The classic “Defender” reincarnated

franzfmdavis

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For those who dreamed of owning a classic Defender, it has been reincarnated into something amazing: Ineos Grenadier
IMG_9131.jpeg


Its worth checking out! The builder asked Land Rover for the rights on the old design, they refused, he did it anyway (with mods), they sued him and lost, so now we have this option!
 
I have a defender 130 and at 50k miles it’s the best vehicle I’ve ever owned, and between my wife and I, we’ve owned almost all the different variants of suv from Toyota, Subaru, Yukon, suburban, Jeep, there is no comparison
 
Test drove one last month. Realistically, you're looking at $85 - $90K+. It's a cool car, but I found the on-pavement steering to be poor, it doesn't want to track straight like a modern truck and needs constant correction. The salesman said it's a recirculating ball system and is better off-road. OK, whatever, it was still tiresome on the pavement at any speed over 50. The dash is horrible in my opinion. No gauges, just a small video screen in the middle of the dashboard which doesn't feel appropriate in a car of this cost. They also said 2024 production has been paused due to their seat supplier, Recaro, going out of business. Cool car, but it didn't give me a strong sense of confidence. Drove the new Lexus GX Overtrail the same day. Not as unique or special feeling, but much better overall driving experience and lower cost.
 
Looks awesome and I briefly considered one. It has a BMW motor which I stay away from. Had 2 experiences with them once they get past 75k miles, they ain’t cheap to fix and usually the hits keep coming when they motor on downhill…
 
One of my friends bought one for his wife and I've seen a few around the neighborhood. About 200k cheaper then a restored 110. But there are more G-Wagon's in the hood, and GL's, Lexus, etc.
 
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For those who dreamed of owning a classic Defender, it has been reincarnated into something amazing: Ineos Grenadier
View attachment 649954

Its worth checking out! The builder asked Land Rover for the rights on the old design, they refused, he did it anyway (with mods), they sued him and lost, so now we have this option!
I am sure it is just me...I own a 2013 Land Rover LR4 which besides my model having larger windows looks so much like the above.
 
I test drove one and seriously considered it, but too many electrical nannys, (which isn't their fault but US regulations) I hate my car to turn off at lights, I hate all the lights and sounds when merging into traffic, or for the car to brake if I am coming onto something a bit faster than it likes, and most of all I HATE the fact it cant be put into gear with a door open (like backing up to a trailer) or climbing in and out while hunting, and on and on.

The salesmen stated some of this can be overridden in the computer BUT every time you shut the vehicle off it resets.

Why cant I get this in a manual transmission, diesel, with NO electronics.
 
I am sure it is just me...I own a 2013 Land Rover LR4 which besides my model having larger windows looks so much like the above.
Interesting…my 2013 LR4 was $56,000 new in 2013 which is $76,000 in 2024 dollars. The new defender new averages $100,000 fully loaded…ouch!!!
 
It's a cool car, but I found the on-pavement steering to be poor, it doesn't want to track straight like a modern truck and needs constant correction. The salesman said it's a recirculating ball system and is better off-road. OK, whatever, it was still tiresome on the pavement at any speed over 50.
Complaints like this are what killed the purpose built 4x4s we once had and gave us the poor selection we have today.
 
I’m glad people have had some real life experiences with it, which is helpful to know. I have a first addition new defender 90, which has been an awesome car with zero, and I mean zero, problems so far. I would have no reason to replace it except for the fact that I have a young child now and need a little more space.
 

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