New car - not a Porsche, but still timeless....

sjm · Post by **sjm** » Fri Mar 06, 2009 4:52 pm

Have been dithering about what to get as a more suitable daily runabout lately and finally put the money down yesterday for a new Land Rover Defender 90 XS. Quite frankly, I can't wait to get it!

Seeing the dealer again tomorrow to add a couple of options and ordered a number plate from DVLA today that will suit the car....feels like Christmas again!

Always loved Defenders and for me they are as timeless and classic as any 911 (albeit totally different ends of the scale!)

And of course, now I'll be able to tow the 356 to PR Services myself..!

Helen · Post by **Helen** » Fri Mar 06, 2009 5:03 pm

how funny, Larry and i were only talking about this last night. but we decided that like the Cayenne the defender (or a disco) would be too expensive to run on Larrys normal commute to work.

we are now looking at a BMW Estate...possably

ninetenths · Post by **ninetenths** » Fri Mar 06, 2009 6:01 pm

Im getting a 110 in a months time.

They are being discontinued in 2010 due to European legislation

gridgway · Post by **gridgway** » Fri Mar 06, 2009 6:09 pm

that's a shame, friend of mine is just selling his black defender, might've been a bargain!
Graham

210bhp · Post by **210bhp** » Fri Mar 06, 2009 6:13 pm

Helen wrote:how funny, Larry and i were only talking about this last night. but we decided that like the Cayenne the defender (or a disco) would be too expensive to run on Larrys normal commute to work.

we are now looking at a BMW Estate...possably

My Discovery SE has nearly every option including towbar setup and has averaged 30.8 mpg in the 3 years I have owned it. Diesel servicing only in that time plus one faulty bonnet warning switch is all it has cost. 79000 miles and just about thinking of selling. Lovley metallic green with beige leather. Car has been fantastic. Mind you I have never had a Cayenne.

Regards
Mike
Edit; oops this is 2009 just realised I've had it 4 years.....time flies!!

sjm · Post by **sjm** » Fri Mar 06, 2009 8:15 pm

We've got a Disco3 as the family wagon - had it a year now and has been superb. 100% reliable, totally versatile with 7 proper forward facing seats etc - love it. I'd wanted a 110 when we got the Disco, but common sense re airbags etc. prevailed! But this time it's mainly me driving it so common sense can go out the window!

The Disco gives out 23mpg on stop-go/ local commuting, but it only does about 5k miles a year, so to be honest there is not much difference in overall fuel cost between that and a car doing 30mpg (that's my excuse!)

miles5 · Post by **miles5** » Fri Mar 06, 2009 9:27 pm

Off to Scotland tomorrow to pick up SWB SIII Station Wagon.

Long way back!!

dragonfly · Post by **dragonfly** » Fri Mar 06, 2009 9:49 pm

I've run a Defender 110 TD5 for a year or so and thoroughly enjoy it. It's a vehicle which polarises opinion though. It's either a class-less classic with functional simplicity, or a crude old truck... take your pick

I use mine almost daily including towing a 3T trailer, taking family on holiday, friends + mountain bikes etc. As long as you're not in a great hurry I don't think the economy is bad for such a versatile vehicle and when you factor in the cheap parts & insurance it makes sense for me.

I wouldn't fancy a 110 in the city though, as it's got the turning circle of the QE2

sjm · Post by **sjm** » Fri Mar 06, 2009 10:03 pm

ninetenths - is it just the 110 being discontinued, or 90 as well? In what way won't they comply then? What a shame...bl00dy EU!!!

miles5 - good luck for tomorrow!

So I wonder how many DDKers have Defenders of some description then?!? Seems like a few already...

And dead right re turning circle - even the 90 is pretty rubbish, so God knows what a 110 is like!!!

Does anyone know of a good cycle rack you can stick on t he back to carry a couple of bikes? I almost ordered the 110 (mins the extra rear seats) so I can get a couple of bikes in, but vast majority of my driving will be just me buzzing round town so went for the 90. Just hoping I can find a good rack now!

ninetenths · Post by **ninetenths** » Sat Mar 07, 2009 6:37 pm

Euro pedistrian impact legislation kicks in next year all Defenders are non compliant- so get one while you can

Gary71 · Post by **Gary71** » Sat Mar 07, 2009 6:53 pm

ninetenths wrote: Euro pedistrian impact legislation kicks in next year all Defenders are non compliant- so get one while you can

...but if the GVW is over 2500kg then you are exempt until 2018... did they not read that clause?

sjm · Post by **sjm** » Sat Mar 07, 2009 11:53 pm

Sounds promising! And we can always go back to what Porsche did and start loading the bumpers with lead - admittedly they did it for other reasons, but it would still help Land Rover if weight is an issue!

miles5 · Post by **miles5** » Sun Mar 08, 2009 7:41 pm

Epic journey back from Scotland - 10 hours, four pitstops and absolutely wasted today. I dont think it has had such a long journey for years - but seemed to do it the power of good.

It is an absolute truck, but full of character and ideal for what I need.

miles5 · Post by **miles5** » Sun Mar 08, 2009 7:48 pm

Oh, also saw a dark green 911 T - CAU !!!H heading north after the Forth Road bridge - very nice.

ninetenths · Post by **ninetenths** » Sun Mar 08, 2009 8:07 pm

CAU 300H Irish green