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jonesfrm



Member Since: 03 Apr 2017
Location: Gloucester- Churchdown
Posts: 104

England 
series 3 daily runner?
I am thinking about getting a series 3 for travelling to and from work. It envolves a 10 miles drive on a dual carriageway with a steepish gradient. How capable are they on the road? Or would it be better to go for a Defender 90? What are the benifits of a series 3 over the Defender?

Thankyou Thumbs Up
Post #618392 21st Apr 2017 12:53pm
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Stacey007



Member Since: 25 Sep 2015
Location: Cheshire
Posts: 3693

United Kingdom 
Hello

I have not driven mine enough since owning it yet as its in the garage having some work done its a 2 1/4 petrol with overdrive.

My journey to work is around the same although A roads, and villages so 30, 40 and 50 zones not really a hill apart from the one I live on which is quite steep.

I would be more than happy using it (and will do) but for me its going to be only on fine days.

Benefits over a 90

For me mines free tax
Also £100 to insure with full breakdown
Cool factor... is it cooler? I don;t know.
Prce probably going up more.


Negatives...
MPG I'm guessing mine will do around 20 mpg? I don't know
The 'will it work' factor, I'm used to the Puma just turn the key and go so time will tell
Its louder and slower, I'm not bothered about either Smile



Being honest not sure I would want to use it everyday but I see no reason why not, you can even add more things to make it more 'car' like if you go down this route?

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Post #618404 21st Apr 2017 1:51pm
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jonesfrm



Member Since: 03 Apr 2017
Location: Gloucester- Churchdown
Posts: 104

England 
I would have the option of going back lanes that probably would be more suitable!
How do the series 3 pull off the mark?

So would you recommend getting another car and keeping the series for summer as probably prone to many more problems bieng driven 24/7!
To be honest in my opinion I can't see the prices going down for a very long time especially when the new 'Defender' comes out. So would be a good investment!
Thanks for your help Thumbs Up
Post #618412 21st Apr 2017 2:27pm
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defender9



Member Since: 12 Mar 2016
Location: Fylde Coast
Posts: 1611

United Kingdom 2015 Defender 90 Puma 2.2 SW Keswick Green
I would drive a few before you decide, they are not for everyone, slow, noisy and not that civilised compared to a car. I used to drive a Series as a daily when I was in my twenty's but wouldn't do it now. For the odd slow trundle they are fine.
Post #618425 21st Apr 2017 3:12pm
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RoddyK05



Member Since: 08 Apr 2015
Location: Inverclyde
Posts: 633

Scotland 2004 Defender 90 Td5 SW Yellow
My 2 1/4 petrol managed 13 mpg, no matter what it was doing - solo, towing etc. It pulled ok, but wasn't great. I fitted a 2.5 n/a diesel which pulled like a train once the timing and pump were sorted properly. Mines was my daily driver and rolling restoration, but I picked up a cheap 200tdi disco which was in complete contrast to my 88. Would I go back to a series motor, yes, would I end up divorced, yes. I very much enjoyed mine at the time, but it was time to move on once I started getting serious about girls - my downfall Rolling Eyes
Post #618489 21st Apr 2017 6:31pm
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Stacey007



Member Since: 25 Sep 2015
Location: Cheshire
Posts: 3693

United Kingdom 
I must have the right Girl, she was more for me buying the series than I was Thumbs Up Thumbs Up




Click image to enlarge
Post #618495 21st Apr 2017 6:53pm
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jonesfrm



Member Since: 03 Apr 2017
Location: Gloucester- Churchdown
Posts: 104

England 
Yeah that's fine mines perfect( good start)!! Idealy a original not overly restored model would do me great as a first series dunno if anyone knows any around??? With all the new speeding fines amd bans falling into place this would make a good option for someone after some good engine sound!!
Thanks for all the help Thumbs Up
Post #618506 21st Apr 2017 7:30pm
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JeremyJ



Member Since: 16 Nov 2011
Location: Aylesbury
Posts: 1758

United Kingdom 
I'm driving a 2a (photo below, ran out of time to paint!) everyday, including a good thrashing down a dual carriageway. It suits me at the moment (commute is only 20 mins now) but I will get bored of it soon.

In all honesty unless you REALLY want to I wouldn't recommend it for every day...

[URL=]
Click image to enlarge
[/URL]

Admin note: this post has had its images recovered from a money grabbing photo hosting site and reinstated Mr. Green
Post #618514 21st Apr 2017 7:46pm
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orkneydave



Member Since: 25 Sep 2016
Location: Orkney Islands
Posts: 76

United Kingdom 
I've just started using a SIII 109 as my daily driver. I drive about 20 miles each way on both a roads and single lane roads (no dual carriageways or motorways here Rolling with laughter ).
Mine is a soft top with a 200tdi (see http://www.defender2.net/forum/topic53787.html) so noisy but keeps up with traffic and returns okay mpg. Worst thing I have found is that the steering is heavy but I'll get used to that soon enough Very Happy .

Oh and I have free road tax and insurance is £150 for up to 10k miles!
Post #618527 21st Apr 2017 8:33pm
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keith



Member Since: 15 Aug 2012
Location: Edinburgh
Posts: 2152

Scotland 
Yep ! Daily runner
Post #618554 21st Apr 2017 9:37pm
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jonesfrm



Member Since: 03 Apr 2017
Location: Gloucester- Churchdown
Posts: 104

England 
Okay... getting some fairly mixed views here! :thumb:
If Jeremy joy is thinking of selling up??? (can't actually view that picture for some reason!!)
Wink
And how do you find it as a daily runner Keith??
Post #618572 21st Apr 2017 11:38pm
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mowcop



Member Since: 03 Jul 2009
Location: Staffs
Posts: 108

United Kingdom 2008 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 CSW Zermatt Silver
If my wife can do it I am sure you can?
Post #618581 22nd Apr 2017 6:50am
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jonesfrm



Member Since: 03 Apr 2017
Location: Gloucester- Churchdown
Posts: 104

England 
Rolling with laughter is it that bad?
Post #618587 22nd Apr 2017 7:31am
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milesr3



Member Since: 12 Feb 2013
Location: Suffolk
Posts: 873

2016 Defender 90 Puma 2.2 XS CSW Keswick Green
I've done an occasional 30 mile commute in my Series II and there is no reason why you couldn't use it every day. It would probably be much better for it than leaving it in the garage most of the time. In good mechanical order they are quite usable. It just takes a little longer to reach your destination due to going slower and taking a less direct route.

I tend not to drive it much faster than 45mph, so need to take the back roads. De-misting can be a bit of a challenge in the winter and you need an extra layer of clothing. Fuel economy seems to be upper teens on short runs but I saw 23mpg once (2 1/4 petrol).
Post #618607 22nd Apr 2017 8:56am
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Ramsay



Member Since: 30 Sep 2015
Location: Moffat, Dumfries & Galloway
Posts: 623

Scotland 1995 Defender 110 300 Tdi CSW Auto Keswick Green
The summary above is pretty good. Up to two years ago I have had thirty years where a IIA has been my daily driver or weekend alternative to a company car.
They are quite possible to commute in with a few considerations. The heater takes a while to warm up in winter so demisting is hard.
While slow on dual carriageways they are quite nippy in town due to low gears. 0 - 15 mph comes up quite quick. Progress is your friend as the steering is heavy at zero or low speed. If your commute is congested you will get a good workout to your left leg as you pump the clutch. 1995 Defender 110 CSW
1971 SIIA Lightweight
Post #618609 22nd Apr 2017 9:21am
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