Vehicle choices for horse pursuits.

[TarrSteps]

I have to buy a vehicle suitable for driving to horsey facilities (Surrey/Kent/Sussex areas most likely) and I'm in a quandry . . . Do I buy a sensible "who cares what happens to it" Polo or the more decidedly "equestrian" Defender? I don't need to be able to pull with it but do need some room and, to be honest, I need something that works on an "advertising" level if I decide to go back to training professionally. I live in London right now and will remain here for at least another year but plan an eventual move to a more rural location.

Am I likely, in this part of the world to need something "rural" just to get around? Enough to warrant a 4x4?

So pluses and minuses on both sides. I guess what I'm really looking for is some personal testamonials for or against the Defender - they are not available in Canada so I have no experience with them although I had a similar sort of utlilitarian Dodge diesel pick-up and miss it to this day. You just can't kill those things!

I know it's annoying to hear about people spending their money but I'd be interested in anyone's pertinent thoughts.

 

[*hic*]

Depends on budget level, both initial purchase price and day-to-day running costs!

Personally, because I'm a tightwad, even if money was no object I'd go for a diesel Polo. Cheaper tax, cheaper insurance, cheaper congestion charge (eventually) and well over 50mpg. (Well my two VW 1.9 Tdi diesel engines regularly return 50+ and they are both in bigger heavier bodies so I'd be hoping for even better from a Polo)

 

[clipclop]

I don't think you need a 4 x 4 type vehicle.
Most people have decent drives.
If you want space I would suggest something like a nice quality estate car. The VW Passat, Audi's etc. They look smart, will carry lots of gear and will be nice to drive around in.
Or you might want more room and want a little commercial van. There are some nice one's of those about now?

 

[rema]

I am a defender owner and i love it.But if you want to bump your way around the countryside,bouncing your way over the potholes,cannot hear the radio let alone somebody trying to speak to you,Gun turrets on the front for your primitive air conditioning,freezing in the cold weather and draughts from all angles then a Defender is for you!.

I woulden't swop my Dafney Defender for all the Tea in china!

.

 

[welshies]

I hear you REMA, i miss mine soooo much, had to go to a disco due to defenders being rediculasly expensive to buy!!!!

 

[_daisy_]

Ive just bought a nearly new Land Rover Defender Double Cab pick up and I love it (lots better than the disco ive just got rid of). Its amazing to tow and drive. Best thing is its got all the mod cons - cd player, air con, electric windows, chequer plate - you name it it has it. Cant believe it as its a defender!

 

[rema]

PMSL.We went the other way round to you!.We went from a Disco to a defender because the Disco was a V8 3.8 petrol/LPG and it cost us a fortune to keep on the road.It was such a dog it should have lived in a kennel not a garage.