What can I get for £14k?

This site contains affiliate links for which LandyZone may be compensated if you make a purchase.
S

SqueezeMe

Member
Posts
48
Location
Sunny Bournemouth
Hi folks...

Been a while since I posted on here, as I used to own a 96 Defender 90, but sold it yrs back... Looking to get another one now, but want to spend some more money and get as best I can... I am happy to spend around £14k and I think this will get me something between an 07 - 09 plate...

So, the question is, is it better to simply got for the newest model possible (I'm not entirely sure on the differences), or go for spec, on an older model...?

I will be using the wagon on 'long' journeys to the Alps, as we have a place out there, and intend on using it during the winter...

I've read that "the build quality on the late 2009 model is fantastic, far ahead of the earlier 2007/08 models"... How correct is this statement?

Any help would be fantastic folks... Thx in advance as always :cool:
 
The Ninety/One Ten and Defender range have barely changed over the years. There have been evolutionary changes, the biggest being the engine.

As for comfort, well I daresay you'd be much better off buying a Discovery. It'll be a far better vehicle for 'long' journeys than a Defender ever will be.

If you must have the rugged 4x4, then the JK Jeep Wrangler (2005 onwards), can be had in SWB or LWB and is a far superior vehicle to a Defender.


A newer Defender will be quieter than an older one. Although this is mostly down to the engines getting quieter. And maybe a bit more carpeting being fitted to more models. They will all ride the same, steer the same and handle the same however.
 
SqueezeMe said:
Hi folks...

Been a while since I posted on here, as I used to own a 96 Defender 90, but sold it yrs back... Looking to get another one now, but want to spend some more money and get as best I can... I am happy to spend around £14k and I think this will get me something between an 07 - 09 plate...

So, the question is, is it better to simply got for the newest model possible (I'm not entirely sure on the differences), or go for spec, on an older model...?

I will be using the wagon on 'long' journeys to the Alps, as we have a place out there, and intend on using it during the winter...

I've read that "the build quality on the late 2009 model is fantastic, far ahead of the earlier 2007/08 models"... How correct is this statement?

Any help would be fantastic folks... Thx in advance as always :cool:
Click to expand...

I believe it is generally the case that money spent on extras and upgrades whilst tempting is wasted when it comes to value later down the line. So I would just use the money to get the newest model possible.
 
You can make a Defender much more comfortable and quiet just costs cash, time and hard work. Mines almost a joy to drive now but has cost a chunk...

Long trips though Disco would probably be better, may even get a Decent D3 for that money
 
But would a discovery hold the price as much a s defender does... From memory, Defenders hold their value well, and I'm guessing will be better now, due to the line being cancelled?

I do like the Discovery, but would want a D4 if going down that line, and I don't think I could afford that?

Thx again folks
 
Depreciation is a huge factor for me, as I'll be keeping the wagon for several years and need to know that the arse is not going to fall of it, with ref to resell price... Apart for the trips to the alps, I'll be doing very little mileage in it... So hopefully will keep that down... I need a decent spec as in my experience some prefer more spec than age, yet I appreciate that age is very important...

Ideally I'd get an 09 plate (not convinced I can afford anything newer) but there are a vast range out there, from 07 - 09 seemingly all wanting between 12 and 14k. Hence my question about the build quality and interiors etc? Does anyone know if the interior up front was significantly different between these few years, or the same? and is there an engine that is stand out at all for the defender, or maybe one to avoid????

Thx again
 
As I said, the Defender has hardly changed over the years. Only minor evolutionary changes... and tbh that's pushing that claim.

Td5 engines are probably the nicest overall. Sound good, run well, good mpg, good reliability, respond to tuning.

The older Tdi engines are good, robust and simple. But more course, nosier and far less refined.

The latter Defenders used the Ford Transit sourced engine, initially in 2.4 litre form, and then down to 2.2 litres. Although they perform the same, with the same power output. These are modern complex units. They are probably the most refined, but rather characterless and don't sound as good.


Air con was available on Td5's onwards.
As was electric windows and central locking I think (although maybe late 300Tdi's have these too as options).

And really apart from colour and body style, there are no other real options.

TCS is always good to have and wasn't standard on all models. And was only introduced Td5 onwards.


The 2.2/2.4 engines, known as Puma Defenders got a revised dash. It's based on the Disco 3 dash. But it still uses plenty of original bits, such as the steering column shroud that you'd find on a 1984 model. And while the new dash looks pretty, I think it's far less functional than the original dash and less useful and usable.


Defenders will hold their money better than a Disco or Range Rover. But you can buy so much more of the others for your money. Seriously, if you don't need the utilitarian offering of the Defender or the off road ruggedness. You'll be better of with the others. A £10k Range Rover will be miles better than a Defender for your intended use.

And as I said, don't ignore the Wrangler. They have pretty strong residuals too. And the JK was a clean sheet redesign in 2005. Not as comfy or refined as a Disco, and able to fully match a Defender for pretty much anything else. But a better overall vehicle.
 
300bhp/ton said:
As I said, the Defender has hardly changed over the years. Only minor evolutionary changes... and tbh that's pushing that claim.

Td5 engines are probably the nicest overall. Sound good, run well, good mpg, good reliability, respond to tuning.

The older Tdi engines are good, robust and simple. But more course, nosier and far less refined.

The latter Defenders used the Ford Transit sourced engine, initially in 2.4 litre form, and then down to 2.2 litres. Although they perform the same, with the same power output. These are modern complex units. They are probably the most refined, but rather characterless and don't sound as good.


Air con was available on Td5's onwards.
As was electric windows and central locking I think (although maybe late 300Tdi's have these too as options).

And really apart from colour and body style, there are no other real options.

TCS is always good to have and wasn't standard on all models. And was only introduced Td5 onwards.


The 2.2/2.4 engines, known as Puma Defenders got a revised dash. It's based on the Disco 3 dash. But it still uses plenty of original bits, such as the steering column shroud that you'd find on a 1984 model. And while the new dash looks pretty, I think it's far less functional than the original dash and less useful and usable.


Defenders will hold their money better than a Disco or Range Rover. But you can buy so much more of the others for your money. Seriously, if you don't need the utilitarian offering of the Defender or the off road ruggedness. You'll be better of with the others. A £10k Range Rover will be miles better than a Defender for your intended use.

And as I said, don't ignore the Wrangler. They have pretty strong residuals too. And the JK was a clean sheet redesign in 2005. Not as comfy or refined as a Disco, and able to fully match a Defender for pretty much anything else. But a better overall vehicle.
Click to expand...
ok ok ok we get it you like Jeeps.... and you think they are superior to a Defender (giggle)
 
ER1C said:
ok ok ok we get it you like Jeeps.... and you think they are superior to a Defender (giggle)
Click to expand...
There is no think about it. The Wrangler is massively better. Apart from the utility side of things. But in the USA if you need utility you buy a truck such as a Ram or F150. As a proper off road recreational vehicle, the JK is the best on the market at present.

Well that is, unless you can point me at a standard Defender that has:

-Strong Dana 44 axles (35" + mud terrains, no probs)
-standard TCS on all models
-optional rear locker on all models
-285hp petrol engine
-200hp diesel engine
-automatic or manual transmission options
-removable doors
-fold down windscreen (without modding)
-removable roof
-washable floor
-front & rear lockers standard equipment on certain models
-electronic detachable anti roll bars
-hydroformed chassis

And probably a load of other things I'm forgetting.


And this comes from someone who currently owns three and a half Land Rovers, has been around Land Rover's all their life, had a 300Tdi Defender 90 as their first vehicle and is part of a family that have owned in excess of 50 different Land Rovers. Oh and I'm club scrutineer for our local Land Rover only ALRC club.
 
Hmm and so many of those are useful in a 4x4 off road situation. You can keep giving your 2 cents worth to this thread... or you can perhaps accept you have stated your case (not answering OP) and move on....
 
300bhp/ton said:
There is no think about it. The Wrangler is massively better. Apart from the utility side of things. But in the USA if you need utility you buy a truck such as a Ram or F150. As a proper off road recreational vehicle, the JK is the best on the market at present.

Well that is, unless you can point me at a standard Defender that has:

-Strong Dana 44 axles (35" + mud terrains, no probs)
-standard TCS on all models
-optional rear locker on all models
-285hp petrol engine
-200hp diesel engine
-automatic or manual transmission options
-removable doors
-fold down windscreen (without modding)
-removable roof

-washable floor
-front & rear lockers standard equipment on certain models
-electronic detachable anti roll bars
-hydroformed chassis

And probably a load of other things I'm forgetting.




And this comes from someone who currently owns three and a half Land Rovers, has been around Land Rover's all their life, had a 300Tdi Defender 90 as their first vehicle and is part of a family that have owned in excess of 50 different Land Rovers. Oh and I'm club scrutineer for our local Land Rover only ALRC club.
Click to expand...
The bit your forgetting is the sky high parts cost when any of that list goes wrong, and the not as readily available parts on the second hand market, I know cos I had a Jeep for 12 months and would never have one again
 
To be fair, the worst bit of Jeep ownership in the UK is Jeep UK. But prices shouldn't be any worse than for any other vehicle. And parts for the most part should be fine to get. You could even order from the US if needed (I did for my Cherokee).

Used parts I agree. Much smaller niche market. But no worse than anything Jap.
 
Thx all for your comments... 300bhp/ton, I appreciate you like your Jeeps but unfortunately, I would like a defender...:( My last one I sold for slightly more than I bought, with very little extra work out on it... This I like... I need to be sure of whatever I buy holding its price well, and I know defenders do this... plus I just really like them :)

One final Q... Is there anything I need to be particularly asking about on an 07-09 plate... Water pumps etc. Any known issues...???? Thx folks...

PS... I don't want a Wrangler ;)

Thx
 
potus said:
Removable doors....hmmm and I thought that was a Freelander specialism
Click to expand...
Not sure what you mean exactly. Assume it's meant to be some kind of silly insult.

The JK's doors lift off easily to allow you to run without them:

clayton_jk.jpg


They also sell half doors with a removable canvas top. So you can run with just the door tops off a bit like a Series Land Rover. Or even door bars.

attachment.php


9yXcQdD.jpg
 
SqueezeMe said:
Hi folks...

Been a while since I posted on here, as I used to own a 96 Defender 90, but sold it yrs back... Looking to get another one now, but want to spend some more money and get as best I can... I am happy to spend around £14k and I think this will get me something between an 07 - 09 plate...

So, the question is, is it better to simply got for the newest model possible (I'm not entirely sure on the differences), or go for spec, on an older model...?

I will be using the wagon on 'long' journeys to the Alps, as we have a place out there, and intend on using it during the winter...

I've read that "the build quality on the late 2009 model is fantastic, far ahead of the earlier 2007/08 models"... How correct is this statement?

Any help would be fantastic folks... Thx in advance as always :cool:
Click to expand...


As good and as new a TD5 you can find.

MUCH nicer engine than a TDCI and savings can be used to improve the inside and the engine tune
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

EmilH
Series 3 Think i found the problem.....
Replies
1
Views
271
biketeacherdave
biketeacherdave
A
Defender 90 XS TD
Replies
5
Views
1K
lightning
lightning
T
Hello to everyone! Help me choose
2
Replies
35
Views
3K
Mark Piercy
Mark Piercy
NI_Landy
Series 3 Expedition 1972 Series 3 Build
Replies
6
Views
960
miktdish
miktdish
F
Auxiliary belt
Replies
7
Views
348
freelandertd4bmw
F
Back
Top