Thread: Carsguide Defender beat LC300 and Patrol

I read this recently too.

Although I've never seriously entertained Toyota ownership, the fact that they exist in such vast numbers has always left an impression. Something about the power of group-think, mass appeal, right answers etc., within an Australian context at least.

So I looked up LC pricing, to satisfy my curiosity



and the New Defender suddenly seemed so reasonable that I ordered one!

The Patrol seems ancient, well it is over 10 years old compared to the other 2 which are new.

No surprise there,the Defender has the most advanced suspension and Traction Control set up,but it is highly complicated.Although the TC in the other two isn’t that far behind.

If they looked at long term reliability and ownership costs,including resale,no doubt both the Jap vehicles would be way ahead.

I too was worried about resale but then I thought in ten years time I'll be 70, do I care more about resale or actually liking the car I drive?

If you on the bones of your arse then your probably not buying a $100K plus car in the first place.

Originally Posted by scarry

No surprise there,the Defender has the most advanced suspension and Traction Control set up,but it is highly complicated.Although the TC in the other two isn’t that far behind.

If they looked at long term reliability and ownership costs,including resale,no doubt both the Jap vehicles would be way ahead.

There is no such thing as a vehicle that is not highly complicated, if people think a LC is the type of vehicle that can be fixed in the bush then they are kidding themselves. long term reliability on both the LC 300 and Defender cant really be gauged as both are new on the market, though Id be interested to know if anyone has over 100k on a new defender yet??

Originally Posted by Summiitt

There is no such thing as a vehicle that is not highly complicated, if people think a LC is the type of vehicle that can be fixed in the bush then they are kidding themselves. long term reliability on both the LC 300 and Defender cant really be gauged as both are new on the market, though Id be interested to know if anyone has over 100k on a new defender yet??

There would be more chance of fixing something with coils and shocks than a complicated EAS system.

I'm pleased the Defender came out on top. I've driven them all and I agree with the assessment. My old RSS is nicer to drive than the GXL LC300. The for many people will be the long term reliability which for two of the vehicles tested is largely unknown.

If I had the choice for a touring vehicle, my brain says the LC300 but heart says the Defender. I am a big fan of the air suspension but the LC300 will have after diff locks which provides simplicity and redundancy.

Originally Posted by scarry

There would be more chance of fixing something with coils and shocks than a complicated EAS system.

The more expensive Toyotas have hydraulic sway bar control and some apparently also have adjustable rear suspension height, so they're not exactly uncomplicated.

Ditto the Patrol, it has a hydraulic system to reduce lean when turning.