Hey from North Oxon

Hey there,

Time to pop the lid and say "Hi". Been lurking, first unregistered, and lately registered for a few months now.

Who me? Just a guy who likes tinkering. Like motorbikes a lot, cars a bit less (they're just big, slow, expensive and complicated. ), love travelling and I know nothing better than being in my garage fixing, building, making, repairing. :cool2:.

So how did I stumble upon LZ..? :scratching_chin:Well, you see, I used to have a big french car. It wasn't very reliable, so I never really trusted it. Then I had a tiny german car, a model wich was known for a grenading auto-box. Anyhoo, neither of these cars gave me the confidence that I can keep them, repair them and be happy with them. I always feared that I'll need to have those big £££££ in the bank, just in case something major blows.

I started looking around for a car that I can take apart and put back together if it needs it. Without too much reliance huge money or expensive garages. I've always liked the Defender (and Series), so my attention was drawn to it. And so far, it seems like the Defender is one of the few vehicles that can have everything repaired and still have a fairly modern engine and capable of going on the motorway. :cool2:
That it's got character, awesome off road capability and good space seem like an awesome plus to me. I love the idea of packing it full and heading out into the nature for a bit of camping.
Since focusing my interest on the Defender I've read several magazines, watched hours and hours of YouTube videos and even gone to Gaydon for a taster session. :cool2: Loved it.

Last night I sold my little car, and so now I'll need to save up some money (they're pretty dear aren't they :scratching_chin and then the hunt for my own time/money pit will start, I mean hunt for a Land Rover Defender.

I've not decided which engine (200TDi, 300TDi or TD5) I'd like, nor what body length (110 appeals due to the internal space), or body (SW means seats, but do I really need them?!). I'm sure the wisdom of the forum will make me see sense.

I'd also like to thank all the ones who've been posting in the Defender section. You know who you are. I've been reading your advice and your build/restore threads with great interest. Big thanks for the posts! :cool2: Have a virtual :beer2n me.

Right now I'm tempted to head to Billing to do some tyre kickin' - Anyone going? :cool2:

So youve been infected ! welcome . Billing would be good for you , as it will show you the possibles , not all of which are good !
The defender will allow you to express yourself , by adjusting to what you want from a vehicle (with some small limitations) . One big piece of advice is tread carefully as its very easy to make a very bad decision when buying . dont be afraid to run it by the forum before committing .

tacr2man said:

So youve been infected ! welcome . Billing would be good for you , as it will show you the possibles , not all of which are good !
The defender will allow you to express yourself , by adjusting to what you want from a vehicle (with some small limitations) . One big piece of advice is tread carefully as its very easy to make a very bad decision when buying . dont be afraid to run it by the forum before committing .

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Thanks for the welcome! Yeah, infected is a good way of describing it. I can recognise the TD5 sound from inside the office.
I didn't make it to Billing; went to Axminster tool centre instead. Anyway, I keep trying to tell me that I'm in no rush. :scratching_chin:Need to save up some for that "special one". And yeah, I've learnt that it might not be easy to pay the right amount for the right car. Not the easiest to detect a lemon from a peach.

I see you're one "notch" up on the M40 from me. And you have a special engine in a 110? Sweeeeet. :cool2:

Well the engine is almost in the 110 , but I am often about your way in my 90

tacr2man said:

Well the engine is almost in the 110 , but I am often about your way in my 90

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I'd love to hear more about your cars. The 110 sounds very interesting. Got a build thread going? If you fancy a cuppa or a pint when near Bicester, let me know. I'm around most evenings and weekends. :beer2: