Which 'utility' 4x4 for farm/forest
Discussion
Was thinking about getting a basic, cheap-but-sound LR Defender to knock around in, fitted with decent tyres to make sure we can get in/out up a 1/2 mile driveway even in bad weather etc.,
However I don't think I'll fit into one properly, as I'm quite tall. Was never comfortable in my old LR Lightweight, so I doubt a Defender would be much different.
Given a few K to spend (<£6k lets say) what alternatives are there? Disco?
Unlikely to be used for any long distance / motorway driving.
However I don't think I'll fit into one properly, as I'm quite tall. Was never comfortable in my old LR Lightweight, so I doubt a Defender would be much different.
Given a few K to spend (<£6k lets say) what alternatives are there? Disco?
Unlikely to be used for any long distance / motorway driving.
DoubleD said:
Im guessing that you just need a bit of extra ground clearance and decent traction? How about 1 of those Dacia Dusters that everyones raving about? Or a 4x4 Skoda Yeti maybe?
They aren't very 'me'... I was thinking of going full 'green-lane / mud plugging' spec with a lift kit and big tyres! Lol.Can't afford a Unimog. Shame.
I've been looking for a similar thing to yourself, but with a much smaller budget. I've started looking at (don't laugh) Suzuki Jimny's. Short wheelbase, ladder chassis, 'proper' 4x4. Prices are a fraction of what the Defenders demand so for your £6k you could get something nearly new, or build yourself a serious bit of kit for offroading.
I've never ridden in one but from what I've read they are considerably comfier than a defender, but still spartan. And the best part of them is, like Defenders, have a massive following and oodles of aftermarket parts.
I've never ridden in one but from what I've read they are considerably comfier than a defender, but still spartan. And the best part of them is, like Defenders, have a massive following and oodles of aftermarket parts.
timetex said:
Was thinking about getting a basic, cheap-but-sound LR Defender to knock around in, fitted with decent tyres to make sure we can get in/out up a 1/2 mile driveway even in bad weather etc.,
However I don't think I'll fit into one properly, as I'm quite tall. Was never comfortable in my old LR Lightweight, so I doubt a Defender would be much different.
Given a few K to spend (<£6k lets say) what alternatives are there? Disco?
Unlikely to be used for any long distance / motorway driving.
You need to go and drive one. I know plenty of people who use Defenders as daily drivers and are well over 6 foot tall. However I don't think I'll fit into one properly, as I'm quite tall. Was never comfortable in my old LR Lightweight, so I doubt a Defender would be much different.
Given a few K to spend (<£6k lets say) what alternatives are there? Disco?
Unlikely to be used for any long distance / motorway driving.
Defender is very different to lightweight.
That said, a Disco or even Range Rover Classic are essentially the same as a Defender under the body. The big difference is in the body and how they are mounted to the chassis. That is what makes them more comfy and refined.
A good Disco 1 or RRC will drive very well and do pretty much the same thing as a Defender will.
D2's are good too, but more electronics. This gives them some extra abilities and comforts. But an extra dynamic to running them.
Plenty of Jap 4x4's to consider too. But some have lower ground clearance and suspension less designed for off roading.
A Landie with the rear bulkhead replaced by an aftermarket brace should let you move the seat back a little more, and that's in addition to there being a fraction more room in a LWB than a SWB series anyway.
I'm 6'2" and fit in my LWB S3 just fine with the standard bulkhead in place. It's not "normal car" comfortable, but not horribly cramped either.
I'm 6'2" and fit in my LWB S3 just fine with the standard bulkhead in place. It's not "normal car" comfortable, but not horribly cramped either.
caelite said:
I've been looking for a similar thing to yourself, but with a much smaller budget. I've started looking at (don't laugh) Suzuki Jimny's. Short wheelbase, ladder chassis, 'proper' 4x4. Prices are a fraction of what the Defenders demand so for your £6k you could get something nearly new, or build yourself a serious bit of kit for offroading.
I've never ridden in one but from what I've read they are considerably comfier than a defender, but still spartan. And the best part of them is, like Defenders, have a massive following and oodles of aftermarket parts.
I agree, they are fantastic wee machines. Trouble is if he doesnt fit in a lightweight he'll struggle in one of those as they are fine for your average Jap but not for a well fed Westerner.I've never ridden in one but from what I've read they are considerably comfier than a defender, but still spartan. And the best part of them is, like Defenders, have a massive following and oodles of aftermarket parts.
I nearly bought one years ago but I didn't so much as get in it as wear it.
My 5'6" friend has one though with all the toys bolted on it and it does go anywhere. Great fun.
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