I think I might be mad!

[Rotaree]

I've had a 2016 RR 4.4 Autobiography for a couple of years but due to the pandemic I no longer do many miles, have just downsized houses to a renovation project and could do with something a bit smaller that could serve occasional duty as a van.

So, here's the mad bit - I'm considering chopping the RR in for a 2015 Defender Landmark. I've driven plenty of 90s and 110s during 30 years in the military and have owned a Series 3 so I think I know what to expect.

My thinking is that, if I don't get on with it, it should hold its value if I want to move it on and, if I do, it should still hold its value after a couple of years.

Am I mad?

[paintman]

You qualified as mad the day you bought the RR!

[Ben-xwdgs]

I can see the appeal, though would miss the creature comforts of the RR.

I’d be going for a Disco 4 can fit more inside than a Defender and has the creature comforts that you already have.

[anonymous-user]

Forewarned is forearmed..... Defenders seriously get under your skin.

Cué chorus of hotel California

Edited by anonymous-user on Friday 1st January 00:21

[Cold]

Great if you're doing mainly local journeys but you might not enjoy a long trip in it compared with the RR.
As you're intending to use it as a van with your house renovations, it might be worth checking with your tip (recycling amenity) as to whether they'll allow it onsite. Not all do, as some get all jobsworth proclaiming it to be a commercial vehicle etc.

[Stuart70]

Mitsubishi Shogun commercial is what you actually need (assuming you need the 4x4 ability and don’t just need a van).

Not thrilling but they do keep on working... to contrast with LR products.

[Noogly]

Cold said:

Great if you're doing mainly local journeys but you might not enjoy a long trip in it compared with the RR.
As you're intending to use it as a van with your house renovations, it might be worth checking with your tip (recycling amenity) as to whether they'll allow it onsite. Not all do, as some get all jobsworth proclaiming it to be a commercial vehicle etc.

Yeah! I went from RR to a LR 110 and it was OK around the country lanes but one holiday trip to Pembrokeshire and the Landy had to go! Back to RRs ever since!
Regarding the tip, it would probably depend on whether you had rear seats and windows. No seats/windows= definitely a commercial, seats and windows = a car but some may still argue. You'll probably need to book and pay for a commercial.

Edited by Noogly on Friday 1st January 12:40

[Red9zero]

Noogly said:

Yeah! I went from RR to a LR 110 and it was OK around the country lanes but one holiday trip to Pembrokeshire and the Landy had to go! Back to RRs ever since!
Regarding the tip, it would probably depend on whether you had rear seats and windows. No seats/windows= definitely a commercial, seats and windows = a car but some may still argue. You'll probably need to book and pay for a commercial.

Edited by Noogly on Friday 1st January 12:40

Rear seats and windows definately swing it at the tip. I have a soft top 90 with no rear side windows, so classed as "commercial". To get tip permits from our local council (North Somerset) you need to fill in the relevant form and then supply your council tax bill, MoT, insurance and log book. Normally you then get a book of 12 permits (1 visit per month), but this year it's just a letter and they supposedly monitor your visits on ANPR cameras. Although not all tips have them I love my old 90, but longer trips are taken in the V40 !

[camel_landy]

Much as I love my Defender, I wouldn't want it as a primary car... I've always had it as a second car, alongside a RaRo.

Be careful to not look at the Defender with rose tinted specs; whilst there's a certain charm, they really are st, especially as a van! The loadspace is awful, the wheel boxes get in the way if you want to carry anything bulky, as will the size (or lack of) of the rear door.

FWIW - You're better off getting a stter of an estate car for the van duties and keeping the RaRo (I got an old Audi when I did my renovation).

M

Edited by camel_landy on Friday 1st January 16:34

[Rotaree]

Some interesting thoughts and tips (no pun intended!) thank you all.

[Bill]

Or just get a trailer.

[Red9zero]

Bill said:

Or just get a trailer.

You'll need a tip permit for that too

[Bill]

Usually only above a certain size.

[CAPP0]

Noogly said:

Regarding the tip, it would probably depend on whether you had rear seats and windows. No seats/windows= definitely a commercial, seats and windows = a car but some may still argue. You'll probably need to book and pay for a commercial.

Make sure it'll go under the barrier at the tip too. My FFRR will, my 90 won't, and as a result I have to load all the crap which would be far better in the rubber-lined back of my 90 into the carpeted, leather-lined Rangie!

ETA: OP, as I typed the above I realised that I have the answer to your question - have both!

[sma]

Welcome to the Defender Landmark club! I use mine at the tips all the time, no issues here. Also use it as a daily.... Enjoy.

[Ranger 6]

Cold said:

....Not all do, as some get all jobsworth proclaiming it to be a commercial vehicle etc.

Tip runs - It's all focused on the details on the V5 - mine says 'estate car' and I've never had any issues.

OP - it all comes down to what you use it for - IMHO;

• Nothing over 100 miles with the family in it (especially coming from a RR)
• Don't get a 110 if you want any agility or a turning circle
• Be prepared to have extra security such as a pedal lock or steering cover
• They do get under your skin - be ready for the urge to modify......