Overland with Kids

Although on our radar for some time, we spent a long time looking for our perfect vehicle - a Land Rover Defender 110 300 TDI County Station Wagon and plumped for one in excellent condition from the Land Rover Centre in Huddersfield. Even the AA man who performed the inspection said it was one of the best he had seen for this type of vehicle for its age (1998). This photo shows the vehicle in purchased condition, before doing anything to it.

A strange choice some might say given children’s comfort and the knowledge that the Land Rover Defender is known to be a bit of a bone rattler. However, nothing else for us would do – we love it (we are not biased or smitten - a Land Rover is for life, not just for Christmas! – starts to ring in our minds – is our heart ruling our head? – most definitely!).This photo shows the interior rear of the Land Rover, again prior to doing anything to it.

The real reasons for choosing the vehicle is as follows:

• It is a perfect example of one of the last non-electric vehicles – becoming rare in itself – but importantly we are not relying on any modern day computerised diagnostic equipment to determine a fault (just need a mechanic (though they may be becoming a rarity) and the parts).
• The vehicle is well-known across the world and parts are generally easily available
• Versatility – we can manipulate particularly the rear of the vehicle to any configuration we want to, particularly important to us.
• Durability, capability and longevity – need a 4 x 4 to cope with the trip and everyone knows that Land Rovers tend to keep going and going so is well up for the job re challenging gradients and terrains
• Capacity and weight-loading – it is surprisingly spacious and can handle alot of weight when managed correctly
• Simplicity – it does what it says on the tin. The mechanics are also fairly straight-forward when compared to other vehicles so we stand a chance of familiarising ourselves with the vehicle
• We love it – we have always had our eye on this particular vehicle and it has been purchased with the intention of keeping it for life – Andrew is a Carpenter and can use the roof and back of vehicle for lengths of wood and tools etc. This vehicle is not something we are planning to sell afterwards

Vehicle Preparation