Hi all.
Long time since my last post but here goes.
Last monday took the sport in for its 2nd service (2 years old already) and whilst there was looking at the latest version of the defender. I have always had a liking for these wonderfully simple go anywhere machines, and as I say mine is now 2 years old, and the fact that the defender is due to be replaced in 2013 with god knows what ( Tara Madras maybe) I find myself considering having one. Am I temporarily insane, or should I go for it?
I await the barage  Enjoying life and spending the kids inheritence

I'd say it depends what you'd use it for

The Def is a good machine but not really what you'd want to spend all day driving on the black stuff.... Current: I can't say...Oh the Shame!
Gone: 2003 Audi S4 - 340BHP of Fun
Gone: 2005 RRS SE, Silver, Chrome Mirrors, Tinted with a stupid spare wheel!
Gone: Audi A4 2.5 TDi Quattro 180bhp
Gone: BMW 535i
Gone: 1985 Audi Quattro
Gone: Subaru Imprezza Turbo (rubbish)

Do it while you can - took mine over the Pyrenees last year, had a great time



But keep the RRS as well  MY10 TDV6 HSE, Alaska White, Ebony with Contrast, Park Heat, Paddle Shift, Privacy, Heated Steering Wheel, Extended & Premium Leather,

MY07 TDV6 HSE, Zermatt Silver, Gone

-----------------------------
1964 Austin Healey 3000

2007 LR Defender

2011 VW Tiguan R Line

My moto is no regrets....Oh what I would do for a new D90.....They have not been here in the US for 12 years. I sold my '97 White Stationwagon a while ago and it is the only car that I have truly missed.

Adam 

Tony - the real joy in a Defender is buying a good used one (a Tdi or a TD5). If you choose well you can have years of great fun - on road and off - whilst keeping your Sport for best. And the Defender depreciates really slowley and you can have great fun buying new bits to bolt on. Its not nearly so much fun living with a Defender every day of the week though (safety, security, comfort and mpg aren't great) - but when the mood takes you - driving the Defender is a joy - and you also really appreciate the Sport when you jump back in her.

I feel an excuse to showing off my pride and joy again - here she is - cost me £4k about 2 years ago and I could easily sell her for that at anytime. (BTW the daughter cost nothing 9 years ago - but has cost a whole lot since ).



And if that idea tempts you - I suggest you check out Devon 4X4 which must be pretty near you. Simon Buck owns that place and he knows a great deal about LR's and would help you source a good un. RRS TDv8 HSE Rimini
Disco 4 TDv6 HSE Ipanema
Defender 90, 200tdi CSW

I'd got for it. But only if you can afford it as a second car, you would miss the luxury of the RRS.

Tony2 you are not insane (quite)

Love my now 14 years old Tdi300 90, but I wouldn't want it as my only car, even the Puma isn't a great everyday car - you cannot get them into most car parks as they are the height of a commercial vehicle. Even the Puma versions leak in the rain even with better build quality there are monster panel gaps. BUT it is a brilliant machine and mine has been the best £10k I have ever spent - never broken down in 7years I have owned it, had one flat battery (the original battery and it died after 12 years) and it has now has a shiney galvanised chassis to extend its life about another 20 years. As Smarticus says go and find a good TDi300 or TD5 and keep it as a cherished 2nd car for having fun in and that you won't be worried about scratching or denting (or in Defender owner speak adding character!)

OMG - a naked Land Rover after rolling in the mud - I need to go and lie down ....  RRS TDv8 HSE Rimini
Disco 4 TDv6 HSE Ipanema
Defender 90, 200tdi CSW

Still has the added character from a hefty bash (sorry added character) in the rear nearside corner from the laning evening in Weardale 2 years ago S! Local guys tried to push out the crumpling but it was in a very difficult location to hammer back out. Must have another of those weekends sometime.

OK for those who don't like to see dirty Defenders:

Freestyle BFG AT

Not so keen on the Boost BFG MT

I got a set of the Trac Edge recently in a local farm sale. Remarkably good - pity these are no longer made for some reason.

And all of the above just goes to show what happens to normally sane folks who get lured into the muddy world of Defender ownership. RRS TDv8 HSE Rimini
Disco 4 TDv6 HSE Ipanema
Defender 90, 200tdi CSW

S I have an unused set of 7x16" Zu's in anthratcite with MTRs as well for the 90, just haven't got round to fitting them except on the spare. http://www.zurims.com/htm/spec.htm
One word of warning for anybody who is thinking about adding a Defender to their stable....................... make sure you have a LARGE garage or shed, you will need it to store all the other toys that you find you cannot be without for your new toy! 2020 Pangea Green 1st Edition D240 New Defender 110 is here and loving it
2018 Melting Silver Mini Countryman PHEV - soon to be replaced
2015MY Corris Grey SDv6 HSE Dynamic, the best car I have ever owned, totally reliable only a cou0le of rattles in 3 years, now no longer in my care
Also in my garage is a 1996 TDi300 Defender 90 County HT made into a fake CSW

defender as a daily...... that

Am I the only one to think it insane to give up a RRS for a defender

Weekend toy....go for it
daily driver..... not a chance in hell would it be my money


hey each to their own tho, if it makes you happy

I only have to confirm what the others have said - GET IT as a second car but keep the RRS for daily driving.
However each to their own, my mum swapped from FFRR into SVX for daily use earlier this year and she absolutely loves it.

If you want one for everyday then you have to go and see a certain company down near Coventry who will make you anything you like out of a Defender (or any other Land Rover for that matter) You want a tarmac ripping supercharged 90 they will do you one, as will several over companies, but they don't come cheap. 2020 Pangea Green 1st Edition D240 New Defender 110 is here and loving it
2018 Melting Silver Mini Countryman PHEV - soon to be replaced
2015MY Corris Grey SDv6 HSE Dynamic, the best car I have ever owned, totally reliable only a cou0le of rattles in 3 years, now no longer in my care
Also in my garage is a 1996 TDi300 Defender 90 County HT made into a fake CSW

Thanks for all the posts Guys.
When I bought the Sport 2 years ago I had just taken early retirement and was covering a reasonable amount of mileage, but I find my daily drive getting less and less. (19000 miles in 2 years)
I think I will hold fire for now and see what happens in the next few months. Once the sport is 3 years old something will have to be done, as I dont know if I would still like to own one out of warranty!!!!!!
Will keep looking at s/h defenders in case a beauty shows up. Enjoying life and spending the kids inheritence