Thread: Who else is going over to the dark side?

Originally Posted by cjc_td5

Off the shelf, a 70 series cruiser is the only thing close to your defender in terms of bushability...

Why not repower your defender? 3.0l 4JH1/4JJ1 Isuzu or similar would be my choice.

Maybe that’s what I should do with my project 110 with a blown 200tdi. It would need to be quieter than my 4BD1T with 1/2 tonne noise matting.

And yes I’m considering replacing the Isuzu 110 and L322 as both are ageing and no one will touch them (especially the L322) if I’m more than 200km west and something goes wrong. Especially the L322.

Originally Posted by scarry

Above is what the OP asked….

So, it seems that a lot of people reckon spend the money upgrading your existing beast rather than spend it on something else (except for a Grenadier or cough toyo).
When my time comes to replace my 2015 Defender, I guess everything will be electric. Which is probably a good thing.

Actually thinking about it, its not a bad idea.

An analogy... Fossil fuel is near end of life[tldr]

I recently bought a new property, 2/3 of an acre, 1500m of backyard grass and a 10 degree slope.
Options to cut the grass:-
1. New Petrol Ride on - technology near end of life
2. Used Petrol ride on - too many issues
3. Battery Ride on - very expensive
4. Power assisted push mower - already have a good honda mover, hard to justify
5. Use my manual push mower - too much hard work
6. Pay someone to mow it - probably the best option, but I chose:-
7. Battery Robot mower

[\tldr]

Originally Posted by karlz

Which is probably a good thing.

Maybe not if they dont have the convenience, that your current Defender has.

Thanks everyone. I'll have to get the spanners out and pull the head off again when I get back. But it's days are numbered now. Here in outback Queensland cruisers rule. Yesterday I got overtaken by a 70 series cruiser up a hill towing a 4 horse trailer at 110 K. Meanwhile I am stopping every 50 ks to top up the water from the blown head gasket. Yeah there's a point of difference with a defender.

Can't see electric vehicle s doing towing like that for a long time. Sure commuter cars in the city. Look at a map of this country. It's a long way to anywhere when you are outback.

Engine swaps are possible but I don't need another project. Whos realistically got the time. I certainly don't. And you still have a lot of the issues that are not addressed. Like no airbags in an accident. Or roll over protection. Having to shout at your passenger at anything over 70 klms per hour. Oil leaks. Dust sealing, Etc etc.

Grenadier looks great but I can't see them being so popular that there is going to be a good dealer support network in Australia. And at around $100 K Is that a wise investment?

Maybe I am being a bit pessimistic as it has let me down in the middle of my holiday. Cutting short now and heading for home.
There sure seems to be a lot of those long slow Hills that go for many klms here in the outback.

Originally Posted by Deefa

Thanks everyone. I'll have to get the spanners out and pull the head off again when I get back. But it's days are numbered now. Here in outback Queensland cruisers rule. Yesterday I got overtaken by a 70 series cruiser up a hill towing a 4 horse trailer at 110 K. Meanwhile I am stopping every 50 ks to top up the water from the blown head gasket. Yeah there's a point of difference with a defender.

Can't see electric vehicle s doing towing like that for a long time. Sure commuter cars in the city. Look at a map of this country. It's a long way to anywhere when you are outback.

Engine swaps are possible but I don't need another project. Whos realistically got the time. I certainly don't. And you still have a lot of the issues that are not addressed. Like no airbags in an accident. Or roll over protection. Having to shout at your passenger at anything over 70 klms per hour. Oil leaks. Dust sealing, Etc etc.

Grenadier looks great but I can't see them being so popular that there is going to be a good dealer support network in Australia. And at around $100 K Is that a wise investment?

Maybe I am being a bit pessimistic as it has let me down in the middle of my holiday. Cutting short now and heading for home.
There sure seems to be a lot of those long slow Hills that go for many klms here in the outback.

Ok I'll out myself.
I've gone to the dark side - after driving only defenders for 25 years plus.
I bought a new 79 series ute this year for work(Builder.) Didn't even test drive one.
Figured it would be the closest i could get to my 2003 defender 130.
Main reason was for the $150K instant asset write off the govt were offering.
The 130 is a less bumpy ride than the 79 series but not quite as smooth, if that makes sense.
Power in 79 is great, fuel bill not so great.
I've lost a few friends.
On the plus side I've had a chance to fix up a few niggling issues on the 130 and clean her up.
Can't believe how well It drives for nearly 20 years old.
I really need to sell it so I can get a better boat but keep finding excuses and things to tinker with.....can't quite seem to let go
Every time when I'm in the 79 and I see a defender I forget I can't wave any more...

Originally Posted by cjc_td5

Off the shelf, a 70 series cruiser is the only thing close to your defender in terms of bushability...

They are a very expensive vehicle though. How much more 'bushable' would a 76/79 series be than say a new Hilux? Are they much stronger? Are they more capable in tough terrain? (They don't seem to flex much better than a hilux despite the solid axles). Are they any less complex than a hilux? These are genuine questions as i've thought about what i'd do in the future if i ever had to upgrade from my old 110. On paper the hilux seems like a safer and better appointed vehicle that does most of the same things that a 70 series could do while being cheaper to purchase, cheaper to maintain and cheaper to run. Oh and it's got the same wheel track front and rear! (Well, close enough to the same anyway).

Edward

Originally Posted by I Love My Landy!

They are a very expensive vehicle though. How much more 'bushable' would a 76/79 series be than say a new Hilux? Are they much stronger? Are they more capable in tough terrain? (They don't seem to flex much better than a hilux despite the solid axles). Are they any less complex than a hilux? These are genuine questions as i've thought about what i'd do in the future if i ever had to upgrade from my old 110. On paper the hilux seems like a safer and better appointed vehicle that does most of the same things that a 70 series could do while being cheaper to purchase, cheaper to maintain and cheaper to run. Oh and it's got the same wheel track front and rear! (Well, close enough to the same anyway).

Edward

I have owned several hilux utes and 2x Surfs and they are great little 4WD's But the empasis is on "Little" .
They won't tow anything like as much as a 79 series does and they can Never carry as much cargo as a 79 Series.
The 79 Series is a much more robust vehicle that the newer hilux's ( the older ones were virtually indistructable).
Both the Hilux and the series trucks are extreamly reliable But the 79's are as tough as nails.

If you are looking for more comfort in a ute get the Hilux If you want a 4WD ute that is gutsy and will carry more than a ton of gear anywhere get the 79.