Suggestions - for what 4x4 if not a Defender...

[mr_tony]

Patrol made it home. It's a long old drive but everything seems to work, and only one small rust bubble on the paint on the rear arch. Chassis looks good and engine has clean oil, no coolant leaks and pulls like a train. Even the air con works (could use a re gas though). The only thing missing are the final row of seats though weirdly I have the headrests. Still - easily available on eBay from breakers. Even got all the manuals, every mot and 2 keys and the original rubber floor mats throughout...

She does need a damn good clean and tyres that match on all 4 corners and I'll treat it to new oil in the engine and new auto box fluid and coolant too next week...

[mr_tony]

Given it a good clean inside, and happy to discover that even the CD changer is fully functional
Carpets in the rear are a bit threadbare, but the rest of the trim is looking pretty good, the headlining is spotless!
Next job is to remove the front / rear towbars, and work out how to remove the trailer electricity couplings so they don't dangle in the wind.

New set of Cooper ST MAX tyres arrived this morning, so once they're on I'll post up some pics.

[mr_tony]

yellowstreak said:

mr_tony said:

I'm not saying ALL defenders are unpleasant - as I opened the thread I pointed out I rather like them. The issue for me is at the price point I want to buy (less than 5k and ideally as little as possible), I cannot find one thats comparably as nice / safe / rust free / not smelling of sheep p1ss / lacking holes in the floor / a piece of bailer twine for a door handle as I can other things, like Shoguns, Discoverys, Landcruisers etc. I suspect this is because the defender is highly prized for the image it's built up by being a great vehicle.

You hate this attitude? Its just my opinion that they are absolutely frightful cars to spend any time in. The OP said he wanted a general utility car with a decent heater and it looks like he's got one. I've used army defenders for 19 years and I'll never drive another if I can help it. Soldiers will chose anything else they can get their hands on.

This is car that was outdated a long time ago. I'll agree the series 1 and 2 has a certain charm, but if I want something retro I'll go with a classic land cruiser. Defender ends production.. thank goodness, rust in pieces!

Not sure you quoted the right post. I am the OP. As said - at the price point, a 5k defender sucks on comparison. With 50k I'd be off to Bowler with a spec list as long as buy arm...