Escape Posted July 22, 2021 Share Posted July 22, 2021 I used my 90 TD5 as a daily for about a year, as well as to go and play in the weekend. It got 30mpg or better (rarely exceeding 60mph) and she never let me down until I fitted silly tyres. And it always made the journey to/from work an occasion. The main reason I upgraded to a P38 Range Rover was because the miles started to increase when I got a new job, up to 1000miles/week (with a tank card, luckily!). The Range Rover was a nicer place to be, make phone calls from or cover distance more quickly (even if it was a diesel) while not using more fuel. I also wanted to avoid putting that much mileage on the Defender. Things have changed a lot since those days, what has remained is I cannot see myself driving something normal/boring. I've often thought about it, but can't justify spending money on something I know I'll hate. If it's cheap things are bound to wrong sooner or later and cost money. With something like a Mini there's always more to be had and then things get expensive again. I also know myself well enough to realize I'd drive something like that much harder and with a lot less care than something I like. Which wouldn't be a good thing, especially in the long run. To put your concerns about economy into perspective, due to circumstances I'm using a Jag XJS-C V12 to get me all over the country this weekend. I expect to fill up 3 times in as many days, not sensible by a long shot but I'm sure I'll enjoy the drive. 😉 There's no harm in using your Defender, see how you like it, and think about replacements if you feel like it. Driving habits will make a big difference, I fear chasing economy through upgrades might lead to frustration. It also pays to think about where you fill up, over here the difference can be up to 10% from one station to another. That's 10% more economy right there! Filip 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
landroversforever Posted July 23, 2021 Share Posted July 23, 2021 12 hours ago, Escape said: It also pays to think about where you fill up, over here the difference can be up to 10% from one station to another. That's 10% more economy right there! This, and the quality of the fuel. SimonR did some calcs a few years back on the various vehicles he had and the benefits of branded vs. supermarket fuel. IIRC, even a few pence a litre extra was worth it for the non supermarket fuel. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paime Posted July 23, 2021 Author Share Posted July 23, 2021 I think I saw VBH do a segment on fuel a few years ago and supermarket fuel didn't do too well. Just seen I can get a 2003 Range Rover with not too silly miles for £8k. Might have to sell the defender, buy a RR and pocket the change... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Escape Posted July 24, 2021 Share Posted July 24, 2021 11 hours ago, paime said: Just seen I can get a 2003 Range Rover with not too silly miles for £8k. Might have to sell the defender, buy a RR and pocket the change... Have you driven a 2003 Range Rover? It will surely be more comfortable on the road but will use more fuel and cost more to maintain than a TD5. And it's a totally different driving experience compared to older Land Rovers (including the P38 Range Rover). Not to everyone's taste, I'm not a fan... £8k doesn't sound that cheap either, over here they can be found for around €5k (though usually higher mileage). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reb78 Posted July 24, 2021 Share Posted July 24, 2021 As above - £8k could get you one around 2007/2008 without high mileage if you search around. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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