Defender alternative?
Discussion
I have a lovely Defender 90 XS. Its the station wagon version, so has two drop down seats in the back. It also has a roof rack.
It's pretty much the perfect second vehicle for me.
We can stick our kayaks on the roof, launch my jetski with it. As well as take the dogs (3 of them) out.
The problem I have is its a bit too small now that we have 3 dogs. Sometimes, I will have the kids in the back of the car with the seats down and they have dogs jumping over them.
I was considering changing to a 110 XS Utility as this seems the logical thing to do. But before I made a leap I was wondering what other vehicles are well suited to the above needs. Looking at the newer Land Rovers, I don't think I have seen a proper roof rack on any of them since the Disco 4.
It's pretty much the perfect second vehicle for me.
We can stick our kayaks on the roof, launch my jetski with it. As well as take the dogs (3 of them) out.
The problem I have is its a bit too small now that we have 3 dogs. Sometimes, I will have the kids in the back of the car with the seats down and they have dogs jumping over them.
I was considering changing to a 110 XS Utility as this seems the logical thing to do. But before I made a leap I was wondering what other vehicles are well suited to the above needs. Looking at the newer Land Rovers, I don't think I have seen a proper roof rack on any of them since the Disco 4.
andyb28 said:
I have a lovely Defender 90 XS. Its the station wagon version, so has two drop down seats in the back. It also has a roof rack.
It's pretty much the perfect second vehicle for me.
We can stick our kayaks on the roof, launch my jetski with it. As well as take the dogs (3 of them) out.
The problem I have is its a bit too small now that we have 3 dogs. Sometimes, I will have the kids in the back of the car with the seats down and they have dogs jumping over them.
I was considering changing to a 110 XS Utility as this seems the logical thing to do. But before I made a leap I was wondering what other vehicles are well suited to the above needs. Looking at the newer Land Rovers, I don't think I have seen a proper roof rack on any of them since the Disco 4.
Suitable alternatives really come down to what attributes you are wanting to replicate.It's pretty much the perfect second vehicle for me.
We can stick our kayaks on the roof, launch my jetski with it. As well as take the dogs (3 of them) out.
The problem I have is its a bit too small now that we have 3 dogs. Sometimes, I will have the kids in the back of the car with the seats down and they have dogs jumping over them.
I was considering changing to a 110 XS Utility as this seems the logical thing to do. But before I made a leap I was wondering what other vehicles are well suited to the above needs. Looking at the newer Land Rovers, I don't think I have seen a proper roof rack on any of them since the Disco 4.
In essence any long wheel base SUV/4x4/Crossover or even an estate car is likely to cope with the tasks you mention. But they might not hit the spot for you.
In terms of vehicles "like" the Defender. The Jeep Wrangler is probably the most similar. The JK (2006-2018) model is available in LWB 5 door form called the Wrangler Unlimited. This is very similar to a 110 in many respects. Although Jeep have firmly aimed it more at the recreational market than the utility one. So there are some differences. However as an outdoor pursuits vehicle with plenty of space and seating they tick the box very well.
They are a ladder chassis live axle vehicle. But with comfort and amenities more inline with a Discovery 3. If you fancy something Defender like but more built for the 21st Century, the JK Wrangler is pretty much your only choice.
Thanks for the replies.
The Landcruiser isn't one that came to mind and obviously has great credentials. But its just bit soulless.
The Wrangler is the clear alternative and probably more capable in everyway compared to the Defender. I had a V8 Sahara years ago and it was a fun vehicle. I think this has made me realise that there probably isnt an alternative. I kind of like the things that are annoying about the defender. They grow on you.
The Landcruiser isn't one that came to mind and obviously has great credentials. But its just bit soulless.
The Wrangler is the clear alternative and probably more capable in everyway compared to the Defender. I had a V8 Sahara years ago and it was a fun vehicle. I think this has made me realise that there probably isnt an alternative. I kind of like the things that are annoying about the defender. They grow on you.
As said, there are other vehicles, just depends what you are really after.
The Santana PS-10. Santana used to build vehicles under licence from Land Rover. The PS-10 (later sold as the Iveco Massif) is really the final iteration of the Land Rover 109. Very similar to a 110 but also with some nice touches that make aspects of it better than the LR own product.
They can usually be had for about 50% the price of a similar age/condition 110.
Ibex, these are essentially a rebuilt vehicle based on a Land Rover. No idea if you'd get one in your budget or even how easy to find used. But they do exist in various shapes and sizes.
The Mercedes G-Wagen is also another option, although despite being designed for military use, are maybe more similar to a Range Rover classic/Discovery 1/2 than they are a Defender.
Other "interesting" 4x4's which aren't really like for like Defender alternatives, but are practical 4x4's that have an element of fun and sense of occasion about them.
Toyota FJ Cruiser
Hummer H3
And there are a number of pick-up trucks which might be more akin to the utilitarian nature of the Defender that could easily be adapted to your use. Some are quite nice trucks too.
Such as the Dodge Dakota. It's a 'mid' size truck, so not as big as many US trucks. Well specced and available with a V8 too.
The Santana PS-10. Santana used to build vehicles under licence from Land Rover. The PS-10 (later sold as the Iveco Massif) is really the final iteration of the Land Rover 109. Very similar to a 110 but also with some nice touches that make aspects of it better than the LR own product.
They can usually be had for about 50% the price of a similar age/condition 110.
Ibex, these are essentially a rebuilt vehicle based on a Land Rover. No idea if you'd get one in your budget or even how easy to find used. But they do exist in various shapes and sizes.
The Mercedes G-Wagen is also another option, although despite being designed for military use, are maybe more similar to a Range Rover classic/Discovery 1/2 than they are a Defender.
Other "interesting" 4x4's which aren't really like for like Defender alternatives, but are practical 4x4's that have an element of fun and sense of occasion about them.
Toyota FJ Cruiser
Hummer H3
And there are a number of pick-up trucks which might be more akin to the utilitarian nature of the Defender that could easily be adapted to your use. Some are quite nice trucks too.
Such as the Dodge Dakota. It's a 'mid' size truck, so not as big as many US trucks. Well specced and available with a V8 too.
300bhp/ton said:
As said, there are other vehicles, just depends what you are really after.
The Santana PS-10. Santana used to build vehicles under licence from Land Rover. The PS-10 (later sold as the Iveco Massif) is really the final iteration of the Land Rover 109. Very similar to a 110 but also with some nice touches that make aspects of it better than the LR own product.
They can usually be had for about 50% the price of a similar age/condition 110.
Ibex, these are essentially a rebuilt vehicle based on a Land Rover. No idea if you'd get one in your budget or even how easy to find used. But they do exist in various shapes and sizes.
The Mercedes G-Wagen is also another option, although despite being designed for military use, are maybe more similar to a Range Rover classic/Discovery 1/2 than they are a Defender.
Other "interesting" 4x4's which aren't really like for like Defender alternatives, but are practical 4x4's that have an element of fun and sense of occasion about them.
Toyota FJ Cruiser
Hummer H3
And there are a number of pick-up trucks which might be more akin to the utilitarian nature of the Defender that could easily be adapted to your use. Some are quite nice trucks too.
Such as the Dodge Dakota. It's a 'mid' size truck, so not as big as many US trucks. Well specced and available with a V8 too.
Wow, some of these are really cool. Many of them I have never heard of before. The Ibex is really something!The Santana PS-10. Santana used to build vehicles under licence from Land Rover. The PS-10 (later sold as the Iveco Massif) is really the final iteration of the Land Rover 109. Very similar to a 110 but also with some nice touches that make aspects of it better than the LR own product.
They can usually be had for about 50% the price of a similar age/condition 110.
Ibex, these are essentially a rebuilt vehicle based on a Land Rover. No idea if you'd get one in your budget or even how easy to find used. But they do exist in various shapes and sizes.
The Mercedes G-Wagen is also another option, although despite being designed for military use, are maybe more similar to a Range Rover classic/Discovery 1/2 than they are a Defender.
Other "interesting" 4x4's which aren't really like for like Defender alternatives, but are practical 4x4's that have an element of fun and sense of occasion about them.
Toyota FJ Cruiser
Hummer H3
And there are a number of pick-up trucks which might be more akin to the utilitarian nature of the Defender that could easily be adapted to your use. Some are quite nice trucks too.
Such as the Dodge Dakota. It's a 'mid' size truck, so not as big as many US trucks. Well specced and available with a V8 too.
https://www.g-wagenaccessories.com/collections/roo...
Loads of room for dogs and kids.
Buy carefully and it will last for years.
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