keg Posted June 10, 2016 Report Share Posted June 10, 2016 Here we go, cue the usual comments mostly from people who have never owned one. Maintained they are incredibly reliable, capable vehicles. The problems arise when they are abused by the ignorant and maintained by the tight fisted. I have owned a Series motor for 12 years way back when I worked in the oil industry, funny how, after returning from a rig to the car park where my vehicle had sat for three or four weeks, my old IIa would fire up and drive off whilst the boys in their beemers and mercs would be stuck there? My current 90 doesn't leak oil any worse than an equivalent 4x4. During the time I've owned it both my mates have had horrendously expensive and continuing problems with their Nissan Navaras. Bits that have fallen off, packed up, destroyed themselves or just utterly failed. One caveat, try to avoid the really early TD5's. I prefer my tried and tested 300Tdi to any of the modern variants, as I can still fix it without requiring a fangled diagnostic machine. +1 for the 300Tdi, it's the main reason i bought mine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keg Posted June 10, 2016 Report Share Posted June 10, 2016 Here he/she is. Are Defenders male or female? Up to you, mine is called the Red Barchetta. Cracking looking bit of kit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AVB Posted June 10, 2016 Author Report Share Posted June 10, 2016 I like shiny here's mine That's cracking. Some might complain that it's not a 'real Defender' but I like it. I must say in the less than 24 hours I have owned it I have been very surprised at how Defender owners acknowledge one another. Brings a smile to my face. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
malkiserow Posted June 10, 2016 Report Share Posted June 10, 2016 I like shiny here's mine Inspired by nature this one....... a ladybird. A smart motor there fella Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keg Posted June 10, 2016 Report Share Posted June 10, 2016 That's cracking. Some might complain that it's not a 'real Defender' but I like it. I must say in the less than 24 hours I have owned it I have been very surprised at how Defender owners acknowledge one another. Brings a smile to my face. Series owners do it sometimes but it is mainly Defender owners. Range Rover and all the new variant models don't do it either. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oowee Posted June 10, 2016 Report Share Posted June 10, 2016 Series owners do it sometimes but it is mainly Defender owners. Range Rover and all the new variant models don't do it either. Neither do Hilux owners I miss it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coldweld Posted June 10, 2016 Report Share Posted June 10, 2016 Its a 1994 200tdi . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rodp Posted June 10, 2016 Report Share Posted June 10, 2016 Last of the 200's then Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mick miller Posted June 11, 2016 Report Share Posted June 11, 2016 I don't have a second vehicle, they have always been a daily drive vehicle for me. My spectacles aren't rose tinted, I just know what I'm looking at so don't buy lemons to start with. New ones I just wouldn't want at all, all the problems of modern, electronically managed Land Rover with none of the comfort. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bostonmick Posted June 11, 2016 Report Share Posted June 11, 2016 I don't have a second vehicle, they have always been a daily drive vehicle for me. My spectacles aren't rose tinted, I just know what I'm looking at so don't buy lemons to start with. New ones I just wouldn't want at all, all the problems of modern, electronically managed Land Rover with none of the comfort. I have owned 2a and series 3 and now a 2.4 defender can you please tell me where they have hidden the comfort as I have never managed to find it.and as I said I am not only a previous owner of the brand and am not knocking them just giving the plain truth.one thing in the newer models favour is they are a lot faster so less time in them.;-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rodp Posted June 11, 2016 Report Share Posted June 11, 2016 I have owned 2a and series 3 and now a 2.4 defender can you please tell me where they have hidden the comfort as I have never managed to find it.and as I said I am not only a previous owner of the brand and am not knocking them just giving the plain truth.one thing in the newer models favour is they are a lot faster so less time in them.;-) They're not comfortable as in a luxury saloon, they don't have to be, that's what Disco's and Range Rovers are for ?? Why buy the worlds best off roader, built specifically for off road use, then question where the comfort is? It's a bit like buying a wheel barrow and moaning there's no heater. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bostonmick Posted June 11, 2016 Report Share Posted June 11, 2016 They're not comfortable as in a luxury saloon, they don't have to be, that's what Disco's and Range Rovers are for ?? Why buy the worlds best off roader, built specifically for off road use, then question where the comfort is? It's a bit like buying a wheel barrow and moaning there's no heater.[/quote I bought them for towing 3.5 ton.and mostly on roads.i also knew exactly what I was getting with each and every one of them.you fail to understand I am not knocking them just honest enough to give a true account on the ride.defend them against those who have never owned and just repeat stories they have heard but not against someone who runs them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mick miller Posted June 11, 2016 Report Share Posted June 11, 2016 I didn't say they were comfortable (although, I get more cramps and bad backs in cars and other 4x4s), I said the new ones you get all the drawbacks of engine management with none of the comfort. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rodp Posted June 11, 2016 Report Share Posted June 11, 2016 They're not comfortable as in a luxury saloon, they don't have to be, that's what Disco's and Range Rovers are for ?? Why buy the worlds best off roader, built specifically for off road use, then question where the comfort is? It's a bit like buying a wheel barrow and moaning there's no heater.[/quote I bought them for towing 3.5 ton.and mostly on roads.i also knew exactly what I was getting with each and every one of them.you fail to understand I am not knocking them just honest enough to give a true account on the ride.defend them against those who have never owned and just repeat stories they have heard but not against someone who runs them. I didn't say they were comfortable (although, I get more cramps and bad backs in cars and other 4x4s), I said the new ones you get all the drawbacks of engine management with none of the comfort. Fair enough, and fair enough. Just winds me when folk buy what is obviously a vehicle with off road bias (and a very effective one it has to be said) then moan it's not a luxury vehicle. Land Rover didn't need to make it luxurious and compromise it's working heritage, they already make the luxury version (and again, it's the one other maker aspire to) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mick miller Posted June 11, 2016 Report Share Posted June 11, 2016 To be honest, on long journeys, it's way more comfortable than my wife's Audi. Maybe I'm an odd shape? It is more cramped when shooting from the driver position than a lot of other 4x4s, but that is easily sorted with a clip on rifle rest. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AVB Posted June 14, 2016 Author Report Share Posted June 14, 2016 I took her (still no name) in today to a local Defender specialist for a check over. I know I should have done that before buying but I didn't. I tend to kick the tyres, let my heart rule my head and then worry about what I have let myself in for. Anyway the prognosis wasn't too bad A couple of knackered hinges (I had spotted those) Both front doors cracked and need a small weld New pedal rubbers ((I had spotted those) New speedo light (I had spotted that) One suspension bush New rear diff (I am trying to get this covered by the warranty that I got with it) Overall they said it was a good 'un. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GSP84 Posted June 17, 2016 Report Share Posted June 17, 2016 (edited) We did 1000 miles in our this week around north wales, it's more comfortable than my 5 series, mainly because you can move about and are not locked into these rubbish tight sports seats most new cars come with. It's got plenty of character, but even my wife has got used to that. There is a technique to 'shutting the doors' and you get wet when it's raining, plus water running through the fuse box seems normal pre 2007 when it's raining lol. I'd suggest there is always some value in doing a training day with a professional or going out with some people that know how to use one and all its functions. It's surprising how quickly you can also become unnecessarily stuck. Knowing what one is capable of give you more confidence too. image hosting site over 5mb Edited June 17, 2016 by GSP84 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rodp Posted June 17, 2016 Report Share Posted June 17, 2016 I took her (still no name) in today to a local Defender specialist for a check over. I know I should have done that before buying but I didn't. I tend to kick the tyres, let my heart rule my head and then worry about what I have let myself in for. Anyway the prognosis wasn't too bad A couple of knackered hinges (I had spotted those) Cheap Both front doors cracked and need a small weld Ignore it, they'll crack again New pedal rubbers ((I had spotted those) Dirt cheap,consumable item New speedo light (I had spotted that) Easy change One suspension bush Only one ? New rear diff (I am trying to get this covered by the warranty that I got with it) Why new diff ? Overall they said it was a good 'un. Looks like you've done OK Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vinny123 Posted June 17, 2016 Report Share Posted June 17, 2016 just keep on top of servicing and jobs that need doing and it will last a long while.my 300 tdi is 21 years old i would like to to see any navaras at this age lol .done replaced a power steering pump last night 1-1/2 hours no computers needed Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rodp Posted June 17, 2016 Report Share Posted June 17, 2016 And never, ever buy Britpart bits !! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vinny123 Posted June 17, 2016 Report Share Posted June 17, 2016 too true about britpart. but it did replace both swivels everything needed in a kit and so far 3yrs in they are spot on still.but i know what you mean.we have a lot of knockers on defenders on here but with all trucks look after them and they will look after you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rodp Posted June 17, 2016 Report Share Posted June 17, 2016 too true about britpart. but it did replace both swivels everything needed in a kit and so far 3yrs in they are spot on still.but i know what you mean.we have a lot of knockers on defenders on here but with all trucks look after them and they will look after you. Look after it and it will outlast you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keg Posted June 17, 2016 Report Share Posted June 17, 2016 just keep on top of servicing and jobs that need doing and it will last a long while.my 300 tdi is 21 years old i would like to to see any navaras at this age lol .done replaced a power steering pump last night 1-1/2 hours no computers needed Mine is 20 this year. Why the new Diff AVB? What did they saw was wrong with it? For a 13 yr old vehicle, that's not bad. If you get a chance and they aren't already fitted, change the dash lights to LEDs, makes a world of difference, v cheap on the web. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AVB Posted June 19, 2016 Author Report Share Posted June 19, 2016 They said the diff had a lot of play in it (they mentioned 2-3 inches of movement). The price of a recon unit wasn't too bad (£350) and the dealer I bought it from is contributing to it so I am getting it done. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keg Posted June 20, 2016 Report Share Posted June 20, 2016 That sounds fair and reasonable. Any names yet? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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