Member - Jimbo (VIC) replied:

Reliabilty, hmmmm.

The reputation (and it may be foul gossip and rumour) is not great.

Perhaps since they have changed ownership things may have changed. However as recently as the May edition of 4wd Monthly they stated "If only it was a touch more reliable.....".

Perhaps there are more reliable basic units available. Maybe a Landcruiser Standard or a Patrol DX.

Just my thoughts.

Cheers Fat Boy.

Jim.

pjd replied:

go for it for what you want it is ideal all the problems with landrovers were sorted years ago they are more reliable than a old 3ltr nissan but people dont bag them as much

Willem replied:

Wolfie

All 4x4's are OK and so is the Landrover. It all depends on the application you intend for it.

For years I drove utilitarian vehicles(old Landcruisers and G60 and MQ Nissans and a few Daihatsus and Suzukis thrown in) as was the case with Rosie. Now that I have made the change I guess I will never go back to that sort driving. It is all very well to say that you want something basic but you will soon tire of driving a basic truck around and then you want this and that added on etc.

I would go for a Landcruiser or Nissan but each to their own. If you feel inclined towards the Landrover then go for it. It may be good to you or you may learn new lessons..LOL

Good luck!

theshadows replied:

you look like a big unit wolfie......try sitting in one.....
I was going to buy a second hand defender too I sat in one. Back to toyota and nissan.

shadow

sean replied:

I would be concerned about what happens to the roof in a rollover.

Sean

Mr Z replied:

i also considered buying a 90, i think the're a great looking unit but way overpriced, i ended up purchasing a gu patrol which i am happy with and its a lot nicer to drive over long distances
not sure if this helps but definetly test drive a few different 4wd's in that price bracket, and consider resale as well?

rolande replied:

Wolfie,
Would think the EXTREME for a couple grand more would be a much better proposition. The TD-5 is a BMW unit, suspension live axle coils so should be no hassles there, the interior is very old design and cramped, friend has an ARB seat in his which is more comfortable than standard, I 'spose as with everything, you will learn a lot by quickly taking one around the block, other than this try DX Patrol.

Rolande

Wayne (NSW) replied:

Loan,
Some people swear by the Defenders some swear at them.
Came across a Disco west of Cameron Corner at the Double decker bus. No sign of a break down and no sign of the driver. When we got to the Corner Store I told the store owner and he said that I was the first to tell him about the vehicle,24 hours after the owner had come in. He was waiting for a tow truck, the computer had shut down for some reason.
The diesel is very economical but the V8 is shocking. Good wheel travel and will go just about any where how ever if they were that good Iam sure that all the drivers that work for Great Divide Tours would have one( we own our own vehicles and don't have to have Toyotas)

Wayne

Rosco - Bris. replied:

Hey Wolfie

What can I say. You won’t find the answer here. Try other forums if you need answers that only you can provide. Suffice to say they are not for everyone ….. it’s a personal choice thing. Creature comforts … not quite non-existant, but almost.
Hose out – believe me, that’s the way to go. Forget carpets, not for these agricultural jobs.

Engine … 2.5 l TD with intercooler. No extreme grunt here but quite adequate for towing 1+ Tonne CT. Gear box.. severe problems in the past, .. I should know as this is my 4th Landie. I have reason to believe they’ve been fixed.

Spare wheel .. stronger rear door framing, but I’ll let you know in time.

Rain and dust leaks … they come as a numbered part item. Having said that, to be fair the LR stealer said that they can do a lot to address this issue …???? Ha Ha why should it be necessary??. Pay $50K for dust and water … I DON’T THINK SO !!!

The 90 model is reported to be a touch twitchy at speed, due to the short wheel base, but I reckon they’d climb a gum tree if necessary.

Horses for courses old son, … I love ‘em………….but they not for every one.

Psst. ……performance wise in bog standard they’ll shat on most. That’s why you won’t have to go out and spend a motsa on extra add-ons. The traction control gizmo is tops.

Add 15K to get a Tojo troopy with diff lockers to come close.

Bonz (Vic) replied:

Wolfie,

I have driven a X-treme and also a LR ute and both felt like I had been shoehorned into the vehicle, go take one for a test drive for a looong test drive. I found that I had to adjust how I held the wheel as my knuckles came close to hitting the drivers door when turning the corner.

That said, the guys who drove them much longer than me said they were capable and comfortable tourers. reliability was a bit of a worry though. Thses same guys now drive Toyota (gulp!) Hi-luxes and say they leave the Landy for dead as a vehicle. Its horses for courses but you *have* to be a Landy man to appreciate owning one of these.

Beware.....

Member - glenno (QLD) replied:

Get a TROOPY

Baz (NSW) replied:

Wolfie have a chat with these guys they are a great bunch of blokes and you should fit in well, as well as get some good info. Scroll down to a nice looking D90.

AULRO

Baz.

D110V8D replied:

Lone Wolf,

I have driven Land Rovers for many years and I wouldn't have it any other way. I did for a short time drive a Toyota Hilux and it was a load of garbage. Not build quality or anything like that, it just didnt perform off road where it was intended to go. My old series 2a is better than a Hilux and it's at least 40 years older. Land Rover Defenders are a rugged, reliable go anywhere straight out of the showroom type vehicle. You will here all sorts of complaints regarding the creature comforts etc. It's an agricultural vehicle intended for use in harsh conditions. They don't factor into it cup holders and climate control etc because they're not necessary. You'll have your head out the window watching where your wheels are etc and actually be able to see the wheels without removing your head from your shoulders to do it. They're infinitely practical but as has been said a personal choice.
Regards

Mick

Member - Pesty (SA) replied:

Hi Wolfie
Just throw my 2 bobs worth in, for a great 4wd tourer with room for 1 or 2 or the daug, get yourself a 4wd tray top ute diesel, whatever you please, but my suggestion is toyota or nissan, as they are easy to work on and parts and acces. are easier and cheaper than most others.
Get your engineering skills wound up and design a canopy , steel or canvas for the back, which may include a bunk for 1, plenty of room to take toys with you, and build the ultimate tourer.
Oh and im sure you could find a tax deduction or two in there somewhere tooo?