New Defender, Build slot dilemma, cancel or keep?

[knitware]

I posted this into the land rover section, I thought the thread may get more exposure here, not sue if Admin would like to delete the other thread?

Hello! I’m in a predicament, I’m going over and over the options and need, logical, non emotional advice, if possible.

In August I ordered a new Land Rover Defender 110 250 XS with a few options, retail £60k. The dealer quoted delivery for that vehicle 12 months +, September 2022. That’s fine, I have no problems with waiting and it seems quite normal with current orders.


I need a car for the commute 2 days a week across single track muddy roads and a brook generally, a good fun dirty drive. I had a Navara for a few years which was ideal. I ordered a Range Rover L322 to tide me over for 12 months and delivery for that is next week. I’ve paid in full, an approved vehicle from Land Rover, quite rare.
But...

I had a call today. The Defender has a build slot, this December with delivery this December.
This means I can struggle for 3 months, I don’t need a vehicle if the Defender is here within the year.
I'm not sure why I was given a slot, the dealer said people placed orders before me and are still waiting.

Then I got thinking, always a problem, and here are my thoughts:

1 Cancel the L322 order and enjoy the Defender?

2 The L322 is cheaper, so cancel the Defender order?

3 The Defender prices, used, are hugely over cost. Should I take delivery and sell?

To ratify: my invoice is £60k - Land Rover Defender 110 250 XS - pan roof, larger screen, off road tyres, cold climate pack.

A quick "we buy any vehicle" quote, £67k, Autotrader dealer, below 100 clocked miles, start around £71k

I guess it depends upon whether manufacturing ramps up in the next few months and the demand remains high but after writing it seems clear which option to take, maybe.

[lard]

I mean, it seems almost too good to be true to flip the car and make £7k - the worst that happens is by the time you have it the sell price is less than you paid and you have to keep it, which wasn't a problem when you ordered it!

I'm biased though, drive a Disco 3 and fully intend to keep it, just can't justify the cost of a new car compared to what you can get for 10% of the price - that £7k buys an L322/keeps one going for another 10 years so I say take the opportunity whilst you can, as you either make £7k or get to have a great vehicle earlier than expected!

edit to say - buy the L322 still, it'll give you a good basis of comparison for the new defender and whether you can live without all the extra farkles and touch-screens! If you've not had an L322 before, they are awesome as superbly capable & comfortable

Edited by lard on Monday 27th September 01:02

[knitware]

lard said:

I mean, it seems almost too good to be true to flip the car and make £7k - the worst that happens is by the time you have it the sell price is less than you paid and you have to keep it, which wasn't a problem when you ordered it!

I'm biased though, drive a Disco 3 and fully intend to keep it, just can't justify the cost of a new car compared to what you can get for 10% of the price - that £7k buys an L322/keeps one going for another 10 years so I say take the opportunity whilst you can, as you either make £7k or get to have a great vehicle earlier than expected!

edit to say - buy the L322 still, it'll give you a good basis of comparison for the new defender and whether you can live without all the extra farkles and touch-screens! If you've not had an L322 before, they are awesome as superbly capable & comfortable

Edited by lard on Monday 27th September 01:02

I agree with you, I'm taking delivery of the RR this week, really excited to be receiving a 10 year old car!

As you suggest, it will provide me with a vehicle should the Defender not materialise plus I'll drive something comfy for a few months, or longer, and will be a good comparison for when the Defender turns up. At the time I'll look at the market and decide which one to keep (or both), but if the offers are too good I should take advantage, we'll never see these times again.

Just to note, I vchecked the L322 and the first owner put their private reg on, RR1, I wonder who that was?!

[JimmyConwayNW]

I'll buy the defender off you for a premium whenever you want to sell.

I'll even pay you a fee and pay Landrover directly if you like? Have sent a PM.

[Disco You]

Unless liquidity is going to be a problem, keep the defender order and when it arrives decide whether you want to flip it or keep it.

[James-gbg1e]

Friend of a friend works are JLR. Apparently a lot of the cars are built up to their up most and can therefore be accelerated when chips do become available.