New... or nearly new?

[YOLO110]

This question came up the other day when I was chatting to a mate about his thoughts about buying 'new' Defenders...

Given a shiny new Defender 110 is about $ 49k drive away, with delivery km and a fresh 3 year warrantee etc, is that a better bet than an 18 month old one for under $ 40k, that has perhaps done 30-40k km's but still has warrantee?

I said that $ 10k - 15k saving would buy an awful lot of essential kit etc!!

Thoughts from the massive? [bigwhistle]

Pete :)

[Pickles2]

Nothing like a "New" one, especially if it's a "Keeper".
Pickles.

[Larry]

Nothing like a "New" one, especially if it's a "Keeper".
Pickles.
I went the other way. My 90 was 10 months old with 16,000 (on road) kms when I bought it.
It even still smelt like new.:p
Saved a lot of $$$ over a brand new one.:D

[Jeff]

I bought a second hand D2 once and it was a massive black hole as far as money is concerned. It put me off ever buying second hand again. Everything I have bought new has been good where all bar one exception everything second hand has been trouble. My TDi Defender (bought new in 99) has been outstanding and hopefully will continue to be and I hope the new Puma I ordered the other day will be too.

Jeff

:rocket:

[frantic]

I view it both ways.:D I bought my 02 td5 defender when it was 7 years old, so far onlyvmajor things where fuel pressure regulator at the back of the block leaked and power steering box. One from Newcastle All 4x4 and new box from u.k as same $$$ as a rebuilt local. I went an 02 because of cost and last defender with Salisbury rear diff.
In saying that if I had the money I would get a new or near new 110, 7 seat with extended warranty and write in contract details like only replace drivetrain with ashcroft, prop with tom woods, etc

[BilboBoggles]

I've seen some pictures and videos of brand new defenders up to their door handles in creek crossings. And then read the stories of how they managed to get rid of them and bought a Hilux... Or Driving in the salt water at Robe.

And they you have to consider the extra year or two of warranty. I nearly bought a demo Defender - but it had already used up one year of warranty - and only had 5,000 on the clock, for me I decided not worth the risk - I put the extract few thousand into a brand new one.

Plus most insurance companies will only offer new for old on a vehicle up to 2 years old. (Probably a mute issue for defenders now).

For me I lease them, and the difference in lease costs between a new one and a few year old one are very little.

[JDNSW]

It is a matter of balancing risk against money, and the balance will be different for every individual.

You can look at a nearly new one as being a bit worn, or as having the bugs ironed out. But of course, you never really know which you are buying!

I have never bought a new car, but various family members have, and I have had several new company cars - and I can assure you that new cars are not necessarily trouble free, nor are second hand cars necessarily troublesome.

John

[noyakfat]

I have owned various 4WD's over the years, including a Mitsubishi Triton, Toyota Landcruiser 75-series Ute, 80-series Wagon and a Nissan Patrol GQ Wagon.

All of those vehicles were bought second hand, and mostly with lots of km on them. On each occasion I had a qualified mechanic do a comprehensive pre-purchase check for me.

I never missed a scheduled service, and conducted more regular oil + filter changes etc as required. I never had any major problems with any of those vehicles, with the exception of the GQ Patrol, which blew an injector pump after 7 years of my ownership.

My Defender 110 on the other hand… I decided that this one time I would buy a brand new vehicle. My intention is to hang onto the Defender forever, and it was the only way I could be 100% certain of the vehicle's use, service history etc and keep on top of it all.

It arrived in April 2014. It is my daily driver as well as my fun bus, and I love it. I've had it off road a lot, but haven't done any long touring trips yet. My daily drive is not far and the Brindabellas are a short distance away for a playground, so I've only just clocked up 10,000 km.

I guess what I'm saying is that it's such a personal choice. As with all decisions, it's a matter of making it and living with the results.

No matter what you end up with, just make sure you get out there and enjoy it :D

Nige

[YOLO110]

Hey Nige,

Many thanks... your experience is reflected in your story!

I agree that a 'keeper' means a newie! A used one with 45,000 km and 2 years old versus a new Defender, well this time it is worth spending the extra!

3 years warrantee is also a great starter too!

Any chance of some photos!

Cheers, Pete :)

[tuesdayfox]

Hi Pete,

I bought mine new.
Land rover is notorious for its build quality. the absolute lack of quality control over their production line means the probability of getting a lemon is quite significant.

To me, this is the reason why I will buy a second-hand jap car but never a second-hand Landy. I would investigate reasons why the person is selling his/her defender in the first place.

Cheers
Martin

[vnx205]

I think you would have to be very unlucky or careless for a new vehicle to make more sense than an almost new one.

The OP was talking about almost new, presumable still under warranty. Surely that takes care of any problems that might arise. In fact, surely there is a good possibility that some of those teething problems that occur with even the best brand new vehicles will already have been sorted, so you don't even have the inconvenience of being without the vehicle while the misaligned cup holders are straightened.

Since the depreciation reduces as the vehicle ages, there is a lot of money to be saved by letting someone else suffer the loss that occurs when you drive out of the car dealer's yard.

Those of you are intoxicated by the smell of a new car surely only get that feeling for a very short time. It wouldn't survive past the first time that one of the kids gets car sick and throws up in the back seat.

I can understand some people having some sort of emotional reason for wanting a new car, but I can't see that it actually makes much practical or financial sense.

[YOLO110]

Thankfully my kids are now at the age that if they did throw up in the back seat, it would be after a heavy night out!!! :spudnikparty:

Thanks for all the replies... some great info! :)

[Jeff]

I can understand some people having some sort of emotional reason for wanting a new car, but I can't see that it actually makes much practical or financial sense.

Not an emotional reason, just a mistrust of others.

Jeff

:rocket: