2013 Defender 90. Long term vehicle?

[Thewilk]

OK, here's my predicament. I've owned a 98, 2.8, GU patrol for the last nine years. Its got 217000 on the clock with 1800 of that pulling my camper around OZ, but the old girl's starting to feel a bit tired(Although its never let me down). Will be looking at major ticket items like clutch( still original), fuel pump and possible head problems in the near future.$$$$
Most of my traveling is towing a camper and mainly beach work. However, I'm looking to do the Cape this winter(hence the new vehicle)

Been looking for a new rig and dismissed the current crop of tradies utes. Patrol's out due to 3.0ltr problems and can't entertain Toyota prices.

For a long time now, I've been hankering after a Defender. Even the missus is nagging me to get one!
The heart is saying do it but the mind is saying don't after reading some of the woes of the current model(2012/13 model 90 is what I'm looking at).
What I'd like to know is, Is the current model Defender a long term Proposition?, Like 10 years or so, or should I steer clear and get something a little older(still a Defender) with some of the bugs ironed out?
I'm looking for something that can tour and be my daily driver. This vehicle has to last me the next 10 years, like my trusty Patrol has.
I don't want to enter into LR ownership and be let down(or be trayed home) as some seem to have been on this forum.

Thanks for your replies and thoughts in advance and please don't flame me too much!

[DeanoH]

Me, I'd keep the Patrol. Better the devil you know and spend whatever to get it back to top condition. No electronics, simple and strong if a bit underpowered.

Whats with the cylinder head ? is it a known weak point in the 2.8 ?

I reckon you've got more chance of trouble free motoring over the next ten years in a simple old style diesel Patrol than you have with any modern offering. Remember the 90 is a lot smaller than the Patrol and will be a bit choppier with its shorter wheel base.

Deano

[grover69]

Stick with the car you have and put a recon motor in it you will be much better off and spend less money in the long term

[bullets]

I have the same model Patrol - bought new in 98' 2.8 diesel.
It has @ 450,000k's on clock now and apart from regular servicing the only thing I have replaced is the clutch about 18months - 2yrs ago. I will be looking at servicing the injectors soon.
Reckon' stick with what you have and spend the money on some quality maintenance and after market gear. They are a great truck and economical that will last - if not pushed too hard.

[Tombie]

I'd rip the 2.8 and find a 4.2 to slot in

[stuee]

I agree with the above if you cant consider anything else, slot in a 4.2 and give the rest of the vehicle a freshen up. After reading the stories on here, I cant imagine myself buying a new defender.

Out of curiosity though why have you dismissed the current dual cabs? They would be my pick for a new 4x4.

Also my understanding was the current model 3.0L patrol had all the bugs ironed out? If anything its underpowered compared to the rest of the market now. The old boy's had one of the 'problematic' models since new without any problem, but he's fitted a dawes valve, boost and egt gauges, its still a gutless wonder though.

[Greyfox]

Why a 90 and not a 110 Defender,the 90 may not suit your needs , unless you have a short wheel base patrol. Did they still make them in 98?

[Thewilk]

Thanks for the replies.

I've dismissed most tradies utes for a few reasons, Triton- cheap but bendy chassis. D22- cheap but torsion bar front suspension. D40- low clearance and weak clutch. New Ranger out of my price range. D-max low clearance and not as good as Ranger!
I realize that most of this stuff can be addressed with aftermarket mods, but I would be running the risk of voiding the warranty with most mods.

The Defender fits the bill out of the box as stock. Strong chassis, coils all round, easily modded later on. Way more practical than some of the higher end utes with expensive flashy trim and interiors.

As for the old GU. Its got the electronic fuel pump. I've replaced the acc pedal($650)all body mounts,rebuilt front hubs, Third gear is notchy, clutch+flywheel due imminent replacement, paint peeling on roof and bonnet, cracked rocker cover near vac pump, rear diif whine for the last 80000kms, cracks in rear doors and boot floor,needs new tyres+wheel paint, trim falling off inside. Don't get me wrong, It'll be a sad day when it goes. But I feel its time for a change to something with a little more go.

As for the 4.2 option. I had considered this. by the time you've found a good low mileage engine and box and done the transplant(and changed diff ratios etc) you can say goodbye to 15 grand, a third of the way to a new vehicle.

From the replies so far it would seem that a late model Defender might be low on the list!?

[Thewilk]

90 'cos i don't need the space. Just the missus and a dog+camper trailer. And they're cheap!

[jimr1]

What you'r asking is not an easy answer . Land Rover will give you 3 years or 100ks . As you know after that your on your own . No one can tell you how the 2.2 wil go , as no one has had one for 10 years . Test drive a 90 and a 110 . The product has inproved, as are reports of build quality. There are a lot of happy owners , also unhappy ones as well . The way to go is take your time , look at your options , you may decide to spend your money on your Nissan , but in another 10 years it will be 25 years old , think of the resale . good luck , jimr1 .