Why do we love these cars?

I'm currently on my second P38 (a 1999 DSE)

Whn i bought it 5 months ago all was well, the bodywork was in great condition and all the electrics worked!

Since about the week after i bought it its been nothing but trouble, Random overheating being the main problem. The fuel pump has been replaced, new glow plugs, new stat, new front air bags etc etc etc....

Why oh why do i still love it?

When you spend as much time under it as you do driving it there is a certain attachment that forms. And there is nothing beats driving a rangie on a long cruise!

martynv8 said:

When you spend as much time under it as you do driving it there is a certain attachment that forms. And there is nothing beats driving a rangie on a long cruise!

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+1 .... Oh so true

Keviswatt said:

I'm currently on my second P38 (a 1999 DSE)

Whn i bought it 5 months ago all was well, the bodywork was in great condition and all the electrics worked!

Since about the week after i bought it its been nothing but trouble, Random overheating being the main problem. The fuel pump has been replaced, new glow plugs, new stat, new front air bags etc etc etc....

Why oh why do i still love it?

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Brain disease

Money is overrated!!! :tea:

its the amount of time we bang our heads thinking whats wrong with it now gives us brain shake

I like this reasoning
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RmeeF9ZtkCA#t=119

I have often wondered this.
I have a love of Land Rovers, Jaguars, and Triumphs.
Mainly troublesome cars, I have owned them all.
So I pondered many various reasons, as to my love of these Marques.

Then it dawned on me one day, the ansewer was obvious.
I grew up watching the Avengers.
I must love Joanna Lumley.
mmmmm Purdy.

Is it okay to post a gratuitous pic?
It all makes sense now.


joannalumley by Sovereign125a, on Flickr

As my car is sickly I got a lift from a colleague in a brand new £50K BMW saloon - what a bumpy, sterile boring vehicle - I wouldn't give a grand for it. Yes it worked - I'd much rather be in my Imp. This is why we love cars like ours - they don't feel like consumer appliances - honestly, the Beemer today felt like I was travelling in a non-brand fridge-freezer on wheels. A perfectly good car - but soulless - unlike the superb BMW 635i I used to drive in the late 80s. I hate most modern cars with a passion.

Similar here, just driven down to Portsmouth for a few days break & drove down in the wifes courtasy car (merc 220C estate). What a heap of uncomfy crap. Made me appreciate the fit & finish of my P38 & also that it's the only car I can drive 300+ miles in & feel fresh as a daisy after it all.

Personally I love that big V8 ex-Buick engine. Had 2 x SD1, and now 2 Rangies with it in. Best was my '89 3.5 - lovely roar when you revved it!

For me classics and series/defender had go get it appeal, the p38 I had i couldn't wait to get rid of.

fanatic said:

For me classics and series/defender had go get it appeal, the p38 I had i couldn't wait to get rid of.

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I'd love a Fender, not too good for long journeys though and very expensive.

Datatek said:

I'd love a Fender, not too good for long journeys though and very expensive.

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Why are they SO much more expensive than Disco 1's of similar condition?

Farmers love 'em to bits so the demand is sky high.

Derek Ward said:

Farmers love 'em to bits so the demand is sky high.

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Are they mechanically easier than Discos?

Surprised you would like a Defender Data.
A company I worked for gave a brand new 110 defender.
It was painted mustard Yellow, company colour.

I just loved it, tiny cramped cab, couldn't fit much in it.
was totlay unsuitable for the amount of gear we needed to carry.

But it put a smile on my face every morning.
Was a pig if you got it stuck too, only a JCB was getting you out.
It saved me a lot of walking.

Didn't break down a lot either.
I have a 2a now to remind me of those times.
The permanent 4 wheel drive made it competant on a wet backroad too.
Once you got used to sliding it !

sovereign said:

Surprised you would like a Defender Data.
A company I worked for gave a brand new 110 defender.
It was painted mustard Yellow, company colour.

I just loved it, tiny cramped cab, couldn't fit much in it.
was totlay unsuitable for the amount of gear we needed to carry.

But it put a smile on my face every morning.
Was a pig if you got it stuck too, only a JCB was getting you out.
It saved me a lot of walking.

Didn't break down a lot either.
I have a 2a now to remind me of those times.
The permanent 4 wheel drive made it competant on a wet backroad too.
Once you got used to sliding it !

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as compared to what other vehicle apart from a large van etc

jamesmartin said:

as compared to what other vehicle apart from a large van etc

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That was more of a comment on my company than the vehicle.
Unimogs would have been more suited to the loads.
But who wants a Unimog?

To be honest, the Defenders were grossly overloaded.
But worked perfectly, beyond their design tolerances.