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DefenderCan

Member Since: 25 Nov 2023
Location: Canada
Posts: 33

I'll throw my 2 cents in here. The new defenders are nice, I will have to say, can't deny that.

Personally, when I look for a daily car, I checkout the following,

1) Condition
2) Parts Availability
3) Parts Costs (including shipping)
4) Usage
5) Common faults of that vehicle
6) Analyze what NEEDS to be done as far as maintenance and what you WANT to do as far as mods.
7) Workability

And then go from there whether it's the right call......

I think any classic defender models by far beats the newer defenders. A well taken care of Defender of any motor will give you the best ROI. When I bought my truck, I never had the mindset of selling it, rather how can I make this the last vehicle I purchase.

I can easily work on my own repairs without a lift and find parts easily. So, I just saved $1,000s on future service costs. What other truck can you renew a flywheel and clutch on your back.

Common faults for a TD5 for example, are serious if neglected but easy to check yourself such as the oil pump bolt or leaking injector harness. EASY Proactive maintenance. Also, electrical are pretty straight forward.

Again, I will use a TD5 as an example as this is my only vehicle, If I were to compare what would take me 1,000,000km a 125hp 5-cylinder inline diesel or gas v8, my buck is on the diesel, also three less cylinders to worry about or fail....

You can use a classic defender during the day as a workhorse but then get family time in the evening going on a camping trip. I call her "A Gentlemans Truck"

If you want to look at it from a macro perspective rather than a micro perspective.... just tell yourself this, you are living in a time that Classic Defenders exist and will most likely never return unless they do those heritage models here and there but those are also restomod classics.

75 years ago, defenders didn't exist and perhaps 75 years from now they may seize to exist.

You only live once and lucky to be of the age of the classic defender, you can't get time back but make any money back in time. Dont waste your time, live on the wild side and start making memories.

In my automotive dreams, I wish I grew up between 1965 and 1969. Pinniacle moment in the auto industry and world. another wish was 78 for the Pontiac Trans AM. However, beggars can't be choosers, so the Ive been blessed growing up in the Defender era.

25th Sep 2025 6:15am

BrickBox

Member Since: 05 Oct 2021
Location: Wales
Posts: 1077

2008 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 USW Zermatt Silver

What about a brand new imported 5 door Jimny

https://ebay.us/m/Fan4uQ 2017 5.0 V8 Supercharged RRS SVR
2008 2.4 110 Utility Station Wagon XS.

25th Sep 2025 8:45am

DefenderCan

Member Since: 25 Nov 2023
Location: Canada
Posts: 33

To compare sub an LR for a Suzuki is like putting pineapple on pizza to me

25th Sep 2025 9:00am

Stacey007

Member Since: 25 Sep 2015
Location: Cheshire
Posts: 3867

Hello

I have a Puma 110 TDci and have done for 10 years, I've upgraded a lot over this time and its fairly car like now for the extras... Heated seats, A/C, Cameras, Dab, Led lights, better washers, smaller steering wheel, leather etc.

This was my daily for years (28 mile comute there and back on mainly A roads and B roads) Its great for this. We have also been all over the place in it, Many trips to Scotland, the NC 500, countless trips to the lakes amd even Europe. Over to Annecy a couple of times.

Now we have a selection of cars, and If I'm honest if we go on a reasonable distance I take another car...

If you have had one before then all good, you know what to expect, they will do 70 all day on the motorway, they are just NOT as relaxing as a modern car. The main thing also is safety. They don't have much if you end up in a roll, and I see our roads just getting busier..

I still use mine a fair bit, for the School runs, Work, building suppliers, collecting stuff and love driving it.

Never left me stranded, and athough its used I do look after it. One thing I would have done 10 years ago it fit cruise control.... I use this a lot in other cars (some have the radar cruise) and do miss that.

Your probably right the 'old' defender will probably not lose much compared, but they do require mainetenance to keep on top form, Rear cross member rusts, the front area round window frame.

I would certainly if you can put it in a car port or garage, fit some bit that make t more comfortable and away you go... ooh and security....

Mine after a bath, Love the waves

and the fact you do 'drive' these and switch stuff on

Ours will never go... the kids still remember all the camping trips and holiday in it, even the smell when you turn it on reminds them of places

Its a keeper. Its nice to have a choice though

Click image to enlarge

25th Sep 2025 10:28am

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