Thread: Should I buy a defender?

Thanks everyone for your thoughts!

My budget is up to about $35000 so based on that i can get a fairly decent defender with some extras but ks from 80000 and up. I would like as little ks as possible but budget restricts my options a little. Thanks again!

300RWKW Ute? Not sure if you're asking what it meant but it has 300 rear wheel kilowatts of power 400+horse power.

In a 'word', yes!

To your first question.... I have always said that it is pretty close to the most uncomfortable, and least convenient of cars to own, but I wouldn't change it for anything. There are more rational of cars to own, but is that what we are here for, being rational? This is a vehicle that is about the trip and not the destination, even if that trip is just to the local shops.
Afterall, we buy with our heart (emotion) and defend our decision with our brain (logic). So buy what makes you excited, and all else will follow.

Regarding your comment on budget, etc....
I purchased mine with around 80k on clock, and have been very diligent with servicing and giving the ol'girl what ever she needs, instead of 'cutting corners'; she has never left me stranded.
To date (175k), I have replaced the fuel pump, a couple relays, a couple of swivel hubs seals, and the rear half-shaft seals....not to bad IMO.

Enjoy!

G'day Josh.
If your wife will be driving it and you think she is happy in something a little agricultural then 'yes', go for it.
If you think she will be happy I'm sure you'll love it. These vehicles get under your skin - they have real character.
This is over budget but there is a beaut for sale in Tamworth at the mo. 2013 model with 10k km - like new! And it has several after market bits on it. And it's the right colour. White! (You won't get stressed with a white one when it gets scratched on narrow tracks - and it will!)
2013 Land Rover Defender 110 13MY
Buy one and enjoy!

I test drove a Defender in 2010 when we were looking. We ended up getting a Dmax as we couldn't resolve the parking issue at the time cos of the carport height. I still remember that drive as the most fun I have had driving a car. I didn't take it off-road but from the seating position I imagine it will be a lot easier than my Dmax.

My wife drove it as well and had to have first go and for someone who doesn't like driving I reckon I'll need to hide the keys when we get our 110 wagon in June.

Take one for a test drive and you will have a pretty good idea after that.

Land Rover ergonomics are in a differant universe to Jap stuff. Take up the suggestions of very long test-drives, both of you. You will either like or loathe it, and despite the normal advice of going with your first impressions, take some time to get yourself used to them. Or not...
People who find Holden seats "comfortable" will find it hard to adapt to the upright LR philosophy...

Compared to my old Pajero, the Classic steering wheel is way to close, and yet the accelerator is too far away. Not only, but the amount of travel to get full power is ridiculous.
Today, I almost prefer it... My 6'+ son complained of the same things...and now I can't get him out of MY car.

One of life's satisfactions is successfully fixing things....and LR can give you plenty of practice, usually replacing or adjusting things that the Japs have had sorted for decades. If you object to silly maintenance items, then stick with boring Jap cars.

Depending on where you want to go, you can get great off-road ability with a lot more comfort in a well-sorted D2a. - diesel. - And still have change out of your 35K

No matter how great a 'Deafener' is in the Ruff Stuff, most of your driving will be on smooth(ish) roads, where you may as well have comfort.

Test-drive some D2s as well.

Originally Posted by Joshmorg

Thanks everyone for your thoughts!

My budget is up to about $35000 so based on that i can get a fairly decent defender with some extras but ks from 80000 and up. I would like as little ks as possible but budget restricts my options a little. Thanks again!

300RWKW Ute? Not sure if you're asking what it meant but it has 300 rear wheel kilowatts of power 400+horse power.

I know exactly what you meant. Had lots of V8s before the Defender. The point I was trying to make, well what I have realized anyway, is that whilst I've had lots of powerful cars, & loved them, the Defender has shown me a whole new dimension......not that I wouldn't mind 300RWKW in a Defender,...now that would be "interesting"!
Cheers, Pickles.

A defender is more than just a car.It is a living thing with its own personality. If you buy one there will be times when you will say"BLOODY DEFENDERS" but most of the time you will love it if you accept that,being hand built,it WILL have a personality of its own.I've had my td5 130 for over 5 years and still love it,most of the time

Very happy with my 2003 Defender 90. No major problems and the air-con is v-cold even out Longreach way.