Defender 90 Considerations

[mountainpete]

Hi all,

I love me Tacoma, but last night I saw a 1995 Defender 90 for sale. Nice condition, jump seats (seats 6), 3.9L V8, 5 speed and 60k miles. Hard Top, dark green with white roof. Very good condition overall. Not off-roaded in any serious way.

I'm tempted... very, very tempted. I could probably even convince my wife to go along with it. The problem is that it is worth about the same $$ as my 03 Tacoma. They are all VERY expensive in this area. But a Defender 90 or 110 is one of the few trucks that would pull me away from the Tacoma.

Please talk me out of it... :littlefriend:

Pete

[Brian McVickers]

Hi Pete,
Yes very very tempting!!

I would look at
http://www.d-90.com/ or
www.discoweb.org

and do a search for '95 Defenders to find out what to look for.
I have not spent much time on d-90 but discoweb has a bit of an attitude about it but doing searches can often result in good information.

Good luck!

[bigreen505]

Please talk me out of it... :littlefriend:


A Defender 90 is hard to justify from any logical perspective. They are grossly overpriced, uncomfortable and unreliable. The Toyota is better from every logical perspective. I tell myself this daily. Maybe one day I will believe it. The problem is that the D90 is the epitome of cool and sexy in a raw adventure sort of way, and whether you choose to admit it or not, vehicles are emotional. Many people go out and find a woman who is simple, low maintenance and easy going, like the Tacoma. Some prefer the female equivalent of the D90 -- British, drop dead gorgeous and always up for adventure.

Both the D90, and the female equivalent, are hard to rationalize beyond the primal, caveman "ooh, I want that!" instinct. But sometimes you just have to give in to the magic, the mystique, the beauty and the lust.

It is a pretty stupid thing to do, but sometimes you just have to anyway. Think of it this way, if you decide you don't like the D90, you will always be able to sell it for whatever you have into it. Because there always be men lusting after women, and trucks, like the D90, and always willing to pay their price, regardless of how high it may be.

Wait, what did you ask? Oh, just buy the thing.

[Scott Brady]

The Defenders are pretty solid units IMO. It will be less reliable than a Tacoma, but not grossly so.

It will also have an advantage on resale and even in trail performance (in most situations). I have seen the D90's go places that will make you swear they have lockers. With lockers, their performance is exceptional.

I would be proud to own one.

[Brian McVickers]

simple, low maintenance and easy going, drop dead gorgeous and always up for adventure.


Cool,
Amy will be so excited to hear that she is the perfect mix of a Toyota Tacoma and a Land Rover Defender!:victory:

[+ d]

DO IT!

If it doesn't work out, sell it, you probably won't loose money.

[gjackson]

I say get it, but then I'm not biased at all! :sombrero:

cheers

[mountainpete]

I thought you guys were going to talk me out of it!!!!

I spoke to my wife again about it and she has one big concern. We both know that we want to have kids soon and the D-90 isn't at all kid friendly compared to the Tacoma. You can't put kids in jump seats and I didn't consider that until now.

So I am going to need to spend some time searching d-90.com for info on how other people have dealt with the problem. There must be a bench seat option... if it's not a good solution, I am sticking with the Taco.

Pete

[Brian894x4]

If I were faced with that situation, I'd have the exact same delema as you, because in my mind I know I probably don't need one, but I have the same emotional reaction when I see them on the street or pics on the web.

A few questions I'd ask myself are,

Will the D90 last 200-300K miles like the Tacoma?

What is the gas mileage compared to the Tacoma?

What is the power/weight ratio compared to the Tacoma?

How does it drive on the highway compared to the Tacoma and what is the ride like for long trips?

How rare and expensive are parts maintainence now and how rare and expensive will both be 10 years from now when the D90s are even rarer. (assuming the future D90 doesn't share much in parts)

If something major, like a bad tranny or motor, does go wrong, how expensive is that to fix?

If I'm on a trip in some remote small town, even somewhere in the USA am I going to be able to find even minor parts for it?

How expensive are lifts, lockers and gears if I want to upgrade?

How expensive would it be to insure, since it's a rare vehicle?

Would I rather have a safer vehicle, like the Tacoma with airbags, etc?

Would I be concerned about driving a rare vehicle that could be more of a theft magnet than the Tacoma?

How much will I end up having to spend in bumpers, sliders, and other toys that can't be transferred from my Tacoma?

How will I feel about my decision after the newness and novelty of owning a D90 wears off in a few months or a year?

If I really want a D90, can I wait a couple of years for the new model to come out that will possible be much and/or the price of used D90s will come down?

If you can find reasonable answers to those questions and any others you or others might think of, then it might just pen out to get the D90, but then again....it might not. Think hard, logically and carefully. Good luck.

[jeff@work]

With land rover supposedly reintroducing the defender to the US market i'd be very cautious about buying a used one now. I have a feeling when the new defender arrives it will drive the price on these older defenders back down to reasonable levels.


...and then i can buy one :elkgrin:

[mountainpete]

With land rover supposedly reintroducing the defender to the US market i'd be very cautious about buying a used one now. I have a feeling when the new defender arrives it will drive the price on these older defenders back down to reasonable levels.


...and then i can buy one :elkgrin:


Good point... it could also have the reverse effect though. Solid FJ40's are worth more now with the introduction of the FJ Cruiser than ever. :cool:

[Jonathan Hanson]

A guide I met in Zambia summed up the choice in one line: "Land Rovers are for romantics; Land Cruisers are for professionals."

That sounds like a mild put-down of Land Rover owners, but he clearly meant no prejudice to either - simply that, logically, yes, the Toyota is the better choice, but the Land Rover carries the laurels of history and will always be the icon.

And they are awesome off-road vehicles.

As long as you go into the purchase with your eyes open (and solve the child seat problem) I think you'd be thrilled.

I do believe U.S. Defenders require premium fuel, if that is an issue.

[bootzilla]

D90's are the coolest things ever, and if I were independently wealthy I would own one for fun, but I don't think as a primary truck.

The Toyota will be far more civilized on the road and in daily use, and the biggest thing is the reliability - I don't know how it would compare to my Freelander - I loved that truck, but couldn't stand it being in the shop every other month for something...

If I had to choose just one or the other, I'd opt for the Toyota.

[Life_in_4Lo]

Someone I work with has a D90 2 door w/ jump seats in back (facing inward). It's a nice greyish olive w/ white top, armor & diamond plating in alot of places- looks really good. We are in the film biz so I think he got it dressed up when they did the Tomb Raider LR. I'll take a pic of it tomorrow if he's around.

If he gets sick of it, I'll buy it from him I tell myself every time I walk by it... it's clean too, not a wheeling rig. We'll see, for the prices they go for I wish it was a diesel. It's a V8.

I really love my 80 tho. The guy who said these are emotional choices is right on, as cars & trucks are much about art & design as well as function. I feel the way about my 80. I really think it's the top dog, hehe.

[mountainpete]

So I took another look at the Defender last night. The more I look at it the more I love it. But the more I research and reflect on it, the more I think my Tacoma is the better.

It's a sexy beast of a truck. It screams adventure. It makes me want to disappear in the bush for a week. If it was a lot cheaper, I would have bought it as a second vehicle. But overall it simply doesn't mix well with wanting to have a family while the Tacoma does.

So I'm still going to watch it and keep my eyes open. If the right thing comes around, I may jump on it. Right now, this truck wasn't it - the Tacoma is still the right truck for me.

Thanks for all your help guys!

Pete

[The Swiss]

I thought you guys were going to talk me out of it!!!!

I spoke to my wife again about it and she has one big concern. We both know that we want to have kids soon and the D-90 isn't at all kid friendly compared to the Tacoma. You can't put kids in jump seats and I didn't consider that until now.

PeteI had a D-90 turbodiesel in Europe when my kids were small; I replaced the jump seats with a forward facing bench from a Mitsu Pajero. I removed the middle front seat and the bulkhead behind the front seats (which US Defenders don't have) which created an easy access to the rear seats. I fitted lap belts to hold the kids seats. The whole conversion was pretty easy. And for us, space was more than ample (considering my previous vehicle was a Suzuki Samurai :D)

[Jonathan Hanson]

Sounds like you made the right decision for now, Pete.

But I bet you'll sigh when it goes!

[bootzilla]

The thing I always have to remind myself is that there will always be another deal that comes along...sometimes sooner, sometimes later - but something always turns up. So if you do regret not buying it, another chance will always come up.

Not sure how common Defenders are up there in Calgary - but the Canadian military liked to use Defenders, so you might even be able to score a 110 if you look around...those are sweet, and better suited for family-sized cargo...

[Desertdude]

I too have been wanting to pull the trigger on one - did plenty of research and found a few real nice low mile ones - I could not justify the high price tag - yet still I want one - I saw one pass me the other day and thought yeah I still want one just cause of the way they look...

[Scott Brady]

When I drove Graham's 110 in Colorado, I was like a little kid. A diesel defender. I would have traded pink slips and all of the money in my checking account while it had me under its spell.

I really want another Land Rover, and if that diesel JK stays away for a little while, I will.

[ZooJunkie]

Why do these Land Rovers have such a strong grasp of our eyes and soul? Why do we all lust over a Land Rover when logically, a Toyota or Jeep is probably just as good if not better. Not to mention cheaper.

Why????



If it wasn't for the premium gas guzzling V8 in the Disco 1 or 2, I would of put my money in one. If it had a grunty V6 that didn't require premium gas or a diesel, I would of traded in my BMW for it.

:o :D

[gjackson]

When I drove Graham's 110 in Colorado, I was like a little kid. A diesel defender. I would have traded pink slips and all of the money in my checking account while it had me under its spell

Dooood!! Wow I missed that chance! Wait, how much is in your checking account? Maybe just the Apple stock? :wings:

:jumping: :)

cheers

[Scott Brady]

Maybe just the Apple stock? :wings:


Most of the Apple stock is gone... No regrets in how I have spent it though :)

[FourByLand]

[quote=ZooJunkie]Why do these Land Rovers have such a strong grasp of our eyes and soul? Why do we all lust over a Land Rover when logically, a Toyota or Jeep is probably just as good if not better. Not to mention cheaper.

Why????


Maybe its because the "guide" was right and we are all just romantics at heart...

They are very captivating creatures.

[justfred]

I love the D90; wish I'd pulled the trigger on the D110 way back when; who knew its resale value would go UP?

But I've decided I really prefer the Series IIA 109s. More space than a D90; more class as well. Slower, small engine, but nice plain metal dashboard and galvanized cappings and canvas soft top or safari roof. Significantly cheaper.

Then again, I've got the DII for a daily driver. And the Pinzgauer and the Haflinger for fun. If you think you're tempted by the D90 - don't start looking up info on Pingauers. Seriously. Because for the same price you could get a really nicely equipped Pinz and join the ranks of the truly over-the-edge.

If I were to open an expedition supply (something I've been fantasizing about doing) I'd have a bunch of Series Rovers. Maybe a Disco or a Tacoma, but the thing is you can get those anywhere, yawn. Old Rovers are so much more interesting.

Then again, the expedition vehicle I'd really like is a modern version of the Sikorsky S-38. Met some folks at Burning Man with an Antonov biplane they had flown down from Alaska, that sounded pretty fun; they bought it because they couldn't afford/decided against restoring a Grumman Albatross.

(Don't mind me, I'm just rambling!).

(By the way, I sold most of my Apple stock, too - but it appreciated even more than a 110!)

[Redback]

Looking through this thread i have noticed that

1) Landrovers are not cheap

2) D90s are available in V8

3) Everybody seems to love them

4) great resale value

Here it's the opposite Rovers are cheap, aspecially series Landys a good series 2A are anywhere from $100 to $5000 max

A new D90 is $39.990 here convert that to US dollars and you'll see how cheap they are and ONLY available in diesel and manual.

An V8 D2 04 model go for about $18.000 a 99 model is about $8000 to $12.000.

I'd buy one in a heartbeat:jump:

Baz.

[Scott Brady]

A new D90 is $39.990 here convert that to US dollars and you'll see how cheap they are and ONLY available in diesel and manual.


:drool:

yet another reason why Australia rocks...

[Redback]

:drool:

yet another reason why Australia rocks...

They were reduced in price from $52.000 (same price as the 110) because they weren't selling very well.

Family size 4X4s are more popular here and Toyota is the top selling 4WD, 80 and 100 series Cruisers 4.2 TurboDiesels and Hilux, followed by Nissan Patrol 3.0TD Auto or manual and the Patrol 4.2TD only in manual.

Jeeps and Landys are not very popular here, only the diehard inthusiasts buy them:ylsmoke:

Of cause the banter between the brands can get ugly:gunt: :gunt: :hehe:

[Jonathan Hanson]

I looked - that's about $30,000 US. I'll bet a $30,000 manual transmission diesel Defender 90 would sell real well here . . .

But then, so would a $40,000 manual transmission diesel 100 series Land Cruiser . . .

[Redback]

I looked - that's about $30,000 US. I'll bet a $30,000 manual transmission diesel Defender 90 would sell real well here . . .

But then, so would a $40,000 manual transmission diesel 100 series Land Cruiser . . .

Diesel 100 series TD IFS cruiser start at $70.000 here they are twice the price of a Landy.

Baz.

[Grim Reaper]

My buddy Jay (aka The Ice Cream man His ARB fridge is always full of Ice cream he passes out on the trail) has a D90 he has pounded on hard for many years.

He's manage to break the axle twice but other then that it has been pretty reliable. He has a 2 inch old man Emu lift and ARB's both ends. Been out to Moab with it and all the trails in the SE. http://www.lifesbeengood.com/Images/4X4/index.htm

I like it. I have never been much of a fan of British vehicles but the exception would be the D90 and 110 and late 60's e-type.