Thread: Disappointed in the D5 / waiting for the Defender

Originally Posted by komaterpillar

So much "read the facts not driven the tracks" goin on in this thread.
Pretty much sums up most of this forum....

Bit presumptuous

Originally Posted by trout1105

Personally I would rather buy a late model D4 than the new D5, But that's just Me

Not a new vehicle.

Originally Posted by plusnq

Not a new vehicle.

It would be to Me

I have to agree the 300tdi is probably the best of the last low tech Land Rover. But after just spending a couple of hours on the Perentie trying to fix a really simple stop control unsuccessfully but finding very poor layout, rubbed through insulation, broken wires, and loose connectors, when compared to the better quality layout, connectors and electrics generally in even my 10 year old L322, the benefit of progress is very apparent. A dud stop control is not a show stopper IF you know how to overcome it. A bit like a fault on a modern Land Rover is generally not a problem if you have a IID Tool and know how to use it.

Originally Posted by Tombie

Pretty stock my arse!

What was highly modified?
Stock rv8 with aftermarket ecu
Viscous fan
Stock gearbox
Stock transfer case
Off the shelf springs and shocks in standard mounting
Upgraded diff centres and axles

It’s not like a Pajero in the Dakar.

Originally Posted by plusnq

my question is, if you had to buy a new vehicle right now, what would you buy?

And a pretty good question too

At the risk of getting back on topic, how about the new Defender ? but that doesn't qualify as the question is right now.

The answer for me is that there is nothing new available on the market that meets my requirements and hasn't been for some time.

The problem isn't the vehicles so much, they're probably as reliable as they can be within the design life/criteria of the vehicle but IMO way too much reliance on complex electronics to be considered for serious and often remote off road travel. The issue that I grapple with is what I consider to be a responsible and safe 'manner' in which to approach remote off road travel. For me this means nearly anal pre trip planing and preparation, a thorough understanding of the vehicle and how it works and the tools/ability to diagnose and repair or if repair can't be made the ability to identify which specific components need to be obtained.
A simple vehicle makes this a lot easier but the days of simple vehicles is long gone.
Current methodology/culture seems to be to carry an EPIRB and press the button when the ashtrays full and pass the responsibility on to someone else. I'm old school and don't think this way and don't even carry an EPIRB though I do have UHF, HF and Satphone. .

This is an example of the sort of travel I'm referring to

www.oka4wd.com/media/kunena/attachments/776/2014TheGreatSandyDesertABRIDGEDsmall.pdf


sometimes as part of a group and sometimes solo.

Would you take a D5 on this trip with any expectation of it reaching the other end ?, hopefully the new Defender will 'cut the mustard'.

Deano

Originally Posted by DeanoH

Would you take a D5 on this trip with any expectation of it reaching the other end ?, hopefully the new Defender will 'cut the mustard'.

Deano

I would.

The new Deefer will probably have close to the same electronic suite, so only time will tell.