Thread: Defender or RR for DD / long term project?

IMO The 100" chassis of the RaRo makes it perfect... It's great on-road, all the creature comforts and it also performs great off road. The residual values are quite low too compared to the Defender.

Down side is that there are not as many after market accessories for the RaRo compared to the Defender which makes it slightly more expensive depending on the mods that you want to do.

Mark.

Originally posted by camel_landy


Down side is that there are not as many after market accessories for the RaRo compared to the Defender which makes it slightly more expensive depending on the mods that you want to do.

Mark.

I kind of disagree with this.
Anything you need for a defender you can get for a range rover.

I'd try the defender first to see if you like the ergonomics as they are not for everyone but i like it.

Either way you should be happy.

Dave.

Originally posted by camel_landy
Down side is that there are not as many after market accessories for the RaRo compared to the Defender which makes it slightly more expensive depending on the mods that you want to do.

Mark.

Perhaps that is the case in the UK, but in Oz there is far more aftermarket support for the Rangies.. eg Rangie Spares etc..
Most of the accessories for Defenders here are all chequer plate bolt on bits :?
You cant body lift a Defender (well it is very hard) and as mentioned, the 100" wheelbase is a definate advantage...
Try get one on LPG to offset the fuel costs.... plus you get a V8 mate :wink: and can get em in auto

Thanks for the feedback (and keep more coming if anyone has anything to add!). The big question - what year RR would be the best? Im rather ignorant on the RR mechanicals but Id be guessing the latest RR without air suspension (no idea which year that was - 90 perhaps?)

Again - thanks heaps so far

imo you want a pre 88 which still has the LT230 transfer ( i think date is correct) as after that they went to the Borg Warner viscous transfer which is rubbish and has no place on a proper 4wd...
also depends if you want auto or manual... if manual.. I would be going for 4 spd manual which unfortunately only comes with carby models...
if auto.. go the 4sp ZF which was available post '85 i.e. efi.. although flapper type efi from that time is pretty average...
I suppose it all boils down to
a: how much $$ you have to spend on total project...
b: how mechanical you are...

Originally posted by DaveS3+--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(DaveS3)</div><div class='quotemain'><!--QuoteBegin-camel_landy


Down side is that there are not as many after market accessories for the RaRo compared to the Defender which makes it slightly more expensive depending on the mods that you want to do.

Mark.

I kind of disagree with this.
Anything you need for a defender you can get for a range rover.

I'd try the defender first to see if you like the ergonomics as they are not for everyone but i like it.

Either way you should be happy.

Dave.[/b][/quote]

When I was running a RaRo as an overland truck, I did notice that there was a greater selection of accessories in Oz. However, you can still get quite a few bits for the RaRo but you usually end up paying more of a premium due to good old "Supply & Demand"... I don't know if that's still the case though - Discuss. :wink:

ISTR that one of the main things I had problems getting for the RaRo was security grilles for the rear load space area. Getting a decent aux fuel or water tank in the UK is impossible without having to pay $$$.

M

As already mentioned the 1988 Range Rover is a good choice.

The transmission remains mechanical, and therefore longlived and easy to repair.

The engine is the last of the 3.5 V8s, so it's at the peak of that engine's development.

The wheel base is great for off roading.

Modifications are econimical if you're prepared to wait and buy 2nd hand.

You can probably buy one with many of the mods you require quite cheaply.

LPG is a must. I'm currently getting around 15 km per $1 around town and similar in the country (higher price, but better milage).

If I could afford a Defender, I'd prefer one, but the RR is so easy & economical to live with (recent gearbox rebuild @ 406,000 km aside).

You'd get a 1988 RR with half the mods you want for $10K, a Defender for $20K+. Even without LPG, you'd never make up the difference by fuel savings.

Having said all this, I'd rather fork out the money and get a Defender if I was going to be in the bush (or touring) for prolonged periods. I'm even thinking my SIII would be first choice for a Simpson Desert trip over the '88 RR, it's just a better pack horse.

why not buy an early Disco 1?

200 TDI are getting very cheap these days

Just a thought

LRH