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The Rover V8 is not over powered at all. You'd describe it as adequate. It can be massaged to release a few more horses, but essentially is an engine low in difficulty to work on and play with.
However, it really does not like being overheated. The cooling system has to be well maintained.
10G, may I suggest you go and drive one that fits your price bracket, you will either understand and want one, or not. Simple as that.
I owned four Landies before I swore off them, owned a Patrol for the following 15 faultless years until curiosity got the better of me last year when I test drove a 2010 Dual Cab. Bought it on the spot, I had just forgotten how much fun they can be.
Every drive in a Defender is an adventure......
Rich
That's exactly my plan. I have a bit of learning curve in front of me and getting in one and driving it is part of the curve.Quote:
Originally Posted by FV1601
I've heard of the cramped driving position and how the hand brake sticks into your left leg. You never know if you can live with things like that until you experience it yourself.
I had an old Hilux, rough as guts it was, you had to yell to talk to the passenger, it was underpowered, vinyl seats, leaked in heavy rain and I loved it. The Lux drank just about no fuel, was slow on the road, hopeless tackling hills (on road), but offroad it was brilliant. I always felt like I was driving a 4WD and that's the feeling I'm looking for again.
"Want to feel like I'm driving a 4be" then you've come to the right place!
Spot on!!! I reckon they are hilarious to drive in Sydney traffic... You can see over most of the traffic and most of us wave at each other still too...Quote:
Originally Posted by FV1601
I had always wanted a "little" Land Rover since I was a kid - had to be the 2 door shorty - and when the opportunity finally allowed, it hasn't disappointed. It's old-school, entertaining and definitely worth a go!
Matt
I came out of the test drive of my defender and told the sales guy it was the most agricultural thing I've everr driven, and that 'I'll think about it' (he was pushing for a sale).
The next day I was driving past the dealer pointing the car out to the missus, researching them online and well and truly hooked. It's been a great experience the last 2 years.
IMO, if you want a 4wd that mimics your loungeroom at home, the defender is not for you. It's something you drive and get (literally) immersed in your surroundings- whether it's sun, rain, snow, mud... :angel:
There's an X factor about these cars, I think you'll understand one way or another once you spend some time behind the wheel
As someone who's owned a couple of the 3.5 litre V8's (110 county and early Discovery) I'd agree with looking after the cooling side of things. Both of these vehicles were sold after cooling issues caused major engine problems. I'd be taking the advice of the guys here with regard to purchase.
Quote:
Originally Posted by FV1601
Oh no, these posts mimic my current situation. After the Land Rover experiences swore off them. Years followed of mostly trouble free use with Jeep Wranglers, but every time I've walked past a Defender in a dealer yard, I'm drawn to them.Quote:
Originally Posted by Toxic_Avenger
A recent test drive had the same affect as Toxic Avengers, in fact I went back to the office muttering about how agricultural it was to anyone who would listen, now I'm tracking Defenders on Carsales. Seems theres no hope.
In my opinion no.Quote:
Originally Posted by 10G
I do not aspire to the notion that Land Rovers just randomly break down.
But there is a caveat.
The vehicles you are considering are old.
Which means allowance for cooling system overhaul.
This applies to any vehicle. There are a some known weak points from the factory which have had solutions/fixes for years.
However, many ignore this when buying and hope for the best because they have a budget which precludes buying a top notch vehicle.
Fact: if it's cheap it needs work.( universal rule) Fact if the fixes for the known weak points aren't addressed it had better be in your immediate budget.
Eg drive flanges.- most models.
Forums often have the tale of woe.
I'm over reading some of the whining from folks who don't maintain anything and see oil changes as maintenance. These are usually the ones who bought the vehicle cheaper than any other offering and didn't have 1 cent spare, expecting 60 grand reliability for a 10grand worth of outlay.