Thread: Talk me into a Deefer vs a JK Unlimited

Hi All

I'm soon to purchase another 4x4, and I've narrowed my search down to either a 110 (might consider a 90) Defender or a JK Unlimited Wrangler.

I've been doing the research, here and elsewhere around the interwebs, about the pros and cons of each, and I'd like some opinions from seasoned Defender owners around here. My main criteria is as follows:

1. Daily Driver from Gold Coast to Brisbane on the M1 - It has to be diesel - I do 700kms a week just getting to and from work so I need to see some decent fuel economy (currently driving a 350Z that gives me just over 700kms to a 65l tank on highway cycle so it would need to be no worse than that.) It must be comfortable. As stated, I spend a lot of time in the car, so I need to be able to walk when I get out, and I need to enjoy being in it when I'm driving. Automatic gearbox is a big plus, as traffic in a manual car is murder sometimes.
2. Required for occasional camping trips - 2 adults, a dog and a kayak, but a fair bit of camping gear (big tent, big fridge, big collapsible bed etc). Space, and the way it can be organised is a big factor here. My previous 4x4s were a mad little Jimny (no space at all) and an XJ Cherokee (just enough space).
3. Also required for weekly/fortnightly fairly serious off roading, including some mud work, but mostly pointing it up and down places it really shouldn't be able to go. I'll require at least 33s (probably 35s) and lockers front and rear. Some seriously twisty articulation from the suspension will be required also. Obviously whichever is easier or more cost effective to achieve this will go a long way.

To my points above, I have come up with the following about these two vehicles:

1. The Jeep might edge out the Deefer in this test due to the more modern and nicer looking interior, automatic gearbox and decent stereo out of the box. What can you tell me about driving the Deefer in traffic? Is it as much of a pain as any other car, or does the diesel motor allow you to crawl along in 1st along with the auto cars? I have read that the Defender seats are quite comfortable also, but I would probably look to install some more form fitting, comfy seats. Both vehicles' diesel engines should return similar fuel economy figures.
2. The Defender surely wins this test with the ample space for gear and the quite literal situation of the back of the car opening up as a door to get stuff in and out. Roof racks appear to be easier and cheaper to fit to the Deefer also.
3. Probably even between the two in this test. If I search around long enough I can probably find a Wrangler with the Offroad pack which includes rear locker and auto swaybar disconnects. From what I've read about the Defender though, is that minimal lift is required to fit big tyres, and there are still some good options for lockers. Both score well in the twisty articulation stakes.

So that's it. Apologies for the long drawn out post, but I was hesitant to just state "which one should I choose?". I'd rather show that I've done some significant research first.

Any thoughts on the above, or anything I haven't considered would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Originally Posted by 2stroke

Have you had a test drive of both? Don't know about the Jeep diesel but I'm guessing It is available in auto. I doubt it will have the economy you're looking for though. I think the Deefa is more offroad durable out of the box but most Jeeps you see on the tracks have all custom suspension etc.

I've driven a diesel auto Jeep so far, and was impressed with the power delivery of the 2.8l 4 cyl. The fuel economy figures that most people are getting are around 9l/100kms on the highway, which is quite acceptable. Can the Defender do better?