forestboy1978

Hi guys. I just came across this thread randomly and wanted to apologise for not responding and say thanks for the feedback. Reason being, I totally forgot as I went with a van in the end shortly after posting. It wasn't my first choice, I'd still one day love a defender but I got a vivaro, newish with warranty. It was the wise move I think. I went with the head instead of the heart. So far, van is going well for me and it has more space and suitability for my work just about. Perhaps a little more MPG too. One day, when money isn't so tight and I have some "buffering" if needs be, I'll buy one. Would have preferred a transporter to a vivaro too but they are too expensive unless you go ultra high mileage. Got my van ex lease, in mint at 22,000 for under 10k in the end with warranty and it's currently pretty good for biz. Don't get the opportunity to drive around fields stood on the roof hedge cutting in it but you can't have it all. Cheers again.

Hello, I'm just in the process of replacing my car and am struggling on which way to go. I have about 6-8k in about a month available and just cannot decide whether to buy a van or a defender. I run fencing/ gardening business with my bro and we have a crewcab tipper which so far is serving us well so I don't really need anything massive but my car is about to go to car heaven as it's just not worth putting it through the MOT although it deserves it for it's put up with. I'm looking for a vehicle to use for business and personal for at least 6 months to a year before buying a car for personal and then using this vehicle for business only. I have multiple reasons for wanting to buy a defender and perhaps they are misguided and I'd be happy to be put straight on any of my thinking. - I like the look of them (not up for debate :-)) - They are the best off roaders you can get arguably - They are fairly easy to work on for a novice if you are happy to get grubby (200tdi) - If they are looked after they will go on and on. Not such a bad investment as far as vehicles go. - As long as the chasis is in good shape what else could possibly go wrong ;-) - They can cost money and you can spend serious money on them but not as temperamental as a vivaro for example which is all I could afford instead really that would be suitable. - They are good for towing? 2.5 200tdi 90" wheel base? - It doesn't matter if you get them dirty :-) I know the mpg is not good but I'll take the hit on that. What I don't want is to spend 8 grand on a vivaro or renault traffic and have some light come on on the dashboard and find that I've got to spend 4k to get that red light to turn off again if you know what I mean. "If" I could afford a VW transported I probably wouldn't be asking these questions. I figure if I need to move house or find I need a vans space I could always buy and store a box trailer for those occasions. I really only need to put maybe a bag or 2 of green waste on the roofrack, some trimmers or a lawn mower in the back and a large tool box and my dog and for a relatively short time do about 250 miles per week max. I cannot get my head round the prices of defenders. It seems if you want one made in 2000+ it'll cost you 5-10k more than one made in the 90s despite appearing to have the same condition and sometimes even higher mileage. Is this cos of the newer more economical engines? More bells and whistles? More things to go wrong? I hope so as my price range is pretty bedrock fixed at a max of 8k pushing it. I really appreciate any advice anyone can give me. BTW I like this one. It's looks pretty ;-) http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201406064808602/sort/default/usedcars/model/defender/radius/50/postcode/so181bt/page/3/onesearchad/used%2Cnearlynew%2Cnew/make/land_rover?logcode=p