try out a defender?

khaos said:

If you drive one, you will buy one.

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Wouldn't agree with that, in my opinion it is definitely a love it/hate it thing. After all, if you're not interested in the history or the character or the abilities of an old Land Rover, all it is is just an outdated, crude workhorse pretty much.

they defo are sheds on wheels.Even the new defenders.tinny and horrible.But they do what ya want.As for a test drive, you would be foolish not to drive a car with out test driving it first and any seller will know this.I expect most non trade sellers will want to see some insurance first though.

Langers said:

Wouldn't agree with that, in my opinion it is definitely a love it/hate it thing. After all, if you're not interested in the history or the character or the abilities of an old Land Rover, all it is is just an outdated, crude workhorse pretty much.

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I would probably have to agree with that. Since I was about 8 the only car I was ever getting was a Landy. I went to Billing and then Lara croft had one. Then I grew up and started appreciating what they could really do. I would have to say that they're the coolest cars money can buy. I love how you learn all of your Landy's personality and then you name her. I even love how my seat squeaks against the bulkhead because I'm too tall and the way that the CB rattles against the dash and the fact that occasionally my door flies open for no reason.

Langers said:

I dare say you might need a driving license to participate in one however.

Have a look here and see what you think;
Land Rover Adventure Days | Land Rover International | Land Rover International

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thanks thats really useful, my test is at the end of october so hopefully il do an adventure day in a defender soon after but everyones saying its completly different on road? hmm now im unsure what to do..

khaos said:

I would probably have to agree with that. Since I was about 8 the only car I was ever getting was a Landy. I went to Billing and then Lara croft had one. Then I grew up and started appreciating what they could really do. I would have to say that they're the coolest cars money can buy. I love how you learn all of your Landy's personality and then you name her. I even love how my seat squeaks against the bulkhead because I'm too tall and the way that the CB rattles against the dash and the fact that occasionally my door flies open for no reason.

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Haha you sound like me, a bit of a romantic for these things...

Ben4defender said:

thanks thats really useful, my test is at the end of october so hopefully il do an adventure day in a defender soon after but everyones saying its completly different on road? hmm now im unsure what to do..

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Well, do your test (pass it hopefully!) - go to the Land Rover experience if you want, it can't hurt. After that, head up to a dealership and take a test drive - that's the only real way you're going to be able to drive one on tarmac before you part with your hard-earneds.

Langers said:

Haha you sound like me, a bit of a romantic for these things...



Well, do your test (pass it hopefully!) - go to the Land Rover experience if you want, it can't hurt. After that, head up to a dealership and take a test drive - that's the only real way you're going to be able to drive one on tarmac before you part with your hard-earneds.

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they normally insist on you being over 25 or having your licence for over 2 years before they let you out in a demonstrator due to the insurance

Langers said:

Haha you sound like me, a bit of a romantic for these things...



Well, do your test (pass it hopefully!) - go to the Land Rover experience if you want, it can't hurt. After that, head up to a dealership and take a test drive - that's the only real way you're going to be able to drive one on tarmac before you part with your hard-earneds.

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sounds best, but im looking at around 1989 / 1990 sort of age, wouldnt a dealership be all posh newuns?

G-man said:

they normally insist on you being over 25 or having your licence for over 2 years before they let you out in a demonstrator due to the insurance

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Fair play yeah I was expecting that.

In any case, to the OP - driving on tarmac is the thing that matters, right? Their ability off-road is well documented... something for you to discover if and when you buy one I suppose!

Langers said:

Haha you sound like me, a bit of a romantic for these things...

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For sure, I wouldn't trade her for almost anything.

Ben4defender said:

sounds best, but im looking at around 1989 / 1990 sort of age, wouldnt a dealership be all posh newuns?

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True but I guess there might be traders out there with older vehicles, who are willing to let you have a drive.

Think i may have the anwser ,join the Army ! then you can drive as many landies as you want so long as they dont sell them all first .

Langers said:

True but I guess there might be traders out there with older vehicles, who are willing to let you have a drive.

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il have to have a scout around, every time i go past an ex-pertol station come used car dealership i become eagle eyed looking for defenders

khaos said:

I would probably have to agree with that. Since I was about 8 the only car I was ever getting was a Landy. I went to Billing and then Lara croft had one. Then I grew up and started appreciating what they could really do. I would have to say that they're the coolest cars money can buy. I love how you learn all of your Landy's personality and then you name her. I even love how my seat squeaks against the bulkhead because I'm too tall and the way that the CB rattles against the dash and the fact that occasionally my door flies open for no reason.

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Lara croft is abit after my time but I know how you feel.When I was at school the other kids wanted Lambo and ferrari but I always liked LR.And when I did get one i loved it!And i still do altho im tall and its buggered my back and its slow and noisy on the road.No other is the sameAlthough the lad has rattled cages i say give him credit for trying!Sure theres na90 out there for you Ben

Even if the OP does get to test drive someones 'shed' on tarmac he needs to remember that all landys drive and handle differently. He could test drive one with plenty of oomph, nice crisp gear change and great handling and end up with a snail that handles like a boat, has a soup bowl gearstick with loads of transmission slack and has the acceleration of a milkfloat.

yay...

i over took a milk float today..

Beast o Bodmin said:

yay...

i over took a milk float today..

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Did you walk to work then?

ratty said:

Did you walk to work then?

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He had to. his usual ride was on fire

Turboman said:

Lara croft is abit after my time but I know how you feel.When I was at school the other kids wanted Lambo and ferrari but I always liked LR.And when I did get one i loved it!And i still do altho im tall and its buggered my back and its slow and noisy on the road.No other is the sameAlthough the lad has rattled cages i say give him credit for trying!Sure theres na90 out there for you Ben

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If I had enough money for a lambo, I wouldn't get a lambo. I'd have a bowler and spend the rest putting a nice big chevvy diesel and a galvanised chassis in my 90. If I had a bit left I might pay someone else to do he work for a change

khaos said:

If I had enough money for a lambo, I wouldn't get a lambo. I'd have a bowler and spend the rest putting a nice big chevvy diesel and a galvanised chassis in my 90. If I had a bit left I might pay someone else to do he work for a change

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Approve of your spending priorities mate but could i suggest Perkins engine to keep it British.

Turboman said:

Approve of your spending priorities mate but could i suggest Perkins engine to keep it British.

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Hmmm possibly. I'm game for any engine as long as it runs underwater, has at least 300hp and mountains of torque and is simple enough for me to service. In fact if I had that much money the servicing isn't a problem. I do seriously plan on doing this to my 90 when I have plenty of money. It will probably be 10 or 15 years yet. I've driven a range rover sport with a tdv8 and that engine is incredible! Didn't get to use it's full power obviously but as a passenger I can confirm that thing shifts! I am considering that but the problem is all of the wiring.