Regular readers will laugh at my “build” thread and the trials and tribulations I’ve undertaken in my D2 journey. I’ve got 2 right now; one that is really DD ready and good to go that will go to my son and he’ll pick up the torch. He’s about to turn 14 and I’ve done some driving lessons with him and such and he’s excited for it.

My second was purchased originally as a parts car, but it absolutely has good enough bones to be saved and made a nice machine. Both are very high spec (the way I like my D2s) and I know more or less everything and can do it all myself. The DD is an Alveston HSE and the other is a Giverny SE7, both are ‘04s with basically every option under the sun.

My quandary is this: I suspect to get the Giverny to where I’d like it would be $20k (probably a bit more) to do the restoration and an LS swap. I say LS swap because I want the power. The 4.6 is plenty reliable and I know them pretty well, but I grow weary of it being gutless. This would also be suspension, gearing, lockers. This is also getting the interior to my standards (much of which I have parts for and certainly know how to do). It would take at least a year to get all this done and going. I’d never recoup 80% of that cost I suspect, but wouldn’t really care as I’d have a machine that was viable for as long as internal combustion engines are in use.

The other option I’m contemplating very seriously is a used New Defender. For under $50k I can get one optioned precisely how I’d like and might even get some warranty. Although I love the 5.0 SC engine (we’re on our second RRS with one), I’d do the 6cyl as it’s more or less proven itself stout (at least as much as the old Rover V8).

Obviously the Defender is the easy button and just more luxury and comfort across the board. I’m not getting out of the D2 world as the one my son would get will not be sold even if he doesn’t want it as I just like D2s too much. Also, I have a purpose built off road machine in a heavily modified Jeep and a very nice sports sedan as well, so I can without disruption or need to rush get the Giverny to where I’d like it.

A big requirement, though, is the ability to tow- another vehicle on a trailer to be specific. I know the D2 stock is rated to 7200 lbs and is capable of doing it (I’ve many thousand miles with one) but as I said, I’m sick of it being anemic even when unloaded.

Although the “modern” Land Rovers the boss has had have been very reliable and wonderful, I’m still a bit scared of the New Defenders. However, I don’t like driving my sedan in the winter based on the redneck losers and wack jobs on the road here, and the Jeep looks like I’m drunk with even the slightest wind, so.a Defender would be perfect with plenty of zip, comfort (I’m addicted to adaptive cruise), and utility to fill really being almost an only car for me.

Kind of a dippy thread, but it’s something I’m heavily debating at the moment. The lazy person in me wants the Defender because not only do they look cool, they are mildly capable. The D2 nut wants something I can tinker with and fix for very cheap and by myself. However, with the ages of the kids and my career, my toy time is very limited- thus why it would take so long to get the Giverny to the state I’d like.

 

Have you looked to the Grenadier? It has my attention and I often think I should sell the GLK250, the X5, and the D2 or the Suburban and get an Ineos Grenadier.

Used ones are out there now.

 

Yeah I have looked into them. However, they don’t tow enough and aren’t quite as luxury as I would want for a DD. Also, I’ve got the Jeep for the hard stuff, so I don’t need some of the Grenadier’s features.

Also, although I think they are super cool, there are things I don’t like about the interior.

 

Have you looked at LR3s or LR4s? Not sure if your deadset on a New Defender or LS, but the LR4's have got some power and decent towing, not to mention air suspension and modernish interior features. They're pretty easy to fix with some basic tools, easy to find parts and lots of documentation on common problems. Could be an in between option if you want a bit of both.

 

Admittedly I’ve not and sadly don’t plan to. LR4s get rave reviews on most every front, but they like any vehicle have their quirks. Reality is, I don’t have the time to learn a new platform. As I say, a new Defender most likely could be had with a bit of warranty left for what I’m looking for, and on the opposite end of the spectrum I know the D2 platform very well, so nothing to learn, just have to keep it running. An LS introduces a new set of things to learn, but still in the realm of the possible.

I look at the Defender as being a really good commuter and may even think of selling my S4 if it turns out to be as nice as I’d hope. But then I’d want to replace it with a sports car and…. Ah heck, I dunno what to do…

 

Lemme guess....The way the cluster is in the center. I mean the whole interior is quirky, but the one that really distracts me is the center console cluster.

Your rationale is sound. I mean the obvious choice here is the newer vehicle especially if you have jeeps for the "solid axle" adventures.

 

A lot of good perspectives here. I'll add another more subjective one - IDK what it's like where you live, but here new Defenders are dime a dozen. They're not quite to Corolla status in ubiquity, but in terms of SUVs, they almost seem standard issue at this point. To me it's kind of fun, if not a badge of honor, daily driving two unique, older models. You may not care, but something to consider.

If you're looking for a more comfortable or modern-ish LR, another one to consider is the 2007-2009 L322. We have one and it's the bees knees. Quiet, extremely comfortable, very reliable, and few of the silly electronic bits that go haywire all the time on newer models. Probably the overall best Land Rover product produced. Towing capacity is insane. Equally home at Pebble Beach or at a campsite.

 

I had a similar situation a year or so ago. I would say do BOTH! I've owned my '01 D2 since 2002....still love driving that thing! It needed some love (frame work, suspension, leaky roof/clear coat, floor rot) and thought what if I went to look? I decided to "test drive" a Defender.....don't do that if your undecided....I left with a shiny, new to me, '23 Defender! I love the D2 but no comparison for a DD. The Defender is (fast, comfy, plenty of room) but NOT a D2. I drove the D2 daily for 20+yrs. I love it and will now alternate with the Defender pending on my schedule. To Brandon's point: I see them all over the City/Burbs. Very True! It's dependable so far and warrantied out 10yrs/100K. I relate to your concern about driving a sedan. I have an LS460 AWD and hate driving it in the severe weather because of the crazies. I bought the Defender to "drive" but will admit, when the weather was severe recently(snow/ice), I fired up the D2. Better tires, steel bumpers, 3" lift, zero F's! The lack of horses under the hood are a welcome in that weather. I love the Defender though and will be ditching the sedan. The D2 will continue with the refresh in the spring/summer. I just can't part with her! Golden Rovers and the LS kit has my attention! Tough decision.....I don't believe there is a wrong choice.

 

I have had a new Defender for 4 years and it is the best new (now new ish) vehicle I have ever owned, hands down. Still have a D2 as well, but the L663 is fantastic. I like to think of it as a new D2.

Full speed ahead on new Defender in my opinion.