21, 2014 Report Share Posted November 21, 2014 Buy an older LR to play with and something from Japan to actually use . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Bb Posted November 21, 2014 Report Share Posted November 21, 2014 Defenders are great second cars! I find the 90 too small for even two people with luggage and the rear seats really eat your useable space. Also the road tax on newer ones is crippling! As has been said above, go for an older Defender to play with and something else to get from A to B on metalled roads. Had a Defender as a second car for the lat 15 years and really missing one now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bostonmick Posted November 21, 2014 Report Share Posted November 21, 2014 a shooting partner of mine was looking for a new car 4x4 he sold the disco he had used for the past twelve years which to be fair gave him very few problems.he asked my opinion and I told him I did not think the landrover was for him.anyway he bought a new 90 had a few bits added and paid over 26k for it.he collected it 3 months ago and drove it the 180 miles to his home it has now covered 400 miles as he or his wife cant stand being in it.they have a twenty year old golf they use every day.and he is looking to get another car.and it will be Japanese. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cawdor118 Posted November 21, 2014 Author Report Share Posted November 21, 2014 I really really want to do the defender however the practicality of 4 seats is getting at me! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silver pigeon69 Posted November 21, 2014 Report Share Posted November 21, 2014 (edited) There is a saying in the middle east: If you want to go into the desert, take a Landrover......... If you want to come back take a Hilux ! edit: spelling Edited November 21, 2014 by silver pigeon69 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pastiebap Posted November 21, 2014 Report Share Posted November 21, 2014 For a while I had a Defender 110 in work; It was cold, The heater was awful, It was cramped up front unless you're a midget, It was thirsty, It was unreliable, It was slow on the road, It was loud inside. And I absolutely adored it. Everytime I drove it I ended up with a massive smile on my face. Would I buy one? Head says no way, buy a HIlux. Heart says YES YES YES. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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