Thread: Moving to the Dark Side

Ron - I'm going to agree with the others that a Defender would be ideal for what you are after. And there are a couple of changes from the County days as well

However saying that, I have worked on and driven the 80 series Cruisers a fair bit. Honestly they aren't that bad of a vehicle. Yes they do use more fuel than a Defender (16 litres per 100km's approx) in standard diesel form.

I'm sure you've seen the trip reports when I was over at Overlander. Norbert's 40th Anniversary 80 series was a good vehicle. had a few minor problems but what vehicle doesn't. The major problem I had with it was how much it cost when he damaged the wheel flares - but it was a limited edition model as well. Other than that the A/C was excellent, the ride pretty damn good and noise wise was better than my Defender. Which would I own - my Defender but that's my preference. And I love the roughness of the Defenders as well. I'm not scared to damage it or put scratches on it etc.

Go with whatever you're happy with. You're the one that has to drive it that many km's. But don't go and leave the forum just because you won't have a Landie at the time. If you want an honest appraisal of that vehicle, ask Norbert over at Overlander. He's pretty honest about it, and not that biased if you PM him about it.

Cheers
Chris

Well, this is a difficult one.

1) I Choose to drive my Lexus LS400 ( Toyota really) because it is reliable, has awesome climate control, a great sound system, is wisper quiet and feels like a loungeroom.
2) I work on the odd 80 and 100 Cruiser also, and I can see a lot of toyotas engineering and build quality gone into them also, like the Lexus.
3) They are easily and happily repaired and maintained by anyone anywhere in this country.
4) they are so common, spares and support are Never a problem.

BUT,
They do use fuel, they are dead boring to drive, and they are not that flash off the bitumen really at all in standard trim.

Here is my quandary,

1) I would Rather drive my Rangie classic, Isuzu powered of course. even though it has average A/C, has NO stereo, is noisy and rough, and feels like a leather loungeroom 20 years old.
2) I would rather work on Landies, because I absolutely love the product, there capabilities, idiosynchrasies, and their stand alone heritage and looks.
3)Nobody wants to repair or maintain landies in the outback, ESPECIALLY late model electronics filled ones.
4) there are some out there, mostly dumped or on flat trays going to the dealers in a capital city somewhere, or rusting in cocky's paddocks.

BUT
I love them and can't imagine touring this country with a camper trailer on the back of anything other than my beloved RRC or if the other half would let me, an Isuzu county.

I hope this has helped and not confused the issue.(!)

JC