4x4 recommendations following LandRover being stolen

[broken biscuit]

Yesterday my grandad (a farmer) had his Defender 130 (double cab) Landrover stolen from the field next to his combine whilst unloading tools. Unfortunately for him, his insurance company have basically refused to pay out, as he had left the keys in the ignition whilst unloading (bearing in mind this is 50yds from the road in a cornfield). So we need to look at a replacement 4x4.

Criteria are -

Must have double crew cab to fit 4 adults in relative comfort
Must have separate loadspace from cab, which can be covered
Must be able to tow 3000kg for the livestock trailer
Budget is around 10k

I have discussed it with him, and he is going to try something other than the LandRovers he has always had, as a new 130 is £23k, and they are rare. I was thinking something along the lines of a Mitsubishi Warrior / Barbarian / Navara / Hilux etc.


Any thoughts or recommendations?

Oh, and if anyone sees a green Landrover 130 double cab with little aeriels on the front wing corners, driven by someone who doesnt look like a farmer, phone the Police. Last seen heading towards Peterborough yesterday around 2pm.

[West4x4]

Will keep an eye out around boro for you. Hopefully its not yet been broken for bits or barn stashed.

[pjdow]

to cope with a 3000kg trailer I think you will be limited to another 130.

Hope the police catch the low life thiefs

[pjdow]

to cope with a 3000kg trailer I think you will be limited to another 130.

Hope the police catch the low life thiefs

[pjdow]

to cope with a 3000kg trailer I think you will be limited to another 130.

Hope the police catch the low life thiefs

[martin mrt]

I'd recommend him sticking with what he knows and getting another Land Rover

[DrDeAtH]

Get a skytag put on the next one too.....

[broken biscuit]

Been told that 2.5t will be sufficient tow weight.

Due to this being a cash purchase as the insurance won't pay out as keys were in the stolen truck, the budget is around £10k.

At 10k, and having to have a double cab, any LandRovers are 54 reg at youngest, and most are approaching 100k miles, whereas a L200 or similar for 10k is around a 59 reg with under 40k on it.

Also, the landRover is a very 'agricultural' drive. He (at 82) has no need to go crashing across ploughed fields anymore, and I think he should have something a little more comfortable to use, since he and my nan prefer to go out in the 'truck' rather than the Merc in the garage.

Anyone had any positives or negatives with a L200 as thats what I find myself coming back to time and again, whether in commercial spec or slightly more 'blinged'. I must add thats its not my call as to what he buys, but he (and my nan) will listen and take on board my advice to a large degree.

[tomsugden]

http://pistonheads.com/sales/4126916.htm

[Bill]

I still can't get over the insurers not paying out. How far from the landy was he when it was taken?

[Cyberprog]

broken biscuit said:

Been told that 2.5t will be sufficient tow weight.

Due to this being a cash purchase as the insurance won't pay out as keys were in the stolen truck, the budget is around £10k.

At 10k, and having to have a double cab, any LandRovers are 54 reg at youngest, and most are approaching 100k miles, whereas a L200 or similar for 10k is around a 59 reg with under 40k on it.

Also, the landRover is a very 'agricultural' drive. He (at 82) has no need to go crashing across ploughed fields anymore, and I think he should have something a little more comfortable to use, since he and my nan prefer to go out in the 'truck' rather than the Merc in the garage.

Anyone had any positives or negatives with a L200 as thats what I find myself coming back to time and again, whether in commercial spec or slightly more 'blinged'. I must add thats its not my call as to what he buys, but he (and my nan) will listen and take on board my advice to a large degree.

I have heard things about engines & transmissions on the Navara's not being too hot, and to avoid buying them secondhand as a result.

On the other hand, 100k on a Landie is barely run in. A 54-reg will be a TD5 engine, which is very tuneable, and rock solid IMHO. My TD5 disco is on 143k and still going strong.

[broken biscuit]

Bill said:

I still can't get over the insurers not paying out. How far from the landy was he when it was taken?

He parked next to the combine, got out, leaving door open and keys in ignition ( not visible from outside anyhow as barrel is on other side of steering column. He waled round the combine with some tools, maybe 1-2 minutes and 15 yards max. He turned round and the thief was in the drivers seat. As he shouted, thief shut door, drove off across field onto road and gone.

My personal thought is that had he not had the keys in the truck, he may well have been assaulted for them, as there was no way this way opportunist in that the truck was seen with the keys visible. I think it had been seen there previously, and offenders had waited until it arrived before making a grab for it.