zimm
Expedition Leader
I'm interested in the opinions of those that are actually tire kicking with money. Actual potential buyers. (Or owners if youre in Oz or Scotland or something)
I took the test drive 4/27/23 at Buds Creek, and my "rational" mind flipped to, "forget it" I want it mind, so I'm looking to discuss impressions and questions with others that also are in queue.
My quick assessment is.... It's an affordable updated 1990's G320 (gasser).
Why?
The underside is tight and cluttered as hell. Even the rear gas tank looks like the butt of a G .. just hanging there, in the way, bulbous, but yet amazingly small. There's no room for anything. Magna Styer box frame? Check. Solid tight overheavy build quality where nothing creaks? Check. Super short radius arms up front where a 50mm lift will cause the 5 link death wobble and your castor will go to pure crap? Check. Can't fit a real winch, and you're stuck with the factory custom minispool (15 meters) Redwinch, which you will never be able to repair in the US? Check. You'll have to stop 300 yards from a traffic light to see it if your're 6'4"? Check. (To be fair, that may have been one of the finer qualities they decided to carry over from a Defender). Inability to put larger tires on and have anything akin to a useful turning radius due to the proximity of the frame and arms? Check.
Overhead console is cool but is definitely a pain, the only saving grace being, It's not a standard transmission so you won't need that right arm as it searches for switches above and behind your sight line. Speaking of the tranny, there's not enough engine braking or low gearing for steep descents. it scoots downhill in 4low. It really does remind me of the G320 in that regard.
Actual seating was fine, but it was a short drive. I rode in both front and back. The sacrifice compared to a D110 being the cargo space seems much smaller. If it had d110 ride height, and d110 ground clearance, it could have been a smidge longer for more d110 like cargo.
After riding in it, I'm still stuck on it being the perfect truck for someone that has the exact questions it answers. But like... who ever said, "I need a shorter winch line on a winch that costs 3x as much."?
Anyway, Right now I want it. I'm sure due in large part because I want to be one of the cool kids in the club parking lot, While discussing the finer attributes of Sir. Radcliff with a cigar and overpriced scotch. And it'll do whatever any other mall cruiser would do with real, actual doors in back. I couldn't see ever buying a new 4 door Defender over this. That would be stupid. I really do see more women than men driving those on the road. A Defender. A Real Estate sales mangers car. It makes me cry. Real men can cry, you know.
Anyone else take it for a drive and have any other critiques?
I took the test drive 4/27/23 at Buds Creek, and my "rational" mind flipped to, "forget it" I want it mind, so I'm looking to discuss impressions and questions with others that also are in queue.
My quick assessment is.... It's an affordable updated 1990's G320 (gasser).
Why?
The underside is tight and cluttered as hell. Even the rear gas tank looks like the butt of a G .. just hanging there, in the way, bulbous, but yet amazingly small. There's no room for anything. Magna Styer box frame? Check. Solid tight overheavy build quality where nothing creaks? Check. Super short radius arms up front where a 50mm lift will cause the 5 link death wobble and your castor will go to pure crap? Check. Can't fit a real winch, and you're stuck with the factory custom minispool (15 meters) Redwinch, which you will never be able to repair in the US? Check. You'll have to stop 300 yards from a traffic light to see it if your're 6'4"? Check. (To be fair, that may have been one of the finer qualities they decided to carry over from a Defender). Inability to put larger tires on and have anything akin to a useful turning radius due to the proximity of the frame and arms? Check.
Overhead console is cool but is definitely a pain, the only saving grace being, It's not a standard transmission so you won't need that right arm as it searches for switches above and behind your sight line. Speaking of the tranny, there's not enough engine braking or low gearing for steep descents. it scoots downhill in 4low. It really does remind me of the G320 in that regard.
Actual seating was fine, but it was a short drive. I rode in both front and back. The sacrifice compared to a D110 being the cargo space seems much smaller. If it had d110 ride height, and d110 ground clearance, it could have been a smidge longer for more d110 like cargo.
After riding in it, I'm still stuck on it being the perfect truck for someone that has the exact questions it answers. But like... who ever said, "I need a shorter winch line on a winch that costs 3x as much."?
Anyway, Right now I want it. I'm sure due in large part because I want to be one of the cool kids in the club parking lot, While discussing the finer attributes of Sir. Radcliff with a cigar and overpriced scotch. And it'll do whatever any other mall cruiser would do with real, actual doors in back. I couldn't see ever buying a new 4 door Defender over this. That would be stupid. I really do see more women than men driving those on the road. A Defender. A Real Estate sales mangers car. It makes me cry. Real men can cry, you know.
Anyone else take it for a drive and have any other critiques?
