Jeep vs Defender

[bobzdar]

Nah, I've already got one.

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[StuntmanMike]

As an European and former Defender driver I wonder why there is such a hype for the defender in the US now: in my eyes there are just two positive points on the defender line: the simple mechanics and giant aftermarket so you can custom-build them for your needs (just like a wrangler) and the provided articulation of the standard suspension.
But there are so many negative points:
- No reliable engines and underpowered (only the petrol V8, the 300Tdi and the TD5 where somehow good)
- Oil leeks: I still have to see my first leak-free defender and driven, worked on many (there is a saying here that it is the oil level check function: when there not leaking it's time to refill; even the brand new leak in the showroom)
- water leaks, in rain and snow for sure water is coming in above the windshield.
- weak transmission: even with 33" tyres the chance that you break a driveshaft in light-offroad is great
- no comfort or room, especially with the LHD, noisy and almost no insulation
- rust issues (chassis and body)

Several people including myself are switched to other brands and people with a defender sometimes laugh here with my wrangler until they see me drive just as far they go and see me passing them on the highway (I was talking with a def-guy last week and he forbidden his son to drive faster than 100 km/h on the highway even that 120 is allowed to save his engine )

Simple: We want what we can't have. Also, they look cool, and the "Land Rover" name has snob appeal here.

 

[Covet]

Did some googling, seems like what most of us reminisce about the Defender is not really what the new one is going to look like. I like the old ones boxy and Jeep-ish. If the new one is all kind of aerodynamic and luxury-ish not sure if it would have the same appeal to me. Taste is subjective, go drive one (i will) and see what happens from there.

 

[xray]

I mean no-one except the designers know what the Defender will look like but the following is true:

• Boxy, but follows the new LR looks (think a boxier new LR Discovery)
• NO body on frame: Unibody to save cash on the existing platform
• Going diesel (not US), hybrid, turbo-4, and electrified
• Probably less ground travel in some ways, and front IFS for sure.
• Will slot below Discovery for price, so roughly $40k to start and up.
• Will sell like hot-cakes to soccer moms, and other wannabees for the latest thing, when you have outgrown the Evoque.

 

[Namib]

I grew up in Africa and we always owned Defenders. Loved them and would have bought one if they were available in the US as the classic model that is now no longer made. I’ve been following JLR and what they have said about the new model, and l’m afraid they will screw it up. I think they do a excellent job with the Range Rovers and even some of the new Jaguars, but they are not known for reliability. With the new Defender there is a lot of talk about “most advanced technology” which does not sound good in this kind of vehicle from a company with a reliability problem. I hope they prove me wrong...

 

[Boatbuilder88]

I mean no-one except the designers know what the Defender will look like ...

They've kept the design pretty close to the vest since the crash-and-burn of their DC100 concept. The Defender will look nothing like the concept car.

 

[NFRs2000NYC]

If you think FCA has a bad reputation for build quality, try owning a Land Rover product.

No thanks. I'd pass if they sold them here for $20,000.

This. Not looking at putting my life on the line in a Land Rover.

 

[FranklinFlyer]

Not looking at putting my life on the line in a Land Rover.

Have you seen the latest Crash tests of the american Jeep models like JK or WK2?

 

[Wanderingwheelz]

Have you seen the latest Crash tests of the american Jeep models like JK or WK2?

At least Wranglers now have a standard side impact airbag. The JK had the option by what Wrangler buyer is going to choose an expensive airbag over other options? Right. Hardly any did.

 

[alphalife9]

No Defender for me. But maybe the new Bronco if it looks like this rendering...

The new Bronco is expected to be IFS...

I was very interested until I learned about that.

 

[Boatbuilder88]

The new Bronco is expected to be IFS...

I was very interested until I learned about that.

Since most are not hardcore rock-crawlers, IFS may be the better option.

 

[Spank]

What an utterly useless video.

 

[Namib]

What an utterly useless video.

Agree! I found this more insightful, although it is in South Africa.

 

[Spank]

Agree! I found this more insightful, although it is in South Africa.

Yes! Much better!

 

[LLANERO]

Defender, nah.

Land Cruiser 7 series, yes!

https://www.toyota.com.au/main/landcruiser-70/prices

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