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New Defender?


Mightymariner
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I don't want to start the "it's not a Defender, it's a Chelsea tractor" debate again.

I am after some honest opinions of anyone who has one of the new Defenders or has had a test drive, or other knowledge.

My last Defender was stolen a few weeks back (second one I have had stolen) and I am considering what to have next.

I like the look of the new Defender, and would like to see the hard top 90 when restrictions allow. Prices are high but leasing might be an option.

Alternatively I could go for another Defender of similar vintage to the 2012 tdci I had stolen. However, I am not sure I dare given I live on a main road and also prices have gone through the roof. Or, I have considered getting a Series 111 for shooting.

So, your opinions?

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I've had may series motors, you'll be constantly tinkering and looking for parts.  You'll probably need to buy a welder if you haven't got one already. Not that there's anything wrong with that as long as you're pre pared for it.

Can't comment on the new defender, not been in one yet.

I'd have an older defender if it wasn't for the tinkering and high probability of theft to be either ringed or broken for parts.

Given the option of any, and IF I could still tinker, I'd go for another 2a.

My last landy built from galvanised chassis upwards, "Mable"

 

 

20210115_163146.jpg

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Rumour has it that 70%
of parts are shared with the rest of the Landrover line, which is enough to put me off on the basis of unrepairability. But I keep cars forever, if you keep yours for a short while then move them on I’m sure they are wonderful. 

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3 hours ago, Scully said:

Local vet has one and he loves it, mind you you he’s a big Landrover fan and also owns a Disco’ Sport and an Evoque. He is currently having a S1 restored which his Father bought new in the late ‘40’s. 🙂

Typical vet huh?.......they have Beemers around here and Merc's.........think they must do a sideline in drugs to make ends meet

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7 hours ago, Walker570 said:

I'm sure it is a fine vehicle until it goes wrong.  The old Defenders, certainly pre 1995 where like big Meccano sets and you could get bits for them and repair them very easily. I do not believe this would be the same with the new one ....... back to the Distributor with cheque book.

Aye. All you needed was a hammer and a bigger hammer. Now you need a degree in electrical engineering and more swear words than is acceptable in anything but the most impolite company...

7 hours ago, Mightymariner said:

I don't want to start the "it's not a Defender, it's a Chelsea tractor" debate again.

I am after some honest opinions of anyone who has one of the new Defenders or has had a test drive, or other knowledge.

My last Defender was stolen a few weeks back (second one I have had stolen) and I am considering what to have next.

I like the look of the new Defender, and would like to see the hard top 90 when restrictions allow. Prices are high but leasing might be an option.

Alternatively I could go for another Defender of similar vintage to the 2012 tdci I had stolen. However, I am not sure I dare given I live on a main road and also prices have gone through the roof. Or, I have considered getting a Series 111 for shooting.

So, your opinions?

Depressingly, they're getting stolen to order, either to be sold as complete vehicles or for the astronomical prices that parts are starting to command. People can be horrible. Sorry to hear yours got stolen. My mum's first went too. She had a 110 and they were getting nicked as specialist ram-raid vehicles. 

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I have seriously thought of buying one as well, looked at lots of reviews but reviews these days all seem to be PC. My biggest concern is the electronics in the new Defender, not something JLR have a good reputation on. I decided to leave it for a couple of years and see how they go. My replacement for the moment is a BMW X5 m sport, the v6 Diesel is a lovely motor.

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We have a tuning company across the road from us at work and they seem to be getting stacks in at the moment along with range rovers as being the local footballers cars of choice.

From what I have seen the most basic would probably be ok for countryside use but otherwise the bling factor is unlikely to be that compatible with mud and hedges

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2 minutes ago, oowee said:

Awesome off road but you would have to be brave to risk it. Even with my Hilux at half the price I think twice about some of the places I have to drive to. 

And there lies the problem; it is priced for those who want the latest fashion item in SUVs (almost) regardless of cost - not the person who wants a good working vehicle.  The top versions are over £100K .........

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17 hours ago, MrPhantom said:

Well it wasn’t too shabby on Top Gear just now.

I really enjoyed last nights episode. Especially the bloke hanging out of the vehicle with his 11-87. 🙂👍

I think the new ones will grow on me eventually, but I don’t like that back. Saw a smart one in town the other day, but it still looks like they ran out of ideas when it came to designing the back. 

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29 minutes ago, Scully said:

I really enjoyed last nights episode. Especially the bloke hanging out of the vehicle with his 11-87. 🙂👍

I think the new ones will grow on me eventually, but I don’t like that back. Saw a smart one in town the other day, but it still looks like they ran out of ideas when it came to designing the back. 

You're way more observant than me, I was struggling to ID the s/auto. Hope he picked up his empties 😃

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I'll take it serious as a proper defender when the Army start using them as general service vehicles, even duty vehicles.

Can it be hosed out inside when full of mud, or have 4 or 5 blokes throw their kit in and then stand on the bumpers. FFR?

Untill then it's a Disco or Range Rover spin off. Not that there's anything wrong with them, just wouldn't want a couple of sheep or even drums of fuel in the back of my Rangey 🙂

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  • 2 weeks later...

I’ve a td5 110 and was seriously waiting on the new defender coming out with a view to buying one !,,,, but no ! I’m not , it’s the price putting me off mostly , the fact they are so posh , for want of a better word , inside and there’s just way too many electrics ! I wanted a new reliable workhorse I can throw wet dogs in , muddy coats , wellies and not worry 

         I’m still in two minds about what to get , so disappointed with jlr , at minute I’m favouring an Isuzu 

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