Australian Market - Diesel supply exhausted

[zilch]

Interesting

New Land Rover Defender diesel sold out - www.carsales.com.au (https://www.carsales.com.au/editorial/details/new-land-rover-defender-diesel-sold-out-125046/?fbclid=IwAR2G2ub4TpI8pSTVsoY1jfQIwfos9TDN7Tk1XO6y lCTZyC2qNHMo6Kf3Cbo)

[101RRS]

Pigs might fly too [bigrolf]

A well known marketing tactic to boost flagging sales.

[DiscoMick]

This linked story about the Commercial versions was interesting, I thought. Wonder what a basic Commercial 110 will cost here.

New Land Rover Defender Hard Top ready to work - www.carsales.com.au (https://www.carsales.com.au/editorial/details/land-rover-defender-hard-top-ready-to-work-124980/)

[Graeme]

LR's recent email promoting the Defender came with a note that they are having problems with the diesel production so it has has been removed from the AU build web-site.

[scarry]

This linked story about the Commercial versions was interesting, I thought. Wonder what a basic Commercial 110 will cost here.

New Land Rover Defender Hard Top ready to work - www.carsales.com.au (https://www.carsales.com.au/editorial/details/land-rover-defender-hard-top-ready-to-work-124980/)

I doubt you will have to worry as I bet it wont appear here.

In reality there is no real market for it in Aus.

[DiscoMick]

I hope they do bring it here.

[scarry]

I hope they do bring it here.

You in the market for one?[thumbsupbig]

[FisherX]

We didn't get the Discovery Commercial spec here so we probably won't get the Defender either.

[zilch]

Pigs might fly too [bigrolf]

A well known marketing tactic to boost flagging sales.

i suspect that actually Australia had a pitiful allocation in the first place for 2020, which was only amplified by the shutting down of the factory
and subsequent supply chain problems.

No doubt the US and European markets are a priority..

[dfendr]

Defender SE
New
Santorini Black
2.0L
Diesel
Automatic
2020
$114,170 Drive AwayDefender S


New
Pangea Green
2.0L
Diesel
Automatic
2020
$103,386 Drive Away

Defender SE
New
Santorini Black
3.0L
Petrol
Automatic
2020
$134,296 Drive Away

[INter674]

Well...those prices rule me out😞

[101RRS]

Wait a year and at a third of the new price they will be a good buy used.

[Odysseyman]

The dealers obviously think they’re going to be used as “Toorak tractors” if they’re offering them in black. I think it’s a ridiculous colour for outback travel.

David

[PhilipA]

Of course the dealers are correct.
The first 6 months to 1 years production will be bought by "early adopters".
This is when a car company makes most of its money as the mix of models is made "rich" with very few base models made.
This is eminently sensible from the manufacturer's and dealer's standpoint.
Expect to see lots of footballers etc driving them and of course Toorak and Double Pay people.
LRA will also give lots of celebrities a car to use to give the impression that the beautiful people and influencers are on board.
Just be grateful that our dealers are perhaps a bit less reprehensible than the USA ones where a new Corvette has a USD30K "dealer premium" and some dealers force customers to take dealer finance for 3 months to get the kickbacks.

Regards PhilipA

[ramblingboy42]

$132,000 , and that's not top of the line .

With what's going to become available from alternate manufacturers the order list's in Australia won't be very long.

I , personally , am finding it increasingly harder to justify Land Rover pricing.

You will be able to buy Discoverys new , cheaper than similarly equipped Defenders.

[Tote]

Don't forget a significant part of that exorbitant pricing is luxury car tax.

LCT cuts in at a rate of 33% on every dollar above $68740.00

134296 - 68740 = 65556


65556/3 = 21852


$112,000 is probably closer to what a new Defender with all the fruit is worth.
Luxury car tax rate and thresholds | Australian Taxation Office (https://www.ato.gov.au/rates/luxury-car-tax-rate-and-thresholds/)

Regards,
Tote

[Graeme]

65556/3 = 21852
65556/4 = 16389
However the value is purely academic as there's no avoiding LCT.

[Tote]

65556/4 = 16389
However the value is purely academic as there's no avoiding LCT.

Yes, unfortunately true, and thanks for the math correction.

Regards,
Tote

[101RRS]

65556/4 = 16389
However the value is purely academic as there's no avoiding LCT.

And it applies equally to all brands - so price comparisons are valid.

This Defender pricing is a joke and I doubt it will sell after the initial rush of people with more money than sense.

Garry

[scarry]

I , personally , am finding it increasingly harder to justify Land Rover pricing.

You will be able to buy Discoverys new , cheaper than similarly equipped Defenders.

I don't think so,have you gone to a dealer and had a good look at D5 prices?They are ridiculous as well.

As is their depreciation.

They also seem to have quite a few issues,lets hope the Defender has much better quality control.

[scarry]

65556/4 = 16389
However the value is purely academic as there's no avoiding LCT.

Unless it can be modded,as some other wagons can be pre rego.Needs to be capable of carrying over 1T,5 seater,etc.
Then plated commercial,no LCT.

[gromit]

I don't think so,have you gone to a dealer and had a good look at D5 prices?They are ridiculous as well.


I took a quick look at D5 prices and you are correct, they are ridiculous. $73K to $126K !

Land Rover Discovery 2020 Price & Specs | CarsGuide (https://www.carsguide.com.au/land-rover/discovery/price/2020)

[DiscoMick]

Priced a Landcruiser lately? $124,000 for a Sahara.

Toyota LandCruiser 200 Sahara Horizon limited edition reaches new heights on price | CarAdvice (https://www.caradvice.com.au/825690/toyota-landcruiser-200-sahara-horizon/)

[scarry]

Priced a Landcruiser lately? $124,000 for a Sahara.

Toyota LandCruiser 200 Sahara Horizon limited edition reaches new heights on price | CarAdvice (https://www.caradvice.com.au/825690/toyota-landcruiser-200-sahara-horizon/)

Thats a Horizon,limited edition,always more expensive than any other model.

At least it has a 5 yr warranty,and decent resale values......[bigwhistle]

[DiscoMick]

The Sahara is $124k and the Horizon $129k.
I agree LR's three -year warranty is uncompetitive.

[101RRS]

Thats a Horizon,limited edition,always more expensive than any other model.

At least it has a 5 yr warranty,and decent resale values......[bigwhistle]

My brother recently sold his 6 year old Sahara with 60,000km on it for $90K - what do 2014 D4 HSEs sell for - about $40-$50K - yet new price was about the same.

[scarry]

The Sahara is $124k and the Horizon $129k.
I agree LR's three -year warranty is uncompetitive.


Unfortunately,LR's warranty shows the companies confidence in their product.

Not many pay that sort of price for a Sahara.They can be had at less than $120K,drive away,without fleet discounts.

[chuck]

$132,000 , and that's not top of the line .

With what's going to become available from alternate manufacturers the order list's in Australia won't be very long.

I , personally , am finding it increasingly harder to justify Land Rover pricing.

You will be able to buy Discoverys new , cheaper than similarly equipped Defenders.

Yes that what i did.

Not only bought significantly cheaper but got the twin turbo six cylinder diesel which cant be had in a new Defender yet.

Imagine the prices of the Defender with TD6 motor.

[chuck]

Test drove a Sahara before buying the D5.

Drove like a boat, power was woeful considering size of motor.

Needs a suspension upgrade for both load & ride.

And $15 k more than the Discovery.

Yes their resale is better.

[ramblingboy42]

I took a quick look at D5 prices and you are correct, they are ridiculous. $73K to $126K !

Land Rover Discovery 2020 Price & Specs | CarsGuide (https://www.carsguide.com.au/land-rover/discovery/price/2020)

...which is cheaper than the Defender prices in the previous thread.

[scarry]

My brother recently sold his 6 year old Sahara with 60,000km on it for $90K - what do 2014 D4 HSEs sell for - about $40-$50K - yet new price was about the same.

And people worry about fuel economy........

Even if it used an extra $3.00 of fuel every 100Km,still way ahead,financially,of having a D4.

In fact a mate of mine has one and it generally uses somewhere between 1 to 1.5l/100k more than our D4 on a trip,around town is almost identical.And thats worked out,actual.

For a company owned vehicle,just a drop in the ocean.

But every vehicle is a compromise in one way or the other.Nothing will suit 100%.Everyone is different and has different needs.

We have looked extensively for the last 6 months,and keep coming back to theLC, VX.LR don't have a vehicle that suits our needs.We had a Sahara for half a day a few weeks ago,drove a Prado,Hi lux,also a D5 for a morning,and drove the Patrol.Didnt look at RRS,as we don't want one,for many reasons.

Having the 100% business tax write off until 31/12/20, LCT off set,fleet discount,makes the VX a no brainer.But thats our situation,others will be different.
It will work out considerably cheaper than a D5,having equivalent specs to the D4 we have now,but with more safety features than our D4.Not just a few thousand,tens of thousands.

The Sahara is not what we want either,its optioned up with things we will never use or don't need.The VX has far more safety features than the GXL.

Sure the VX is old school,and is due for replacement,the LR products are light years ahead,but the main thing is it will suit what we need,at a reasonable cost.



Sure we would like to wait for the new Defender to arrive,but its to far away,and it appears too small,particularly in the rear load area,the 130 is even further away,and will no doubt cost quite a bit more.If the bigger diesel is available,it will probably be around another $9K on top,at least,looking at D5 specs.SO very expensive.But an up to date latest generation vehicle.

Same for the new LC,but its too far away as well.

And the first of any model run is not usually the best option,either.

[INter674]

Interesting in comparing the new Bronco the US commentators ruled out including the new Defender simply because of the price saying it is sooo expensive.

Bit simplistic given the vastly different platforms and other aspects such as std 35" tyres on some Bronco variants...chassis..removable roof and doors and live rear axle to name a few.

They really don't compare on any level...do they?

Bronco does have selectable terrain options tho and expensive shocks☺

[INter674]

Test drove a Sahara before buying the D5.

Drove like a boat, power was woeful considering size of motor.

Needs a suspension upgrade for both load & ride.

And $15 k more than the Discovery.

Yes their resale is better.

Totally agree and the Prado is worse again..gutless..under equipped and a ten year old design costing more than a D5...i.e. the Toyota Tax.

But if they keep selling and resale remains artificially high..Toyota will keep making them...can't blame Toyota for that.

Son's mate is looking to replace his X5..which is over 10 years old and virtually worthless. His pick is a late model Pajero which compared to a LC of same year/price have less than a third of the ks. He has driven both LCs and Pajeros for work and says the Paj is a better car to drive with more features and in fleet use gives fewer maintenance issues (police fleet).

And yet the Paj does not sell in volumes like the LC....wonder why😞

[Vern]

And people worry about fuel economy........

Even if it used an extra $3.00 of fuel every 100Km,still way ahead,financially,of having a D4.

In fact a mate of mine has one and it generally uses somewhere between 1 to 1.5l/100k more than our D4 on a trip,around town is almost identical.And thats worked out,actual.

For a company owned vehicle,just a drop in the ocean.

But every vehicle is a compromise in one way or the other.Nothing will suit 100%.Everyone is different and has different needs.

We have looked extensively for the last 6 months,and keep coming back to theLC, VX.LR don't have a vehicle that suits our needs.We had a Sahara for half a day a few weeks ago,drove a Prado,Hi lux,also a D5 for a morning,and drove the Patrol.Didnt look at RRS,as we don't want one,for many reasons.

Having the 100% business tax write off until 31/12/20, LCT off set,fleet discount,makes the VX a no brainer.But thats our situation,others will be different.
It will work out considerably cheaper than a D5,having equivalent specs to the D4 we have now,but with more safety features than our D4.Not just a few thousand,tens of thousands.

The Sahara is not what we want either,its optioned up with things we will never use or don't need.The VX has far more safety features than the GXL.

Sure the VX is old school,and is due for replacement,the LR products are light years ahead,but the main thing is it will suit what we need,at a reasonable cost.



Sure we would like to wait for the new Defender to arrive,but its to far away,and it appears too small,particularly in the rear load area,the 130 is even further away,and will no doubt cost quite a bit more.If the bigger diesel is available,it will probably be around another $9K on top,at least,looking at D5 specs.SO very expensive.But an up to date latest generation vehicle.

Same for the new LC,but its too far away as well.

And the first of any model run is not usually the best option,either.Go look at the patrol then, ti-l for $83k on road is equivalent to the sahara, or a ti for $70k, better equipped than a gx. Use about the same fuel, better car all round, no real serious issues unlike the cruiser with its hunting auto, no real 4wd system, crap airbox, dusting of engines, injectors needing replacing etc..etc..

[DiscoMick]

Totally agree and the Prado is worse again..gutless..under equipped and a ten year old design costing more than a D5...i.e. the Toyota Tax.

But if they keep selling and resale remains artificially high..Toyota will keep making them...can't blame Toyota for that.

Son's mate is looking to replace his X5..which is over 10 years old and virtually worthless. His pick is a late model Pajero which compared to a LC of same year/price have less than a third of the ks. He has driven both LCs and Pajeros for work and says the Paj is a better car to drive with more features and in fleet use gives fewer maintenance issues (police fleet).

And yet the Paj does not sell in volumes like the LC....wonder why[emoji20]Gotta say the runout Pajeros are a lot of vehicle for the money and very well proven.
Better to drive than a Landcruiser, not as good as a D5, but $60,000 buys a lot of Pajero.

[scarry]

Go look at the patrol then, ti-l for $83k on road is equivalent to the sahara, or a ti for $70k, better equipped than a gx. Use about the same fuel, better car all round, no real serious issues unlike the cruiser with its hunting auto, no real 4wd system, crap airbox, dusting of engines, injectors needing replacing etc..etc..

Looked at them extensively,as said,not interested.I won't go on about their faults,either.

The LC's have so many faults,they can't sell them,haven't you noticed?

Whatever you do,don't google Land Rover faults either......[bighmmm][biggrin]

The End.

[scarry]

Gotta say the runout Pajeros are a lot of vehicle for the money and very well proven.
Better to drive than a Landcruiser, not as good as a D5, but $60,000 buys a lot of Pajero.

Have you ever driven the two back to back,or is that what someone said somewhere?

Because its a load of garbage.Just my thoughts after recently driving both.The Patrol out does the Pajero as well.

My thoughts are the Paj does out drive the Prado,although the Paj is noisy.

D5,with the TD 6, outdrives all of them,correct,but its not on our list.The TD4 is actually pretty good as well.

The PAj and Prado are also quite small,after driving the other three,particularly the Patrol.

The Paj is actually quite a bit cheaper than $60K, good value,although they don't have great resale,compared with any of the Tojo's.

[Vern]

Looked at them extensively,as said,not interested.I won't go on about their faults,either.

The LC's have so many faults,they can't sell them,haven't you noticed?

Whatever you do,don't google Land Rover faults either......[bighmmm][biggrin]

The End.What faults? Some have paint issues, which gets repaired under warranty.

Land rover issues though, thats why i didn't buy one, they scare me.

[scarry]

What faults? Some have paint issues, which gets repaired under warranty.

Land rover issues though, thats why i didn't buy one, they scare me.

Off topic,apologise to the OP.

Woolgoolga,nice place,in fact a great place.
We will be spending a bit of well earned R&R,just up the road.[biggrin]

[Vern]

Off topic,apologise to the OP.

Woolgoolga,nice place,in fact a great place.
We will be spending a bit of well earned R&R,just up the road.[biggrin]Arrawarra, nice place, headland? I too can search peoples profiles[emoji1787]

[scarry]

Arrawarra, nice place, headland? I too can search peoples profiles[emoji1787]

Such a great area of the coast,and not that far from here.Away from all the hustle and bustle,traffic,etc.

Great fish and chip shop as well.[biggrin]

Don't tell to many[thumbsupbig]

[DiscoMick]

Good Indian restaurants too.

[INter674]

Have you ever driven the two back to back,or is that what someone said somewhere?

Because its a load of garbage.Just my thoughts after recently driving both.The Patrol out does the Pajero as well.

My thoughts are the Paj does out drive the Prado,although the Paj is noisy.

D5,with the TD 6, outdrives all of them,correct,but its not on our list.The TD4 is actually pretty good as well.

The PAj and Prado are also quite small,after driving the other three,particularly the Patrol.

The Paj is actually quite a bit cheaper than $60K, good value,although they don't have great resale,compared with any of the Tojo's.

Agree the Paj is small on the inside...wifes riding mate has one which she loves to bits. DID engine tows well but, she said it has less interior space than her old Jakaroo!

The Patrol is a beast and sales are understandably increasing albeit no where near LCs volumes. 200s engines have had issues such as oil consumption and piston damage..injector related..or..dusted...covered mostly by Toyota ...but not in all cases. There are ads out there seeking engines for parts/rebuilds due to piston damage. Might be earlier versions tho and generally unless re mapped to buggery they hold up well being understressed as they are, but soon to be forgotten.

[scarry]

Good Indian restaurants too.

The Dump is bloody expensive,$178.00 for a trailer load[bigsad][biggrin]
But then it was a pretty big trailer.

Coffs is cheaper,but further to go.

[Vern]

The Dump is bloody expensive,$178.00 for a trailer load[bigsad][biggrin]
But then it was a pretty big trailer.

Coffs is cheaper,but further to go.Atleast the dump has reopened, was a pain for a while there.

[ramblingboy42]

theres a tune goes something like...."to the dump , to the dump , to the dumpdumpdump , to the dump , to the dump , to the
dumpdumpdump" can any recall it? hey stop singing it , I know you are.

[spie]

This one?


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnKMehoLaF8

[Rob66]

Had an interesting conversation with my dealer yesterday .. he rang me to tell me a few things ...

1. Dealer cars are expected in approx 2 weeks .. early August.

2. Reasons behind diesel engine shortages.
The cost point for a Defender (and prob applies to other models) with a small diesel engine is not a good proposition for JLR. They will move to larger engines with $10-20k price increases to provide a better cost model (read:- profit margin).

Not sure how much of that to believe but that's what I was told.

If true it makes the D200 and D240 models a good buy. Future models will be more expensive.

[scarry]

Sounds like smoke and mirrors.

Oh,and an excuse for a price hike.The difference in D5 costs is about $9 to $10K,that is between engine sizes(diesel),not $10 to $20K.

[Rob66]

Just had a geezer at the LRA build site .. currently there is only the P400 and only trim level S, SE, HSE and X .. And there is the following disclaimer on the start of the build page

"PRICING DISCLAIMERDue to the Coronavirus Global Pandemic, we are currently experiencing production delays for the diesel powertrains on the New Land Rover Defender. For the New Defender that meets your specific requirements please consult your preferred Land Rover Retailer. Configurator is for visualization purposes only

"

[INter674]

Gotta say the runout Pajeros are a lot of vehicle for the money and very well proven.
Better to drive than a Landcruiser, not as good as a D5, but $60,000 buys a lot of Pajero.

Mates looking seriously at a Paj...but local Hobart dealer prolly won't discount the 60k retail price to the same level a SA dealer will...that is to 48k!!

He's compared the Paj to a yota playdo and reckons the Paj diesel is a better car...more power but not as sprightly as his old 3l X5. He's sold on the Paj reliability too even tho its only 5 speed as the drivetrain is very well proven.

We compared the Paj side to side with our D4 ..both same colour..and the Paj looked good. But inside its age really shows with the D4 having waay more space and of course heaps more tech/features.

But for a new car price with 7 year warranty of around 50k it's a bloody bargain for a new car buyer looking for "old" school reliability and ruggedness plus warranty etc

So..he's off to hammer the local dealer or will buy from SA.

Amazing discounts out there atm☺

[scarry]

Mates looking seriously at a Paj...but local Hobart dealer prolly won't discount the 60k retail price to the same level a SA dealer will...that is to 48k!!

He's compared the Paj to a yota playdo and reckons the Paj diesel is a better car...more power but not as sprightly as his old 3l X5. He's sold on the Paj reliability too even tho its only 5 speed as the drivetrain is very well proven.

We compared the Paj side to side with our D4 ..both same colour..and the Paj looked good. But inside its age really shows with the D4 having waay more space and of course heaps more tech/features.

But for a new car price with 7 year warranty of around 50k it's a bloody bargain for a new car buyer looking for "old" school reliability and ruggedness plus warranty etc

So..he's off to hammer the local dealer or will buy from SA.

Amazing discounts out there atm☺

When we looked at them a month or two ago,they were $42K for the base model drive away.

We also test drove the Plado,couldn’t give it back quick enough,same for an SR5 hi lux.
The Plado has a step in the rear which is a PITA,and the seats fold forwards,not flat.
Apparently the new model coming soon has more power,it really needs it.
Handling is horrid compared to a D4,or a LC.
I can’t see how it is a top seller,must be the fleet buyers.

The D4 is miles ahead,as is the LC200,just no comparison to the other two.
But then again they are much larger,more powerful,and way more expensive.

As I have said before,it’s a shame LR didn’t continue on with an updated D4.

That’s all the big sellers do to their vehicles,very rarely is there a complete change.

[INter674]

When we looked at them a month or two ago,they were $42K for the base model drive away.

We also test drove the Plado,couldn’t give it back quick enough,same for an SR5 hi lux.
The Plado has a step in the rear which is a PITA,and the seats fold forwards,not flat.
Apparently the new model coming soon has more power,it really needs it.
Handling is horrid compared to a D4,or a LC.
I can’t see how it is a top seller,must be the fleet buyers.

The D4 is miles ahead,as is the LC200,just no comparison to the other two.
But then again they are much larger,more powerful,and way more expensive.

As I have said before,it’s a shame LR didn’t continue on with an updated D4.

That’s all the big sellers do to their vehicles,very rarely is there a complete change.


The Paj he's looking at is the one below the Sport.

GLS leather rrp 60k

[gromit]

.

As I have said before,it’s a shame LR didn’t continue on with an updated D4.



Isn't that the new 'Defender' ?


Colin

[101RRS]

The Paj he's looking at is the one below the Sport.

GLS leather rrp 60k

He had better get in quick as the Pajero is being dropped next year with no replacement.

[EastFreo]

Earlier this year we purchased a Sahara For my wife. Really wanted her to wait for the new Defender but the boot was clearly not going to be as big as we wanted.

We were also ever so close to a D5 but was worried about the niggles (especially as we had three people we knew have some fairly big issues). Even so I was about to sign when on a last test drive the cameras and multi media display completely glitched.

so sadly we went to the Sahara. Got it with Roo bar and spotties drive away for $122k and a 7 year warranty with unlimited km (as long as service at Toyota for last two years). That plus the fact my sister showed me how they got $90k for their five year old Sahara from someone made it hard to go past.

but - and I have said this Before - I regret not buying the D5 every day! It’s a great car but I don’t get the joy I get from my Defender and I think I would have got from the D5.

[INter674]

He had better get in quick as the Pajero is being dropped next year with no replacement.

Yeah..he told me the rumour is it will be replaced with a rebadged Pathfinder🙄

[INter674]

Earlier this year we purchased a Sahara For my wife. Really wanted her to wait for the new Defender but the boot was clearly not going to be as big as we wanted.

We were also ever so close to a D5 but was worried about the niggles (especially as we had three people we knew have some fairly big issues). Even so I was about to sign when on a last test drive the cameras and multi media display completely glitched.

so sadly we went to the Sahara. Got it with Roo bar and spotties drive away for $122k and a 7 year warranty with unlimited km (as long as service at Toyota for last two years). That plus the fact my sister showed me how they got $90k for their five year old Sahara from someone made it hard to go past.

but - and I have said this Before - I regret not buying the D5 every day! It’s a great car but I don’t get the joy I get from my Defender and I think I would have got from the D5.

Yup that resale value is a huge attraction. My fisher mate will basically get his money back and maybe make a bit when he sells his 200s ..which is of course on the "books".

Still does not change the fact that it is a crap car compared to our D4 which cost half his 200s.

Drove up to his place in the snow the other day on a back forest logging road..steep slippery etc.

Geez he said we're not taking the Cruiser out in that. How'd you go..he asked. His boys had gone the same way in a Patrol with 37s.

Easy I said..its got a rear locker plus traction control..centre diff lock plus snow mode..air suspension etc. Geez he said. How much did it cost to put the lockers in...nothing...I said.. it came with the car.

Geez. He said..You're jokin arn't you😎

..yes..he'll have the last laugh...but I won't drive rubbish cars😐

[scarry]

The Paj he's looking at is the one below the Sport.

GLS leather rrp 60k

The one he is looking at is the top model now,there is no Exceed.

Still a lot of car for the money,if it suits his needs.

Prado will be around $10K more.

Thats what i remember when we looked at them both,thats if my memory is correct[bigsad][biggrin]

[scarry]

Earlier this year we purchased a Sahara For my wife. Really wanted her to wait for the new Defender but the boot was clearly not going to be as big as we wanted.

We were also ever so close to a D5 but was worried about the niggles (especially as we had three people we knew have some fairly big issues). Even so I was about to sign when on a last test drive the cameras and multi media display completely glitched.

so sadly we went to the Sahara. Got it with Roo bar and spotties drive away for $122k and a 7 year warranty with unlimited km (as long as service at Toyota for last two years). That plus the fact my sister showed me how they got $90k for their five year old Sahara from someone made it hard to go past.

but - and I have said this Before - I regret not buying the D5 every day! It’s a great car but I don’t get the joy I get from my Defender and I think I would have got from the D5.

We have gone the same way,have a VX on order.
There is nothing else around apart from the Patrol,its even bigger than the 200.
I don't think i will miss the D5 at all,had a good look at them.Very expensive,and as others have also said,there have been quite a few issues with them,both here and overseas.Resale values are also poor.Three year warranty not great,actually way below industry standard.

Had to get ours before the end of the year,to qualify for the 100% company asset write off,also no LCT,as the GVM upgrade will be over 1T,with rear seats removed.Plated commercial so will be 100% right off for work as well.
D5 may drive better,more of a luxury car,but there is not much wrong with a 200,and financially,we are light years ahead.
Limited accessories put us off the D5 as well,no real heavy duty bar,no HD cargo barrier.There is a bar available from ECB,but its a light duty bar,and its very ugly.
Sure the 200 is old school,it is due for replacement,but i know a good few that have had them for years with no issues at all,in fact have a doctor mate who is on his third one,not a single problem with any of them.

Costs,$94K,$5.5K for upgrade,drive away,7 yr warranty,unlimited k's,plus usual accessories,which we would get whatever vehicle we bought, bar,cargo barrier,dual battery system,A/T tyres.

Couldn't wait for the new defender,and by all reports its quite a bit smaller,particularly in the rear.Would cost quite a bit more as well,particularly if we waited for the bigger diesel.

Every vehicle is a compromise in one way or another,but for our needs,after 12 months of searching,the VX is the best option for us.If it wasn't for the stimulus package,we would have waited for the new model.

SO if anyone wants a D4, the one in my sig will be for sale in a month or so.

After 20yrs of Discoveries,we are moving on.

Anyway,will report back in 5 yrs,and let everyone know how it is going[bigsad][biggrin]