Thread: Troopy or Defender ?

there was an article i read somewhere about the HEMA map crews swapping Tojos for Patrols ...more comfort on rough roads, less back pain etc... I am aware of similar reports elsewhere.

My safety concern about the Troopy is its narrow wheelbase and very high (relative) C of G. In fact it was a major reason why i went with the P38 instead of a Troopy. ... now i've caught the dreaded P38 virus... Yeah I have seriously considered a Deefer... reckon they're tops... a real Meccano set for big boys

Love my Land Rover but there are a couple of reasons why there are 10 times the amount of toyotas in the bush - They are more reliable by a country mile, LR has extremely poor customer service, You can get tojo parts anywhere. Enjoy whatever you decide

Originally Posted by gone bush

Love my Land Rover but there are a couple of reasons why there are 10 times the amount of toyotas in the bush - They are more reliable by a country mile, LR has extremely poor customer service, You can get tojo parts anywhere. Enjoy whatever you decide

I would like to disagree with that. I just don't think it's the case.

On the positive side though when your toyota does break down most mechanics are far more comfortable with them than a LR. In rural areas, it's likely you'll have to wait for parts just like LR though.

I think the toyota parts are everywhere debate relates more to the fact you can see a Toyota dealer sign in most big towns, but land rover ones are far less frequent. Now if a sign can fix your vehicle, then fine - but I'd bet 10:1 that the sign doesn't come with a big spare parts department however it would come with the odd toyota vehicle sitting under it and at least a bloke who can order you a part if/when needed... Landrover on the other hand you would likely have to make your own calls to get the parts in, therefore Toyotas are more reliable?? :P

One thing that i don't think has been mentioned is that the Land Rover has much better handling than the troopy, due mainly to the coil springs and constant 4WD. I drive both and find the Land Rover handles far better than the Cruiser, especially on dirt roads where the cruiser always wants to flick the tail out (especially on bumps).

Edward

For touring I would have a Defender, no question. I drove 70 series Landcruisers for about ten years - most of it over rough ground. I suffered terrible back pain and I learnt to really hate them. Test driving a Defender for the first time was a revelation (superior ride and comfortable seats), and I haven't looked back. That was fifteen years ago and I've been driving them ever since. Defenders have a number of advantages as already stated but for me the big one is comfort. As long as he's not a big bloke he'll be more comfortable in a Defender.

Defender comfortable... Maybe if your well under 5'10", like driving with the window down and don't intend to get in of out it to often. Ride nice they do well however.

Originally Posted by Rangier Rover

Defender comfortable... Maybe if your well under 5'10", like driving with the window down and don't intend to get in of out it to often. Ride nice they do well however.

I must admit I do find the defender (county) quite comfortable. The seats are surprisingly comfy, I don't mind the driving position - although the handbrake can be a bit annoying at times. I drive with the window down most of the time, but not on the highway. I am 6'3"...