I'm starting to think about what might be the ideal vehicle for my next outback tourer. It won't need to double as my daily drive. It needs to be frugal with fuel. It needs to be able to be knocked about, scratched, dented, etc without me worrying about its resale value. The interior needs to be pretty spartan so it can be easily cleaned (if not hosed out).
My last vehicle, a Discovery, was virtually driven from the showroom floor and trashed. The interior was largely removed. Additions were made.
Suspension modified. The cloth seats became stained with diesel, red dirt and various other fluids. The exterior is deeply scratched and has multiple dings. The result is that as a trade-in it would worth very little despite having been maintained mechanically, and only having 130,000 km on it.
So the next vehicle will be more purpose designed, rather than adapted for the job.
I've liked the idea of the older Hummers, but they are ruled out by their motors and prices.
I like the idea of a Troopy, but the V8 diesel is thirsty, low on power and torque (151kW/430Nm) and only comes with manual transmission.
The Defender would also suit, but is again limited by its engine (90kW/360Nm) in manual only.
The
sedan siblings of the above two (Discovery 4 and 200 Series LC) have ideal engines: Disco 3.0 TDV6 180kW/600Nm, Toyo 4.5 Twin turbo 195kW/650nM, and both have auto transmission. However, their bodies are too car like for the trashing I will be handing them. In addition, I think the Disco would need replacement 16"
wheels.
So my dream car would be a Hummer with the TDV6 motor.
Its a pity Toyota or Land Rover don't offer offer their best engines and gear boxes in the Troopy/Defender lines. If they did, I'd be out there tomorrow.
So for the time being, I'll get some nice canvas
seat covers and stick with the hammered Disco.
I wonder what others would have as their dream car?