Talk Morgan Forums Community Vehicle Talk (non-Morgan) Defender van

Harry’s channel is one of my favourites, he’s easy to watch. I’d agree with all the plus points cubby holes, rubber floors, functional switchgear and comfort. MPG on mine not so bad but not much better either. It does get to 40mpg easy enough if you really creep about, but I don’t have the lifespan to do that all day and do everything I’d like to do!

I also watched this Defender video and it was very entertaining and informative. Nothing fits better for a review than a real trip instead of an anemic driving report. Harry brings me closer to the car without me having driven it. The Defender is obviously a very well thought out great car that I really like. Harry makes it so interesting because he doesn't sugarcoat anything and achieves balance with critical objections.
In the YT comments of the AM 2024 Vantage video, someone mentioned this kind of honesty from Harry's review of the 2018 Rolls Royce Phatom 5 years ago. There he says with a very disappointed mine as the RR drives over the standard Harry B road and tests the bumps (I watched it): 'Quite good for air suspension with 22 inch wheels, but miles away in suspension quality from my 50 year old Silver Shadow'. I looked at his channel list. He hasn't done or been allowed to do a RR review since.
Harry always makes really good and honest videos.

Had 2 x 110 XS Defenders.

Did 5000 miles in first one and sold when just over a year old - got money back on it after taking into account the panorama sunroof mysteriously cracked and £2.5k to replace as not covered by insurance. ( being glass not a warranty item)

This one needed new front pads & discs at 10 months old and 3500 miles due to rust on discs - never been offroad or near sea water but none warranty item £900
Rear parking sensors have stopped working ( just dont reverse anywhere tight ) - no doubt another non warranty item.

Another friend had 3 sets of front discs & pads in 40k miles.

One friend has got to 60k miles and 3 year service states all brake hoses are scheduled on service to change - he declined.

Deary me! I’ve already done £3k miles, mostly mud, snow or wet and if I got any closer to the sea I’d be in it, my Landy’s doomed😂

I’ve just learned of the new tax status of commercial pick up trucks, any truck bought after July this year will no longer be considered commercial and will be treated as a passenger car for company tax. Even the Amarok I still have will become a car in 2028. The Landy van will be fine it still complies.

Am paranoid now and drive it every few days dabbing the brakes to keep them rust free - my Defender 90 has had same discs since 2009 with no problems - magic of technology of Brembo bonded discs on to allow hubs made in China out of scrap cans.

A friend came around with his grenadier, some bits look flung on but on the whole, a rugged and capable tool. Far more practical back door than mine.

Liking the Grenadier in general but would really need to lose those bumpers!! ... some chunky galv tube ones with a winch up front would be more my line .... keep us in touch as I'd be interested to get feedback on it from a real owner rather than press opinions.

You've been in the dirt again with the defender 🙂

K

Yep, the bumpers are particularly ugly, the rear is at least a cast alloy but the front seems to be made from wheelie bins😂
I dare say it helps to gain a better NCAP rating, they like pedestrians to bounce rather than snap if you hit them, perish the thought.
Conversely, I’d rather they hadn’t made such a good job of the metal panels, the ripples and almost visible spot welds of a real Landy is not only part of the charm, as it ages and inevitably picks up a few dings, you hardly notice, it’s like the wrinkles on our faces😁

Practicality plus points, huge tow ring pairs front and rear, nothing on the defender oddly. A proper tow bar which LR doesn’t offer. Huge, split back door.

I liked the helicopter style roof switches and skylights but they’re just gimmicky flim-flam for style victims like me, the defender interior is far nicer and more practical.

We talked about the vague steering, it doesn’t self centre. You’ve to pay attention to the strange effect on normal roads but it’s an advantage on tracks or off road.