Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB - Crap Build Quality

Quote:

Originally Posted by Magnon (Post 484963)

Is it build quality or fundamental in the design. Defenders are a rugged go anywhere vehicle, comfort is very low on the list of priorities as are door locks I suspect. Whilst I agree it is galling to spend a lot of money on a new vehicle which has or soon develops annoying faults and bits start dropping off but would anyone buy them if they were as faultless as the Japanese models - where would the fun be in that!

In this day and age it's all become too easy and, to be honest, if the door handle and a draft are your biggest issues, it is pretty easy. This is why so many overlanders are rebuilding older vehicles and rising to the challenge of keeping the thing going along the way.

Its a combination of Both.

I think if the Defender was the price of a kit car or was actually cheap this would be OK, I bought my D90 brand new in 95 and having wipers that do very little, a heater that is crap and cold air blowing through the vehicle from huge door gaps might seem like "fun" to some people - and yes when I was younger I didn't give a shit- but it is to be honest poor design and shoddy build quality - both things that have blighted LR for decades.

If I was buying a Mini Moke or an old classic series LR id expect it, but on what is now an expensive vehicle it really is unacceptable.

I wont be selling my D90 anytime soon, but I am looking forward to seeing how the Defender will be replaced by LR, hopefully in the near future.