The self-help industry is booming; with annual revenues in
excess of ten billion dollars, it’s a miracle we know how to wake up without
crying ourselves back to sleep. So if you are tired of buying books riddled
with Zig Ziglar quotes and are looking for the most self-assuring daily driver,
the solution is easy: Buy a Defender 90.
After a late-night visit to Racingjunk.com fantasizing about spec-miatas and 944s, I came
across the Land Rover section—my Achilles heel—and discovered this white 1997 Defender 90 offered in
California for $15k. Just as Doug Demuro, I too suffer from an inexplicable
fascination with Land Rover products. However, having not had the (dis)pleasure
of owning the often unreliable, but devastatingly royal sport-utility I can only
tell you that owning one of these Brits is a symbol of what many aspire to be—James
Bond, at his weekend estate.
All kidding aside, there are few vehicles that measure up to
the Defender. Land Rover released the Defender series to North America in 1993,
offering both the 90 and 110 to US and Canadian Consumers. The defender is the
culmination of the evolution (or lack thereof) of the Land Rover Series I, II, etc.—the vehicles
you think of when someone says “safari.” Offered in the states from 1993 to
1997, these Defenders were equipped exclusively with manual transmissions until
1997.
Known for their Spartan interior trim, rugged off-road
ability, and low top speed, the defender is the quintessential vehicle for
beach living or as a second car at your estate in Montana—think Jeep Wrangler
in a dinner jacket. Because of their
relative celebrity status among off-road and lifestyle enthusiasts, Defenders
(both 90 and 110) command a premium in the used car market—rarely dipping below
the $30k mark, regardless of miles—which is why $15k has gotten my attention.
Check out this Defender 90 here at Racingjunk.com.
Photo Credit: motortrend.com, edmunds.com
2 comments:
These vehicles have a great reputation (perhaps due to marketing/product placement?)
Always beware of bottom feeding for British vehicles otherwise it is "How to become a poorer man...".
I agree that their reputation is the product of skilled marketing (at least to some degree) thanks to Ralph Lauren, Tomb Raider, James Bond, the list goes on. Do you think the original Toyota FJ shares a similar reputation?
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