110 XS Defender v L200 Barbarian

cynic-al · Posted: Thu Apr 09, 2015 5:38 pm Post subject:

You should've bought the isuzu... lol

RichardD · Posted: Mon Apr 13, 2015 10:10 am Post subject:

RichMayo · Posted: Mon Apr 13, 2015 11:37 am Post subject:

cynic-al · Posted: Mon Apr 13, 2015 11:53 am Post subject:

I've never had an L200 so can't comment on them specifically, but when I did look at them they didn't feel heavy duty to me, more of a show truck than a working truck. The Isuzu (mines the old 3.0 rodeo) felt heavy duty, or agricultural, which is what the people that reviewed them always slated them for, but why I like it.

So far 73k on it and still not let me down... touch wood... lol

The only problems I've had are the heater plugs getting lazy which the dealer took 3 days to change when I asked them to look into it whilst it was in for a service Rolling Eyes

, but it always started ok so I don't class it as a breakdown and the witter towbar going rusty which I spent 2 years arguing on and off with the dealer as to why it's their problem and eventually getting it shot blasted and galvanised myself.

I believe all dealers are useless, I haven't found one that's in any way useful whatsoever and it puts me off ever wanting to get a new car personally. I could just rant about them all day Laughing

I really think Richard that your defender through and through and you should just stick to it!

Alternatively Isuzu are doing a works car for the BCCC for about £15 or £20k - weekend fun too? Laughing

RichardD · Posted: Tue Apr 14, 2015 9:22 am Post subject:

Defenders only come with manual gearboxes.

My reasons for trading the 110 are still valid. It was a Friday afternoon job and lots of silly little problems which amounted to serious hassle.

At Beamish I noticed that everyone with either a big caravan or a big trailer was using either a Shogun or a Disco. I asked a few of the Shogun owners why they chose it over the Disco and the normal answer was "I couldn't afford a Disco".

For all the slagging Landrover products get from some quarters, there is really nothing to touch them for quality, practicality and ability. The only real compromise is price and that is what has put me off so far. It's unfair to compare the Disco/Shogun to the pickups and at some point one makes one choices and pays for them.

I've made several mistakes here, with hindsight. First was trusting the judgement of the Mitsi Dealer, second was going for the auto, third was not selling the 110 privately and finding a cheapish Disco.

Luckily for me a business deal that was going to take a year to come through looks like completing in the next 2 months and I'll be able to afford to buy a 2 or 3 yr old Disco. Whether I can face spending £35k on a car is another matter, some people are never happy Rolling Eyes

cynic-al · Posted: Tue Apr 14, 2015 7:42 pm Post subject:

I think discos are great but I couldn't afford one! Enjoy Smile

jojo · Mud Obsessed Joined: 11 Aug 2007 Odometer: 5423

Richard,

I've gone through similar mental stress on a number of projects and got it right sometimes and wrong at other times ( I say 50/50 and I am sticking to it). But with experience and hindsight Land Rover should have won in all purchase choices and about 85% of wish list choices. One thing that would have swayed it would be if Defenders were available in auto.

You pays your money . . . . .

But don't give up (as if you would) the new Defender might have it all. It may look **** but given the factual Land Rover pedegree and the reputaion as the best off-roader they have to maintain (and they have the record so far) my hopes are high.

J

RichardD · Posted: Wed Apr 15, 2015 9:16 am Post subject:

My problem at the moment is cash flow. Business is getting better but that requires cash. We just had to buy 3 new computers using, cash ... and our works van just blew up so we need to buy a new one and, guess what, cash is the cheapest way to buy it!

In theory I will be able to buy exactly what I want once 'that' business deal concludes but until then I need to borrow the cash Confused

Add into the mix that I still would like to see what the new Defender is going to be like and one option is to buy an older cheaper tow barge (e.g. a low mileage 57 plate Shogun) and run it for a year.

I also basically begrudge spending big money on bling/flash when the basics are being ignored and also hate the idea of paying vat if I can avoid it.

By coincidence I've been asked to write up a wee article on my experience and as part of that I'm creating a relatively up to date list of ALL the available options both in pickup and 'estate' form. Part of my plan is to list every pickup and every 4x4 with a biggish towing capacity and list them with their BHP, torque, cc, tow cap, and fuel consumption as a definitive list.

Here it so far - any additions gratefully accepted

Mitsubishi L200 2500 Auto
Mitsubishi L200 2500 manual
Landrover Defender 2200 manual
Isuzu D-Max 2500 manual
Toyota Hilux
Nissan Navara 2500 manual
Nissan Navara 2500 manual
Nissan Navara 3000 manual
VW Amarok 2000 manual
VW Amarok 2000 manual
Ford Ranger 2200 manual
Ford Ranger 3200 manual

Discovery
Defender
Shogun
Grand Cherokee
Wrangler
Patrol
Landcruiser

cynic-al · Posted: Wed Apr 15, 2015 11:00 am Post subject:

the D-max is also auto, a friend is getting 35mpg out of his manual blade and the auto blade at work is getting 33mpg.

A new L200, Toyota and Nissan are supposed to be coming out soon with a Fiat badged L200 to follow. All are mean't to be aiming for the 3500kg towing limit to match the competition but with smaller engines for higher MPG and lower CO2. Lets see how that goes Smile

Xpajun · Posted: Wed Apr 15, 2015 12:39 pm Post subject:

RichardD · Posted: Wed Apr 15, 2015 1:42 pm Post subject:

dxmedia · Mud Obsessed Joined: 10 Dec 2008 Odometer: 2185

I'm sure I can be persuaded to part with me WG for a snip (looking for a van) if you want a cheap and cheerful 3.5 tonne tower for a few months. Laughing

RichardD · Posted: Wed Apr 15, 2015 3:12 pm Post subject:

Okay, I've compiled my list so far with all the information I can find on t'internet and it makes for interesting reading. I've sorted it first by towing capacity and then by torque.

I've included the Defender in both sections for comparison and it does not perform well overall except for its towing capacity which is reflected in the real world where the pickups may not, in general, be quite so comfortable with maximum loads. The Navara and Amarok, although a little lacking in tow capacity, otherwise do well.

The Disco and Jeep Grand Cherokee, however, are stand out performers but the put the 2 side by side and the Disco wins by a county mile for anyone needing load capacity as well as comfort.

All this proves to me is that my first impressions (for cars at any rate) were right, in a car its Disco v Shogun and in pickups its Ranger (either engine) v D-max.

Once you look at spec level, depreciation the picture changes a little and then 4x4 ability it changes again but one thing is a constant - the Discovery wins in every category except original purchase price.

cynic-al · Posted: Wed Apr 15, 2015 5:07 pm Post subject:

I thought the 3.0 v6 Nissan navara was auto only?

dxmedia · Mud Obsessed Joined: 10 Dec 2008 Odometer: 2185

What about the 1 tonne pickups? The big ass dually american things? The F150 is the best selling pickup of all time isn't it? Tow limits of 6 tonnes and 1 1/2 tonne load capacity. A measly 3.5 wouldn't even get a sweat on it's brow.

** GED ** · Posted: Wed Apr 15, 2015 10:20 pm Post subject:

chevy silverado....

http://www.chevrolet.com/silverado-pickup-trucks.html

RichardD · Posted: Thu Apr 16, 2015 8:30 am Post subject:

RichardD · Posted: Thu Apr 16, 2015 8:33 am Post subject:

RichardD · Posted: Thu Apr 16, 2015 9:05 am Post subject:

Dodge Ram with the 5.7 hemi. 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque (555.88Nm) but under 20mpg in normal running, possibly only 15 towing.

but .... 5.7 litres of V8 wonder .....

Hopefully going to meet one in person - just to eliminate it from my list Cool

dxmedia · Mud Obsessed Joined: 10 Dec 2008 Odometer: 2185

Modern LPG systems are worth their weight. 50p/l over at BP in Kilmarnock with the 10p discount card.

dxmedia · Mud Obsessed Joined: 10 Dec 2008 Odometer: 2185

RichardD · Posted: Thu Apr 16, 2015 1:05 pm Post subject:

RichardD · Posted: Thu Apr 16, 2015 2:05 pm Post subject:

Well, here's something that's stopped me dead in my tracks .... they've not sold the 110 yet!

I've just had a call from the Deal Principal who was really easy to deal with. I said to him that I want to return the L200 because it doesn't do what I need it to despite Mitsubishi's claims and he said "do you want the Defender back?"

They'll let me know their preference tomorrow.

** GED ** · Posted: Thu Apr 16, 2015 6:36 pm Post subject:

will they charge you for mileage, or just hand it over and wipe their hands?

but

as you have said, you are then the proud owner of a defective 110...

so back to the drawing board?

cynic-al · Posted: Thu Apr 16, 2015 8:24 pm Post subject:

Should the Nissan patrol be on the list? And what about sanyongs offerings. They do a pickup and a 4x4.

Personally I wouldn't add the us stuff unless it can be bought through a UK main dealer otherwise it's just not mass market practical. It's more of a toy than something that could be run commercially.

jojo · Mud Obsessed Joined: 11 Aug 2007 Odometer: 5423

** GED ** · Posted: Thu Apr 16, 2015 10:22 pm Post subject:

but if that devil was so cack that it made you get rid in the first place?

. · Posted: Fri Apr 17, 2015 7:43 am Post subject:

The problem wasn't that it was cack - it had "niggles".

Mine had niggles too but I have finally had them all resolved and, with a few upgrades, I now actually have a very capable 4X4 that does everything I need it to do and is actually easy to live with.

** GED ** · Posted: Fri Apr 17, 2015 8:50 am Post subject:

jeez, here we go again.

faulty, niggles same thing.

cynic-al · Posted: Fri Apr 17, 2015 12:15 pm Post subject:

All the niggles are sorted? In that case do you want to swap it for Richards L200? Laughing