The fact that you’re visiting this website indicates that you likely already know WHY to buy a Land Rover Defender, and so the decision to be made is more likely, “Which one?”. However in addition to the search for the ideal and suitable defender for your lifestyle let’s provide some additional reasons to help you make your decision to purchase one of these iconic vehicles.
Rarity
Let’s face it, Land Rover Defenders of the iconic safari style were never produced or brought over en masse to North America. There are very few of these models in existence on the western continent. They are now and will always be a rare and precious gem in the automobile world. Any person, at any time, living in North America driving a Land Rover Defender will have a gem of a vehicle that will stand out for decades.
Dependability
Although no vehicle is perfect and Land Rover Defenders are not immune to problems and have their weaknesses, they also are not still heavily in use in Europe and the Middle East with no good reason. These safari equipped and desert/mountain/snow driven vehicles with a solid running engine are ready for any situation planet earth can throw at it. Although I wouldn’t recommend arctic Canada (Diesels will struggle in the cold) there are very few places a Land Rover defender won’t go, and will get you there in style. Which brings us to our next reason.
Style
Any Land Rover Defender owner will tell you one of the reasons they bought it was the iconic style. People around the world love these vehicles for not only their useability and never-say-no attitude but also the style. There is no substitute for a Defender. This makes them not only widely desireable, but also resellable. In either the Canadian or American market a defender owner that for whatever reason needs to sell their Defender for a reasonable price will rarely struggle to do so. The slightly higher investment price tag of the Land Rover Defender is offset by the peace of mind of knowing that the unit can be turned back into cash should the need arise.
Useability
We are still struggling with the effects of a pandemic at this time (March 2021) and this has revealed to us the need to be able to step out of our homes and get away for a few days from time to time. The Land Rover defender can be the solution to satisfy this human need we all have. Seating 9 comfortably means that the storage capacity is far and above most if not all North American SUV models. Let’s also remember that these vehicles are commonly used for African Safari and middle east excursions. A roof rack equipped defender could likely be lived in for extended periods of time (although not likely recommended) as the storage and stowage capacity will be more than enough for any couple, family, or travelling group could require during extended periods away from home. To disappear into the north American terrain for a weekend or weeks at a time in a Defender packed with all necessary gear is still comfortable to say the least.
Diesel Power
The advantages of diesel power in an SUV equipped vehicle cannot be understated. Unfortunately our North American vehicle market for many untold reasons is relatively devoid of diesel power plant driven SUV’s. Ergo the Land Rover Defender. Although many gas powered engine versions are available and will suitably get the Defender owner to wherever they may want to go, and likewise the advantage of gasoline fuel’s North American availability being a definite consideration to its preferability, the Defender’s Diesel engine is a great option. If living in an area where diesel is accessible the Land Rover Defender D5, TD5, 200 TDI, 300 TDI, TDCi and Puma Motor are excellent choices for power plant in your vehicle. From a point of view of towing, fuel economy, and reliability the defender Diesel engines are excellent choices.
Maintenance
A common concern among many non-north American made vehicle owners is backup and replacement parts in case of breakdown failure. Fortunately for Defender owners the vehicle has been driven for decades and common causes for failure have all been identified, engineered, and replacement parts are available from many reputable sellers in North America. The Defender owner doesn’t need to fear the consequences that other non-north American made vehicle owners may suffer in finding inexpensive and available parts when needed. And if Defenders are treated well with regular maintenance (as with any other vehicle) they are known to give reliable service to their owners for years.
Price
Some may have commented on the high price of a Land Rover Defender of 15-30 years old being higher than they expected when compared with other vehicles of a similar age and condition. However Defenders, due to their construction and the current climate of the middle east has left the vast majority of these vehicles in excellent condition. Coupled with their rarity, aforementioned resellability, and useability has shown that the price of a Defender is actually reasonable. And how much does a vacation to a tropical destination cost for a family or couple for week or two? Add two of those per year and subtract that from the cost of the Defender. This vehicle quickly pays for itself and the cost benefit to our mental health to be able to get away is priceless.
Condition
The vehicles of the North American markets have been subjected to years of salt and rain road conditions. These conditions have had obvious effects on all locally owned and driven vehicles and are a serious cause of deterioration and rust. Defenders from the middle east have been driven in predominantly dry climates where salt is not used on the roads. The chassis and body panels of Defenders brought to Canada are in excellent condition and can be far superior to locally driven vehicles.
Conclusion
Defender and outdoors lovers, there you have it. The Land Rover Defender is a real world solution to many of our daily struggles. It won’t cure serious disease, it can’t turn back time, and doesn’t make our employers easier on us, but it get us out for a fun evening with friends or away for the weekend into the mountains. To answer any of your other questions please submit a request on the website and someone will respond right away.
