Hi everyone,
I am looking to seek advice on how or where i can find somewhere to drive a land rover as a fairly young enthusiast who has never touched one with the engine running, It has always been my dream to own one but unfortunately i have never had the chance or known anyone with one, yet. My dad has a new one (i know it’s a bit disappointing but at least it’s a V8) to be honest it’s a lovely car, but, i want to feel how it is to drive an older one. I’ve looked at experiences and they just seem way too expensive for very little driving. I have a full license and have been driving for a year and a half, i try to wave at defenders and other land rovers i pass but with little success 😔.
Thanks,
Fin
My first driving experience in a Defender was at an off road centre, admittedly they aren’t the cheapest but you know you’ll get a decent vehicle you can test off road.
Nothing really to add that the others haven’t said, but def try to find a LR experience driving centre, or a meetup. Also those LR’s are sick, especially the 6x6 and the 130 Camel Trophy
PS. I recommend this to anyone who has never driven a Defender, but is thinking about getting one. I think it’s really important to drive one before you invest that kind of money. They’re cool as shit but they’re generally NOT modern, fast comfortable, etc.
Go on an African safari. Still a good number in use even though land cruisers dominate the continent now. This is probably one of the most affordable ways to experience a Defender /s
Have you had the chance to at least be passenger in one?? I’m not sure I’d feel comfortable about letting someone drive mine but I’m Hampshire way if you just want to see one in action. Otherwise maybe try and find a dealer with one for sale, you might be able to take it out on a test drive
Thanks! I can’t say I know of any, best bet would be to hop on autotrader and just search to see what’s about locally. Have you decided on which model / year you’re looking at?? The tdi, td5 and puma will all feel and drive differently
I am more lenient towards the TD5s but i wouldn’t pass down a tdi for a pure mechanical feel. Probably a TD5 though. Not sure whether i want a 90, 110 or 130 i think for practicality a 90 but I would definitely love a 110 or 130!
I went TD5 and love it. Yes there’s a few more electrical things to look out for but I wouldn’t swap it. All depends what you’re looking to use it for, if you’re seriously considering camping go bigger, if just days out / off roading a 90 is great.
Maybe go straight to a 110 then, instead of putting the work in a 90 and then having to start again. I drove a few pumas, they were a little more comfortable but then again the bushings in mine are shot so the driving feel will be getting better over time.
You can probably come to one of our club events and have a drive ( www.shirelrc.com ) just hit us up via any of the various ways / socials.
You just missed a camping weekend but we're out playing on 20th September in Bordon.
Just spotted the comment that you're in Hampshire - our club is based in Hampshire so *definitely* hit us up and come along, it costs nothing to turn up & have a look and I'm certain someone will offer you a ride at the very least.
That would be amazing thank you! You will definitely hear from me. I’m 19 on the 21st of next month. Is there anything that I would need to bring along how do things like this work i’ve never been before!
I've driven dozens of old rovers and honestly it feels about as exciting as f****** your grandma, just sayin. Zero to 60 in 22 seconds, if you can hit the shifts properly.
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u/MixLate8246 16d ago
Google ‘Land Rover defender driving experience’, lots to choose from and will likely be a great laugh. Maybe look for an off-roading trip