If you are excited, I get it. I’ve had 4 LRs, (2 RR and 2 discos). Range Rover was great on the highway since you mentioned highway ride. Air suspension is a thorn in the flesh in suburbia, much less being on a trail with one corner hugging the tire. TFL’s problems are just the tip of that iceberg. I am going to be honest with you, on good faith. If you are truly just considering the Defender I would say buy what you love. Appearance-wise I really like the new Defender. I LOVED all of my Land Rovers but engine lights came with all of them. I think you will be fine in the warranty period but I would strongly urge you to stay within that, man to man. If it weren’t for my experience with the costs of owning a LR I would buy a defender myself.
I appreciate your warning, but I am pretty sure I will not be getting the new Defender unless the ride and interior of the Bronco are really disappointing, which I doubt. And even I do applaud the balance they struck between comfort and capability, and their utilitarian but sophisticated styling. Five years with my JKU has made me value the value of highway driving more than I used to, and the use of quality materials. Also, I want a better dealer network and don't want to deal with driving a luxury brand, and all that goes along with that.
After much debate, I canceled my Bronco reservation last week in favor of the Defender. If I were able to wait out the delays, not putting on so many highway miles and had more access to trails, maybe I would wait for the Bronco. Honestly, I don't think I would see the Bronco until this time next year and I had a 7/15 reservation (just my gut). I test drove a 110 and, other than the higher price tag, felt it had everything I was looking for. 3rd row seating, plenty of towing capacity, roomier interior, quieter ride (than a wrangler), and modern design with enough ruggedness to suit my style. I am infatuated with the original Defender design/concept and this pays enough homage to that coupled with modern comforts that my mind was made up. I certainly hope I don't come to regret that when I see all of you in you new Broncos from the window of the LR Service Department lounge.
You make a lot of good points, and I believe there is a chance it will be more reliable than previous models. I am looking forward to the many head to head comparison tests.
Good on ya for going for it. I'm in the same debate (I need the 5,000#+ towing capacity, so a new Defender would replace my current vehicle *and* be my midlife crisis mobile, rather than being an extra vehicle like the Bronco will be).
Having never owned one before, I am in no way a LR defender (pardon the pun). I get the inherent risk given LR's recent track record. Maybe it's no riskier than purchasing a newly introduced vehicle without being able to see one in person, let alone test drive it? I mean, we cant even decide what Area 51 or Cactus Gray actually look like, but most of us love it? I think Ford's reliability history will put most people's minds at ease, and it should. I have determined I am not an off road enthusiast nor do I aspire to be one. I just wanted to look like I was. I am in love with the look of the off-road style vehicle and the uniqueness/heritage of the Defender. I am certain many on this forum fall into the same category whether they want to admit it or not. The likelihood I will want to customize my next ride with a winch or lift kit is zero percent. I guarantee there are videos documenting bad vehicle experiences for almost every make and model and the Bronco will be no different. If anything a few of us will be here to document our satisfaction or regret with the decision to go another direction for all of your enjoyment.
Go Blue to you, too! If you are living in AA, your nearest LR dealer is a bit of a hike- Farmington, 21 miles away...Hopefully, they have loaner cars. (Mike Hart and MacDonald EXCELLENT hires, BTW.)I think the 4-door 110 model is pretty hideous but the 2-door 90 model (which hasn't yet released) looks very sharp and muscular. I am cross-shopping the two -- strongly leaning towards the Bronco. The hangup is how well the lower trim Defender 90s feel and how much under MSRP I'd be able to get one for. It appears the 4-door 110s go for a few grand under MSRP. The 2-door 90 will have a base MSRP of $46,000. I'd never consider a higher trim version, which are in the $60s, but a 90 with a couple options for high $40s warrants considering. It sure is sharp in silver w/ a black roof.
