Talk me out of this terrible idea: Land Rover Defender!

Zedsdead · 2025-03-19T13:44:08Z

A while back I was thinking about getting a mid-sized van, after trying a couple I have decided against buying one and I'm going to hire one for the occasions I need one instead (I worked out I won't use it enough to justify me buying one).And this brings me to my next daft idea... For years I've fancied an old Land Rover Defender!I know it will be slow, noisy, probably smelly too, the handling will be terrible, the mpg will be rubbish, it may even be horribly unreliable and be quite expensive to keep it going over the years (maintenance and repairs).But I still think I want one!Or do I?Anyone here have real life experience of one, and can you give me advice please?I'll likely use it a fair bit, but it won't be the main vehicle as will have a company car. However I would like it to be reliable, or as reliable as possible.Are they prone to breakdowns? Do they suffer badly from rot? Is this a stupid idea?I'd love a short wheelbase one, only really need the 2 front seats and I can fling my crap in the back.I'm not bothered about it being slow. I would like it to be relatively hassle free. I am happy to spanner on it and it will be looked after by me.I do suspect it may be a money pit, but I've had a number of turbo Subaru's over the years so this is not new to me. But I'd like it to be somewhat sensible.Is spending in the range of 5-10k good for this? Or a recipe for disaster? I was thinking it may get me something older and I can keep a lump of cash aside for any issues over the year(s)...Cheers!

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expatscot

Free Member

Having had one 30 years ago, I'm very keen to get another as a semi retirement project.

Basic spannering is fine, as long as it's not the primary vehicle.

Factoring in galvanised chassis and bulkhead, plus expected work on the (surprisingly expensive) doors.

I also fancy converting to EV at some point, albeit (1) through my ltdCo and (2) when EV conversions become productionised and parts are cheaper/ more plentiful

Posted : 23/03/2025 5:00 pm

Zedsdead

Full Member

Topic starter

Many thanks to everyone on this thread for helping to bring me to my senses!

Idea is shelved until I win the lotto.

On the one hand I still want one, and I always knew they would be a lot of work to keep going - I'm a big fan of turbo Subaru's so I know the joy, and the pain that often surfaces. And the expense!

It's definitely a scratch I'll need to itch at some point but I think I'll hold off until retirement when I can spend full days working on it...

On a side note, I have a friend who absolutely loves the new Defenders, Range Rovers, and all variations of them - absolutely LOVES them!
He's a tow truck driver.
Bread and butter work, with many repeat customers...

Cheers!

Posted : 24/03/2025 9:19 am

robertajobb reacted

misteralz

Free Member

Posted by: expatscot

↑

Having had one 30 years ago, I'm very keen to get another as a semi retirement project.

Basic spannering is fine, as long as it's not the primary vehicle.

Factoring in galvanised chassis and bulkhead, plus expected work on the (surprisingly expensive) doors.

I also fancy converting to EV at some point, albeit (1) through my ltdCo and (2) when EV conversions become productionised and parts are cheaper/ more plentiful

https://www.vintageonvolt.com/

These guys are near me. It's surreal hearing their Landies buzzing around with all the Landie noises except the 2¼ petrol or Perkins diesel. Amusingly enough, there's another company in the same town that specialises in sticking LSs in Landies...

Posted : 24/03/2025 3:37 pm

robertajobb

Full Member

My next door neighbour had a series 3 for a number of years.

We had a shared-access driveway that I own

I reckon I'm sitting on oil reserves at least half the size of the whole of Texas, given how much it dripped. Just got to decide when to start drilling.

Posted : 24/03/2025 4:46 pm

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relapsed_mandalorian

Full Member

Posted by: robertajobb

↑

I reckon I'm sitting on oil reserves at least half the size of the whole of Texas, given how much it dripped. Just got to decide when to start drilling.

There's a reason we used to get bollocked for not putting drip trays under the green fleet landies!

I'd still love to own a lightweight, airportbale one though. Happy memories of getting tuned in by a very angry MT bod when I put on into a massive ditch on Otterburn training area.