Best spec for defender

[edtidswell]

There is always a debate over what will happen to the prices of defenders once they stop making them but my question is, if you were going to buy one of the last few what spec you would have. I'm talking more options, colour, alloys and accessories as opposed to body style.
Cheers

[mikeh501]

Well if you look at older vehicles and the huge amount of mods on offer then I'd say body style is the biggest indicator. Fwiw I'd say a double cab

[edtidswell]

I fancy the 90 hard top or 110 utility really but its things like the most popular colours and options that im unsure on.

[Simes110]

A primary beauty of any Defender is how easy they are to modify, but you may find that a run-out model, specced to the hilt with all options would be the most desirable as some will end up rarer than others.

A 'factory-specced-from-new' model with rare options would be desirable, I imagine.

What are your aims here? Mothball it? Use it sparingly? Or just use it and keep it immaculate for future maximum resale value?

If it's investment you're after, then I would have thought an immaculate 300Tdi 110 would be a better bet as the last of the 'non-electric' models.

[edtidswell]

id go with brand new and give it very limited usage, it would only really be a toy so maximum of 3 to 4k a year and then keep it immaculate. im not looking to get into the big money you see from the like of brand new twisted, urban truck, etc, just about picking a good colour and sensible options that make it depreciation proof in years to come. I cant see excellent examples losing much once they aren't made anymore

[foliedouce]

As far as I can see the standard cars are much of a muchness so suggest you get whatever you really want.

I've got a 110 UW on order, I'm not sure how that will compare to s SW in terms of long term depreciation, but my best guess is that it will be trivial and there will be demand for both.

I'm making a few non LR alterations but plan on keeping the OEM parts so can swap them back on the future if I want to sell it as a standard car.

Whatever you decide, you'll get a lot of pleasure from owning a Defender and the benefit of low depreciation compared to pretty much any other new car I can think of.

[C Lee Farquar]

edtidswell said:

I cant see excellent examples losing much once they aren't made anymore

I've had two new ones and in my experience they don't leave the factory as 'excellent examples'. Be prepared to do extra work if you want that.

[foliedouce]

On the colour front, I guess the more traditional colours will be easier to sell on....I've gone for Scotia Grey which is a bit marmite, so I'm screwed then!

[edtidswell]

thanks for the comments, plenty to think about im sure. I definitely want to keep it simple. Ive never been bothered by things like air con and electric windows which can all go wrong.

[billywhizzzzzz]

edtidswell said:

thanks for the comments, plenty to think about im sure. I definitely want to keep it simple. Ive never been bothered by things like air con and electric windows which can all go wrong.

Aah, now you're speaking my language... http://www.defender2.net/forum/topic30500.html

[A.J.M]

I'll get flamed by some but meh..

My best spec would be a 110 XS utility wagon. In black, dark blue or grey.
It would have the roof rack, front nudge bar and RAI as well as the MTR tyres on it.
I would also keep the hateful cheq plate to a minimum as i personally think it's naff.

Then i would change the lights for better, brighter ones in time, put some better sound deadening in it, put a swingaway wheel carrier on the back.

That would be my own best spec.

[edtidswell]

billywhizzz that is a very good looking defender, I wish I could stretch to a 110uw but it may be a little too far.