Defender vs 80 series reliability

G.man · 10th October 2018, 08:24 AM

Just curious how is initial cost even a consideration in favour of a Defender?

Last 80 series i seen, just under 300,000 km, 1 owner vehicle, full service history, TD multivalve, only ever used to tow a boat through sydney and guy was after $20,000.

Defenders are like $40,000

For me reliability is simply, which one is going to cost me more to keep running well. The more expensive one is the less reliable one. I hate stuff that goes off that shouldn't.

Eg: I used to own a falcon 2010 and by the time it got to 130,000 km all thr common problems came up. Electricals stuffing up, car started to turn itself off while driving like an electrical blackout then come back on again (i assumed computer problem), master cylender leaking andneeding to be replaced, they are known to be heavy on ball joints so they had to go as well etc.

I grt rid of the car and get a toyota crown thats 2003, 7 years older than that falcon. Its over 160,000 km nowwhich is 30k more than falcon and 7 years older on everything else. No computer issues, no electricals stuffing up, master cylender fine.

Both had oil leaks but thats normal to me. Its all the other stuff like electrics computer etc that you expect to work and gets screwed up in falcons while in this its fine. Conclusion falcons are poorly built. Engines work forever everything else around them falls appart though and thus not a reliable vehicle compare to other stuff you could buy for the same money.

In this respect is what im looking at TD5 and 80 series. If the engine goes forever but everything else failing around it like electrics brake leaks hoses busting and constantly need some annoying thing to be fixed and done to it, its a money pit not a reliable vehicle.

So from that what will cost more over all to own, 80s or TD5 defenders. Which is going to be more hassle free, turn key and just drive like a normal car without being concerned when the next things gonna go on it.

**Shoogs** · 10th October 2018, 08:46 AM

Originally Posted by G.man

So from that what will cost more over all to own, 80s or TD5 defenders. Which is going to be more hassle free, turn key and just drive like a normal car without being concerned when the next things gonna go on it.

Neither, your dreaming, buy a 4-5 year old Isuzu D-Max...

**cripesamighty** · 10th October 2018, 03:43 PM

Most TD5 Defenders are (on average) selling for roughly between $15-$25K with some outliers up or down. The later Puma Defenders start around $30K. So most Defenders are not really going for $40K.

**Zeros** · 10th October 2018, 05:20 PM

Originally Posted by Shoogs

Neither, your dreaming, buy a 4-5 year old Isuzu D-Max...

Reckon you’re right there. Dreamin.

**ozscott** · 10th October 2018, 05:26 PM

Originally Posted by DiscoMick

I don't agree the 80 is more reliable. Defenders are very reliable, which is why they get flogged all around the world and are popular with overlanders.
Incidentally the bonnet and roof of the 80 will need repainting because Toyota's clear coat isn't right for the tropics.

Mick I love a LR as much as the next guy but the 80 series was a seriously reliable truck with little "preventative maintenance" that we all talk about.

The 80 hasn't got much going for it compared to a D2 or Deefer but it has got reliability.

Cheers

**grey_ghost** · 10th October 2018, 06:00 PM

Have you thought about a Perentie? Legendary Isuzu engine, bugger all electronics...

**101 Ron** · 10th October 2018, 06:28 PM

I went away camping with friends last long weekend .
My landrover was doing its normal oil leak rust preventive thing.
Was susprized to learn 80 to 105 series cruisers have a problem cracking the chassis in a big way just near the steering box, especially if fitted with big rubber.
The 80 series with us had to be nursed home with poor steering, chassis cracking.
All the different brands have problems, it just seems when a yota does have a problem the world doesnt seem to hear about it like a Landy.

**scarry** · 10th October 2018, 07:33 PM

I have had many Land Rovers,and run a fleet of Toyotas.

I certainly know which are by far the more reliable,and it isn't the LR's.

As for the 'complicated electronics',in the D2,apart from the oil in the harness,which is an easy fix,the electronics was one area that seldom caused any issues.

Most other things annoyingly caused issues,except the TD5 engine itself,if serviced correctly was bullet proof.

DiscoMick · 10th October 2018, 07:44 PM

Originally Posted by 101 Ron

I went away camping with friends last long weekend .
My landrover was doing its normal oil leak rust preventive thing.
Was susprized to learn 80 to 105 series cruisers have a problem cracking the chassis in a big way just near the steering box, especially if fitted with big rubber.
The 80 series with us had to be nursed home with poor steering, chassis cracking.
All the different brands have problems, it just seems when a yota does have a problem the world doesnt seem to hear about it like a Landy.

I agree. My BIL, a former mechanic, is forever having to fix things on his old 80. Yes it's old and it needs maintenance, but all vehicles need maintenance. So I still don't swallow the Toyota propaganda about the 80 being particularly reliable.

**ozscott** · 10th October 2018, 07:46 PM

Thanks Scary. I think its important not to be fan boys and be realistic. I would never swap a d2 for an 80 series but in half a million k I know which will cost me the most in preventative maintenance and maintenance and it isnt the 80 (having to weld the 80 chassis nothwithstanding).

Cheers

Thread: Defender vs 80 series reliability

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