Should I buy a defender 110?

[NickH]

I've posted here a couple times about shopping for a defender 110. I've also been told that for my needs I should prolly go with a full size or Tacoma. Well here we are again, still got the defender bug.

I am currently stationed in Sicily. I see defenders all over the place and occasionally 110's. I could bring one home (25+ years) if I choose to do so. Hell, I could prolly score another motor and stuff it in my pack-out as well.

My needs, solid, comfort, mech reliable rig that can produce good fuel economy. The kicker, might need to be on 33s. I do a lot of hunting and fishing (1-3hrs of hwy driving) and I need a rig that can handle these needs. Can a defender fit the bill or should I go back to a DC Tacoma? Seems like such a waste to be here and not try to bring one home. I am mechanically inclined, AC structural mech by trade and I'm also a qualified tig welder.

Thanks for your thoughts,
Nick

 

[I Leak Oil]

I would do it in a heartbeat. And if you drive it for a while and aren't happy with it, you'll probably still make money selling it here.

 

[454]

There's no way to say this without sounding like a p-rick: if you are asking, then you don't need to buy one. It's like a marriage; any doubt means there is no doubt.

 

[mtnbike28]

If the US Govt is paying to ship it home, I say buy it, try it - if you don't like it - sell it for a profit!

 

[454]

Don't bother with one that isn't 100% stock and unaltered.

 

[DividingCreek]

@ least he didn't ask a group of strangers who have never seen the truck nor have any information about it if it will be reliable for use as a daily driver.

 

[EricTyrrell]

If you haven't got it out of your brain for that long then you just need to do it or live with the regret.

 

[NickH]

I have zero experience with them so that's why I posted. Hell, we all have to start somewhere. I have no plans to keep it stock but I do realize it has to be stock to bring it back to the states. As far as the gov paying for it, I am authorized 1 POV to ship, we will be taking the same car home that we brought. However, I can ship a second vehicle on my own dime (discounted) about 1500 bucks.

I am only authorized 3 vehicles that entire time I am here and I don't leave till 2017. I already have a second vehicle so that leaves 1. Italian road tax isn't cheap so I am not trying to buy anything till 2016. Just kicking the idea around.

 

[k9lestat]

Hell man i say do it. youll pay less there than here and if you get and dont like it bring home and sell it for a profit. Then take and get something else.

Sent from my QMV7A using Tapatalk

 

[NickH]

My main concern is power plant. I've been doing a lot of research and there seems to be various power plant swaps. Being that this will be a stock diesel I would like to stick with diesel. What power plant options are available that will allow me to cruise at 80mph comfortably on 33s and enough low end grunt to get me through some sticky situations. Keep in mind MPG. I like 35s but previous experience (2 other rigs on 35s) is that they eat up to much MPG. Can the stock axles handle 33s? Is there gear options available for the axles?

 

[faulco]

There are endless options for a defender. Only problem being, nearly all are in the UK. Engine transplants are easy. Range rover power plants fit. Axles aren't the toughest out there and often get swapped on comp trucks. But, as stock, with slightly bigger wheels they work well for the British army and have done for many years. The td5 engine gas plenty of grunt but also electrickery compared to the 300tdi. Guessing at 25+ years it'll be a 2.5na which are slow as ********. A transplant is definitely needed in this case but the options are countless.

 

[k9lestat]

Lol just drop a 225 slant 6 in it. Kidding.

Sent from my QMV7A using Tapatalk

 

[Timo K]

If you want one, get one. But realistically if you're way off the mark if you're looking for a comfortable cruiser. V8's have horrible MPG's and diesels (especially the 2.5NA ones you'd be forced to look at) are slow as hell. If you're OK with 55mph cruising and yelling to your passengers, go for it. If not, prepare for some serious work or look at something else. Axles will handle 33's but only just. Upgraded ones will handle anything up to 35" reliably. In my 5 years and 60 000 miles of owning and driving my 110 it's always been solid and reliable, but I've done crazy amounts of preventative maintanance. Few more things to go and it'll be better than when it was new.

Sometimes the damn thing really gets on my nerves, but for me it would be next to impossible to replace it with anything else. If you want one, get one, but be realistic about what they are.

 

[optimusprime]

If you want one, get one. But realistically if you're way off the mark if you're looking for a comfortable cruiser. V8's have horrible MPG's and diesels (especially the 2.5NA ones you'd be forced to look at) are slow as hell. If you're OK with 55mph cruising and yelling to your passengers, go for it. If not, prepare for some serious work or look at something else. Axles will handle 33's but only just. Upgraded ones will handle anything up to 35" reliably. In my 5 years and 60 000 miles of owning and driving my 110 it's always been solid and reliable, but I've done crazy amounts of preventative maintanance. Few more things to go and it'll be better than when it was new.

Sometimes the damn thing really gets on my nerves, but for me it would be next to impossible to replace it with anything else. If you want one, get one, but be realistic about what they are.

Seconded.

Be very aware of what you are getting.
I love land rovers with a passion,i still regret the day i sold my 110 county station wagon,the things that went wrong with it were of my own making. ( mods,off road damage,skimpimg maintenance,you know 'it'll wait' syndrome)
Having said that,three hours behind the wheel when your over six foot tall ...... Its an experience.
You'll find out why so many are driven with window down and elbow resting on window.

 

[I Leak Oil]

Having said that,three hours behind the wheel when your over six foot tall ...... Its an experience.
You'll find out why so many are driven with window down and elbow resting on window.

I'm usually numb to it after an hour in my series!