Wow - so yes, I did actually nail it - attention it is. Best of luck with that one.

 

If you can afford the new one, it's better to move on and start new memories than to be stuck in the past. Keep the memories, not what is now just another used car. Earlier, I mentioned the safety ratings because generally, safety improves as the tech advances over time. I don't know that there is data to make a good comparison between these models, so you'll probably have to consider a theoretical argument without the empirical evidence. Certainly, from the 2012 to current model year, the driver aides have improved. I suspect the occupant protection has also. You'll want those things for yourself and the kids. Acquiring a safer vehicle doesn't necessarily demand spending $85K. It does generally require a newer vehicle though.

 

Posts like this make this a forum where people don't want to contribute, making it a poorer experience for us all. It's also the reason this forum is a ghost town compared to other car owner forums, where you have 50 posts a day and can find guides and tips on virtually any project you would ever need to do. Not so here. LRs break a lot so we kinda need to stick together

 

Hey Jess, it's unclear where your buyer's remorse is coming from. And it's hard to know how much work your 2012 actually needs. AC compressors ($500) and a $1K service are pretty cheap. The check engine light could be nothing or could be SOMEthing. But certainly, a 2012 is going to need increasing levels of maintenance over the next 10 years. I have a 2013 and it's on a very aggressive maintenance plan with frequent oil changes and overall checkups so I can keep it for another 50,000-75,000 miles. Can you share more about what specifically you're worried about? It's hard for any of us to provide much help here without more information. As somebody who has considered moving to the Defender in the next few years, I'd love to hear what concerns you have about the Defender.

 

Hello! Thank you for taking the time to answer my question I really appreciate it. I have decided to keep the Defender and just let go of the LR. Like you said, it could be something or nothing and it does make me
feel good to know I have a new reliable car with pre paid maintenance and a warranty. It would cost me $7k plus a service and repair of AC and an unknown check engine light to get back into it. The Defender I can drive and feel confident it will not need major repairs for a while.

the only think I prefer about LR is the cargo space (I went for the 110 and didn’t want to get into the 130)
also I opted for no third row in defender because it’s not as spacious as the LRs.

also- in my LR 4 you can just walk up to the car and the door unlocks which is convenient for me. In the Defender you have to push a button every time which I’m sure I can get used to. I drove my LR for 10 years and I think it was just sad to move on from that chapter. (I doubt many men will be able to relate haha) but im very attached to it. Ultimately I have to take the emotions out of it and do what’s right and makes sense.

Other than that I do love the Defender and am excited to drive it in the snow and around town.

 

Maybe it's less buyer's remorse (having issues with the new one) and more reminiscing about all the memories you made in the old one. Like @nathanb said "keep the memories, not the car" and as he also wisely pointed out, you're getting a vehicle with 10 (probably 15) years newer safety design. As long as the new one doesn't have issues and it sounds like it doesn't, then maybe you were just second-guessing your move. I'm excited for all the memories you'll create with your kids going forward and I'm sure one of your boys will be asking you to "replace that old Defender" by the time they head off to school. Best of luck.