My thoughts exactly.
Scott
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Wow, sounds like the D4 killed itself!? I doubt many owners would expect one to stall and roll back like that.
As for replacement, perhaps same again. That way you can easily transfer your kit and knowledge across - get back out there in no time.
OR if you want full control (for all the blame), a manual Defender with antistall? *runs for cover*
Relieved to hear no injuries, the after shock is bad enough without them. We had a D1 flip at speed on our last trip. Ghost white for hours, and many profanities!
I drove a D5 as a loaner for a few days last November when my car was in for service and they had to wait for spare parts. Personally, I didn't like it as much as the D4 and was glad to get my D4 back. It drove ok, even with the 4 cylinder engine which was a surprise I must admit. The weight reduction has certainly improved the car. I wonder what a real engine would do? It would probably be a good choice for a purely town car with no towing needs though. The main issues for me were side visibility through the rear windows and what I thought was a decrease in usable load space. I can get my wife's wheelchair (with the main wheels removed) comfortably into the D4. It sits upright against the left hand side secured by an occy strap to the cargo barrier. Didn't come close in the D5. I had to lay it down to get it in and this effectively reduced the amount of usable load space. The other issue there was that the 2nd row seats don't seem to fold down flat like the D4 once again impacting the load space. Don't get me wrong, it was good to drive and even as a low spec version had a reasonable amount of accessories but obviously less than "normal" so to speak.
So pluses and minuses, but for me, no.
Martin
Varies from insurer to insurer. Allianz told me my car was covered anywhere it was legal to drive it. So, in a farm paddock if I had the owner's permission, on Rainbow, or any track or road where vehicles are permitted. They made it clear that I would NOT be covered if the road/track was officially closed, or if I strayed from the track into the bush. I cannot say if this is still the case.
So, shop around.
Wow, what an ordeal. Glad to hear you are OK. If only one possitive, maybe a lesson/knowledge for the rest of us. An accident like yours obviously gets conversation going. If it saves another in a similar situation then at least something was gained. Best of luck with your future ride.
Glad you're OK Mark, could have been worse, the car is replaceable you are not.
HDC turns off once you apply the foot brake, HDC works only if the engine is running but will work in neutral.
3 ton of rolling mass on a very steep hill would be hard to stop and with that momentum dropping into a hole will always end badly.
Baz.