He might as well get the Fiesta, as the D2, which he doesn't want to replace, will do everything else.
I actually went down to the dealership to buy one a while back. When I got there, I found they'd already sold the last 3 cylinder model, which is the one I liked. That kind of sucked, because that thing was a hell of a lot of fun on the test drive previously. I don't know how they'll hold up over time, but that little 1.0 was sweet. It just isn't quite as fun with the normal engines on offer. That was the wild one.
It's funny you mention that about the DII. It'll do everything else because it is, in fact, a
Sport
Utility
Vehicle. Why don't people make those anymore?
I don't mind supplementing the DII, but I don't want a vehicle in the same class to actually replace the thing. I still haven't driven a D5, but I'm going to give one a shot just to see what's what. I wouldn't mind picking up something that'll go to the beach, maybe hit some trails, and other light-weight stuff; but I've no intention of mothballing the DII.
Having something that will tow it to places as things get done would be nice, and would take the rush out of the project. I'm still waiting to see what happens with this Defender. It might be kind of nice for all around use and to be kept stock.
All that said, I'm not sure how the D5 will handle the sand at the beach I like. That stuff is not exactly the easiest I've encountered, but my DII is essentially built
specifically for that sort of terrain. I'll believe a D5 can handle it when I hit Land Rover Cape Fear soon and see if I can convince them to let me take one out or otherwise demonstrate that it's possible.
On one hand, I want something with a warranty that won't hold me back. On the other, I want to restore the DII. If I don't buy something, I can just have it done. If I do buy something, I can take more time, but not get it all done at once. I'm about to call Turner up again and see what they can do for me. I sent a list of requirements and will be following up to see where the compromises have to occur.
One thing I want to know is if a 4.0 can be built in the latest 4.6 blocks; the ones that were checked at the factory and have more meat around the cylinder bores. Increased thermal capacity is a dramatic longevity improvement, and using those benefits alongside the lower heat output of the 4.0 could be very good. What I want won't be cheap, but I'm not going to half-ass this.
Regardless, I'm expecting a long conversation. Hopefully they can convince me they can do the job.
RPI annoyed me by being unable to provide dyno sheets or even anecdotal data for their engines. I don't give a
fuck how much power you're making. If you can't tell me where it's coming in and leaving, you have no business in the industry. You simply do not know what you're doing.
Cheers,
Kennith