2003 Defender 90
Discussion
With the untimely demise of my Honda CRV (rip), I needed a new daily.
The Honda's been brilliant for the 3 years I'd owned it - long and short journeys, tip runs, shoot truck... It hadn't put a foot wrong and I still think they're cracking motors. Sadly, corrosion had taken its toll to the inner arches, resulting in an MOT failure, and a potential bill that was uneconomical. I managed to sell it for roughly twice its scrap value, so at least got something back for it.
I'd hoped to get it through at least this winter and shooting season before seriously looking at shopping for an upgrade, but this forced my hand somewhat..
I'd been looking mostly at Japanese pickups as a logical upgrade, however in the back of my mind I'd always wanted a Land Rover. I've um'ed and arr'ed between Defenders, Disco 3/4s, and even L322s, but it was the former that won when this example popped up sale in the right place, at the right time...
It's a 2003 90 Hard Top, finished in Galway Green, with the TD5 motor.
Overall it's a very clean example - mostly original and in a spec I really like (i.e. not overly 'modernised'), well looked after and services, clean underneath. A few minor signs of use / age, but if it was perfect then a) it would cost far more and b) you'd be reluctant to use it as intended!
I've had it for a few weeks now, and it's fair to say I'm smitten. It took a bit of adjustment at first - I've had older cars than this, but the LR is obviously far more 'agricultural'.
It actually drives very nice, considering. Of course it's noisy, moreso due to being a hollow van with off-road tyres, but the seats are relatively comfortable, I don't fine the ergonomics as bad as expected (the 'Defender arm' I get, though). It goes, turns, and stops... generally.. as intended
The motor is actually nice and torquey, it's the super short gearing that takes some adjustment though. Fortunately, I mostly drive locally, and only on the occasional NSL road, motorway use will be very limited.
So plans are to use it as a daily driver, and general shoot / hobby vehicle, keep it maintained and hope it doesn't throw any big issues at me (touch wood!).
I'll be doing a few upgrades and bits of tidying up as I go - it will remain largely standard, just some QOL upgrades and replacing anything worn or old.
The Honda's been brilliant for the 3 years I'd owned it - long and short journeys, tip runs, shoot truck... It hadn't put a foot wrong and I still think they're cracking motors. Sadly, corrosion had taken its toll to the inner arches, resulting in an MOT failure, and a potential bill that was uneconomical. I managed to sell it for roughly twice its scrap value, so at least got something back for it.
I'd hoped to get it through at least this winter and shooting season before seriously looking at shopping for an upgrade, but this forced my hand somewhat..
I'd been looking mostly at Japanese pickups as a logical upgrade, however in the back of my mind I'd always wanted a Land Rover. I've um'ed and arr'ed between Defenders, Disco 3/4s, and even L322s, but it was the former that won when this example popped up sale in the right place, at the right time...
It's a 2003 90 Hard Top, finished in Galway Green, with the TD5 motor.
Overall it's a very clean example - mostly original and in a spec I really like (i.e. not overly 'modernised'), well looked after and services, clean underneath. A few minor signs of use / age, but if it was perfect then a) it would cost far more and b) you'd be reluctant to use it as intended!
I've had it for a few weeks now, and it's fair to say I'm smitten. It took a bit of adjustment at first - I've had older cars than this, but the LR is obviously far more 'agricultural'.
It actually drives very nice, considering. Of course it's noisy, moreso due to being a hollow van with off-road tyres, but the seats are relatively comfortable, I don't fine the ergonomics as bad as expected (the 'Defender arm' I get, though). It goes, turns, and stops... generally.. as intended
The motor is actually nice and torquey, it's the super short gearing that takes some adjustment though. Fortunately, I mostly drive locally, and only on the occasional NSL road, motorway use will be very limited.
So plans are to use it as a daily driver, and general shoot / hobby vehicle, keep it maintained and hope it doesn't throw any big issues at me (touch wood!).
I'll be doing a few upgrades and bits of tidying up as I go - it will remain largely standard, just some QOL upgrades and replacing anything worn or old.
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