Newby thiinking of Defender

[Beatlloydy]

Hi all,

I am completely new to this forum and also never 4wd'd before. I will shortly be purchasing a property which will have approximately 5km of dirt road including a pinch climb with a creek washout. Access is only via 4wd. I originally was looking at a Jeep due to clearance but have come around to the Landrover Defender. My reason is that they dont look as show pony but still perform well off road. I also think the Defender will make it easier to fit in with the neighbours as they have had Landrovers in the past and they seem to be the vehicle of choice for primary producers with a touch of culture. [biggrin]

I am not really (at this stage) interested in touring. What I want is a reliable work horse that will take myself and my trailer to town (30km) several times a week to pick up supplies for the dwelling.

I am torn between the short and long wheelbase. I want to be able to throw a surfboard in when its pumping and the board could be anywhere from 6 to 9 feet depending on what swell conditions. I guess I wont get a 9 footer in the short wheel base. I will be paying cash but not much wiggle room around 35k. I was looking at this one? Does it sound reasonable for price. Wanting a dealer as I have a car to trade but wont expect much as I have not looked after it much. Cheap plastic IMAX used for surf trips last 4 years up and down the coast.
Below link to carsales
We've taken a wrong turn (https://www.carsales.com.au/dealer/details/Land-Rover-Defender-2011/OAG-AD-15061303/?Cr=5)

I know that the prices are holding steady due to no longer making them. The long wheel base will also allow me to throw a mattress in for an overnighter. However, the short wheel base I imagine will be an easier entry into 4WDing as I profess to be a total newbie. Thoughts/comments

This is a shot of the property. it doesnt show the pinch climb but as you can see no tar.
Image of property
Imgur: The most awesome images on the Internet (https://imgur.com/w4oXc0N)

[roverrescue]

Great idea
Buy a 130 tray back instead
Will be better for property jobs
and with some racks no problems carrying your longest gun

S

[Beatlloydy]

Re the duel cab...I am not a fan of dual cabs. I must confess that the property even tho it is 130 acres 90% is under conservation agreement. Only 20 acres are cleared and I dont plan to do much to it apart from grow a few vegies and fruit trees. More about conservation as there are over 20 endangered species residing there.

I like an enclosed vehicle without the tray so I can put stuff in locked up in need when I go into town. The only question really is SWB or LWB and whether the one I showed is reasonably ok value for money based on dealers asking price. Things to look out for when I go to look/test drive?

[roverrescue]

Fair enough
That 90 (shorty) appears to be in good nick
If your happy with racks the boards can go on racks
A 90 has a "choppier" ride than the longer wheel bases but that is countered by
A cool factor that is unquantifiable!!!!

Your best bet is really to drive a couple of fenders

They can be an acquired taste

S

[ATH]

Pity your not in WA as you could then have a look at my 110 which I've had up for sale for quite a while. Only selling because of joint problems making it hard to change gear ..... and bloody impossible sometimes. :-((
Good luck with you search anyway as they a good vehicle.
AlanH.

[BlackD90]

Where are you based mate? I’ve got an all black MY15 90 with 50k on the clock for sale.
Hi all,

I am completely new to this forum and also never 4wd'd before. I will shortly be purchasing a property which will have approximately 5km of dirt road including a pinch climb with a creek washout. Access is only via 4wd. I originally was looking at a Jeep due to clearance but have come around to the Landrover Defender. My reason is that they dont look as show pony but still perform well off road. I also think the Defender will make it easier to fit in with the neighbours as they have had Landrovers in the past and they seem to be the vehicle of choice for primary producers with a touch of culture. [biggrin]

I am not really (at this stage) interested in touring. What I want is a reliable work horse that will take myself and my trailer to town (30km) several times a week to pick up supplies for the dwelling.

I am torn between the short and long wheelbase. I want to be able to throw a surfboard in when its pumping and the board could be anywhere from 6 to 9 feet depending on what swell conditions. I guess I wont get a 9 footer in the short wheel base. I will be paying cash but not much wiggle room around 35k. I was looking at this one? Does it sound reasonable for price. Wanting a dealer as I have a car to trade but wont expect much as I have not looked after it much. Cheap plastic IMAX used for surf trips last 4 years up and down the coast.
Below link to carsales
We've taken a wrong turn (https://www.carsales.com.au/dealer/details/Land-Rover-Defender-2011/OAG-AD-15061303/?Cr=5)

I know that the prices are holding steady due to no longer making them. The long wheel base will also allow me to throw a mattress in for an overnighter. However, the short wheel base I imagine will be an easier entry into 4WDing as I profess to be a total newbie. Thoughts/comments

This is a shot of the property. it doesnt show the pinch climb but as you can see no tar.
Image of property
Imgur: The most awesome images on the Internet (https://imgur.com/w4oXc0N)

[swissrover]

Have you looked at one in person ? Doing this turned me away from the 90 and towards the 110. Mainly because I have a family and need the extra space.

[Beatlloydy]

Where are you based mate? I’ve got an all black MY15 90 with 50k on the clock for sale.
I am on north coast of NSW but If its a 2015 its probably way out of my price range. ;-)

[Landy Smurf]

If you were looking at a 110, would you be looking at the 2/3 seater troop carrier style or the 5/7 station wagon style?
I love the 90s but i can see how there would be some limitations. I think either would be a good choice.

[ATH]

"Have you looked at one in person ?" That's one of the problems I'm having. People who have never bothered to see my 110 make offers and then never reply when I ask why they don't come round for a look and a drive!
I'm in no rush to sell but it's frustrating. Doesn't matter I'll keep using it and maintaining it for when a genuine buyer comes along.
AlanH.

[Beatlloydy]

I went with the 90 as I decided the shorter wheel base will be easier for a newbie to navigate than the 110. The property has a couple of tight twisty sections leading to the shack. As its under a conservation agreement I can't just go chopping trees down. I reckon I will be fine in the dry but it's the wet when the creek is in flood that I am worried about.
I don't have family with me so rear size is not really an issue on the 90.
I probably over paid on it but I liked the dealer and I was honest about my trade in condition and he seemed honest about the car I was buying. It was a rural car so there is no rust just a few scratches.
I only just put a 1k holding deposit on it as I am asset rich and cash poor like most of us and have to wait for the sale of my house to go through.