2016 'Defender'

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Originally Posted by weeds

What makes them VERY impressive??

I have an 2012 3.2 BT50 (basically a Ranger) and a late 2014 hi-lux in my fleet......they both have pro and cons.

The ranger comes out in front because it has 3.5T towing, six speed auto, rear locker and is more car like inside. If you don't need 3.5T and all the frills than I reckon the hi-lux does all right, overpriced perhaps. The hi-lux drags our camper and three kids where ever we need to go.

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Yep, VERY impressive.
The Hilux has long been accepted as THE vehicle in its class,...so, for a relatively new vehicle like the Ranger, to even come close, is an achievement, and when it's compared to the "NEW" Hilux, it's even more impressive,...one of the major points for the Ranger being its very good 5 cyl diesel, which in the report I read, was clearly superior to anything powering the Hilux.
Of course it's early days, sales figures over time will tell the story,....another telling fact that Hilux is "feeling the pressure", is that Toyota is offering BIG discounts on the new model, which is somewhat unusual for a Hilux release.
But, I certainly ain't knocking the Hilux, it's really a "Legend Vehicle" I guess, it's really looked unchallengeable for ages.
Time will tell I guess, Pickles.

Oh I don't like either..........if I had to buy a dual cab, apart from thinking they are all crap....I'm not sure which one I would pick.

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Originally Posted by weeds

Oh I don't like either..........if I had to buy a dual cab, apart from thinking they are all crap....I'm not sure which one I would pick.

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Agreed.

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Originally Posted by weeds

Oh I don't like either..........if I had to buy a dual cab, apart from thinking they are all crap....I'm not sure which one I would pick.

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Agreed! Been there...!

2yrs ago was back in the market for a 4x4 after some 7yrs without one. Used to be a hilux aficionado so it was the first natural choice.

Very real disappointment set in.

Looked then at the other dual cab makes and all generated the same level of disappointment as the then (2013) new hilux.

Bought my first Defender.

The dual cabs are lightweights, jacked up cars, being touted as heavy duty. I drove a new Amarok for a while. Great 'car' but very soft. ..if the new Defender goes down this path it will flop. Again, the only market Defender should be after is the Tojo 75 series HD market, which was rightfully Land Rovers market until they dropped the ball on marketing and service in the 80's.

If I was to buy a new ute it would probably be the foton. Cummins engine and Dana diff's with a LSD, sounds good to me.

Pending a test drive of course...

But I have a '88 110 that will out live me so I won't be needing a new wagon ;)

Sent from my Nexus 4 using AULRO mobile app

Well, Which "path" will the "New" Defender go down?
Fifty yrs ago these current buyers of HiLux/Ranger or whatever would've been a real chance to buy a Landrover, because there was really not much else,...a bit different to today.
I don't see the "New" defender competing with Hilux etc, I don't think JLR want to be in that price/bracket/field,.....actually I don't feel they'd be able to.
Anyway, as far as my opinion is concerned, it's hypothetical, 'cause I know nothing.
Pickles.

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Originally Posted by weeds

Oh I don't like either..........if I had to buy a dual cab, apart from thinking they are all crap....I'm not sure which one I would pick.

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LR 130 :D

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Originally Posted by Pickles2

Well, Which "path" will the "New" Defender go down?
Fifty yrs ago these current buyers of HiLux/Ranger or whatever would've been a real chance to buy a Landrover, because there was really not much else,...a bit different to today.
I don't see the "New" defender competing with Hilux etc, I don't think JLR want to be in that price/bracket/field,.....actually I don't feel they'd be able to.
Anyway, as far as my opinion is concerned, it's hypothetical, 'cause I know nothing.
Pickles.

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By delaying the new Defender JLR have been able to amortise many of the costs of the parts likely to go into it, such as the engines and the aluminium platform used in various LRs and RRs, so I think they should be able to get the price of a Defender down pretty low, particularly for base models.

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Originally Posted by Pickles2

But, I certainly ain't knocking the Hilux, it's really a "Legend Vehicle" I guess, it's really looked unchallengeable for ages.
Time will tell I guess, Pickles.

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Strange wasn't it - the phenomenon... The product wasn't that great (hasn't been for a long long time) and was in regular need of repair and servicing.

But they marketed it well, offered substantial discounts to large corporations, and got them out there...

Mining boys drove them daily, and then got one for personal use - And I'm not sure if they really had the understanding how often the things are serviced and repaired.

Their "legendary' reputation / status I believe is more akin to "Superstar" phenomenon - No substance - just continued hype.


People would comment quite regularly on site - "That (Ranger/BT50/Amarok) is great really liked it -but I went with a Hilux because they're a Toyota"