Want a defender. Seriously confused about them.
Discussion
My wife wants a defender.
I have been tasked with helping to find the right one.
However, i am totally confused with regard to spec levels and engine specs.
I am also confused about pricing.
For example, we looked at this one. Lovely, the exact look she wants, spec seems excellent etc.
https://www.saxton4x4.co.uk/vehicle/land-rover-def...
But why is this seemingly better car so much cheaper than this one:
https://www.saxton4x4.co.uk/vehicle/land-rover-def...
Now my only thought might be this:
When i drove the first car linked (only about 3 or 4 miles) it was showing low teens in mpg. Is this a case of the 3ltr petrol is that bad on economy they are just cheaper? I mean it seems like a great price with regard to spec etc, but why so much cheaper?
I have seen other cars, older, more miles but more expensive too.
I also thought the gearbox felt like it was hunting about a lot, felt like an old american auto tbh. is that right?
So which engine is the best to go for?
Which spec to go for minimum?
We are going to look at a 110 but we both prefer the 90 and i think are willing to lose the rear doors as the shorter 90 imo looks pretty awesome in the right colour and spec (again some seem wider (not talking about urban cars) The one above at the top seems to have bigger arches, is this a standard thing?
Basically i have never come across a manufacturer thats as confusing as this.
I have been tasked with helping to find the right one.
However, i am totally confused with regard to spec levels and engine specs.
I am also confused about pricing.
For example, we looked at this one. Lovely, the exact look she wants, spec seems excellent etc.
https://www.saxton4x4.co.uk/vehicle/land-rover-def...
But why is this seemingly better car so much cheaper than this one:
https://www.saxton4x4.co.uk/vehicle/land-rover-def...
Now my only thought might be this:
When i drove the first car linked (only about 3 or 4 miles) it was showing low teens in mpg. Is this a case of the 3ltr petrol is that bad on economy they are just cheaper? I mean it seems like a great price with regard to spec etc, but why so much cheaper?
I have seen other cars, older, more miles but more expensive too.
I also thought the gearbox felt like it was hunting about a lot, felt like an old american auto tbh. is that right?
So which engine is the best to go for?
Which spec to go for minimum?
We are going to look at a 110 but we both prefer the 90 and i think are willing to lose the rear doors as the shorter 90 imo looks pretty awesome in the right colour and spec (again some seem wider (not talking about urban cars) The one above at the top seems to have bigger arches, is this a standard thing?
Basically i have never come across a manufacturer thats as confusing as this.
The range is complex... But three bodystyles, multiple powertrains, range of trim levels and the wide choice of options and accessories means you can make it your own.
The first car has the a fair few accessories on it (and not all genuine Land Rover ones), as well as having the lower panels on the sides wrapped (the XS Edition is unique in having these panels in body colour). The P400 is not the most efficient engine if that is a concern, and if you plan to tow a diesel would be better. It also has the signature panels on the side. If you ever carry rear seat passengers these severely impact the view out - I'd definitely try the rear seats out to see if this is an issue. Roof rack also raises the overall height slightly, so may get a bit tight for some car parks. You can lock the air suspension into access mode at low speeds which helps though! It also has the smaller Pivi screen - all the same functionality as the larger screen though.
The second car is an X, so has differentiated exterior (contrast bonnet, smoked rear lights, black grille and bumper lowers, red callipers and rear recovery loops etc.). Interior has the wood 'hockey sticks' and lots of standard kit. The D300 is a very torquey engine - it would be my choice of the two (I have a D250 90 with a D350 due to be collected in a few weeks). Bigger screen and panoramic rear side windows also much easier to live with. Hakuba is a lovely colour as well.
Enjoy!
The first car has the a fair few accessories on it (and not all genuine Land Rover ones), as well as having the lower panels on the sides wrapped (the XS Edition is unique in having these panels in body colour). The P400 is not the most efficient engine if that is a concern, and if you plan to tow a diesel would be better. It also has the signature panels on the side. If you ever carry rear seat passengers these severely impact the view out - I'd definitely try the rear seats out to see if this is an issue. Roof rack also raises the overall height slightly, so may get a bit tight for some car parks. You can lock the air suspension into access mode at low speeds which helps though! It also has the smaller Pivi screen - all the same functionality as the larger screen though.
The second car is an X, so has differentiated exterior (contrast bonnet, smoked rear lights, black grille and bumper lowers, red callipers and rear recovery loops etc.). Interior has the wood 'hockey sticks' and lots of standard kit. The D300 is a very torquey engine - it would be my choice of the two (I have a D250 90 with a D350 due to be collected in a few weeks). Bigger screen and panoramic rear side windows also much easier to live with. Hakuba is a lovely colour as well.
Enjoy!
M3 they look great in any colour in my opinion. Our 110 is triple black but I like them in any colour including clear glass and steel wheels spec. I would personally just look at the best spec for your available spend. I wouldn’t buy a 4 cylinder diesel but would recommend a D250/300/350 as ours has been faultless for almost 3 years. An S is very well kitted out, an XS is all colour coded and well equipped too. Is a tow bar important? You may find it useful for your work. Maybe consider a 110 commercial as you get the VAT aspect which could be useful. I absolutely would not regret recommending one to anyone.
Thanks for the help guys.
That first one looks exactly what we/she likes but the petrol engine fuel consumption wont go down well.
Mike, the second one is the sort of look she wants, is that called anything that narrows a search? looks like a diesel 250 or 300 is the engine to go for, it looks like there aren't loads of 300's so may have to be a 250.
I would love one of these for work but unfortunately way too much £ for a work vehicle
That first one looks exactly what we/she likes but the petrol engine fuel consumption wont go down well.
Mike, the second one is the sort of look she wants, is that called anything that narrows a search? looks like a diesel 250 or 300 is the engine to go for, it looks like there aren't loads of 300's so may have to be a 250.
I would love one of these for work but unfortunately way too much £ for a work vehicle
This is my D250 X Dynamic S. ordered Oct 2021 arrived May 22. It has £6 k approx of extras. We chose it as a model because we wanted the smallest wheels and biggest tyre wall and we actually didn’t like any of the bigger wheel designs. We have the full length folding canvas roof. It now sports gloss black side steps and the OEM country mudflaps. We have not had a single issue with it. Ours is on air suspension. 90s initially had air as an option and I think coils as standard. We paid a lot to change badges to black and extended black pack. The X Dynamic had the lower body trims and wheel arch trims in a gloss black plastic which works well with the Santorini black paint.
As others have said.
You have 90, 110 and 130. The 130 has only been around for a couple of years so not common.
Engines are 2.0 diesel, in 200 and 240bhp variants.
3.0 diesel in 200, 250, 300 and from March last year 350bhp.
There is a 2.0 petrol and a 2.0 petrol plug in hybrid.
Then a 6 cylinder 3.0 petrol and then the V8 engine.
Specs in general are.
S, SE, HSE, X. The XS spec is similar to SE.
X dynamic can be added to S,SE,HSE.
Then there’s option packs for tow pack, off road pack, cold climate, etc.
If you aren’t going to do many miles then a petrol could be better.
I would avoid the 2.0 diesels, I test drove one when they were first launched and while it’s an ok engine. A 3.0 won’t be working as hard and has better performance.
You have 90, 110 and 130. The 130 has only been around for a couple of years so not common.
Engines are 2.0 diesel, in 200 and 240bhp variants.
3.0 diesel in 200, 250, 300 and from March last year 350bhp.
There is a 2.0 petrol and a 2.0 petrol plug in hybrid.
Then a 6 cylinder 3.0 petrol and then the V8 engine.
Specs in general are.
S, SE, HSE, X. The XS spec is similar to SE.
X dynamic can be added to S,SE,HSE.
Then there’s option packs for tow pack, off road pack, cold climate, etc.
If you aren’t going to do many miles then a petrol could be better.
I would avoid the 2.0 diesels, I test drove one when they were first launched and while it’s an ok engine. A 3.0 won’t be working as hard and has better performance.
m3jappa said:
I would love one of these for work but unfortunately way too much £ for a work vehicle
It might be worth asking your accountant to run the numbers, if only for a comparison vs buying private. A company can reclaim the VAT and offset the capital value. BIK is charged at commercial rate.
Bear in mind the values of commercial (Hard Top) Defenders is strong, and will remain strong in part due to double cab pick-ups losing their commercial status next year.
Phooey said:
m3jappa said:
I would love one of these for work but unfortunately way too much £ for a work vehicle
It might be worth asking your accountant to run the numbers, if only for a comparison vs buying private. A company can reclaim the VAT and offset the capital value. BIK is charged at commercial rate.
Bear in mind the values of commercial (Hard Top) Defenders is strong, and will remain strong in part due to double cab pick-ups losing their commercial status next year.
I have a d250 90 hardtop that I use as towing for my building company. It doesn’t have air suspension and I think it is a desirable option but I don’t think I’d spec it for the cost, especially on a 2year lease.
It doesn’t struggle towing 3.5 ton with that engine but bumpy roads with a heavy load can cause the gearbox to search a little.
If I’d purchased it rather than leased I’d have a problem with the wind noise inside at 50+mph
Mpg is great with this engine - if you try, I’ve managed 40 on a decent journey numerous times but probably average somewhere low 30’s when not towing. The spec of mine is ideal for my uses, detachable towbar (not been off since I put it on) all terrain tyres, center console and heated steering wheel. Not sure I need much more as it still feels slightly wrong to be jumping in when covered in mud from sites and quarries. The door card materials do mark easy but seem to clean fairly well.
It doesn’t struggle towing 3.5 ton with that engine but bumpy roads with a heavy load can cause the gearbox to search a little.
If I’d purchased it rather than leased I’d have a problem with the wind noise inside at 50+mph
Mpg is great with this engine - if you try, I’ve managed 40 on a decent journey numerous times but probably average somewhere low 30’s when not towing. The spec of mine is ideal for my uses, detachable towbar (not been off since I put it on) all terrain tyres, center console and heated steering wheel. Not sure I need much more as it still feels slightly wrong to be jumping in when covered in mud from sites and quarries. The door card materials do mark easy but seem to clean fairly well.
The materials in mine all clean really well. There is a sort or neoprene type material that is a bit like the stuff wet suits and some shell type weatherproof jackets are made from on some of the surfaces. I find it can start looking a bit grubby but a bit of warm soapy water or Halfords upholstery cleaner a bit of agitation and then wiped off with a micro fibre and it looks as good as new.
I also find the floors are easy to clean. They have very thick rubber floors which the carpet mats are clipped to so easy to clean.
With regards to air suspension on the 90 it was always an option. The 110 it became n option in April? 2022 I believe. Before that it was standard. I would suggest trying one with and one without. The advantage of air is being able to manually raise or lower and overall improved ride generally which again would be different due to 90/110 wheelbase too.
Another factor worth considering is if you want to throw huge wheels /lower profile tyres as air will help this. I have air and the smallest wheels ( black car above) and find the ride great but not as good dynamically as my previous RRS HSE Dynamic.
Wind noise is also greater than the RRS due to blunt face styling and big door mirrors but honestly not bad.
HTH M3Jappa
I also find the floors are easy to clean. They have very thick rubber floors which the carpet mats are clipped to so easy to clean.
With regards to air suspension on the 90 it was always an option. The 110 it became n option in April? 2022 I believe. Before that it was standard. I would suggest trying one with and one without. The advantage of air is being able to manually raise or lower and overall improved ride generally which again would be different due to 90/110 wheelbase too.
Another factor worth considering is if you want to throw huge wheels /lower profile tyres as air will help this. I have air and the smallest wheels ( black car above) and find the ride great but not as good dynamically as my previous RRS HSE Dynamic.
Wind noise is also greater than the RRS due to blunt face styling and big door mirrors but honestly not bad.
HTH M3Jappa
Alickadoo said:
An excellent scheme.
What could possibly go wrong?
Everything What could possibly go wrong?
it could be the beginning of the end Anyway.
Thanks guys for the above, i think we might go back and look at the non air car and try and drive it. Ive got to say the one i drove with air wasn't that dynamic anyway....
What i am finding strange is that a lot of the urban ones which she likes do not have air. I find it odd that someone would buy the car new, dump all that money on it with urban and then not spec air. Oh and panoramic roofs, a lot of the urbanised ones dont have one.
We both really love this one, really nice spec but can you live with green? i mean i think it looks awesome but its not too discreet.
https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/17737940
This is also not bad for us, the front bumper looks a bit different/unusual/odd? Im not sure. But its pretty good all round.
https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/17624361
Edited by m3jappa on Sunday 12th January 12:11
Edited by m3jappa on Sunday 12th January 12:13
Edited by m3jappa on Sunday 12th January 12:16
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