Defender vs 80 series cargo space

Never buy any vehicle for its character that you wish to use for a purpose.
I.e anything other than a toy.
Most Defenders character is more than skin deep and many owners do best at ignoring the faults and doing pointless repairs.
e.g. changing the same crappy factory turbo hose again and again and expecting a better outcome.etc etc.
Simply the 80 will be better vehicle factory std vs factory std in reliability.
Lots of Defenders around with the dud ideas/execution fixed but you need to do a lot of research and understand all the “character” first to understand if the annoying issues have been rectified rather than covered up/ postponed.
Land Rover parts suppliers are often sourced from low quality suppliers to 3rd world countries, making parts buying a frustrating experience and some parts “must” be genuine while other parts should “never” be genuine.
A Defender is unlikely to be for you.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Robmacca

The 80's and 105's and even the current 200's both come in either Barn Doors (Poverty Pack models) or Tailgates in anything other than the poverty pack models....

Whether Barn Doors or Tailgate is a personal Preference. I've had both and prefer the tailgate simply as it can be used as a table for quick stops but it also prevents u from getting in closer to access your gear but is an advantage for stepping on to access your roofrack. The Barn Doors seem to squeak more than tailgate versions...

Personally, I like both the 80's & the Defenders and both would make excellent touring vehicles. Sounds like your preference is towards your Defender, so just go that way and start your build and start enjoying it!! :)

---

Personal preference I know, but with currently two owning vehicles with either (110 & L322), I much prefer the split tailgate for the above reasons.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by feraldisco

Just go a Series 2 Disco and be done with it [bigwhistle]

I'm actually not being completely facetious:

. dirt cheap and def cheaper than the options you're looking at

. economical diesel

. full-width rear door

. plenty of height

. handles far better than an 80 series onroad

. more comfy than a Deefer.

Let the stone-throwing begin...

---

Omg... after reading another post of defender vs 80 series, I have to think a bit more before I settle on which make and model. But done some research and it seems D2 is known for value for money.

Can you give a quick and simple D2 vs 80 verdict mate? Thanks

Lewis

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by lewishim1988

Omg... after reading another post of defender vs 80 series, I have to think a bit more before I settle on which make and model. But done some research and it seems D2 is known for value for money.

Can you give a quick and simple D2 vs 80 verdict mate? Thanks

Lewis

---

Actually a very good suggestion. If I was on a budget and I wasnt sure about a Defender or 80 series, I’d probably buy a Discovery 2.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by strangy

Never buy any vehicle for its character that you wish to use for a purpose.
I.e anything other than a toy.
Most Defenders character is more than skin deep and many owners do best at ignoring the faults and doing pointless repairs.
e.g. changing the same crappy factory turbo hose again and again and expecting a better outcome.etc etc.
Simply the 80 will be better vehicle factory std vs factory std in reliability.
Lots of Defenders around with the dud ideas/execution fixed but you need to do a lot of research and understand all the “character” first to understand if the annoying issues have been rectified rather than covered up/ postponed.
Land Rover parts suppliers are often sourced from low quality suppliers to 3rd world countries, making parts buying a frustrating experience and some parts “must” be genuine while other parts should “never” be genuine.
A Defender is unlikely to be for you.

---

This starting to sound like a Toyota blog! LOL

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by lewishim1988

Omg... after reading another post of defender vs 80 series, I have to think a bit more before I settle on which make and model. But done some research and it seems D2 is known for value for money.

Can you give a quick and simple D2 vs 80 verdict mate? Thanks

Lewis

---

To be honest, the only advantage that an 80 series MAY have over a D2 is reliability...but given that the 80 series is going to be considerably older and probably higher kays than a D2, even that is debatable. The D2 will be cheaper, far more economical in diesel form than diesel 80, more tuneable for engine performance, cheaper parts, better handling, similar offroad ability. I can't give you a precise comparo of space, but I'm 5'11"and have slept in the back of my D2 with rear seats removed and front seats forward. The extra height over an 80 series comes in handy. If a D2 is still kicking around, it's likely that most of the common problems have been sorted...

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by feraldisco

To be honest, the only advantage that an 80 series MAY have over a D2 is reliability...but given that the 80 series is going to be considerably older and probably higher kays than a D2, even that is debatable. The D2 will be cheaper, far more economical in diesel form than diesel 80, more tuneable for engine performance, cheaper parts, better handling, similar offroad ability. I can't give you a precise comparo of space, but I'm 5'11"and have slept in the back of my D2 with rear seats removed and front seats forward. The extra height over an 80 series comes in handy. If a D2 is still kicking around, it's likely that most of the common problems have been sorted...

---

Id have an 80 series over a D2 anyday. But tough decision between Defender and 80 Series...... Well i did trade my 105 on a Defender.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by goingbush

Id have an 80 series over a D2 anyday. But tough decision between Defender and 80 Series...... Well i did trade my 105 on a Defender.

---

Have you owned a D2 ?
To make such a bold statement one would think so[bigwhistle]

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by rangieman

Have you owned a D2 ?
To make such a bold statement one would think so[bigwhistle]

---

No Ive never owned a D3 D4 D5 FL either . And would chose Toyota over them every time. I have driven D2 's in anger and they are impressive off road but Id never own one.

I'd push any LR before owning an lc80 , patrol I could stomach just but the steering shimmy would give me the ****s.