advice for future potential def owner

[skinny joel]

howdy
been into landys since i was a kid and we had an old wreck running around on the farm, but have owned most brands of 4wd other than a landy,
the old rumour mill of crummy reliability steered me away.
so before i takje the plunge and drop 55k, im asking for some help.


i understand they have a ford engine now? the same as the ford transit vans?
how are these holding up?
and the rest of the runniong gear? do they still gush oil everywhere?
(i work on a lot of army rovers)

also its been a few years since ive owned a full size 4wd, ive had a lwb sierra for a few years now, so i want a 110 dual cab pick up, but im scared it will be to much truck for me:eek: so i look at the 90, but the wheel base is the same as a lwb sierra except the 90 is way taller...
im pretty ruff on cars so i have some concerns i will flip the 90 on its lid...
advice...? (other than not to flip it hahhahah like i said im a ruff bastard)

cheers
joel

[Dan346]

Dont be too worried about flipping it, they land quite nicely on their side.

I can only vouch for 110" tho.

[Blknight.aus]

same engine as the transit with some mods and fueling changes. nothing that means you couldnt get a transit engine and drop it in if you keep the ECU and the oddments.

Gearbox is reasonable providing you dont want to repower with anything too torqey

Everything down stream of the 6 speed is landrover stock, be warey of the tilt on the Tcase causing the oil level to be incorrect

[Psimpson7]

If you want to crash about in rocks, buy a 90. If you want to carry stuff on longer trips buy a 110.

I haven't ever flipped mine and I use it pretty hard...

[Tikirocker]

Best thing ( If you don't know anyone ) is contact your local Landy club and ask to go on a ride along - someone will let you have a drive if you ask nicely. Nothing beats the real thing for advice ...

Simon.

[Yorkshire_Jon]

Any defender 90 or 110 will be fine as a "car", not too big.

As with many vehicles, they are only as reliable as the regular maintenance you give it, ie. If you service it in accordance with the manufacturers recommendations it should go for a long while.

Don't let the rumor mill put you off.

Jon

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[Dan346]

mine was a case of brain failure. Hardly a dint on her when pulled back on its wheels.

[Sitec]

Run for the hills man!! Once bitten that's it, you'll be hooked. With the aerodynamics of a house brick, the rattles, the cramped driving position, early aircon that thinks about cooling your waist if lucky, and a few other things, you'll either love it or hate it! Japanese they are not... That said, look after it, fettle it, add the things you like, wheels, snorkle, alloys, roo bar, lift kit, rah rah rah, and you'll have a vehicle that will go anywhere, make you smile every time, and leave you wanting more. My first was a 1964 Ser 2a, that had a 4 pot petrol, then V8, then Tdi power. Next was a factory V8 Ninety... Then came a 101, with a 6 litre 6 cyl Nissan diesel. Then a Series 1.. V8 naturally!! Then a VW powered 90" Series 3 mix.. Don't ask. When we migrated to Oz, I swore I'd never buy another.. Now we have a 130 Td5 and a 1963 Ser 2 Tdi (in build!!). Good luck with your choice!! 90 as a toy, 110 for family and gud all rounder, 130 for doing everything (they r not gud in Coles car parks tho!!)

[pannawonica]

Skinny Joel I have a Puma 110 it just make me smile every time I drive it. Swmbo loves it, especially when I blast past Tojos at a dollar fifty !. The Ford Durotorque has been well tested by white vanman in the UK, say no more:D
I have heard expert opinion that people that baby this engine tend to have more problems. I drive just about every Tojo at work, however I put my own dollars down on a Land Rover. Yes it has its quirks, but I would have it no other way. On or off road it handles just fine out of the box, suspension etc does not have to be touched , it is more than competant.:clap2:

[newhue]

Don't forget with a Defender you are buying a proper 4x4. The Puma's are relatively quiet for what it does. They are not Jap soft 4x4 quiet but on par with Patrols and Land Cruiser commercial lines.
Easier to park as you know where the corners are, and the ride down the highway very comfortable.
Initially the driving position in a defender seems odd because you don't slouch, but after a recent trip of 9 hours driving time in a day I felt more tired mentally than I did physically.
No doubt it will give you a bit of grief, I believe you have to justify your ownership to a defender. But the rumour mill forget there brands woes and recall every bit of crap they have head about LR's, some of which happened 30+ years ago still happens today apparently.
Rough on a truck it will handle, neglect good servicing and it will make you pay.

[Beckford]

also its been a few years since ive owned a full size 4wd, ive had a lwb sierra for a few years now, so i want a 110 dual cab pick up, but im scared it will be to much truck for me:eek: so i look at the 90, but the wheel base is the same as a lwb sierra except the 90 is way taller...

The 110 is not that big, when you take into account;

1. You do not need a roof rack. Everything you need easily inside the wagon or in a canopy.

2. No need to get it raised, as they come out of the factory ready to hit the track.

3. They are very light due to the aluminium body and simple design.

4. Fuel economy 10/L per 100km.