Thread: D2 driver falls in love with black SWB Defender Extreme - relationship ends badly

Hi - spotted a tasty looking black SWB Defender Extreme, placed seductively at the front of a caryard today. Was curious for a drive, mainly to see how the manual Td5 went - realising that it is a detuned version relative to my manual D2. To say the relationship soured quickly is an understatement. I couldn't believe how rough this thing was given that: it looked so good; it shares quite a few mechanicals with the Disco; and it was made in 2005 rather than 1955; had only 100K k on the clock. It reminded me very much of driving a Series III when I was in the Army...exhaust fumes in the cab, vague steering, lots of body roll, uncomfortable, dicky controls, rough ride (admittedly this was a SW, coarse gutless motor. Now I realise some people actually like the fact that it's not too different to a SIII, and I admire their individuality...and durability. I really couldn't imagine touring in one of these things - getting back into my D2 felt like I'd instantly been upgraded to a D4. The interesting thing about this particular example is that some joker had fitted a 200-litre tank to the SWB, reducing it's cargo area even further! Presumably for Simpson crossing with a backpack in the back... Anyway, $38K seemed like a lot of money for a bit of skin deep 'character'. Bring on the hate mail (I do love the Defender-driving component of the LR brotherhood...really!) And to make you SWB Extreme drivers feel better, I actually got some chicks at the lights asking me about the car...haven't had that happen in the Disco before...or even in my old XB351 Coupe...

I have driven Phils 90 (in stock and chipped form) and even when stock it was light years ahead in power than my D2.

When he chipped it, OMG

The ride was rough yes, but not rough enough that it would be unbearable, I actually like driving Defenders, but then I like driving, hence why I have a manual D2 and not an auto

I would say it probably was not looked after properly or was looked after by a non- LR mechanic and was in need of new shocks and springs AND some diagnostics to get the motor sorted.

Baz.