Land Rover Defender 110

When choosing the ideal vehicle for an overland adventure, there are plenty of options, from massive trucks to the usual suspects like Land Rover, Jeep, and Toyota. Man, I even know Overlanders who drive around in a Volkswagen Beetle, a Peugeot 205, or even a Graham-Paige car from 1928! 

But for me, the choice was clear. I will travel the world in a Land Rover Defender 110. To be honest, I’d never driven one in my entire life. But there’s something about the car; the rugged look, the spacious interior thanks to the boxy design, and the fact it breathes freedom, fun, and awesomeness! In addition, the high ground clearance makes it well-suited for tackling rough terrain, while its four-wheel drive system and locking differentials provide excellent traction in challenging conditions. Simply put, it was the perfect vehicle for my dream trip.

Test Driving

I was looking for a Defender 110 with a TD5 engine from 2000 or newer, in good condition, with air conditioning, low mileage, and a reasonable price. After a thorough online research, I created a checklist of the Defender’s weak points and a wishlist of my desired features. I preferred the “older” robust TD5 engine as it is relatively straightforward, with fewer electronics (compared to the newer Puma engine) to cause problems. It’s also known for its durability and reliability, and the low-end torque makes it more than suitable for off-road driving. I did test drive newer TD4 Puma models, which was just for comparison.

After months of searching and test-driving all sorts of Defenders, I finally found the perfect Land Rover Defender.

Meeting Sally G

I had to travel to the other side of the country to inspect this Coniston green 2002 Defender 110, which had only 149,342 kilometers on the clock. It even had air conditioning, a roof rack, and a rooftop tent. The previous owner had bought the Defender with the intention of going on an overland trip, but his wife’s disapproval quickly thwarted his plans. After surprising her with his idea, she climbed inside the rooftop tent, and seconds later, she yelled; Nope, I’m not doing this! So, after owning it for only four months, he was now selling the vehicle.

After a test drive, pre-purchase inspection, and some tough negotiations, I became the proud owner of this green beauty, which I named “Sally G.” The name is derived from the first three letters of its vehicle identification number, with a “Y” added as a nod to the fact that it was a girl, and the “G” stood for green.

And so, my journey with Sally G began, ready to conquer the world and create memories to last a lifetime.