Thread: New Landy - Disco or Defender

My only suggestion is if you want a Defender, buy the later model if you can stretch the budget, 2007 to 2009 are around the 30 to 35k range.

Twice I've penned off replies to this and both times when I've clicked "submit" they've disappeared and I'm told to log in or some such rubbish.
3rd time lucky..... I'm on my 3rd Deafener and also had a 300Tdi Disco and also now have a new D4. What this says about my sanity I'm not sure.....
But after having the D4 such a short time and absolutely loving the driving feel, comfort and quietness etc. and knowing the very good run other members of LORCWA are having with theirs, I have no hesitation in recommending the Disco over the Defender any day.
It will get scratched I know and I'll grieve for a while, scratches which didn't bother me with the Defender, but then I'll console myself with the sound of some fine music from those 11 speakers.
Now all I have to do is one more trip in the Defender and then sell it. I would use the Disco but want to preserve it's unscratched beauty a bit longer.....
Good luck making the decision.
AlanH.

Originally Posted by In A Landy Down Under

I have driven the D4 (at a dealership), and a D3 (My mates) and I really wanna try a Defender but I don't want to waste a private sellers time just giving it a run round the block with no intention of buying it

I am sure if you asked, there would be plenty on this site who would be happy to let you take theirs for a drive.

I would if I had one and was asked.

Originally Posted by d2dave

I am sure if you asked, there would be plenty on this site who would be happy to let you take theirs for a drive.

I would if I had one and was asked.

I've found one at a dealership I can give a go, I don't mind as much if I change my mind on a dealership

Originally Posted by Redback

My only suggestion is if you want a Defender, buy the later model if you can stretch the budget, 2007 to 2009 are around the 30 to 35k range.

Whats better about the later models?

As mentioned I found one to test drive on Sat. Heres what im looking at: https://www.carsales.com.au/dealer/d...AG-AD-14025854

2003 TD5 110
$33k
217,000 km
No service history but looks absolutely immaculate on the pictures
Plenty of mods

Sound like a good deal or not? (assuming the parts not pictured are in a similar condition)

My TD5 has done 215,000 ks , always dealer serviced and mechanically around that mileage.
I would definitely want a service history for $33K.
The things that have gone wrong for me so far are all pretty minor, largely due to regular preventative maintenance. ...the radiator has a weep around a bottom hose connector...this is its second radiator-the first also cracked and the defect was picked up as I noticed the temp rising.Some Selleys Knead it got me to the dealer and a new radiator was fitted. It was unrepairable (they said...) . The first lasted 110,000ks...looks like the second one will be the same though as its a genuine land rover part replaced by a dealer I should get the " life time" warranty protection.
I got all the bushes done at around 195,000 and a few steering ball joints...it steered a lot better Iit had been wandering a bit) and felt as tight as new (that's an oxymoron if ever there was one!). It will need rear drive flanges soon-ish...worn splines are par for the course I have heard...
Apart from the radiator issue , it has only consumed the usual consumables like brake rotors and pads etc and some master cylinders I did "just in case" before a trip. . Apart from the fact that a law needs to be passed mandating the raising of all car parks to Defender height, they are brilliant as daily drivers and surprisingly economical (10 litres per 100ks with full roof racks year in and year out).
Hope this helps

Drive a Defender and you will probably find the decision a lot easier. You'll love it or hate it.