Should I or shouldn't I?

UlstermanAbroad said:

Not sure if you'll see this Col. Wondering why you suggested I look for a 2.25 petrol?
I checked the mpg online and it looks fairly horrific. I'd only be using it locally, but still
With an eye on resale too, this has me worried.
Is mpg in the teens a reasonable expectation?

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I like the diesel, but I have never had a petrol. It gets 26.1 mpg averaged over 7800 miles. But as has been said by @jamesmartin they are very noisy and not as powerful or smooth as the petrol. I wouldn't really rule out either though. I would think if the chassis and bulkhead are good the engine is not that important. they are relativel eas to repair and to replace and swap.

i look at a landy as 3 bits chassis ,body and running gear ,if all 3 are poor its a big job,but easier to fix poor running gear and body the most difficult and its were it joins the chassis underneath often hidden

My diesel aint noisy and chugs around very nicely upto 45mph. I wouldn’t say it’s any better or worse than the petrol one I had.

The defender owner that changed the tyres for me at the local garage wouldn’t believe it was a diesel until I opened the bonnet for him.

Mine is the heavy lwb station wagon with the double skinned roof, probably the worst mpg performer of the lot. I get about 20 mpg around the town and it will do 60 on a decent bit of flat straight road. Compared to the various squeaks, rattles and bangs from the body and suspension, the petrol engine is quiet and since fitting the electronics ignition module, it's very easy to start and runs well. I know diesels get better mpg but not much, maybe 20% which is an extra 5 mpg. The petrols are simple and easy to work on, all the parts are cheapish and plentiful. Diesel injectors cost a fortune but cheap in comparison to a new pump and neither are something that the DIY mechanic can fix easily. My worst gripe with the diesels though, is their slowness in acceleration and the smoke they usually kick out under load.

I know many on hear prefer the diesel and I respect their right to do so but smokey, noisy old diesels are becoming socially unacceptable in some quarters.

Col

Mike, its a love thing, yes the neighbors can point fingers and snigger as much as they like, yes there will be frustrating moments and plenty of bruises and spanner rash but it's all worth it .. the day when the snow is so deep that the wife can't get the Fiat Lupo out of the drive and the neighbors are shoveling like mad to get their shinny SUV's out on the road and all you do is pull the red lever and those massive general grabber tires plus all the 54BHP gets me out of the village .. no problem .. who's laughing now eh?
Do it Mike
I did
and now its my daily drive .. no radio.. no AC just me and the joys of proper mechanics

Simon

Thanks guys. I really appreciate your advice.
Unfortunately in Northern Ireland there isn't the same volume of vehicles on offer.
So, it's a case of being patient, until a good vehicle surfaces, for the right price

UlstermanAbroad said:

Thanks guys. I really appreciate your advice.
Unfortunately in Northern Ireland there isn't the same volume of vehicles on offer.
So, it's a case of being patient, until a good vehicle surfaces, for the right price

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Is it not possible to get one from here and enjoy a nice trip on a boat? If you are limited on numbers you could probably organise to see 8-10 over a weekend, choose the best one and then head home with it.

Ulsterman, be very patient and the right vehicle will find you. I've had 35 or more years with Land Rovers all series and one 110 V8 Defender.
All gone now as I retired I could not afford to keep all the toys and my real passion is pre-war Motorcycles.
I may be moving to Norther Ireland in a few months time to County Down. The logistics of moving workshop of lathe and milling machine plus all the bikes and stuff need to be sorted first though. Good luck with your search and new hobby.

Bobsticle said:

I love the fact they where designed and produced by chaps in smokey rooms full of beards and pipes and top pockets full of pencils.

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I enjoyed reading that reply! You just summed up why I live them too! Although I think my lightweight is one of the most comfortable drives I've ever had!

Good luck with your move Divie. The County Down coast is fabulous, as I'm sure you know.

So, several weeks on and I'm about to fly over to London to collect a Defender 110 300TDI.
Am spending a bit more than I planned, to get a vehicle with an excellent drive train, body and chassis, that's just been MoT’d and is from a very highly regarded LR specialist. The vehicle needs cosmetic work that I can do myself. In the cab and repainting the exterior. Am going for the Heritage look with a full canvas roof. Will be driving her back via the Lake District and Cairnryan and then getting down to business.
It's a pretty gentle introduction to Defenders, but if all goes well, I'll take on something a bit more challenging next time.
I know that if I attempt something too ambitious, with my limited skills, I'll end up going backwards.
Thanks again guys, for taking the time to comment. Everything you've shared, has been very valuable.
Mike.

Youve done the best thing ...asked questions...then taken time...made your mind up...then bought...wish more new Landy buyers follow suit...good luck...

Enjoy your new purchase. Sounds like a well considered decision.

Thanks guys.
I suppose that I'm just beginning to learn to do some things right,
after fifty two years of generally cocking things up

If you do go down the new chassis route anytime, I recommend using Richard chassis my came in at 1850 including vat and delivery and is a fantastic bit of kit.
Mines a 78 swb diesel . I rebuilt the engine with a. New old stock block and turner engine parts . Prob about 850 pounds in total. But I love diesel so no prob. My cav dpa pump was a little awkward to rebuild but loads of help online so after a few nights genin up was fine.
Injector I got new from an ldv I think.cant remember long time ago Used old bodies replaced the rest new. Pressure tested spot on.
But I can understand people’s concerns over diesel