Defender 110 SW and Utility Advice
Discussion
Lets get the well worn cliche out of the way first... I've always wanted a Defender since I was a child and I've finally decided to scratch the itch before they become priceless unaffordable collector classics, blah, blah blah...
I drove one once about 20 years ago, but I can't remember what it was like, so I've still got to sort that. But assuming I like it, I'll be needing some advice. I want a 110 SW or Utility for the ability to carry passengers and luggage. It will be my daily driver. There is a pay and play site literally 5 mins from my house that I might like to make use of that occasionally for fun. My initial budget was £15k but I might be able to stretch to £18k if it is worthwhile to do so.
So which model? My main priority is catching one before too much rust has set into the chassis so I can try to preserve it. I was thinking 2008ish 2.4 TDCi XS might fit the bill, in my price bracket they would probably be in the 70k - 80k mile range. Any flaws in that logic? other than rust, rust and rust, are there any other common issues to be on the look out for? I've been trawling the web and there seems to be less info on the Ford engined models than earlier ones.
Is there any reason why there are a lot of these for sale at about 75k miles? Is there a big bill due around then?
Whats the best forum for these? One that is friendly and tolerant of nubes would be good.
I would prefer to buy from a dealer. Any reccomendations for reputable specialists? I'm willing to travel within reason for the right car/seller.
Any other constructive advice would be gratefully received.
I drove one once about 20 years ago, but I can't remember what it was like, so I've still got to sort that. But assuming I like it, I'll be needing some advice. I want a 110 SW or Utility for the ability to carry passengers and luggage. It will be my daily driver. There is a pay and play site literally 5 mins from my house that I might like to make use of that occasionally for fun. My initial budget was £15k but I might be able to stretch to £18k if it is worthwhile to do so.
So which model? My main priority is catching one before too much rust has set into the chassis so I can try to preserve it. I was thinking 2008ish 2.4 TDCi XS might fit the bill, in my price bracket they would probably be in the 70k - 80k mile range. Any flaws in that logic? other than rust, rust and rust, are there any other common issues to be on the look out for? I've been trawling the web and there seems to be less info on the Ford engined models than earlier ones.
Is there any reason why there are a lot of these for sale at about 75k miles? Is there a big bill due around then?
Whats the best forum for these? One that is friendly and tolerant of nubes would be good.
I would prefer to buy from a dealer. Any reccomendations for reputable specialists? I'm willing to travel within reason for the right car/seller.
Any other constructive advice would be gratefully received.
I've had an 08 one since new, about 80k now
Since coming out of warranty it's needed a rear diff, around £250, and that's it.
The only downside is the VED is about £500.
I don't worry about rust, if it needs a new chassis in another 15 years then I'll fit one, chances are it'll need a general refurbish by then anyway.
Our kids (9 & 12) would rather be in the Defender than our LWB 7 series.
Since coming out of warranty it's needed a rear diff, around £250, and that's it.
The only downside is the VED is about £500.
I don't worry about rust, if it needs a new chassis in another 15 years then I'll fit one, chances are it'll need a general refurbish by then anyway.
Our kids (9 & 12) would rather be in the Defender than our LWB 7 series.
I take your point about the rust, but for me it would be nice to preserve the original one as long as possible and get a few years use out of it before any major remedial a work.
I think this is going to be a waiting game. There are fewer examples that fit the bill than I thought. Could do with contacting a good specialist who could perhaps help find the right car. Any suggestions?
It's tempting to consider pick ups, because they do look good but I think the lack of secure load space would get irritating quickly.
I think this is going to be a waiting game. There are fewer examples that fit the bill than I thought. Could do with contacting a good specialist who could perhaps help find the right car. Any suggestions?
It's tempting to consider pick ups, because they do look good but I think the lack of secure load space would get irritating quickly.
That age and budget rust won't be an issue. Buy on condition however. Defenders have to be the EASIEST vehicle to inspect and buy.
Buying from a dealer will likely cost you more. Read up and get to the point you know a little about these, as it's easy to get ripped off with silly pricing.
Only choice is engine really. If you want to go off road, then one with Traction Control will be far more capable.
Personally I'd avoid the Prick & Prat sites, they are full of total tossers as a rule.
However, when all said and done. I suspect this will be a mistake. Buying a Defender for people carrying is likely not going to work out well. A Discovery would likely suit you better. Or if you really want the more traditional look, a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited.
Buying from a dealer will likely cost you more. Read up and get to the point you know a little about these, as it's easy to get ripped off with silly pricing.
Only choice is engine really. If you want to go off road, then one with Traction Control will be far more capable.
Personally I'd avoid the Prick & Prat sites, they are full of total tossers as a rule.
However, when all said and done. I suspect this will be a mistake. Buying a Defender for people carrying is likely not going to work out well. A Discovery would likely suit you better. Or if you really want the more traditional look, a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited.
blueST said:
I take your point about the rust, but for me it would be nice to preserve the original one as long as possible and get a few years use out of it before any major remedial a work.
I think this is going to be a waiting game. There are fewer examples that fit the bill than I thought. Could do with contacting a good specialist who could perhaps help find the right car. Any suggestions?
It's tempting to consider pick ups, because they do look good but I think the lack of secure load space would get irritating quickly.
That is exactly where my thinking went. The pick ups are great but in the winter will anything go in the back, will i end up fitting a canopy that means getting soaked every time i need to grab something, or will the car end up a summer toy which is the opposite of the original concept.I think this is going to be a waiting game. There are fewer examples that fit the bill than I thought. Could do with contacting a good specialist who could perhaps help find the right car. Any suggestions?
It's tempting to consider pick ups, because they do look good but I think the lack of secure load space would get irritating quickly.
300bhp/ton said:
That age and budget rust won't be an issue. Buy on condition however. Defenders have to be the EASIEST vehicle to inspect and buy.
Buying from a dealer will likely cost you more. Read up and get to the point you know a little about these, as it's easy to get ripped off with silly pricing.
Only choice is engine really. If you want to go off road, then one with Traction Control will be far more capable.
Personally I'd avoid the Prick & Prat sites, they are full of total tossers as a rule.
However, when all said and done. I suspect this will be a mistake. Buying a Defender for people carrying is likely not going to work out well. A Discovery would likely suit you better. Or if you really want the more traditional look, a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited.
I've had my Defender 110 XS SW for over a year and driven across 4 countries in Europe with it, with 2yr old and gf. It is a brilliant all round people carrier and lots of fun. I don't agree with the above.Buying from a dealer will likely cost you more. Read up and get to the point you know a little about these, as it's easy to get ripped off with silly pricing.
Only choice is engine really. If you want to go off road, then one with Traction Control will be far more capable.
Personally I'd avoid the Prick & Prat sites, they are full of total tossers as a rule.
However, when all said and done. I suspect this will be a mistake. Buying a Defender for people carrying is likely not going to work out well. A Discovery would likely suit you better. Or if you really want the more traditional look, a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited.
For us it carries everything, has been utterly reliable, has been lots of fun, has gone everywhere even in some relatively extreme scenarios, and my son & gf love it. It's not very fast, but I don't drive fast anyway.
I have an older 200tdi 110 and my kids love it to the point of tantrums if we go out in the family volvo.
One other option within your budget would be to look at a refurbished older model, fitted with a galvanised chassis and bulkhead with a 300tdi engine will be well in budget, cheaper VED at £215ish and you can have it built exactly as you want
One other option within your budget would be to look at a refurbished older model, fitted with a galvanised chassis and bulkhead with a 300tdi engine will be well in budget, cheaper VED at £215ish and you can have it built exactly as you want
kbf1981 said:
I've had my Defender 110 XS SW for over a year and driven across 4 countries in Europe with it, with 2yr old and gf. It is a brilliant all round people carrier and lots of fun. I don't agree with the above.
For us it carries everything, has been utterly reliable, has been lots of fun, has gone everywhere even in some relatively extreme scenarios, and my son & gf love it. It's not very fast, but I don't drive fast anyway.
If you can accept a Drfender for what it is, then yes they are brilliant. If however you main that they are too cramped, you sit too close to the drivers door, too noisy, not enough interior space and too unrefined. Which is something many many people do complain about. Then they are not for you. Spending thousands of £££ on them to try and solve this won't alter the fact either, something else which many people seem to do. For us it carries everything, has been utterly reliable, has been lots of fun, has gone everywhere even in some relatively extreme scenarios, and my son & gf love it. It's not very fast, but I don't drive fast anyway.
And please don't feel I don't like them. Check my profile out if you don't believe me.
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