| Author | Message | ||
     Peter Clemares (Waterbrat) New Member Username: Waterbrat Post Number: 1 Registered: 02-2004 |
Looking to buy a third car (own 2 Discos 98 & 01), choice is between a 97 defender (expensive!!) or a 04 Jeep Rubicon (cheaper but good off road) I like the defender, but I have heard a new one is on the way which could drop the price of the older ones. Any thoughts? | ||
| Christian Kiely (Redrover47) Member Username: Redrover47 Post Number: 92 Registered: 09-2003 |
bone stock, the rubicon comes with MTRs and lockers, and will also be a less expensive brand-new vehicle than a used D90. I prefer the looks of the D90 over the wrangler's, but the rubicon isn't bad. Obviously, the rubicon will be a more reliable vehicle than the D90. My friend w/ a D90 recently took his into the shop for a 3 inch lift and ended up having to do $2500 of repairs and could not afford to get the lift. I love rovers, and if money was no object I would get the D90, put lockers, lift, (actually a D90 will do absolutely fine w/o a lift) and MTRs and have unlimited funds to repair it when it breaks. However, in the real world, I would have to go with the rubicon. | ||
| Will Selden (Ncrcwill) New Member Username: Ncrcwill Post Number: 12 Registered: 02-2004 |
Apples and oranges. Most jeep drivers try to make their jeeps run like a defender. Defender drivers just run over jeeps. Obviously your happy with LR owning 2 Discos. My 2cents, if price is a concern, just about everyone's, then look for an older high milage defender with little off-road use. Besides my 96 Disco, I own a 74 Scout II 4sp w/345 v8, the real deal. It has taken Jeep 29 years to finally figure out the need to use Dana 44s as a stock item with their Rubicon. I shake my piggy bank every now and then when I see defender. | ||
| eric w siepmann (Cdn001) Member Username: Cdn001 Post Number: 81 Registered: 12-2003 |
Peter, I would discount any and all rumours of the defender returning anytime soon, even in the CKD form. So the concern of a new model affecting the current D-90s is not a concern. Defenders are more affordable than you think. I have seen some around Chicago for around 25k or less. It is just a matter of patience and doing the right amount of research to locate them. "Obviously, the rubicon will be a more reliable vehicle than the D90" is a common misconception. My first hand experience with my 97 SW has been much better than my previous vehicle, a Jeep. How reliable a used car has a lot more to do with it's previous owners than its manufacture. If the previous owner neglected the truck, maintained it poorly, and drove it hard, then yes, expensive repairs will have to be made by the next owner. Common sense. Buyer beware. Check the car thoroughly, have it inspected by a mechanic who you trust and pass on cars you're not comfortable with. Expect that a higher mileage car will need more maintenance. Common to all makes. Are Land Rovers expensive to maintain? Yes. But there are resources out there to defray costs. D-90.com has a great community and sound technical resources. If you don't mind DIY when you can, it isn't that bad. But remember, there are times when you will have to have a dealer work on it becaause of specialized tools that are required for the repair. Labor cost is what will get you there. Be warned. As far a the Rubicon, it is a very capable truck. Stock with 32" (I think!) tires, a slip yoke eliminator, Dana 44 axles and lockers is hard to pass up. All you need to do is save for HD axles and a lift, both of which are much more reasonable than Rover counterparts. So just think through the purchase first. Does a used car out of warranty with the potential for repairs outweigh a new rubicon for your situation. Drive both, speak to local clubs and owners. Then lay down the cash to get off-road. But in the end, the Defender is a much more unique vehicle than your run of the mill Jeep, Rubicon or not. EwS | ||
| Tyler kinghorn (Flippedrover) Member Username: Flippedrover Post Number: 72 Registered: 12-2003 |
If you are in the DC area I'll let you drive my 90 and see what you think. I love my Defender. Yeah its a fuel hog and being a ST kind of drafty at times but its a great truck. I go wheeling with a group of Jeeps. Most are lifted and locked some are Rubicons and I have no problem keeping up with them. I'm also fairly comfortable doing most work on it. Good luck on your purches. | ||
| Rob Davison (Nosivad_bor) Dweb Lounge Member Username: Nosivad_bor Post Number: 1695 Registered: 02-2003 |
sweet thing about the rubicon is it's all done and under warranty. go for the Rubicon, the defender is super noisy inside and not as comfortable intertior. rd | ||
| Clif Ashley (Cta586) Senior Member Username: Cta586 Post Number: 537 Registered: 04-2002 |
If these questions pop into your head, I dont think you dig the 90 enough to buy it. Rubicon. | ||
| Art Vigil (Colorover) Member Username: Colorover Post Number: 248 Registered: 02-2003 |
(Echoing what Clif said) Peter, if you have to ask, go with the Jeep. Defenders are for enthusiasts, not tire-kickers. | ||
| Andrew Vick (Afv) Member Username: Afv Post Number: 83 Registered: 02-2002 |
What does that make me, Art  | ||
| Art Vigil (Colorover) Member Username: Colorover Post Number: 249 Registered: 02-2003 |
Well Andrew, I don't see any Jeeps on your website... Rubicon's a nice vehicle, I'd own one, but I know better than to compare it to a D90 or any other capable Rover. | ||
| Peter Clemares (Waterbrat) New Member Username: Waterbrat Post Number: 2 Registered: 02-2004 |
Thanks everyone for your comments and feedback. |
