Thinking of moving to the world of landy and getting a Defender 110

Am I mad?

First a bit of background. I got my first 4x4 a couple of years ago. It's a Land Cruiser Amazon (100 series for the yanks). 4.7 V8 petrol from 2003. Had 95K on the clock. I only use it for high days/holidays etc and mileage is now around 98K after those two years. It drives fine. Did have the dreaded air suspension failure, so ripped that out and put in Ironman shocks and springs.

Drinks fuel as 4.7 V8s do on a truck this heavy - average 10-15mpg around town and 22mpg if driving it carefully on motorway speeds. But fuel economy isn't a big factor for me due to the mileage I do so that's down the list of priorities (I picked up the Land Cruiser really cheaply compared to the Diesel equivalent).

The main reason for purchase was to carry wife and kids and two manic working cocker spaniels in the back (rear seats removed). The thing is I am quite bored with it and have always wanted a Land Rover. Test drove a mark 4 Discovery and it drives a lot better.

But really I fancy a Defender 110 for mostly no other reason than I've always lusted after one. Seems like a bit of a minefield finding something that wouldn't need either a lot of of work or if it doesn't now then it will do at some point in the future.So to repeat the introduction - am I mad to consider this?

Thanks for what I can quickly see is an awesome forum and for any replies you may have .

(btw I could also be tempted by a Range Rover that could provide similar space for family and dogs...)

wow - that was a long post, thanks for any that read to the end

Defenders are awesome. But you should not expect perfection, unless your paying £25k for a 2014/15. I bought a 1989 Ninety, with the original td engine. I bought it because it was £4k, and had a solid chassis, the rest is just bolt on stuff that I knew I would be doing. They are loud, uncomfortable, leaky and will require constant work. I love it, such a real driving experience. But then I've always preferred classic cars to modern crap.

Landcruiser 100 is a better drive and is far more reliable than any Disco or Range Rover, that is if the 100 is still on Air,

110 is a nice motor and is simple as shyte to maintain, just watch out for rot in the chassis - Bulkhead - doors - etc etc etc

corrosion in the aluminium body is also known..

Happy hunting.

Try and drive one first for a good number of miles. You will then know is a 110 is for you and your family [ children and dogs will love it though. ]

Henry_b said:

Landcruiser 100 is a better drive and is far more reliable than any Disco or Range Rover, that is if the 100 is still on Air,

110 is a nice motor and is simple as shyte to maintain, just watch out for rot in the chassis - Bulkhead - doors - etc etc etc

corrosion in the aluminium body is also known..

Happy hunting.

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Thanks for the reply Henry.

I did have to rip out the air suspension on the 100 as it failed and the cost just wasn't worth it. It's not uncommon to switch it out to conventional coils and springs. I'm just down the road from West Coast Off Road (near Southport) and got it done there for probably less cost than a repair of the air suspension. At least I don't have that to worry about any longer.

I have heard that the 110 is prone to certain things and my thoughts were if I sell the Landcruiser (probably looking at around 10K which is close to what I paid for it) then I'd have something in the kitty to work on, but the Defenders do seem to keep their value despite condition! But I like the idea of sprucing one up (assuming I didn't pick a total lemon). Really it's just a life-long urge to own one but I do want to ensure I won't be throwing good money into some never-ending pit .

Paul

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When I test drove a Discovery 4 it did drive so much better than the Landcruiser I have to say. Just a lot tighter feeling. The Landcruiser certainly isn't bad but it didn't have that road confidence I got from the Disco.

The best advice is to drive a 110 first. They’re not for everyone and not as comfortable as the land cruiser, especially if you’re tall. But if you like it, let the search begin!

There’s lots of good advice on what to look for on here and on the web generally. The main issue is rust in the chassis and bulkhead. If you get one with a good chassis, make sure you get some decent rust proofing. Or one with a galvanised chassis. Then there’s which engine to choose. Tdi, Td5, Tdci, retro-fitted V8...

Let us know how you get on.

And whatever you get, spend out for some decent security, they’re very popular with thieves sadly...

Agree with above I’ve always had defenders but they aren’t for everyone , drive a couple first see how u get on n if you like go for it but hold out for a good one

I have some past experience driving a Defender. Can't recall the model but it was about 30 years ago... It certainly was agricultural feeling... Huge gear stalk and not exactly quick off the mark. But I just love the classic look of them. They're timeless. And with only doing 2K miles a year or so I think the driving experience would be fun. The Landcruiser 200 is too big and a bit dull to drive. It is solidly reliable though. If anyone's looking at a PX then let me know

Paul

May be a member close to you would be generous enough to let you have a drive n see how u get on , where you based?

Good suggestion. I'm in Southport Merseyside, near Liverpool.

haza88 said:

May be a member close to you would be generous enough to let you have a drive n see how u get on , where you based?

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That is an excellent suggestion.
And when he has got the test drive arranged, he can book up a physio appointment straight afterwards!

I’m down south so to far but I’m sure help will be on it’s way

I love all the comments about how I'll find it so underwhelming when I take a ride in it . I don't care, I've always wanted one so maybe one day soon I can join the chorus

Paul! said:

I love all the comments about how I'll find it so underwhelming when I take a ride in it . I don't care, I've always wanted one so maybe one day soon I can join the chorus

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I doubt if you will find it underwhelming. I think "agricultural" is the term I would use.
The age of the vehicle is important too. Bearing in mind that One Tens started in 1983, and that Puma Defenders were made up until 2016, there were improvements in creature comforts and driveability over that time.

I have read a lot about Land Rover reliability issues (a lot on this forum) but maybe I'm a masochist. I partly picked the Landcruiser based on how reliable it is. And all my day to day cars have been Lexuses, but at some time you want to follow your heart

@Turboman yep that's what I was thinking. I'd be looking at the most recent one my budget will match. Though my price range wonld be quite wide - £10K to £25K. What I really will need is a knowledgeable person with me. I can only know so much by reading things like on here. I'm naturally cautious and cynical though so hopefully won't just make impulse buy.

Paul! said:

I have read a lot about Land Rover reliability issues (a lot on this forum) but maybe I'm a masochist. I partly picked the Landcruiser based on how reliable it is. And all my day to day cars have been Lexuses, but at some time you want to follow your heart

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It may not be a bad idea. You may take to it like a duck to water.
But I would say the advice of @haza88 is excellent.
Drive at least one, preferably several, before parting with any money.

Paul! said:

@Turboman yep that's what I was thinking. I'd be looking at the most recent one my budget will match. Though my price range wonld be quite wide - £10K to £25K. What I really will need is a knowledgeable person with me. I can only know so much by reading things like on here. I'm naturally cautious and cynical though so hopefully won't just make impulse buy.

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Plenty of good stuff around for around 10k.
Definitely take a Land Rover person with you.
And definitely drive them first.

Have you driven one before?
If not do so before buying one!