Thread: All discussions relating to the Defenders end of production

My 130 was $65K with no tray, a custom tray will add $4 - 5K from there. There seem to be plenty of dual cab cruisers around as well and you don't get much change from $80K from them. Ranger Wildtrack is also around $65 - 68K
The Iveco Daily is around $85K as well.

The NP Navara is about $10K cheaper but does not have the capacity or space of the other two.
I'd say that the going price for a heavy Duty dual cab is around the $70 - 80K price range

Regards,
Tote

When I was looking for something to replace my PUMA, in more of a ute style, this was about the only thing that got my pulse racing a little bit.



Settled for a Ford Ranger due to $$ and the 'reliability factor' of an IVECO, but if you were looking for something hard-core I can't think of anything else with the same capability.

I'd say that a number of people who would have bought a new Defender as a workhorse, would consider one of these.

Originally Posted by spudboy

Hey Mark - You might be right about the HiLux, but I got a reasonably up-spec Ford Ranger 3.2 6 speed manual for $51K brand new. I didn't think that was so bad. It is an XLT (not the WildTrack) and apart from the drum brakes and rear leaf springs I can't fault it. Even with the primitive suspension, it is very comfortable.

I sold my Puma 110 to change to it, and have been very happy. Never ever thought I'd own a Ford, but I've been converted. Brilliant vehicle.

A lot what the Defender should have been if they'd invested something in it 5 or 6 years ago. 3.2 engine is grunty as, and you can get an auto if you don't want to change gears yourself. How about that in a Defender?

Thanks for that info.
Seems the Ranger will get the nod over the other offerings at this stage.
..and yes definitely agree that motor box combo is nice and would be a very nice conversion for a Defender.
Shopping with the boy has been an experience.

IMO the Ranger is the most appealing (NB* appealing not necessarily best) out of the offerings and...if it came with discs and coils- I probably wouldn't choose the Defender over it.

I keep looking at all my mods on the Defender and most are tech upgrades and comfort features ie auto, power options, seating. The rest is just the usual accessories tossed on any make.
I figure if that's my minimum spec on an old project Defender, then it has to translate to that and more for most others on anything new.
I think the concept of a work vehicle has changed for the most part, with utes being more about an urban tough/cool accessory than a "no nonsense" tool.

I like the facelift on the Iveco...mmm

Glad I got my HD 2014 Defender for $50K then.

Most mid duty dual cabs are $35-40K. 70 series cruisers have always been a rip off.

Originally Posted by Tote

I'd be in the line behind Muppet......

The attraction of a Dodge Ram is that they have a liveable interior as well as having load carrying and towing capacity. One of my gripes with even the Wildtrack is that it just does not have the level of comfort that you can get in a wagon.
It will be interesting to see how the Ram 1500 goes if the Australian importer can persuade fiat Chrysler to do it in RHD.

Regards,
Tote

Had the pleasure of sitting my arse in a 3500 Laramie... what a beast. I don't think there's a chair in my entire house that is nearly as comfortable as the captains chair in that vehicle...
Not to mention the big displacement cummins diesel. Dat sound...

The RAM Laramie is the most ridiculous looking vehicle, and not comparable with a Defender whatsoever. Nor is the IVECO. Both are simply massive.

The ram and every other full size utility (pick up truck) are fit for purpose.
And for this reason, I'm actually happy to know that these vehicles are getting imported.

I think they look sexy, not ridiculous.
Its not as spartan as a 130... and carrys tows a lot more for a much higher price... but then again, who's complaining if they see the value in spending an extra 40K to get a entirely suitable vehicle for long distance, heavy towing.
If I had my way, every grey nomad would have one so they can actually keep to the speed limit