My new wheels...

mayhem#

E.

Litcagral

Well wear Mayhem - what year? (or is it's new?).

colm_mcm

Uk import?

mayhem#

Litcagral wrote:

Well wear Mayhem - what year? (or is it's new?).

Brand spanking new mate!


E.

mayhem#

colm_mcm wrote:

Uk import?

No, bought it from Stuarts Landrover in Tallaght.
Can highly recommend them!

E.

Idleater

I love those jeeps. The only "real" ones left as far as I am concerned!

L.

Turner

Nice, how about some more pics.

Also fuel tank capaticty/mpg and tax details.

That is a jeep.

mayhem#

Chief--- wrote:

Nice, how about some more pics.

Also fuel tank capaticty/mpg and tax details.

That is a jeep.

Tank holds 70 ltrs. approx.
Haven't calculated the milage but don 't really care tbh.
If I was concerned about the milage I would drive a Micra...
Will put some more pics up when I get time to take them.
It drives like a dream, kinda "old fashioned" in a certain way and it is a very hands-on driving experience.
It seems to have a serious "**** off" factor by the way...

E.

mike65

Someone has one in Limerick its always parked at the Dorradoyle shopping centre, looks mighty impressive like it should be in the jungle!

Mike.

Gatster

Beautiful, I have to admit to being more than a little envious, but fair play. Must save harder for that G500 now...

JohnCleary

I'm jealous, I can imagine my boat being towed along behind that!

unkel

mayhem# wrote:

Brand spanking new mate!

If I didn't know better, I would have sworn it was a well kept classic - maybe about 60 years old with some new high profile alloys fitted back in the 70s?

mike65 wrote:

looks mighty impressive like it should be in the jungle!

From the pics and the OP's location, I reckon it is in the jungle

Only messin'

When I was in the army a long time ago, they were being replaced by very reliable but incompetent (for army use) Mercedes-Benz G-class vehicles. At least with the LaRo (that was the official nick) everyone knew where they stood

Out of interest, what do you use it for? Which cars did you consider buying? Did you consider a similar priced Toyota Landcruiser?

mayhem#

mike65 wrote:

Someone has one in Limerick its always parked at the Dorradoyle shopping centre, looks mighty impressive like it should be in the jungle!

Mike.

Seen that one only a few weeks ago.
It's a 1977 reg if I'm not mistaken...

E.

mayhem#

unkel wrote:

If I didn't know better, I would have sworn it was a well kept classic - maybe about 60 years old with some new high profile alloys fitted back in the 70s?

Thanks, I was trying to go for the "classic look...

From the pics and the OP's location, I reckon it is in the jungle

It's county Tip, not far from it..

Out of interest, what do you use it for? Which cars did you consider buying? Did you consider a similar priced Toyota Landcruiser?

No, would not buy a jap unless someone else is paying.
The choice was between this and a Chevy Suburban. The Suburban proved almost impossible to get in Ireland hence the choice for the Landy...

E.

unkel

mayhem# wrote:

would not buy a jap unless someone else is paying

Intriguing twist. I'd have thought most people getting a serious off-roader would have said the opposite, as in "can't care less how much it costs to buy, repair, depreciate 'cause someone else is paying". Paying for it themselves they'd typically resort to something like a Landcruiser, I'd have guessed

The LaRos in my days, BTW, were very competent off-road. They also broke down pretty much on a daily basis, but then they were cheap (almost free) and easy to repair using drafted servicemen who were being paid just above dole level.

I guess you are well able to maintain and repair your new motor yourself? I also guess you need it to do some very serious off-road work?

maidhc

unkel wrote:

Paying for it themselves they'd typically resort to something like a Landcruiser, I'd have guessed

The Landcruiser is definately the machine of choice amoung builders and farmers nowadays. I presume it is far nicer to drive and is certainly a nicer place to be than the old landy. Probably every bit as good off road too.

The defender beats the landcruiser senseless when it comes to looks, and I presume they dont break down as much nowadays with Ford in charge.

Personally I prefer the Defender 90 to the lwb one. Pity they never built a 100" version, it would have been a lovely compromise.

Progen

Your side windows look seriously illegal. I've seen tinted windows alright, but jesus H they look painted with Mat black paint!!!

I'd seriously have them taken off for some lighter smoke tints if thats what your inta'

phoenix_nights

unkel wrote:

When I was in the army a long time ago, they were being replaced by very reliable but incompetent (for army use) Mercedes-Benz G-class vehicles. At least with the LaRo (that was the official nick) everyone knew where they stood

I would have to disagree on the G-Wagon. I think they are great and hope to own one in the future as a classic. Funny but i was watching a news special on straws visit to Iraq last week and the vehicle he was travelling around in was a G-Wagon. I would have more faith in the Merc getting me from A to B than any landrover.

mayhem#

Progen wrote:

Your side windows look seriously illegal. I've seen tinted windows alright, but jesus H they look painted with Mat black paint!!!

I'd seriously have them taken off for some lighter smoke tints if thats what your inta'

They're not as bad as they look.

E.

unkel

phoenix_nights wrote:

I would have to disagree on the G-Wagon

What do you disagree about?

phoenix_nights wrote:

I would have more faith in the Merc getting me from A to B than any landrove

Went I said reliable, I meant that the G is a much more reliable vehicle in mechanical terms in my experience. It loses hands down in extreme off-road abilities though compared to the LaRo, e.g. it gets stuck in deep mud quicker amongst other things

mike65

For a few years the G Wagon held the world record for slowest 0-60.

Mike.

unkel

mike65 wrote:

For a few years the G Wagon held the world record for slowest 0-60.

Any linky? The '79 two ton 240GD has Peugeot diesel of just 72BHP. Acceleration must have been >30s

A similar aged and size LaRo series III diesel has 62BHP but is a bit lighter. A straight line race between the two would have been a tad boring

Squirrel

unkel wrote:

Any linky? The '79 two ton 240GD has Peugeot diesel of just 72BHP. Acceleration must have been >30s

A similar aged and size LaRo series III diesel has 62BHP but is a bit lighter. A straight line race between the two would have been a tad boring

At least you'd have time to take a piss or something waiting for them to reach wallking pace.

That's a sweet looking Defender, how much would one of them set you back?

BeardyGit

Nice landy Mayhem. The 300TDi will give you around 24mpg urban and up around 34mpg on longer runs - Less of course with the expedition rack!

I'm going to replace my full bull-bars in a few weeks time when I get around to mounting my new custom winch bumper and Superwinch and the A-Bar that's off being powdercoated now. If you want it, it's yours - Just the cost of a trip to Dublin to pick it up. It could do with a respray but it's not at all bad and would polish off the front nicely - Think they're around €150 or thereabouts so you'll be able to fill up twice instead! Oh yeah, where are the spots and snorkel, huh?

spartacus93

Squirrel wrote:

At least you'd have time to take a piss or something waiting for them to reach wallking pace.

That's a sweet looking Defender, how much would one of them set you back?

45K iirc.

Lovely jeep, I remember watching a Top Gear episode a while ago. They set up a test course and the Defender was the only jeep that could finish it. They also had Range Rovers, Porsches, and an X5 I think.

Your jeep really is in a different class!

colm_mcm

spartacus93 wrote:

45K iirc.

Lovely jeep, I remember watching a Top Gear episode a while ago. They set up a test course and the Defender was the only jeep that could finish it. They also had Range Rovers, Porsches, and an X5 I think.

Your jeep really is in a different class!

It is in a different class. The X5, Range Rover and Porsche are designed for limited occasional off road use. while the Defender is at home in fields, and can't cut it on the road.

mayhem#

spartacus93 wrote:

45K iirc.

Lovely jeep, I remember watching a Top Gear episode a while ago. They set up a test course and the Defender was the only jeep that could finish it. They also had Range Rovers, Porsches, and an X5 I think.

Your jeep really is in a different class!

Just a tad over more actually but that does include 9 seats and full leather upholstry...

E.

mayhem#

Gil_Dub wrote:

Nice landy Mayhem. The 300TDi will give you around 24mpg urban and up around 34mpg on longer runs - Less of course with the expedition rack!

I'm going to replace my full bull-bars in a few weeks time when I get around to mounting my new custom winch bumper and Superwinch and the A-Bar that's off being powdercoated now. If you want it, it's yours - Just the cost of a trip to Dublin to pick it up. It could do with a respray but it's not at all bad and would polish off the front nicely - Think they're around €150 or thereabouts so you'll be able to fill up twice instead! Oh yeah, where are the spots and snorkel, huh?

Hell yeah!
I'll take it.
Just let me know where and when...

Snorkel is in the planning (hope to fit it myself)
I've thought about spots but have decided to look for a "lightbar" to fit across the top.
It would look just that little bit more sleek...

E.

mayhem#

colm_mcm wrote:

while the Defender is at home in fields, and can't cut it on the road.

You obviously haven't driven a newer Defender on the road?

E.

colm_mcm

I've driven a Defender 90. compare it to a Land Cruiser....

The Discovery is Land Rovers serious On and Off roader, while the Defender is an antique which despite everything, still finds homes. I would find it very difficult to part with 50 odd grand. considering the fairly dodgy safety standards

BeardyGit

mayhem# wrote:

You obviously haven't driven a newer Defender on the road?

E.

I'll agree with you there Mayhem. The new Defenders are lightnyears ahead of what my old SIII will do on a motor-way (Although it cruises at 60 - albeit noisy as hell!). I occasionally drive a 110 with the 300TDi block which will comfortably cruise at 65 and easily accelerates to 75+ when required. Braking is excellent (vented and grooved disks all round) and with anti-rollbars fitted to ALL Defenders now they can even corner well at higher speeds than you'd dare attempt in something like the SIII or early D90/110.

Then again, prices are ridiculously high now for these workhorses in anything other than very basic specification. I'd considered buying myself a new one but the limited requirement for off-roading and the buying price put me off. I'll wait until second-hand prices for the 300TDi start falling when the TDV6 or whatever it's going to be are dropped into the D range later this year or early 2007.

Drop me a PM with your mobile number and I'll give you a bell about the bullbars. I'll soon forget this thread!

Cheers,

Gil

BeardyGit

colm_mcm wrote:

I've driven a Defender 90. compare it to a Land Cruiser....

The Discovery is Land Rovers serious On and Off roader, while the Defender is an antique which despite everything, still finds homes. I would find it very difficult to part with 50 odd grand. considering the fairly dodgy safety standards

Hmmmm. Which landcruiser? Which Defender? What's the basis for comparison? You're comparing apples and oranges mate. If you were to suggest a new Amazon LC is a better all-round vehicle than a Disco 3 we might have a chance to have a rational discussion.

But to argue the Defender is an antique and expect that to be some sort of a valid criticism of its continued production/sale/whatever is ridiculous. People who buy Discos/Pajero's/LC's are different creatures to those who will opt for the Defender. Defender owners are generally quite passionate about the vehicle they chose to buy and for the most can't be compared with those who would buy a Disco 3/Freeloader etc. Whether it's just for looks or for the flexibility in terms of customisation they offer their owners, we each have our reasons for choosing the motorised Meccano set that a Defender is over other offerings, even within the Landrover marque.

I could be wrong but you seem to have something against Defenders in particular. Is there a reason for this that you can actually explain rather than taking pot-shots purely on the basis that you claim to have driven one at some point in the past? Do you actually KNOW what the differences are between a D90 and a Defender? I think not.

I wouldn't pretend to know about LC's any more than I've read. I once drove a SWB LC, back in 1997. But even if I were inclined to criticise an excellent vehicle such as the model I drove (which is justifiably popular) I wouldn't presume that my one-off experience and any heresay I'd been party to would be enough to provide any valid input. I wouldn't presume that my 'audience' on boards would be foolish enough to take my mumblings for granted.

And a final point (for now) - You refer to Safety Standards. Care to elaborate? Exactly what is your criticism? Oh, I'd appreciate some supporting references if we're to be thorough in reviewing the safety characteristics of vehicles with which we are obviously not familiar. Perhaps you could refer to the same source with particular comparable information related to the same characteristics in the Landcruiser range. Many thanks.

Gil

colm_mcm

Gil_Dub wrote:

Hmmmm. Which landcruiser? Which Defender? What's the basis for comparison? You're comparing apples and oranges mate..................................................................................................................................... Many thanks.

Gil

Firstly, my comment was in reply to spartacus93 who was comparing a Defender with an X5, a Cayenne, and a Range Rover. and quite accurately suggested that the Defender was a better machine for serious off roading. In "defence" (no pun intended!) of the more modern machines, I said that while the Defender was excellent off road, it couldn't cut it on road. If you put the Defender in the same company in an on road test (fair or not) the Defender will obviously be outclassed by the road-orientated machines.

I quite admire the Defenders and Defender owners, in much the same way as I admired the old Mini. and I do not have anything against the Defender. I don't however see how it is value for money.

As for "taking pot-shots purely on the basis that you claim to have driven one at some point in the past?" I am in the motor trade, and driving diffrerent makes and models of cars and off-roaders is part of my work.



On to safety. My main reasons for doubting the Land Rover's safety credentials are as follows:

1) It doesn't meet USA minimum safety standards

2) To the best of my knowledge, it doesn't have any airbags.

3) If it was NCAP tested, it would prove hazardous to both drivers and pedestrians

I am not, and don't claim to be an expert on Land Rovers, but i feel that my earlier posts are completely true. and don't show any unnecessary dislike towards the Defender






If we must compare safety equipment on the Defender with the Land Cruiser, here is some of the equipment Toyota will offer you:

Front, Side and Curtain Airbags.
Vehicle Stability Control
Anti Lock Brakes with Brake Distribution
Brake Assist

BeardyGit

Pardon me so, I missed where your earlier post was aimed.

On the safety point - I'll agree that the Defender certainly has some shortcomings (which I'm acutely aware of). The absence of airbags is something that worries many of us and I doubt anyone would fork out thousands for a new saloon or supermini if it didn't come with them as standard. ABS is available on all Defenders either as standard or as an option - And depending on what you're doing, you may not want ABS in the first place of course.

US safety standards are laughable in the first place. One of the primary reasons the Defender doesn't meet them is the lighting layout! The north american spec Defenders from 1995 and 1997 were either soft-tops or County spec with a FULL external roll-cage. Madness really. But driven by the type of use the average American consumer would put the vehicle to on a daily basis. The Defender is seen in America as a very fashionable alternative to a Jeep Wrangler or similar. The rest of the world see the Defender as a work-horse for the most part and realise that as such it shouldn't be driven at high speed in heavy traffic. There will always be tossers out there who go for the Defender as a hard-core alternative to a Rav4 - More money than sense. They're not inherently a safe vehicle (although the ladder chassis will always help in a front/rear collision) and offer NO protection for side impacts. But used responsibly in the environments for which they are designed there's little reason for more protection for the driver as standard. If someone's overlanding, then by all means fit a roll-cage - That's the beauty of a Defender - It's not a major job to have one fitted or indeed make any other modification to better match the tool to the job at hand.

Anyway - I think we're reading from the same page to an extent.

Goodnight lads,

Gil