Defender or Hilux Surf?

MOB993

I'm thinking about getting one or the other for a second vehicle and just not sure which would be best. I've had a 4runner (petrol surf) while in canada and it was great. But considering a Defender 110 and even possibly converting it to a camper..
It wont be for an everyday run around or commuting as I have the motorbike or the girlfriends car for that just for fishing/hunting, trips pulling the odd trailer no serious off roading though.

From what I've seen on the net the hilux is the more reliable and comfortable vehicle with the defender prone to breaking done although (apparently) its easily fixed. But the defender has a certain appeal to it and the possibility of cheap tax and insurance being a camper.. If i picked up a 93 or later hilux i might be able to get classic insurance but might have restricted milage (not that i would be doing much milage)


Thoughts, comments and suggestions wanted!!

colm_mcm

You don't need comfort or gadgets in this case, the LR has character.

pete4130

I love the Defender. It's classic looks. It does have character. I've considered them in the past. I just don't think I could do it with the issues they have if I was on a budget.

The Hilux 4Runner/surf are pretty much the same vehicle with the surf being a Japanese import (maybe not the case in Canada) while the 4Runner is local here in Australia. Some people here say there are issues with spares for the surf as its an import compared to the 4runner.

For me, I'd go with the Hilux. You know what you are getting and the older ones are really tough. With my job here in Australia I've driven a wide range of Hilux from non turbo 3.0 to the newest dual cab I've got (which is an auto and dare I say it....really nice to drive). All the Mitsubishi Tritons start to fall apart after about 100K km with the sort of work I do but the Hilux just keeps going.

For looks I'd go Defender I'd try to source a 130 for a camper though. I've got a 75 series land cruiser Troopy converted into a pop top camper and the extra length of a 130 would be worth it. The Hilux and Defender don't have a high a roofline as the Troopy's though so it would be constant stooping in either.

If you did go the camper route....its only about €109 a year tax...if it was eligible. I'm not sure on the stipulations. I think it used to have to have 2.0m standing height inside and I'm not sure if thats been changed/removed from the stipulations.

MOB993

Thanks lads for the replies.
There is no height restriction for campers anymore with just the need for a sink, cooker, etc.

What are the issues that a Defender could have?
I'm sure that if the defender was converted the difference in tax between the two vehicles would still work out cheaper even with some extra maintenance costs. €109 compared to €1034 for the 2.4L or €1494 for a 3L surf.

101sean

Main issue with Defenders is rust in chassis, bulkheads and doors. Mine is 13 years old and all the doors need work and I replaced the rear crossmember last year. They are generally reliable despite what you hear but are simple to work on and parts are very cheap. Good ones hold their value very well but the older they are, the more you'll have to put right unless it's been mollycoddled. Look through the Defender thread and you'll find more of what to look for.

Nice original 1983 V8 110 CSW with low miles and garage stored for sale in UK, yours for £63,000!! Ridiculous I know but gives an indication of how good ones can be expensive although Ireland is a bit of a funny market.

If I wasn't into LRs I think I'd be in a Land Cruiser, preferably one of the older proper ones or an Amazon.

Slideways

I'd go Hilux myself.
Whilst not blazing a trail comfort wise they are in my opinion light years ahead of the defender.

I get a sore back in the older Hilux from having my legs stretched out in front of me but would rather that than leaky door seals and wind noise of a defender

visual

Thats a window seat wrote: »

I'd go Hilux myself.
Whilst not blazing a trail comfort wise they are in my opinion light years ahead of the defender.

I get a sore back in the older Hilux from having my legs stretched out in front of me but would rather that than leaky door seals and wind noise of a defender

Discovery would closer comparison

dhog4n

I have a Surf so I'm a bit biased, but I think it's streets ahead of the Defender in some areas. Surprisingly comfortable for both distance driving and commuting, reliable, well kitted imports, well put together, easy enough to work on and easy to get parts for.

That said though, it depends on your needs. The defender is a lot more flexible in that you can bolt on pretty much any body to the chassis cab, a huge variety of parts are pretty much bolt on replacements or upgrades and it does have the big 3.5t towing capacity. They can also be got with quite a bit more space inside than the Surf.

Reliability seems to me from talking to LR owners to depend on how much you can do yourself. If you are up to doing the work, parts are readily available and can be got reasonably cheaply.

The couple that I have driven though were very crude and tiring to drive even for short distances, I banged my head on the door frame every time I got in or out, and it generally felt like the farm/construction vehicle it was originally intended to be. It may be that they were not the best examples of the species, but I would be very inclined to try before buying.

kuro2k

I would recomend the Hilux Surf, I've had a 96 3rd gen for 8/9 years with no problems. I've never had an issue with parts, toyota dealers and roughtrax4x4 in the UK will be able to get anything you need



If you do purchase one in automatic form the radiator is a know issue. I would recommend you swap the auto spec radiator for a manual one (exactly same part number as landcrusier 90/95) and fit a independent auto transmission cooler from a trusted manufacturer. I purchased my cooler from allisport in the UK



You will have less interior space than a land rover, I think the interior Hilux Surf is more estate like than large 4x4 but if you get a good one you will not regret it. Unfortunately they are thin on the ground these days



.

MOB993

Like I said I had a 4runner which is just a petrol surf for a while in Canada so know what they r like. I'm leaning towards the defender though but want to drive one before I commit.. thanks though people