Thread: New Defender envy?

Fair enough but I was thinking of base models. Additions blow prices out of all proportion.

Barney,
I get everything your saying.

In my opinion new Defender is priced about 10k more than it should be to compete effectively. However, the number out there driving around suggests plenty of people have a different opinion.

I’m a similar demographic to you I think (and some others in this thread), and am seriously looking for probably a new car (used are priced more than new in some sectors) that will do what I want for the next 10 or 15 years.

I’m open to anything really, but would prefer a land rover. The new vehicle needs to tick the essentials - safe, comfortable, capable off road, capable of towing, carry a reasonable amount of gear (and tow), able to be applied to rural work (carry gear and not be worried about interior, and reliable (especially if a long way from home) over that period of ownership (10-15 years). Permanent 4WD, rear disc brakes, and coils or EAS are highly desirable features.

I currently have a 2008 L322 tdv8, a perentie wagon and a D1 300tdi (currently getting rebuilt). Of the cars I own (after the engine rebuild) the D1 is probably the best scoring against all the criteria. But the D1 is now 23 years old.

If I want new the outlay starts at about $60k for a base Paj Sport with upgraded suspension, about $75k for a Prado (permanent 4WD) again with upgraded suspension, then Ute options for about the same price, then up to the 76/79 series which starts at about $80k again with upgraded suspension and a few comforts, add another $15k for rear coils. When I say upgraded suspension I mean something that provides at least 1 tonne payload, engineer approved pre-registration.

Compare that against a base petrol Defender at $90k with EAS, tow pack, tinting, and rear diff lock, which scores pretty well. Again IMHO about $10k too much. Also, unfortunately its carrying capacity is limited to 785kg.

A 2005 td5 defender (not a fan of the Puma) would also score highly. A low km, looked after example is now quite a few $ for a 16 year old vehicle.

So the choice is not easy.